Funchal: Kayak and Snorkel Tour to Garajau NR

A kayak-and-snorkel tour to Garajau Natural Reserve is interesting because you trade the busy harbor view for clear water and marine protected-coast vibes in just a few hours. One reason I like this outing is the full-face snorkel masks setup, which makes the snorkeling side feel more comfortable and less fussy for first-timers.

Another big plus is the way your guide keeps things calm and controlled, with a practical safety briefing that sets you up before you paddle out. One possible drawback: it is not suitable for non-swimmers or people prone to seasickness, so this is not the best choice if you know the ocean makes you feel bad.

Key highlights worth knowing before you go

• Garajau Natural Reserve paddling along Madeira’s protected coast from Funchal
• Snorkeling at Praia do Lazareto, within a marine protected area
• Full-face snorkel masks included for easier breathing while you look around
• Optional rock cliff jumps at the swim spot, guided with safety in mind
• Small-group feel in past departures, with attentive instruction from guides like Diogo and Henrique

Where the tour starts by the CR7 statue in Funchal

Your adventure begins in the center of Funchal at HOTEL CR7, in front of the CR7 statue. The meeting point is easy to spot, and it’s a big help if you’re trying to fit this into a busy day between meals, viewpoints, and shopping.

From there, you link up with the team, do a quick gear check, and get your paddling basics before you head out. That first stretch matters. If you show up relaxed and ready to listen, you’ll spend less time fighting your kayak and more time enjoying the water and the coastline.

The tour is scheduled for 3 hours, with morning and afternoon options. Morning runs 11:00 to 14:00, afternoon runs 15:00 to 18:00. If you’re timing this around cruise visits or day trips, pick the slot that gives you a buffer. You’ll also want to arrive with the right stuff on your body, not packed deep in a bag.

One more detail I appreciate: your guide works in English, Portuguese, and Spanish. So even if your Portuguese is still “obrigado” level, you’re covered.

Kayaking to Garajau: short distance, real workout

This is a guided kayak tour from the Porto de São Lázaro area, heading along the crystal-clear coastal waters toward the Garajau Natural Reserve near Praia do Lazareto. You paddle out from Funchal, enjoy some coastal views, and then get to the water time that’s the whole point.

How hard is it? For most people, it’s an upper-body workout, not a stroll. The kayaking is doable for beginners, and guides do the teaching up front. But once you’re in open water, current and wind can change how it feels. Some guests describe the return as more challenging when currents are stronger.

In practical terms, you should expect:

• Help with getting into and out of the kayak
• Tips on paddling technique so you move efficiently
• A pace that keeps the group together, even when conditions shift

The kayak setup is two people per kayak. You sit in a kayak with an included seat, and there’s also a kayak seat upgrade option listed at 2 euros per seat. If you’re sensitive about comfort in your lower back or hips, that small upgrade might make the difference between fine and “please stop paddling.”

And yes, you get motivational extras. You’ll find 2 bottles of water per kayak and 2 Red Bulls of your choice per kayak included. I wouldn’t call that “hydration only.” It’s more like a fun, local-style energy bump to keep you feeling sharp through the paddle and snorkel session.

Praia do Lazareto snorkeling: what you’re really paying for

The tour’s heart is the marine protected water near Praia do Lazareto. This is where you snorkel, look for fish, and soak up the contrast between Madeira’s rocky coastline and the life under the surface.

You’ll get snorkeling masks included, and in practice it’s a full-face style for many people on this trip. That matters because it helps you keep your breathing steady and lets you focus on seeing wildlife instead of managing the snorkel setup.

What you might see?

• Lots of small tropical fish
• Marine life close to the rocky area
• Occasional surprises, with at least one guest describing a sea lion sighting

You should not expect a guaranteed “top of the ocean” show. Water conditions and visibility vary with wind, swell, and group timing. Still, even when conditions aren’t perfect, the protected-area nature of Garajau tends to make the snorkeling time worth it.

Duration-wise, you get over an hour in the water depending on sea state. In calm conditions, the snorkeling stretch tends to feel longer. When conditions get rougher, your guide may adjust timing for safety. That’s not a deal-breaker, it’s good leadership.

Swim spot time, optional cliff jumps, and guide-led choices

A key reason this tour earns such strong ratings is how the team handles the swim stop. You’re not just dropped in. You’re guided to a spot where you can swim, snorkel, and rest, and you’re given real options.

Many departures include rocks to jump from. The cliff jumps are optional. You’ll see people who want a little adrenaline, and you’ll also see people who just want to bob in the water and watch fish. Either choice is fine, but the guide’s job is to make it safe and not chaotic.

What makes this part work in real life:

• Clear instruction before you jump or swim from the rocks
• Help getting down and back up from the entry area
• Calm decision-making if swell or wind changes

One of the most reassuring themes in the experience is safety focus when the sea gets choppier than expected. There are accounts of guides making calls like shortening snorkeling and getting people out quickly when conditions worsened. That’s what you want to hear from a guide, because it shows they’re reading the water, not just following a script.

