Salt water and snorkeling make Madeira easier. This kayak to Garajau Natural Reserve and snorkel around Praia do Lazareto gives you clear-water views you can’t reach from the promenade.

I love the calm, well-taught paddling basics and the option to jump off the rocks once you’re set. I also love the full-face snorkel masks and the way guides point out fish and even small details like crab history. The drawback: paddling can feel a bit strenuous if wind and current are strong, and it’s not for people who get seasick or aren’t comfortable swimming.

Key things you’ll notice on this Garajau kayak and snorkel tour

• Garajau Natural Reserve scenery: bright water, dramatic coastline, and a marine-protected zone that rewards snorkel time
• Guides who teach fast: you’ll get safety and paddling coaching before you’re sent out
• Full-face snorkeling masks that make the water time easier (and less fiddly)
• Optional cliff-jumping from the beach area, with a strong safety focus from the instructors
• Real variety in the experience: paddle, guided stops, then swim/snorkel, with an easy pace for beginners

Garajau Natural Reserve: why this tour beats a plain beach day

Madeira’s coast looks good from land, but it’s on the water that it really clicks. Kayaking along this part of Funchal Bay puts you face-to-face with the same cliffs and rock formations you’d otherwise only glance at from a viewpoint.

The big draw is Garajau Natural Reserve, where you snorkel in a marine protected area near Praia do Lazareto. That protection matters because the water stays alive with fish, and you spend your time watching rather than hunting for something to see.

I also like that this is a true mix: paddle time plus snorkel time, not just one activity stretched to fill a schedule. You get a workout, then you slow way down to float and watch what’s moving under you.

Meeting at the CR7 statue and getting on the water smoothly

Your meeting point is easy: HOTEL CR7, Funchal, in front of the CR7 statue (Estátua de Cristiano Ronaldo). If you’re coming from the cruise port, plan for about a 20-minute walk—tight enough that you shouldn’t wait until the last minute.

From there, the team lines you up, sets expectations, and goes over the safety basics before anyone heads out. Multiple guides come up in the feedback—Diogo, Henrique, Diego, Hugo, and Luis—and they all seem to share the same approach: explain clearly, then help you do it right.

This matters because open water kayaking is simple, but it’s not automatic. You’ll be taught how to handle the kayak and how to move as a pair, since the boats are set up for two people per kayak.

The kayak paddle: what the route feels like from “first stroke” to rockier water

Once you’re moving, you start getting that great coast-wide view that makes the whole trip feel worth it. Expect a relatively straightforward paddle at first, with the guide watching your technique and adjusting on the fly.

Many people describe the kayaking as roughly 45 minutes out to the swimming and snorkeling area, followed by about an hour of snorkeling, then 45 minutes back. Depending on wind and current, the paddle can feel gentle—or a bit more work.

That’s where the tour earns its rating. Guides repeatedly show up as patient instructors, especially for first-timers, and they help people adjust when water gets choppy. Even in rougher conditions, the emphasis stays on staying together, staying calm, and following instructions.

One detail I really appreciate from the experience reports: paddling can be a little more strenuous when conditions change. Current was noted as strong on some days, so I’d treat this as a moderate-effort tour rather than an easy stroll.

Ponta do Lazareto stop: the short scenic break that adds context

You’ll start at the CR7 statue, then head along the coast and make a stop around Ponta do Lazareto. This is where you’ll get a photo stop plus a bit of guided explanation before you continue.

It’s not a long land break—this is still a sea-focused tour—but it helps you connect the dots. You’re not just paddling through scenery; someone is giving you a sense of where you are and why this stretch of water is special.

I’d call this a smart pacing choice. You’re not overheating on land, but you still get small reminders that the coastline has a story, not just a view.

Snorkeling in the marine-protected zone near Praia do Lazareto

Then comes the main event for most people: snorkeling right where the reserve starts to pay off. The water is described again and again as clear, and the snorkeling time is long enough that it doesn’t feel rushed.

The tour includes snorkeling mask(s), and the big quality-of-life upgrade is the full-face masks. Full-face gear usually makes it less stressful to breathe and move, and it’s one of the most repeated “this made a difference” points from the feedback.

On the water, guides help you with snorkeling technique so you can actually enjoy the time. People mention being shown what to look for, plus a few marine facts—like learning about crabs and where their skins come from.

What will you see? Expect tropical fish around the snorkeling area. Some reports also mention surprising sightings, like a sea lion during the trip, which is the kind of moment that makes the whole thing feel like more than a checklist activity.

Practical note: snorkeling is in open water, so if you’re easily spooked by waves or effort, you’ll feel more confident if you take the guide’s positioning tips seriously.

Cliff jumping: optional, but watch how the guide handles safety

There’s often an option to jump off the rocks/cliffs near the beach area. This is the part that turns “nice” into “I can’t believe I did that,” but it’s not forced.

The best sign is how often guides are praised for safety and control—people describe calm decision-making when conditions were rough and attentive help getting swimmers back out of the water. Even in swells, the instruction stays about safe entry and exit, not bravado.

