A kayak trip in Madeira should start with a plan. This one pairs an easy, guided paddle along the Garajau Natural Reserve with full-face snorkeling in a marine protected area, so you get both workout and fish time. I also liked how guides like Diogo (and Henrique on other days) keep things calm and confidence-building, not pushy. The only real catch: you’ll be using your arms, and stronger current or choppier seas can make the return a bit more of a grind.

You meet right at the HOTEL CR7 area by the Cristiano Ronaldo statue, then head out for water views you simply can’t get from the promenade. After a quick safety briefing and paddling tips, you’re off—then you stop for photos and a guided look around Ponta do Lazareto before the snorkeling swim.

If you want zero effort and lots of lounging, this isn’t that tour. But if you like the idea of paddling out over clear water, stopping for underwater time, and having optional cliff-jump moments, it’s hard to beat for the price.

Key things that make this tour worth it

• Garajau Natural Reserve scenery: clear water and coastal views from the kayak, not a boat deck.
• Full-face snorkeling masks: easier breathing and a more comfortable way to watch fish up close.
• A real guided marine stop: you’re pointed toward what to look for at Praia do Lazareto.
• Optional cliff jumping: a fun adrenaline moment for people who want it, with safety-first guidance.
• Food-drink value: water plus energy drinks (Red Bull) per kayak, so you’re not improvising on the water.
• Safety adjusts to conditions: when the sea turns rough, the guide plans around it instead of pretending everything is fine.

From the CR7 Statue to Porto de São Lázaro: the setup that matters

The tour starts at a very recognizable spot in Funchal: the HOTEL CR7, in front of the CR7 statue. This is the kind of meeting point that saves time and stress—no hunting for a tiny sign tucked behind a building.

From there, you move into the water at Porto de São Lázaro. That matters because it puts you close to a stretch of coastline that’s great for kayak routes and snorkeling stops. It also means you don’t spend half your morning or afternoon stuck in traffic or waiting around for transfers.

Before you paddle, you get a safety briefing and paddling tips. In plain terms: you learn how to handle your kayak straight, how to balance, and what to do when the water is a little less friendly than expected. Guides like Diogo and Henrique are big on giving instructions without making people feel bad for being new. If it’s your first time kayaking, that relaxed teaching style is a big part of why so many people rate this tour so highly.

Kayaking along Funchal’s coast toward Garajau Natural Reserve

Once you’re on the water, you’ll paddle along the coastline toward the Garajau Natural Reserve. This is the heart of the experience: the water quality here is the star. You get those clear, bright conditions where you can often spot movement below the surface even before you snorkel.

You’ll also have a photo stop and a guided look around Ponta do Lazareto, where the scenery and the coastal geography are the point. That quick visit isn’t just sightseeing—it helps you connect the dots between what you’re seeing from shore and what you’ll be swimming through later.

In practice, expect the kayaking portion to feel like a workout, especially if wind or current has other plans. Many people describe the pace as manageable for beginners after the instructions, but the return can still feel more effort than you expect. On days with stronger conditions, your guide may keep things extra controlled to make sure you all get back together.

Praia do Lazareto snorkeling: what you’re actually there to see

The snorkeling stop is at Praia do Lazareto, a marine protected area connected to the Garajau reserve. This isn’t a random swim spot. You’re guided to a place where underwater life is more likely to be visible, and your guide will help you focus on what’s worth watching.

You’ll get a snorkeling mask plus a waterproof phone case, which is genuinely useful here. Phones often die from water spray and clumsy moments. Keeping yours protected lets you film fish or the rocky underwater edges without turning your day into a disaster-prevention project.

One thing that stands out from the experience: the snorkeling is done with full-face masks. That setup tends to make the whole activity less intimidating for first-timers. You spend more time looking around and less time fiddling with breathing.

What you’re likely to see is fish life in clear water, with people describing plenty of visible marine creatures. Some guests even talk about special sightings (like a sea lion). Even if you don’t get a rare encounter, you’ll still enjoy the simple reward of floating in clear water and seeing movement close by.

And yes—there’s often optional cliff jumping from a rocky area near the swimming zone. If you want it, you’ll be coached on how to do it safely. If you don’t, you can still have a full snorkeling-and-swim time without feeling like you’re missing a requirement.

How the guides handle safety, comfort, and real sea conditions

This tour’s reputation isn’t just about scenery—it’s about how the guide runs the day. People repeatedly highlight safety-first decisions, clear communication, and patient instruction.

Guides such as Diogo and Henrique (and others in the team like Diego and Hugo depending on the day) give thorough paddling coaching before you go far. That means you don’t just get tossed into the water and hoped for the best. You get practical guidance on how to hold position, paddle efficiently, and respond if the sea feels choppier.

