Columbus Replica Flag Ship Tour: A Glimpse of 15th Century Naval Exploration in Madeira

Experience a journey back in time on the Columbus Replica Flag Ship Tour in Madeira. Explore 15th-century naval exploration, swim at Cabo Girão, and spot dolphins and whales.

Duration: 3 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Baia de Camara de Lobos - The tripis along the south coast of Madeira, usually untill Cabo Girão.
  • Cabo Girao - You can see the clear waters, and stunning Sea Cliff
What's Included
  • Alcoholic beverages
Additional Information

The Santa Maria de Colombo, an imitation of Christopher Columbus’s flagship, takes a voyage along the south shoreline of Madeira Island, typically extending to Cabo Girão where there’s a break for swimming in the summer months. The journey also includes attempts to spot dolphins and whales. It’s akin to a time travel experience, taking you back to the 15th century.

Location
J3WR+8H Funchal
Next to Funchal Pier, in Praça do Povo, Cais 08
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.2
(172 Ratings)
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1 star
Sebastien_b
Jul 8, 2025
Super Cruise on the Sàta Maria - Great cruise off Funchal. We had the chance to see whales. Then we bathed in a small cove. Great excursion.
Review provided by Viator
Beatrice_f
Jul 6, 2025
Everything was perfect - We went to sea with Grandma today. The waves, the sun, the light breeze, the Madeira wine with honeycake and the dolphins, Everything was perfect. We regretted not having any swimsuits with us for the stopover. P.S. If you love nature, you won't get bored either;)
Review provided by Viator
William
Jun 18, 2025
What a good time. - This trip was scheduled last minute, but it was something that we had as a possibility of excursions to do. We had a blast in the trip. The combination of history and sight seeing as well as a quick dip in the ocean was one of the highlights of our trip. I would highly recommend for anyone who likes history.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jocelyn_c
Jun 11, 2025
Great day - At first thought it was going to be difficult to board but the staff were wonderful and helpful with one of our party who has mobility problems. Ship great and the little pieces of info were really a nice touch as was the cake and wine. Seeing dolphins was the icing on the cake.
Review provided by Viator
Joana_p
May 30, 2025
We were the only... - We were the only Portuguese on board and the boy took care to come talk to us directly to explain everything that was told to the other tourists. We never felt aside. On the contrary, the staff is quite welcoming and friendly.
Review provided by Viator
905angit
Jul 13, 2025
Nice experience - The ship is nice and it takes you back in time but the trip is not really exciting We saw dolphins but overall we just sailed over the ocean without any attraction’s
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Nilsj824
Jul 11, 2025
Boat trip and swimming - Could be fun with some shanty music. Also add someone talking about Columbus trip to america, alot of fun facts there. Otherwise good boat trip.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
E7047nvryanr
Jun 26, 2025
Authentic Adventure - Out of the many boats, the Santa Maria had the least amount of people but the most amount of character. Whilst whale/Dolphin watching wasn’t in the description it advised that they may be seen (we seen a flying fish). Make sure your bring a swim outfit to take a dip under the breathtaking Gabo Girão.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
José
Jun 13, 2025
Interestingly, one crew member deserves kudos. - Sailing was unfortunately not done. Seen dolphin tails. Crew member was nice. Facilities on board. Got a cake and a glass of madeira wine. Three hours maybe a little long.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ianh546
May 30, 2025
Zzzzzz a good place to fall asleep - The boat ride was 3 hours long . There’s zero entertainment or activities. They say free alcohol. 2 oz of sweet wine was all you received then an expensive cash bar was available with airport prices You stop for a 15 min swim . Only about 5 of the 75 ppl did this . You see views of the cliffs and Funchal. After 30 min it gets really boring . Luckily we sailed on a clear warm day so we sun tanned . Zero wild life seen . Not the tours fault but maybe would have given another star for anything . Crew were not active or interactive . Of the 20 or so boat tours if taken this was definitely the most boring . Save your money . PLZ .
Review provided by Tripadvisor
From $48
up to 15 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).