Madeira.Vacations

Garajau Beach & Nature Reserve

A pebble beach below the cliffs, in Madeira's first marine reserve.

Pebble beach below cliffs in the Garajau marine reserve
Photo: Ввласенко · CC BY-SA 3.0

Reached by cable car or a steep road from the Cristo Rei statue, Garajau's beach sits inside a protected reserve where fish are used to divers and snorkellers.

Snorkelling and diving

The Garajau Partial Nature Reserve has been protected since 1986, and the difference shows: large dusky groupers, shoals of bream and rays are regularly seen a few metres from shore. Dive centres operate directly from the beach.

The water drops off quickly and there is no sand — this is a swimming and snorkelling stop rather than a sunbathing one.

Local tips

  • — Bring your own mask — rental is limited.
  • — Fishing is banned throughout the reserve.

Guided trips here

Bookable tours that include or focus on this spot.

  • Dolphins swimming beside a small boat in the Atlantic off Madeira
    2.5 hours Calheta Marina

    Whale & Dolphin Watching Tour

    A marine-biologist-led catamaran trip into the deep Atlantic, where pilot whales and three dolphin species are resident year round. Rated 4.9 from over 1,200 reviews.

    from €74

    Check availability
  • Family-friendly sailing boat on calm water off Madeira
    3 hours Caniçal

    Ponta de São Lourenço Boat Tour

    A calm coastal boat tour around the eastern peninsula's red cliffs — sea caves, swim stops and the easiest way to get the family on the water.

    from €38

    Check availability
  • Catamaran sailing along the Madeira coast at sunset
    3 hours Funchal Marina

    Sunset Catamaran Cruise

    Sail the south coast at golden hour from Funchal marina — a relaxed catamaran cruise with a swim stop and the chance of dolphins along the way.

    from €40

    Check availability
  • West Tour-Fanal Forest & Porto Moniz Natural Pools Small Groups in Madeira
    7 hours Porto Moniz 4.9(372)

    West Tour-Fanal Forest & Porto Moniz Natural Pools Small Groups

    Visit some of the most spectacular views Madeira has to offer, this is one of the most complete tours you can do. From the Southern coast, through the centre plateau arriving to the northern coast. This tour stops in.

    from €35

    Check availability
  • Self Guided Transfer to Ponta de São Lourenço Natural Reserve in Madeira
    3.5 hours Madeira 4.9(76)

    Self Guided Transfer to Ponta de São Lourenço Natural Reserve

    Explore the iconic Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço trail with ease, thanks to convenient local transport from Funchal, Caniço, Machico, or Garajau.

    from €32

    Check availability
  • Coasteering Adventure with Snorkeling from Funchal in Madeira
    4 hours Funchal 5.0(78)

    Coasteering Adventure with Snorkeling from Funchal

    This coasteering adventure is special because it mixes fun activities like boat ride, cliff jumping, slacklining, snorkeling, and exploring sea caves with the amazing coastline of Madeira.

    from €64

    Check availability

Stay nearby

Where to base yourself for this part of the island.

Nearby

Within a short drive, so they combine into one day.

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