The best part: when conditions change, the guide adapts. You might see shortened snorkeling if conditions turn rough, or extra help getting people in and out of the water. In at least one instance, there was a kayak mishap during rougher seas, and the guide responded professionally and calmly, coordinating a rescue. The takeaway for you: this tour isn’t built around pretending the ocean always behaves. It’s built around handling it responsibly.

Also worth noting: the guides don’t treat jumping or speed like a test. People describe no pressure to do anything uncomfortable, and that’s a big deal. You get to choose your level of risk and excitement while still doing the core experience.

Price and value: what €35 really buys you

The tour price is listed at €35 per person (often shown as about $41 depending on currency), and the biggest value point is this: it’s priced for two people per kayak. So if you’re traveling with a friend or partner, your cost per person is lower than many “solo-raft” or “boat + snorkel” style excursions.

What you get inside that price is also practical:

• 2 bottles of water per kayak
• 2 Red Bulls of your choice per kayak
• A waterproof phone case
• A snorkeling mask
• Safety briefing and paddling tips

So you’re not just paying for equipment. You’re paying for a guided day that reduces the hassle of planning what to bring, how to protect valuables, and how to manage snorkeling gear on your own.

Where you might spend extra:

• Wet suit rental is €5 each (useful especially outside summer, or if you run cold).
• A kayak seat upgrade is €2 per seat.

One small but important practical note: people suggest water shoes/sandals for rocky entry. That’s not a surcharge from the operator, but it’s a real-world way to avoid sore feet during the swim and optional jumping.

What to pack (so the day stays fun)

The tour gives key gear, but you still need your own basics. Bring:

• Hat and sunscreen
• Swimwear
• Towel
• Camera
• Snacks (if you like)
• Water (even though bottles are provided, having your own helps)
• Water shoes
• A waterproof camera option if you want to go hands-on for underwater shots

If you’re doing this in cooler months, ask about the wet suit option. People talk about renting it for December trips, which suggests it can make the whole experience more comfortable when the water runs chilly.

Who this tour fits best (and who should skip it)

This is best for people who can comfortably paddle and swim in open water for short stretches. It’s not meant for everyone.

Not suitable if:

• You have mobility impairments
• You are a non-swimmer
• You’re prone to seasickness
• You’re above 287 lbs (130 kg)

You’ll also want a baseline fitness level. Even when guides keep things friendly for beginners, you’re still paddling a two-person kayak through open water. Expect upper-body effort, especially if the sea has wind or swell.

This is a great pick for:

• Couples and friends who want a shared adventure at a reasonable cost
• People who like hands-on activities more than bus tours
• Visitors who want to combine kayaking views with snorkeling in a protected coastal area

Booking tips: timing and day-of expectations

Tour length is 3 hours, with options in the late morning (11:00–14:00) and afternoon (15:00–18:00) windows. Choose based on the rest of your Funchal plans—this fits well as a half-day activity rather than eating your entire day.

The ocean conditions are the big variable. Even when the route is the same, wind and current can change how hard it feels and how long you stay snorkeling. Your guide will steer decisions around safety and what you can enjoy that day.

One more practical note: you’ll want to arrive ready to move. Since the meeting point is at the CR7 statue, it’s an easy place to plan around, but you still should give yourself time to gear up and meet the team.

Should you book this Garajau kayak and snorkel tour?

I’d book it if you want a real water adventure in Madeira without turning it into a complicated logistics puzzle. The combination is strong: kayak access to the coastline plus snorkeling in Praia do Lazareto, with full-face masks and a guide who prioritizes safety while keeping the mood relaxed. The value is also solid because you get drinks, water, waterproof phone protection, and snorkeling gear included.

Skip it if you’re a non-swimmer, get seasick easily, or don’t want to paddle in open water. This is an experience where effort is part of the reward.

If your main goal is fish time, clear water, and a few optional moments of adrenaline, this tour hits the sweet spot—especially with guides like Diogo or Henrique running the day.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point?

You meet at HOTEL CR7, Funchal, in front of the CR7 statue.

How long is the kayak and snorkel tour?

The tour duration is 3 hours.

What time do the tours run?

There are morning and afternoon time slots: 11:00–14:00 and 15:00–18:00.

What’s included with the price?

Included are 2 bottles of water per kayak, 2 Red Bulls of your choice per kayak, a waterproof phone case, a snorkeling mask, and the safety briefing plus paddling tips.

Do I need to rent a wet suit?

A wet suit is not included. It can be rented for 5€ each.

Is the snorkeling mask provided?

Yes. A snorkeling mask is included.

What should I bring?

Bring hat, swimwear, towel, camera, snacks, sunscreen, water, waterproof camera (if you have one), and water shoes.

Is this tour suitable for non-swimmers?

No. The activity is not suitable for non-swimmers.

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