Snorkelling in Madeira: shore, kayak or coasteering?
Updated October 9, 2026 · 5 min read
The short answer: The Marine Eco Park Snorkeling Adventure is the right choice at €19 if you want to snorkel at your own pace with borrowed equipment after an introduction. However, for the most balanced guided water experience, we recommend the Kayak and Snorkel Tour in the Garajau Nature Reserve: In three hours you connect the coast of Garajau with kayak and snorkel, from €30. The Coasteering Adventure with Snorkeling and Pickup for €62.9 is not your average snorkeling excursion, but a five-hour active day with boat transfers, cliff jumping, slacklining and sea caves. Only choose it if those physical parts are the attraction.
Three very different ways into the water
| Tour | Duration | From price | Rating | Fits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Garajau Nature Reserve Kayaking and Snorkeling Tour | 3 hours | 30 € | 4.3 (1,040) | Kayaking and snorkeling in the protected area |
| Snorkeling Adventure at Marine Eco Park | not specified | 19 € | 4.5 (339) | Instruction, rental equipment and your own pace |
| Coasteering Adventure with Snorkeling and Pickup | 5 hours | €62.9 | 5 (193) | Cliff jumps, slacklining and hidden sea caves |
Garajau: first paddle, then snorkel
The Garajau tour looks at Madeira’s coast from two perspectives. The kayak is not just a transfer here: paddling is also part of the three-hour program, as is the snorkeling part in the nature reserve. With 1,040 reviews, it is by far the most frequently rated of these three offers. It’s suitable if you’re looking for guidance and a cohesive coastal experience, but don’t want a five-hour coasteering day.
View Garajau Kayak and Snorkel Tour Dates and Prices
Marine Eco Park: Freedom after class
The cheaper snorkeling adventure focuses on clear water and colorful fish at the Marine Eco Park. Before the self-guided portion, you will receive a lesson and rent the equipment; then you move at your own rhythm. Options are available from the shore or by boat. Because no total duration is specified, you should pay particular attention to which variant you choose for this tour and how much time it will take up on your travel day.
View Marine Eco Park Snorkeling Adventure Dates and Prices
Coasteering: Snorkeling is just one component
With coasteering, a boat takes you to the adventure location. In addition to snorkeling, this includes jumping from cliffs, slacklining over the sea and exploring hidden sea caves. The program can be tailored to friends or family and includes pickup. Its 5 stars from 193 reviews are strong, but say nothing about whether you want to cliff jump; This is exactly what decides whether the €62.9 is a good use for you.
View Coasteering Adventure Dates and Prices
For whom which variant is not suitable
Garajau is the wrong choice if you only want to snorkel and not kayak. At the Eco Park, on the other hand, you don’t have a continuous guided tour after the introduction if you prefer to be closely accompanied. You shouldn’t read coasteering as a more comfortable premium version of the other tours: five hours, cliffs, slacklines and caves demand a desire for a varied, physical coastal adventure.
Our recommendation
For most: the kayaking and snorkeling tour in the Garajau nature reserve, because three hours offers enough space for both activities and Garajau sets the concrete scenic framework. Budget hunters and independent snorkelers choose the Snorkeling Adventure at Marine Eco Park; Active groups book the Coasteering Adventure with Snorkeling and Pickup for the additional challenges, not the star rating.
