Snorkeling in Madeira
Snorkeling in Madeira comes down to warm, calm water. The most comfortable months are August and September, with highs around 80°F (27°C) and the sea at about 74°F (24°C).
Photo: Bengt Nyman, CC BY 2.0
Top snorkeling in Madeira
Madeira Sunset Sailing: Swim, Snorkel & Relax at SeaFrom $63View 
Funchal: Snorkeling Adventure in Eco-Park / Shore or by BoatFrom $23View
Tours from Viator. Good Outing may earn a commission when you book, at no cost to you.
How to pick a good snorkeling trip
- Check whether gear, a wetsuit and reef-safe sunscreen are included or extra.
- Morning trips usually have calmer, clearer water before the afternoon wind picks up.
- If you're a nervous swimmer, ask for a flotation vest and a guide in the water.
- Smaller boats reach quieter spots; big boats often moor at the busiest reef.
Madeira month by month
Averages for Funchal Observatory, 1991-2020, altitude: 58 m, 1991–2020; sea temperatures offshore, 1991–2020.
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F (°C) | 68 (20) | 68 (20) | 69 (21) | 70 (21) | 72 (22) | 75 (24) | 78 (25) | 80 (27) | 80 (27) | 77 (25) | 73 (23) | 70 (21) |
| Low °F (°C) | 58 (14) | 57 (14) | 58 (14) | 59 (15) | 61 (16) | 65 (18) | 67 (20) | 69 (21) | 69 (20) | 67 (19) | 63 (17) | 60 (16) |
| Rainy days | 6 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 7 | 7 | 9 |
| Sea °F (°C) | 66 (19) | 65 (18) | 64 (18) | 65 (18) | 67 (19) | 70 (21) | 72 (22) | 74 (23) | 75 (24) | 73 (23) | 71 (21) | 68 (20) |
| Sunset (15th) | 6:23 pm | 6:52 pm | 7:15 pm | 8:37 pm | 8:59 pm | 9:17 pm | 9:17 pm | 8:53 pm | 8:14 pm | 7:35 pm | 6:06 pm | 6:02 pm |
Questions
When is the best time for snorkeling in Madeira?
August and September. Expect highs around 80°F (27°C) and the sea at about 74°F (24°C). The least comfortable months are January and February, when the sea drops to about 64°F.
How warm is the water in Madeira?
The sea averages 64°F (18°C) in March and 75°F (24°C) in September. Below about 75°F most people want a wetsuit for a long swim or dive.
Where can I book snorkeling in Madeira?
The tours above book on Viator. Compare group size, duration, what is included and the cancellation terms before you pick one.
