Funchal (Madeira)
Marina do Funchal · Funchal Marina · Porto do Funchal
32°38.8'N 16°54.6'W
Depth
5–10m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
80m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
80m
80m in 5–10m on sand/mud. The 210-berth marina is generally full of local boats — anchoring outside the 10m contour is the norm for visiting yachts. S and SW exposure means any Atlantic front requires moving to the marina or the breakwater inside berths.
About This Anchorage
Funchal is the capital of Madeira — a spectacular city that clings to the terraced volcanic slopes rising from the Atlantic, with a population of ~110,000 and outstanding food, wine and culture. The harbour is the primary landfall for boats sailing the Atlantic island circuit (Canaries → Madeira → Azores or the ARC rally). The marina (210 berths) is invariably full of local boats; visiting yachts typically anchor in 5–10m outside the 10m contour or raft to the inside of the breakwater. Registration via the Madeira portal (simplifica.madeira.gov.pt) is required for all visiting vessels. Funchal's restaurants serve the world's best espetada (bay leaf beef skewers), excellent poncha (local spirit) and outstanding Madeira wine. The city's levada (irrigation channel) walking trails are world-famous.
Protected From
N · NE · NW
Exposed To
S · SW · W
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free for anchoring; marina berthing at standard rates
- Maximum stay
- 30 days
- Permit required
- Yes
- Permit details
- MANDATORY REGISTRATION: Register arrival at simplifica.madeira.gov.pt before arriving in Madeira waters. EU vessels: registration only. Non-EU vessels: full customs/immigration clearance at Funchal (full port of entry). Contact Funchal Radio VHF Ch. 11 / 16 on arrival.
Restrictions: Registration mandatory via simplifica.madeira.gov.pt. Contact Harbour Authority on VHF Ch. 11 for anchoring permission and position. Porto Santo ferry creates traffic at predictable morning/evening times — monitor VHF Ch. 16.
Hazards
- !Marina typically full — anchor or breakwater rafting is likely; contact marina (VHF Ch. 11) well in advance for berth availability
- !S and SW exposure in the outer anchorage — any front brings uncomfortable swell; move to marina inside breakwater immediately if forecast deteriorates
- !Porto Santo ferry creates busy traffic twice daily — monitor VHF Ch. 16
- !Magnetic anomalies near Madeira coastlines — cross-check GPS with visual landmarks; do not rely solely on compass/GPS
Skipper's Tips
- →Register on simplifica.madeira.gov.pt before arrival — this is legally required and avoids any administrative complications on arrival
- →Call Funchal Radio (VHF Ch. 11) before entering the harbour to get instructions on anchoring vs breakwater berth availability
- →Funchal has the best provisioning in the Atlantic islands — stock up here for the Azores passage or Canaries run; supermarkets, fresh fish market, and chandlery all within walking distance of the marina
- →The cable car (Teleférico) to Monte (550m above Funchal) provides the most spectacular views of the city and harbour and is worth the 15-minute ride
Facilities
Outstanding restaurant scene in Funchal — espetada (beef skewers), black scabbardfish, Madeiran wine. Old Town (Zona Velha) has the highest concentration of restaurants near the marina.
Nearest provisions: Funchal city centre / Mercado dos Lavradores (covered market) (0.2nm)
Best Months & Season
April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November
Madeira is a year-round destination — mild temperatures throughout (15–25°C). Peak cruising months for the ARC rally (November) bring the harbour to capacity. April–November is the most popular period for independent cruisers. Winter (Dec–Mar) is quieter but still viable with good weather windows.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 80m
When Madeira's mountain winds kick up overnight, Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your position continuously. Porto Santo's 9km beach is stunning — but the E swell can make it uncomfortable.
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