Sunset Madeira Wine Tasting Cruise

The Sunset Madeira Wine Tasting Cruise departs from Marina do Funchal in the late afternoon aboard a catamaran, sailing for roughly two and a half hours along Madeira's south coast toward Cabo Girão, one of the highest sea cliffs in Europe. Onboard, crew guides pour a flight of Madeira wines, moving through the fortified wine's range of sweetness, paired with a cheese and cured-meat charcuterie platter served as the boat sails. The route is timed so the return leg coincides with sunset over the ocean, with the cliffs of Cabo Girão as a backdrop for part of the sail. Seating is a mix of open-deck and shaded areas; the crew guide narrates points of interest along the coastline, including the cliffs and the villages visible from the water. The cruise suits most fitness levels since it involves no walking beyond boarding, though it is not recommended for those prone to seasickness on open water. Not included are dinner after the cruise or alcoholic drinks beyond the included wine flight, which can be supplemented at an extra cost onboard. May through October brings the calmest seas and clearest sunset conditions, while winter months can see rougher water that affects the smoothness of the sail.