Cliff diving, caving, scrambling and coastal swimming, all rolled into one. This is easily one of the best times I’ve ever had!!
We were picked up at our hotel in Funchal by our two guides, Fabio and Augusto, and they were amazing. Funny, sure, and inspiring you with confidence to do things I never thought I’d do!
Providing us with wet suits and safety gear, they were so friendly from the off, even as I was saying “I’ll probably not do the big jumps”. An hour later, there I am, with a massive grin on my face as I leapt into the water 12 metres below me, somewhere close to the Ponta do Buraco.
Don’t worry, they start you off small, but even the metre-high leaps were exhilarating as we dived into the blue Atlantic ocean. Then we’d swim across to the next location, which could be a cove, a cave, another jump, a bit of scrambling, or even “the jacuzzi” (a gorgeous rock pool to recline in, as seen in the pictures, which Augusto took; we ended up with 332 of them, and 28 videos too!!).
All the while Fabio and Augusto created a fun and thrilling time, joking light-heartedly while at the same time instilling you with a feeling of complete safety and respect. They know and love what they do and it rubs off on you. I wouldn’t have imagined I’d have ever done the things I did here, but I’m SO GLAD I did!!
They even provided some rations and took the time to mention some really good local places to unwind afterwards (including the Beerhouse near the marina, which Augusto recommends for a genuine craft beer of Madeira, the “Monte series”, which we’ll be trying tonight!!).
We might do this exact experience again, or try the canyoning, but either way Epic Madeira really lived up to their name, and I’d especially recommend Fabio and Augusto. Absolutely perfect guides. Today was nothing short of phenomenal and I have to say a massive thank you for introducing us to the adventurous side of Madeira, and to coasteering! See you at the Beerhouse guys!