If jumping isn’t your thing, you can still enjoy the snorkel and swim time. But if you want to jump, I’d recommend taking a second to practice your landing plan on the first attempt area you’re shown.

Also bring water shoes. One review called out how the stone beach can be rough, and that’s the kind of comfort detail that affects whether you’ll enjoy your time on land after the water.

What’s included, what costs extra, and if it’s worth the money

The price is listed at about €35 per person (and you may also see it as $41 depending on your checkout). For a 3-hour, guided, equipment-included activity, that price is usually fair—especially because you’re not just renting gear. You’re getting instruction, safety support, and a proper snorkeling setup.

What’s included:

• Snorkeling mask
• Waterproof phone case
• 2 bottles of water per kayak
• 2 Red Bulls of your choice per kayak
• Safety briefing and paddling tips
• Kayak seat (standard)

What’s not included:

• Wet suit rental: 5€ each (suggested for colder months; December trips specifically mention wetsuits as helpful)
• Kayak seat upgrade: 2€ per seat

I like the energy drink touch because it’s practical. The paddle can be work, and having an energy boost waiting at the kayak level is an easy win, not a gimmick.

One more value point: the guide attention shows up repeatedly. People highlight that the team gives clear instructions and stays engaged, especially for beginners. That turns the experience from a simple rental into something you actually learn from.

Pace, weather, and why the guide’s decisions matter

This tour is short—about 3 hours—so the pacing is tight. Still, the schedule has enough flexibility for safety decisions if the sea state changes.

Some reports mention that conditions were choppy, and snorkeling time was adjusted. On rougher days, guides still keep the group moving, help with getting in and out, and handle incidents without panic. One person described a kayak swamping and rescue support getting used quickly.

That may sound intense, but it’s reassuring: it shows the team is trained for real ocean variability. Madeira can shift fast, and your best plan is to go with the guide’s call, not your personal hope for a perfect calm day.

If you’re sensitive to motion, take that seriously. The tour isn’t suitable for people prone to seasickness, and I wouldn’t test your luck.

What to bring so you enjoy every minute (not just the water part)

The essentials are simple, and you’ll feel better if you pack for both land and sea time:

• Hat
• Swimwear
• Towel
• Camera
• Snacks
• Sunscreen
• Water
• Waterproof camera (or phone in the waterproof case)
• Water shoes

A couple of practical tips from real-world feedback: bring a shirt you don’t mind getting wet, and go easy with bulky bags. You’ll have the waterproof case for your phone, but keep everything else streamlined so you’re not fighting gear while you launch.

If you’re visiting in cooler months, consider wetsuit rental. People in December mention appreciating the added warmth, which usually makes snorkeling more enjoyable and less about “survive the next 10 minutes.”

Who this Madeira Extreme Tours trip is best for

This is a strong fit if you want an active, sea-based introduction to Madeira without needing a whole day. Kayaking gives you that upper-body effort, and snorkeling gives you the slow, watch-the-fish pace.

It’s especially good for beginners because the guides teach technique early and stay with you. Multiple people describe first-time success with attentive coaching and a relaxed attitude toward comfort levels.

It’s also a solid choice for couples and friends who can share a kayak. The boats are for two people, and private or small-group experiences show up in feedback, which can make the instruction feel more personal.

Not a good fit if:

• You can’t swim
• You get seasick easily
• You have mobility impairments
• You’re over 287 lbs (130 kg)

If you’re an experienced paddler, you’ll still enjoy the coastline route and the snorkeling payoff, but keep in mind that the group pace and safety rules shape how hard you’ll push.

Should you book the Garajau kayak and snorkel tour from Funchal?

I’d book it if you want Madeira that you feel—not just look at. The combination of Garajau Natural Reserve, clear-water snorkeling near Praia do Lazareto, and the chance for optional cliff jumping makes it a memorable 3 hours.

You should think twice if you’re easily worn out by paddling or if conditions like wind/current make you anxious. Also, if seasickness hits you, skip it and look for a calmer option.

But if you’re comfortable in open water and you want a guided activity with real equipment and real instruction, this is good value. The repeated praise for guides like Diogo and Henrique boils down to one thing: they keep it friendly, but they take safety seriously—so you can spend your attention where it belongs, on the water.

FAQ

What time does the kayak and snorkel tour run?

There are two departure windows: 11:00–14:00 and 15:00–18:00. The full experience lasts about 3 hours.

Where do I meet the tour?

Meet at HOTEL CR7 in Funchal, in front of the CR7 statue (Estátua de Cristiano Ronaldo).

What’s included in the price?

You’ll get 2 bottles of water per kayak and 2 Red Bulls of your choice per kayak, plus a waterproof phone case, snorkeling mask, and a safety briefing with paddling tips.

Do I need a wetsuit?

A wetsuit is not included. You can rent one for 5€ each if you think you’ll want extra warmth.

What should I bring?

Bring a hat, swimwear, towel, camera, snacks, sunscreen, water, waterproof camera (or a way to keep your device waterproof), and water shoes.

Is the tour suitable for non-swimmers or people who get seasick?

No. It’s not suitable for non-swimmers or for people prone to seasickness.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.