Xavelha boat tour: stories from the sea in Câmara de Lobos

This Xavelha boat tour in Madeira invites you to discover the island from its most ever-present element: the sea. On board this traditional wooden vessel, once used in the fishing of the iconic black scabbardfish, the journey unfolds amid the scenic beauty of Madeira’s south coast and the island’s deeply rooted maritime tradition.

Departing from Funchal, the cruise allows you to enjoy sweeping views of the coastline, the deep blue of the Atlantic, dramatic cliffs and small pebble beaches. Along the way, the sea takes on the role of a storyteller, revealing tales deeply rooted in the identity of this archipelago suspended in the Atlantic.

On arriving in Câmara de Lobos, one of Madeira’s most emblematic fishing villages, you will have time to leisurely explore the harbour and its picturesque streets. Depending on the season, the tasting may include products such as, black scabbardfish, tuna or limpets, ingredients deeply tied to local culture and the community’s daily relationship with the ocean. One of the most memorable moments of this experience, however, is undoubtedly the tasting of poncha or Nikita, two drinks that hold a central place in the social life of the village.

After this moment of tasting and sharing, the experience concludes with a return by sea to Funchal, a roughly one-hour journey back to the Marina, the starting point of this unforgettable Xavelha boat trip.

Thursday at 11am

• A scenic one-hour journey from Funchal to Câmara de Lobos and back aboard a traditional wooden vessel (Xavelha boat).
• Sailing along Madeira’s south coast, with sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean, cliffs and pebble beaches.
• A gastronomic and cultural itinerary in Câmara de Lobos with time to explore the harbour and the village streets.
• Tasting of seasonal fresh fish, accompaniments and wine or other beverage.
• Sampling of poncha or nikita.