Madeira: Flag Ship Tour Aboard Santa Maria De Colombo

Madeira’s Flag Ship Tour aboard the Santa Maria De Colombo offers an unforgettable maritime adventure. This faithful replica of Christopher Columbus’s flagship takes guests on a 3-hour coastal sail, showcasing Madeira’s breathtaking landscapes. Passengers can spot dolphins and whales, enjoy a refreshing swim, and indulge in local delicacies – all while exploring the ship’s meticulous craftsmanship. With flexible booking options and the chance for free cancellation, this tour is a must-try for any traveler seeking an enchanting experience on the high seas.

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Key Points

Unique 3-hour sailing experience on a replica of Christopher Columbus’s flagship, the Santa Maria De Colombo, along Madeira’s scenic coastline.
Opportunity to spot dolphins and whales, swim near the dramatic cliffs of Cabo Girão, and sample local Madeira wine and honey cake.
Departure from Funchal’s Marina, with a brief safety orientation followed by exploration of the ship’s various levels and its historical details.
Scenic coastal journey past towering sea cliffs and secluded bays, with the crew sharing insights about Madeira’s natural wonders and history.
Flexible booking and cancellation policies, including a "Reserve now & pay later" option and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Overview of the Madeira Flag Ship Tour

The Madeira Flag Ship Tour aboard the Santa Maria de Colombo offers a unique 3-hour sailing experience along the island’s scenic coastline.

Priced from $43.52 per person, this activity provides the opportunity to board a replica of Columbus’s flagship and admire Madeira’s natural beauty from the water.

Offered in Portuguese and English, the tour may include sightings of dolphins and whales, as well as a chance to take a refreshing swim near Cabo Girão.

Passengers can also sample local Madeira wine and honey cake during the journey.

With over 1,200 positive reviews, this tour promises an immersive maritime adventure.

Looking for more options in Madeira? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

Highlights of the Santa Maria De Colombo Experience

A core highlight of the Santa Maria de Colombo experience is the opportunity to board a faithful replica of Christopher Columbus’s flagship vessel.

Sailing along Madeira’s stunning coastline, passengers may spot dolphins and whales in their natural habitat. The tour also includes a chance to take a refreshing swim near the dramatic cliffs of Cabo Girão.

Onboard, travelers can sample local Madeira wine and traditional honey cake, seeing the island’s rich culture.

Onboard, travelers can sample local Madeira wine and traditional honey cake, seeing the island’s rich culture.

With knowledgeable guides and comfortable transportation, the Santa Maria de Colombo tour provides an engaging and memorable way to explore Madeira from the sea.

Boarding the Replica of Columbus’s Flagship

Passengers board the Santa Maria de Colombo, a faithful replica of Christopher Columbus’s flagship vessel, at the Praça do Povo in Funchal’s Marina.

Steps lead up to the main deck, where guests are welcomed aboard. The ship’s crew provides a brief safety orientation before inviting everyone to explore the various levels.

Below deck, visitors can admire the meticulous craftsmanship and attention to historical detail. The Santa Maria de Colombo’s design and construction aim to transport guests back in time, offering an authentic taste of the explorer’s seafaring adventures.

Coastal Sailing and Wildlife Sightings

As the ship casts off from the marina, passengers embark on a scenic coastal journey along Madeira’s rugged shoreline.

The replica of Columbus’s flagship, the Santa Maria, glides smoothly past towering sea cliffs and secluded bays. Onboard, guests keep a keen eye out for signs of marine life. Dolphins and whales are often spotted frolicking in the waves, to the delight of passengers.

The ship eventually reaches Cabo Girão, where passengers can opt for a refreshing swim in the clear waters.

Throughout the voyage, the crew shares insights about the island’s natural wonders and history, enhancing the overall experience.

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Opportunity for a Refreshing Swim

Although the voyage along Madeira’s dramatic coastline is a highlight, the ship’s arrival at Cabo Girão presents passengers with an exhilarating opportunity – a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear waters.

Guests can dive in from the boat or use the ladder to access the inviting sea. After their swim, they can relax on the deck and enjoy local Madeiran wine and honey cake.

This optional activity allows travelers to fully enjoy the island’s natural beauty and culture. The swim is a must-do for those seeking a truly memorable Madeira experience.

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Sampling Local Madeira Delicacies

What better way to cap off the Madeira Flag Ship Tour than by sampling the local delicacies?

As the Santa Maria de Colombo sails back to the marina, passengers can indulge in the flagship’s offering of Madeira wine and honey cake.

The sweet, fortified wine offers a taste of the island’s renowned viticulture, while the traditional honey cake provides a satisfying local treat.

Passengers can savor these specialties while taking in the stunning coastal views, creating a memorable conclusion to their nautical adventure.

The sampling of these Madeiran delights leaves guests with a true flavor of the island’s culture.

Booking and Cancellation Policies

Customers have the flexibility to book the Madeira Flag Ship Tour without upfront payment through the "reserve now & pay later" option. This allows travelers to secure their spot and pay later.

With the "reserve now & pay later" option, customers can book the Madeira Flag Ship Tour without upfront payment and secure their spot to pay later.

Plus, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing peace of mind for last-minute changes in plans. Customers are encouraged to check availability for different starting times to find the most suitable option for their schedules.

The booking and cancellation policies cater to the needs of modern travelers, offering convenience and flexibility.

Reserve now & pay later
Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance
Check availability for starting times

Customer Feedback and Ratings

The Madeira Flag Ship Tour has garnered an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 based on over 1,200 reviews.

Customers praise the tour’s knowledgeable guides, scoring them 4.5/5. Transportation on the Santa Maria de Colombo has also received high marks at 4.6/5.

While most find the tour offers good value for money at 4.3/5, one reviewer from Kuwait suggested serving non-alcoholic drinks.

Another from the UK enjoyed the dolphin sightings and described the experience as great.

A reviewer from the UK had a positive experience, highlighting the friendly staff and delicious snacks.

The Sum Up

The Madeira Flag Ship Tour aboard the Santa Maria De Colombo offers a unique opportunity to experience the maritime heritage of Madeira. Guests can explore the ship’s meticulous craftsmanship, spot marine life, and indulge in local delicacies, all while sailing along the island’s breathtaking coastline. With flexible booking options and the chance for free cancellation, this tour is a must-do for travelers seeking an unforgettable maritime adventure.