Explore Madeira’s oldest lighthouse, stunning caves, and unique wildlife on our Ponta São Lourenço boat tour. Swim in crystal-clear waters at Cais do Sardinha.
Explore Madeira’s oldest lighthouse, stunning caves, and unique wildlife on our Ponta São Lourenço boat tour. Swim in crystal-clear waters at Cais do Sardinha.
- Ponta de Sao Lourenco - Admire a 150-year-old lighthouse, the oldest in the Madeira Archipelago. You’ll also be able to see Ilhéu do Desembarcadouro, the North Coast with its stunning caves and tranquil bays, as well as various unique species of animals and plants. On our return, we’ll make a brief stop at Cais do Sardinha, where you can enjoy a…
- Ponta de Sao Lourenco - Admire a 150-year-old lighthouse, the oldest in the Madeira Archipelago. You’ll also be able to see Ilhéu do Desembarcadouro, the North Coast with its stunning caves and tranquil bays, as well as various unique species of animals and plants. On our return, we’ll make a brief stop at Cais do Sardinha, where you can enjoy a swim in its crystal-clear waters.
- Sardine House cafe & snacks - On our return, we’ll make a brief stop at Cais do Sardinha, where you can enjoy a swim in its crystal-clear waters.
- Prainha do Canical - Prainha, located near the point of São Lourenço, is a black sand beach of volcanic origin that offers a unique beach experience. The Piedade Dunes, which contain limestone fossils of geomorphologic interest, are also found around this beach.
The landscape around this beach contrasts sharply with most of the island. Here, the usual greens are replaced by an arid palette of yellows, browns, and oranges.
This beach area features a restaurant, changing rooms, sunshades, sun loungers, and a car park.
- Ponta de Sao Lourenco - This volcanic peninsula is primarily composed of basalt, with some limestone sediment formations. At the peninsula’s end, you’ll find two islets: the Cevada, Metade or Desembarcadouro Islet, and the S. Lourenço Point, Farol or Fora Islet. A stone partition marks the beginning of the Regional government’s land, which is part of the Madeira Natural Park. The peninsula is a partial natural reserve, while the Desembarcadouro Islet is a total natural reserve. The land and sea along the North coast, up to a depth of 50m, are part of the European network of important community sites - Natura 2000.
The semi-arid climate and exposure to North winds have shaped the low vegetation and explain the lack of trees, distinguishing this area from the rest of the island. This area is a true natural heritage site, showcasing the island’s basal plate and several rare and endemic plants. Of the 138 plant species identified on the peninsula, 31 are endemic to Madeira. In terms of fauna, it hosts one of the region’s largest colonies of seagulls (Larus cachinnans atlantis), which nest on the Desembarcadouro islet.
Along the route, you can often spot various bird species such as the Berthelot’s Pipit (Anthus bertheloti madeirensis), the Goldfinch (Carduelis carduelis parva), the Common Canary (Serinus canaria canaria), and the Kestrel (Falco tinunculus). Protected marine birds also nest here, including Cory’s Shearwater (Calonectris diomedea), the Band-rumped Storm-Petrel (Oceanodroma castro), Bulwer’s Petrel (Bulweria bulwerii), and the Common Tern (Sterna hirundo). The Madeiran lizard (Lacerta dugesii), the island’s only reptile, is very common here. Another interesting aspect is the high number of endemic land molluscs (24), commonly known as snails.
In the sea, you might be fortunate enough to spot the world’s rarest seal, known in Madeira as the Sea-wolf (Monachus monachus).
The Sardinha house serves as the base for a group of Rangers from the Madeira natural park, who oversee the area.
On the horizon to the South, you can see Ilhas Desertas (Deserted Islands), and to the North, the Porto Santo Islands.
- All fees and/or taxes
- All fees and/or taxes
Come with us and admire a 150-year-old lighthouse, the oldest in Madeira Archipelago. You’ll also be able to see Ilhéu do Desembarcadouro, the North Coast and its beautiful caves and calm bays as well as several species of animals and plants that can only be found here. Upon return, we will make a quick stop at Cais do Sardinha where you can take a dip in its crystal clear waters.
Come with us and admire a 150-year-old lighthouse, the oldest in Madeira Archipelago. You’ll also be able to see Ilhéu do Desembarcadouro, the North Coast and its beautiful caves and calm bays as well as several species of animals and plants that can only be found here. Upon return, we will make a quick stop at Cais do Sardinha where you can take a dip in its crystal clear waters.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.