€1.020,00
Destination: Funchal - Porto Santo – Funchal, Madeira
Dates: 5th November (Board 1000h) – 9th November (Disembark 1000h)
Miles: 100nm
Voyage highlights
Voyage description
As Europe begins to contemplate the long nights of winter, the allure of yoga in the semi tropical islands of Madeira beckons. If its yoga and warm summer sailing, deep blue seas and miles of sandy beaches you’re after, this trip is for you.
We are pleased to welcome Wide Ocean Retreat yoga group who will be practicing during this voyage. Their retreats are attended by people from all over Europe and have become renowned as the go-to yoga retreat experts in Portugal and the Azores.
The Santa Maria Manuela leaves the beautiful island of Funchal for the stunning anchorage and golden sands of Porto Santo. Upon its return the ship sails through the natural sanctuary of Ilhas Desertas.
We hoist our sails and head east under the shadow of the ancient volcanic island of Madeira with the lights of Funchal illuminating the night sky. As we leave the lee of the island and the rolling swell begins to slow under our hull we get the first sense that we are indeed in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. The water is so blue here that it almost seems the gods spilt a pot of ink when designing the archipelago.
There is an open invitation to get fully involved in all aspects of sailing during this short passage between the islands, from helming to trimming sails and from navigation to going aloft.
Portugal’s 800 kilometres of continental coastline boasts many fabulous beaches, but by November, even the most hardy of sun seekers are beginning to look south. Porto Santos’ nine golden kilometres of fine sand, bathed by the turquoise waters of the Atlantic provides an enviable view for the passengers of Santa Maria Manuela. The ship anchors right in front of this beach, which in 2012 was voted by ‘7 Wonders: Beaches of Portugal’ as "the best dune beach", and is said to have medicinal qualities. After a dip in the tepid waters of Porto Santo there is nothing better than relaxing in the sand dunes before returning to the ship for sundowners.
We then sail back to the luxuriant green island of Madeira with its primitive laurel forest, unique water channels, waterfalls and breath-taking vistas and the ever-blooming city of Funchal.
The yoga package is an extra on this voyage. If you would like to join the practice or find out more, please contactantonio@wideoceanretreat.com
NOTE: When planning flights please bear in mind that we are granted no flexibility for the embarkation and disembarkation times from the customs authorities.
The trip between Lisbon and Funchal was really exceptional thanks to the kindness and professionalism of the crew that was always available to answer all our requests. A trip far too short.
It was my first cruise aboard Santa Maria Manuela but it will certainly not be the last.
Catherine - France
I can't imagine the Santa Maria Manuela having a bigger fan than me. It was a remarkable experience and I really enjoyed getting to know the crew as well as all of the passengers. It was a great group of people to spend 6 days with.
Sailwiz - Spain
It was obvious that the crew was very capable of doing everything without the help of the passengers, but I loved that they wanted us to be involved and gave us tasks that we could do. It is also evident how important safety on board is and I was impressed to see all of the crew members in harnesses and helmets whenever they were in slightly precarious positions preparing a sail to be raised or fixing something.
Sailwiz – Spain
The trip was absolutely incredible. I am extremely impressed with the ship and the crew. I felt very at home on board and the crew was so kind, helpful and knowledgeable. I feel like I learned so much about the ship and navigation and I know many of the other passengers feel the same. I truly enjoyed the trip and hope that I will go aboard again.
Julia – USA
My friends and familly are all '50 shades of green' with envy. Thankyou from Andrew and me to you and the crew for an experience of a lifetime.
Gordon - Scotland
As for the trip to Madeira was the best experiences I have had and I take the opportunity to congratulate your team and crew who are fantastic ...
Tiago, Portugal
We want to say THANK YOU to all the crew they all were so helpful. Nothing was too much trouble. If the world would follow Santa Maria Manuela’s example we would all live in a better place.
Peter & Ron, UK
Absolutely loved the trip from Lisbon. Such a beautiful ship - have fallen completely in love with her and can't wait to book the next trip.
Kerstin, Denmark
It was a wonderful journey. The ship is beautiful and in a perfect condition, we felt comfortable at any time, thanks to the gentle team. The meals were very tasteful (thanks to the cook!).
Katrin - Holland
We really enjoyed our Madeira-Tenerife crossing onboard SMM. Great crew, fantastic downwind sailing, pleasant ‘guests’.
Pierre - France
The crew took good care of us, I just hope they enjoyed the trip as much as we did. Could not have been any better.
Irmgard – Germany
Without a doubt, this year the best experience I had was being on board Santa Maria Manuela. The days on board were extraordinary. Crew 5⭐
Nuno - Portugal
