Madeira Pirate Ship: 3-Hour Boat Trip

4.3528185 out of 5 stars
4.4
4.3528185 out of 5 stars
479 reviews
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Madeira Pirate Ship: 3-Hour Boat Trip
4.3528185 out of 5 stars
4.4
4.3528185 out of 5 stars
479 reviews

The Santa Maria de Colombo, built in 1998, is a Madeira pirate ship that’s an exact replica of the Christopher Columbus flagship. Enjoy a boat trip with a sense of adventure, and feel what it was like when the island was discovered some 500 years ago.

About this activity

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Duration 3 hours
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Highlighted reviews from other travelers

J
James – United Kingdom

wonderful experience. loved the whole sailing part. Good views of Funchal too. wonderful replica of Columbus' ship.

K
Karen – Canada

Beautiful ship. It was a nice relaxing afternoon on the water. The crew was very nice. The cake and madeira wine was delicious!

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Highlights

  • Sail along the coast aboard a Madeira pirate ship
  • Keep a lookout for dolphins and whales, which are sighted throughout the year
  • Enjoy honey cake and a glass of Madeira wine

Full description

A magnificent replica of Christopher Columbus’s flagship, the Santa Maria, was built on the island of Madeira, between July 1997 and July 1998, in the fishing village of Camara de Lobos.

Since it was built thousands of people have sailed aboard the ship, experiencing more than just a normal boat ride, as you’ll soon find out on this 3-hour tour.

Santa Maria de Colombo is also the most photographed boat in Madeira. A number of local and international TV documentaries have been made on board this famous ship, including The Discovery Channel’s The Quest for Columbus.

The idea of this boat trip is for you to experience history, while at the same time enjoying the breathtaking views of Madeira´s south coast. In addition to the views, you’re very likely to see dolphins and whales as well.

The ship will anchor in front of the majestic cliff of Cabo Girao, the highest sea cliff in Europe. If you like you can enjoy a swim in the warm and crystal-clear water.

A sail on the Santa Maria is your chance to re-live Christopher Columbus´s voyage of discovery and imagine how he and his crew felt as they headed into the unknown.

Includes

  • Boat trip
  • Madeira honey cake
  • Glass of Madeira wine

Meeting point

Meet in front of the Santa Maria de Colombo boat at the new Marina in Funchal (Marina Funchal, 9000-055 Funchal).

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Important information

Know before you go

  • In summer months be sure to bring a swimsuit, sun protection, and a towel. In the winter months you'll need to bring something warm to wear as well.

Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.4 /5

based on 479 reviews

Review summary

  • Transportation
    4.6/5
  • Value for money
    4.1/5

Customer photos

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Recommended
J
James – United KingdomMarch 17, 2025 – Verified booking
wonderful experience. loved the whole sailing part. Good views of Funchal too. wonderful replica of Columbus' ship.
K
Karen – CanadaFebruary 18, 2025 – Verified booking
Beautiful ship. It was a nice relaxing afternoon on the water. The crew was very nice. The cake and madeira wine was delicious!
P
Paul – United KingdomOctober 24, 2024 – Verified booking
the experience was amazing for us and the cake and wine wow

Product ID: 55409

Activity provider:Madeira Seekers

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