Journey

Madeira: Funchal – Porto Santo – Desertas – Funchal

  • Travel in comfort in the newly renovated Santa Maria Manuela
  • Set sail from Funchal’s volcanic shores
  • Hands-on sailing experience in all aspects of the ship’s life
  • Spot for whales and dolphins, fish, share sailing stories by the bar or lose yourself in a good book
  • Support our citizen science project to raise awareness of the problem with marine litter
  • Stop to swim in the clear blue waters of Porto Santo with its 9 km beach
  • Consider spending a few days exploring the striking mountainous island of Madeira after you disembark

As Europe begins to contemplate the long nights of winter, the allure of the semi tropical islands of Madeira beckon.  If its warm summer sailing, deep blue seas and miles of sandy beaches you’re after, this trip is for you. The Santa Maria Manuela leaves the beautiful island of Funchal for the stunning anchorage and golden sands of Porto Santo. Upon its return the ship sails through the natural sanctuary of Ilhas Desertas.

We hoist our sails and head east under the shadow of the ancient volcanic island of Madeira with the lights of Funchal illuminating the night sky.  As we leave the lee of the island and the rolling swell begins to slow under our hull we get the first sense that we are indeed in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean.  The water is so blue here that it almost seems the gods spilt a pot of ink when designing the archipelago.

There is an open invitation to get fully involved in all aspects of sailing during this short passage between the islands, from helming to trimming sails and from navigation to going aloft.

Portugal’s 800 kilometres of continental coastline boasts many fabulous beaches, but by November, even the most hardy of sun seekers are beginning to look south.  Porto Santos’ nine golden kilometres of fine sand, bathed by the turquoise waters of the Atlantic provides an enviable view for the passengers of Santa Maria Manuela.  The ship anchors right in front of this beach, which in 2012 was voted by ‘7 Wonders: Beaches of Portugal’ as “the best dune beach“, and is said to have medicinal qualities.  After a dip in the tepid waters of Porto Santo there is nothing better than relaxing in the sand dunes before returning to the ship for sundowners.

There is no hurry to return to Funchal. After leaving Porto Santo, there is time in the schedule to sail past the Ilas Desertas Nature Reserve, three uninhabited islands still in their purest state (Deserta Grande, Ilhéu Chão and Bugio).  In addition to the mystical Shearwater, which is known to nest on the rocky shores of this moon-scaped island, Desertas islands are home to a colony of Mediterranean monk seals, also known as sea wolves – the rarest seal in the world.

We then sail north back to the luxuriant green island of Madeira with its primitive laurel forest, unique water channels, waterfalls and breath-taking vistas and the ever-blooming city of Funchal.

For this product the Portuguese taxation will be applied. If you require an invoice it is necessary to request it to https://www.santamariamanuela.pt/ Santa Manuel Manuela S.A. with tax code PT-515 755 028.

 

Price: 600,00

Availability: Last places available

Vessel

Santa María Manuela

The Santa Maria Manuela was launched on 10 May 1937 in Lisbon. It is a 67-metre sailing ship. The ship was named after the owner’s wife, Maria Manuela, mother of 16 children. The main function of the Santa Maria Manuela was cod fishing. The Santa Maria Manuela underwent a number of structural changes over the years, from the removal of the masts to the installation of a navigation bridge. In 1993 the ship was considered obsolete, was dismantled and only the steel hull remained. The following year the Santa María Manuela Foundation was created, a project that united 17 institutions under the same purpose: to recover the ship. The SMM now has unique conditions for sea voyages, events, parties and training at sea. Predominant colour WHITE.

Journey details

Embarking

Funchal (Madeira)

Disembarkation

Funchal (Madeira)

Map of the journey

Madeira: Funchal – Porto Santo – Desertas – Funchal

What is included

  • All meals on board Santa Maria Manuela – including breakfast, lunch and dinner.
  • One bed in a shared cabin.
  • Tea, coffee, water and juice throughout the day.
  • Safety equipment.
  • Accommodation in a twin cabin with private bathroom.
  • Sail 154 nautical miles along the Mediterranean coast.
  • All the learning on board with a qualified crew.
  • Public liability insurance.

What it does not include

  • Travel to and from the ship.
  • Personal travel insurance.
  • Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks at the bar (you will have an open bar tab during your trip, which you can pay for at the end, by cash or card, before disembarkation).
  • Any excursions or meals taken on land.
  • Any excursions or meals taken ashore.
  • Cost of entry visas to the various countries.

Book now and don't miss out on your place

Journey: Madeira: Funchal – Porto Santo – Desertas – Funchal
Price: 600,00

Availability: Last places available

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