We’d heard about coasteering in Madeira, although we weren’t quite sure what to expect. However, we knew one thing: if there’s a place where this outdoor activity would be the most thrilling, it had to be here. The rugged volcanic coastline, dramatic black rocks, and fiercely blue Atlantic Ocean are all accessible from the beach and viewpoints, but coasteering offers a unique perspective on this landscape.
And unique it was! Coasteering in Madeira was all about climbing cliffs, jumping from 10-meter drops, and swimming through hidden caves. We absolutely loved how this activity took us to places we’d otherwise have never seen. Get ready for a heart-pounding experience with one of the most surprising and exhilarating adventure sports Madeira has to offer.
Our Coasteering Tour in Madeira
We drove ourselves to the start point, which was near the PR8 trail – Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço on the east side of the island, and this is where we kicked off our coasteering tour in Madeira. Here we met our two local guides, who were super friendly and energetic. Their passion for the sport got us excited for what was in store, and their evident expertise instantly made us feel comfortable.
They helped us get into our coasteering gear (wetsuit, helmet, life vest, and sea shoes) before we followed them down a rural path to the coast’s edge.
As we traversed the line where the land meets the sea, it was clear we were about to experience the volcanic coastline of Madeira from an entirely different perspective. While we were nervously excited at the prospect, it was the very first jump that got us hooked on this incredible Madeira outdoor activity.
It was just a small one, a couple of meters high, but the water was so clear and deep that it didn’t feel scary, just thrilling! From there, the adventure just kept getting better and better; we weren’t just coasteering in Madeira, we were completely immersed in nature itself.
We swam around giant rock faces, climbed cliffs that seemed impossible at first, and jumped into crystal clear inlets. Along the way, we saw scuttling crabs and spiky sea urchins peeking out from uniquely-shaped rock formations, and we kept our eyes peeled for bigger animals like sea lions. Although we didn’t get lucky enough to see them on this trip, it just gives us an excuse to book another coasteering tour in Madeira!
Cliff Jumping into Hidden Caves
One of my absolute highlights was jumping from a cliff edge into a secret cave that opened up into the sea. While it seemed scary at first to jump into the swirling enclosed waters below, once down there, it was incredible to look up onto the volcanic black rock we’d just come from.
It’s such a satisfying feeling knowing you’ve overcome your fears and had the guts to jump into the refreshing water below.
I’m not great with heights, but the best part about coasteering in Madeira is that the guides will never push you to do anything you’re not comfortable with. The jumps ranged from 1-10 meters, but if there’s one you don’t want to do, the guides will find you an alternative route down. Our advice, though, is to try every jump if you can; it’s genuinely a thrill like no other!
We’ve done our share of water adventures in Madeira, but this felt totally unique. You’re not just witnessing the coastline from afar; you’re up close and personal with it, using it to float, crawl, and jump your way through the experience. We weren’t surprised to hear that this part of the coastline is known as one of the best coasteering spots Madeira has to offer.
Snorkeling Beneath the Waves
After all the climbing and jumping, it was time to slow down and relax a bit. Our guides handed us snorkels and we floated across the water surface, immersed in the underwater world below. Below us, crabs scuttled between rocks, small colorful fish darted across the reef, and steep ocean ledges gave way to the immense deep blue ocean.
We loved ending this adrenaline experience in Madeira with something so calming, just floating in silence in complete unison with the marine life. We heard you can often see turtles, sea lions, and even dolphins in these more secluded stops — so keep your eyes peeled!
Coasteering: The Most Fun Outdoor Activity in Madeira
We ended our coasteering tour in Madeira with smiles from ear to ear. We had salt in our hair (pardon the pun!) and a headful of unforgettable ocean memories.
Best of all, the guide took GoPro shots of us during the experience, so we know we’ll be able to look back at the photos and remember how immensely proud we were of conquering cliff jumps and swimming through choppy waters.
So, would we recommend coasteering in Madeira? One hundred percent!
While we recommend that you are a confident swimmer and have a decent level of fitness, there are ways around some of the more challenging parts. For example, Nick had a bad back during the experience, so he sat out some of the higher ledges.
Why Go Coasteering in Madeira? A Different Kind of Memory
We’ve been lucky enough to visit Madeira a couple of times, and most of our trips have been characterized by long, tranquil hikes, scenic clifftop drives, or relaxing in natural pools.
While we loved all of that, coasteering in Madeira was something completely different! Not only was it a completely new activity for us, but it was the most playful and immersive way we’ve ever explored an island. Finding hidden spots and seeing jagged volcanic rock formations up close was unforgettable, and the experience was even better when done in such an active way.
