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
4.1
(154 Ratings)
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1 star
Tiago
Apr 29, 2025
An Enjoyable and Informative Experience - This was a fantastic experience overall. The guides were friendly, knowledgeable, and shared a wealth of local history throughout the tour. We had the chance to observe marine wildlife and enjoy wine and traditional cake in the sunshine, which added a lovely touch to the outing. I would highly recommend this to anyone interested in a more authentic and historic experience. However, those prone to seasickness should be aware that the boat is less stable than modern catamarans, though this also contributes to its historical charm.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Llehc
Apr 16, 2025
Great trip - We Booked in advance should have been 5 of us but had to cancel 3 of us few days before got money back within few days back into my account no hassle The trip was lovely the boat amazing and staff lovely and helpful Would recommend this trip worth the money fir the 3 hours x
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Viviennet362
Mar 17, 2025
Amazing - Amazing, not to be missed trip! The Crew are fabulous, helpful and friendly. Very informative and tell you lots of interesting things and readily answer any questions. Lovely, complimentary glass of Madeira and some cake. Help you on and off the boat. The views are fantastic. The Ticket Staff are also great. Thank you for a brilliant experience!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Martin
Feb 21, 2025
A slice of time travel. - Saw the Santa Maria returning to port from our balcony and decided it would be fun to experience traveling aboard. We weren't disappointed. Relatively little wind and only a mild swell meant that we spent most of the trip under power from the diesel engine, but that did not mar our enjoyment. The ship appears to be an authentic replica of Columbus's original and the attention to detail is remarkable. To realise what it must have been like to travel aboard for 10 weeks without making land is quite mind blowing in this day and age. The crew were at all times helpful and attentive, willing to answer any questions one might have. Despite the lack of wind they still managed to demonstrate hoisting the main sail, and served a complimentary glass of Madeira wine and slice of cake whilst we drifted lazily with the engine cut. We thought it value for money and would recommend for anyone wanting to transport themselves back in time, even if only partially!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
V8460wmandrews
Feb 10, 2025
Great experience - We enjoyed the trip. Our guide was very attentive. Might be a good idea to advise that a tip is expected as we had no change or small note. We would recommend highly
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Akhilesh_d
Apr 25, 2025
The main attraction is... - The main attraction is the ship itself. It looks like something out of a movie. And to travel in that ship, and watching dolphins or whales is a cherry on the cake. We did spot dolphins in packs, and it was a very calming and memorable experience. Definitely worth the try.
Review provided by Viator
Miahn7180jo
Apr 21, 2025
A quiet morning at sea - It was a nice exit, especially the way back where you drove close to the coast. The way out was a bit "monotonous." Nevertheless, it is definitely worth an experience!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
47jakmak
Jan 4, 2025
Enjoyable Cruise - First booking was postponed with good notice due to anticipated high winds/waves and booked two days later when conditions were better. Queueing and boarding well organised, crew particularly helpful with those less able, and departed on time. Bench seating with loose cushions, tables and chairs in Bar which is dimly lit in keeping with the flag ship's pretend age. Loos sited lower deck with pump action flushing system, accessed down quite steep stairs. Sails were unfurled but had to be stowed away within minutes due to the wind. Did get quite chilly cruising late afternoon this time of year. Returned to port on time and orderly disembarkation with assistance from crew. Enjoyable and worthwhile three hour trip.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Denisem475
Mar 11, 2025
Can you give some history/a talk please - Thank you. The replica ship looked good. There must not have been enough wind in order to use the sails, so the diesel engine was used. Unfortunately with the sea and perhaps diesel fumes I vomited 🤢 but that's me. I think it would have been good if there was a welcome introduction. And then a talk during the voyage to make it more interesting /more lively/ learn about history of sea explorers eg Christopher Columbus. Also the info here on trip advisor says that you sail near the Cabo Girao cliffs but our journey went the other direction that day. The staff did their job of taking us outwards and inwards but I thought perhaps there would have been some interesting facts / history given. I know other people perhaps enjoyed it but I just wanted to give some honest feedback. Thankyou
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Krystals918
Jan 30, 2025
Bad customer service. - Awful service they shut the gates whilst I was standing ready to board and claimed that I arrived late. There was still time for me to board but they did not allow it, instead shrugged their shoulders and said “oh well”. I would not recommend this tour. Not friendly, and they have bad attitudes. Did not offer any help or advice about other ways to rebook or get another service. Not the way I want to spend my last day here in Madeira.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
From $47
up to 15 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).