Gear checklist: pack smart for a 3-hour ocean session

This is a practical, bring-your-own-comfort kind of tour. Even though the snorkeling mask and waterproof phone case are included, you still need the basics to stay warm, dry enough, and not miserable.

Bring:

• Swimwear
• Towel
• Hat
• Sunscreen
• Water
• Camera, and preferably something you can keep protected
• Water shoes (a must if the shore is rocky)

Some guests also recommend wetsuit rental for cooler months. The listing says wetsuits are available for rent for 5 euros each. If you go in December or you tend to get cold quickly, it’s worth considering. Even in Madeira, December water can feel brisk once you’re wet.

Also consider:

• Snacks, especially if you’re doing this later in the day
• A waterproof camera plan, because you’ll want photos without stress

One more smart move: treat this like a workout. If you’re wearing slippery sandals, you might have a rough time on the stone surfaces. Water shoes cost little and save a lot of hassle.

Included value: water, Red Bulls, masks, and the guide time

On paper, the price looks very reasonable for what you get. The listing shows €35 per person for the main tour schedule, and the summary gives an approximate $41 per person. You’re also told children up to 12 cost 20 euros.

Two adults share a kayak. So if you’re thinking, “Is it worth it?” the answer is yes, especially because the included stuff is not just token extras:

• Safety briefing and paddling tips
• Snorkeling mask
• Waterproof phone case
• 2 bottles of water per kayak
• 2 Red Bulls per kayak

Then there’s the human part. Guides like Diogo and Henrique show up repeatedly in accounts for being patient and helpful, especially for first-time paddlers. That instruction reduces wasted energy and stress. It also improves snorkeling time, since you’re not spending your effort on staying upright.

If you want to add comfort, the kayak seat upgrade is listed at 2 euros per seat. You’ll have to decide if that’s worth it for you, but it’s available.

Who this tour fits best, and who should skip it

This tour is best for people who want active ocean time without the complexity of advanced scuba days.

It’s a good fit if:

• You can swim at a basic level or feel comfortable in open water
• You’re okay with light to moderate paddling effort
• You want guided snorkeling in Garajau rather than trying to manage gear alone
• You like the idea of optional rock jumps, but you don’t have to do them

It’s not a good fit if:

• You cannot swim (explicitly listed as not suitable)
• You get seasick easily (also explicitly listed)
• You have mobility impairments (listed as not suitable)
• You’re above 287 pounds, or 130 kg (listed limit)
• Your fitness level is low and paddling effort would feel unsafe for you

If you’re on the fence about seasickness, be honest. This is time on the water. Even with a calm group pace, you are still out in the ocean.

If you’re a total beginner, you’ll likely do fine. Guides provide instruction before you paddle out, and many guests report first-time success.

Weather reality: what changes on a choppy day

Madeira weather can shift quickly. The strong thing about this tour is not that the sea is always perfect. It’s that the guides adjust.

You may see:

• Launching and paddling becoming more difficult with swell or wind
• Snorkeling time shortened if conditions are unsafe
• Extra buffer time or rescue support readiness if someone needs help

If conditions turn rough, your guide will assess risks and decide what’s safest. That’s not a loss. It’s the difference between a fun experience and a stressful one.

The best way to protect your own trip is to follow instructions early. If they say the water is choppy, don’t negotiate. Get your body ready, keep your energy, and trust the plan.

Should you book this Garajau kayak and snorkel trip?

Book it if you want a short, focused dose of Madeira ocean time. The Garajau Natural Reserve snorkeling plus guided kayaking is a strong value combo. You get gear, instruction, and real access to a marine protected area that’s hard to replicate on your own in a simple way.

Skip it, or at least reconsider, if you:

• Hate open-water situations
• Are prone to seasickness
• Do not swim
• Know you struggle with moderate physical effort

If you’re traveling in a calm, comfortable mindset and you pack water shoes, sunscreen, and swimwear, you’ll probably leave feeling like you did something active and authentically Madeira, not just another pretty viewpoint loop. This is an island tour where your feet never touch pavement for long.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point for the tour?

The meeting point is HOTEL CR7, in front of the CR7 statue.

How long is the tour, and when does it run?

The tour lasts 3 hours. Morning runs from 11:00 to 14:00, and afternoon runs from 15:00 to 18:00.

What is included in the price?

The tour includes 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.

Is a wetsuit included?

No. Wet suits are not included. They can be rented for 5 euros each.

What languages does the guide speak?

The live tour guide speaks English, Portuguese, and Spanish.

Who should not book this kayaking and snorkeling tour?

It is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, non-swimmers, people over 287 lbs (130 kg), people prone to seasickness, or people with low level of fitness.