Authentic sailing experience
Feel the power of wind in the sails and take part in a real sea adventure – without commercial gimmicks and crowds of tourists.
Funchal – Tenerife · 29 October – 4 November 2026
Joining us on this voyage is Cristina Rampinini, marine biologist at AIMM (Marine Environment Research Association), who will embark on an unforgettable sailing voyage from Madeira to Tenerife aboard the historic tall ship Santa Maria Manuela. Cross the deep-blue waters of the Atlantic while experiencing life at sea and discovering the rich marine ecosystems that connect these remarkable island archipelagos.
29 October 2026 – 4 November 2026
6 nights
Funchal – Tenerife
Santa Maria Manuela
from€960/ person
Joining us on this voyage is Cristina Rampinini, marine biologist at AIMM (Marine Environment Research Association), who will embark on an unforgettable sailing voyage from Madeira to Tenerife aboard the historic tall ship Santa Maria Manuela. Cross the deep-blue waters of the Atlantic while experiencing life at sea and discovering the rich marine ecosystems that connect these remarkable island archipelagos.
Route
Funchal - Tenerife
Port
FunchalTenerife
A tall ship cruise is more than a journey - it's an experience that stays with you for a long time
Why choose a Tall Ship cruise?
I want to set sail →Closeness to nature and peace
Immerse yourself in a world where time flows slower, and the only sound is the rush of waves and the crack of lines.
Cruises for everyone
Whether you have sailing experience or are taking your first steps on deck – you'll find a cruise tailored to your expectations and abilities.
Diversity of routes and ships
From short Baltic cruises to multi-week transatlantic voyages. Choose a cruise that fits your rhythm and dreams.
Check the voyage itinerary
Funchal, the capital of Madeira on the Atlantic coast, combines maritime scenery, culture, and food. The city is known for its harbor and crystal-clear surrounding waters. Ashore, you can explore cobbled streets and vibrant markets, especially Mercado dos Lavradores, the center of the local culinary scene, with fresh produce, exotic fruits, and Madeira’s black scabbardfish. Local specialties include bolo do caco, a garlic bread, and Madeira wine. Funchal also offers strong cultural and historical interest. Notable sights include the 15th-century Funchal Cathedral and the colorful murals of the old town. For maritime heritage, visitors can see the Museum of the History of Madeira or the replica of Christopher Columbus’s ship, the Santa Maria. Overall, Funchal is a destination that connects the island’s seafaring identity with memorable food, architecture, and waterfront atmosphere.
Arriving in Funchal, you are met by Madeira’s steep green slopes rising above a broad harbour, with white buildings climbing the hillside and the Atlantic stretching open beyond the breakwaters. Nearby, the old town, waterfront promenade and the terraced landscape above the city give the port a bright, relaxed subtropical feel.
Tenerife, the largest of the Canary Islands, offers a vibrant mix of culture, nature, and tradition. The island is known for its towering Mount Teide, Spain's highest peak, which provides stunning views and hiking trails for nature lovers. In the city of San Cristóbal de La Laguna, a UNESCO World Heritage site, you can explore colonial streets, museums, and historic churches. Another highlight is the capital, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, famous for its colorful carnival, one of the largest in the world. In terms of cuisine, Tenerife offers specialties such as gofio, papas arrugadas with mojo sauce, and freshly grilled fish. For beach lovers, the volcanic black or golden sand beaches, like Las Teresitas, are perfect for relaxation. With a blend of African, Spanish, and Latin American influences, Tenerife is a destination that surprises with its cultural and natural diversity.
Arriving in Tenerife by ship, you’re greeted by a busy Atlantic harbour backed by steep volcanic slopes and the island’s bright, dry light. Near the port, you can head into the city for waterfront promenades and plazas, while farther afield the dramatic mountain landscape gives the whole island a lively, sun-soaked feel.
Cristina Rampinini is a 25-year-old marine biologist born and raised in a small city in northern Italy, far from the sea. Despite the distance, she developed a strong connection to the ocean from an early age, cultivating a lifelong dream of studying and protecting marine life, particularly dolphins and whales. After completing her Master’s degree in 2024, Cristina pursued international experiences in marine conservation, traveling to locations such as the Maldives, Scotland, and Portugal, where she participated in research projects and conferences, further developing her scientific and practical expertise. In Portugal, she worked as a research assistant with AIMM for two consecutive seasons, where she gained valuable insight into fieldwork, data collection, and the realities of marine conservation.
Cristina Rampinini lies on the waterfront by A Coruña, with a working-port feel, wide harbour views, and the open Atlantic never far away. From the ship you can look toward the city skyline and nearby beaches, while the surrounding Galician coast gives the area a breezy, maritime atmosphere.
Arriving in Tenerife by ship, you’re greeted by a busy Atlantic harbour backed by steep volcanic slopes and the island’s bright, dry light. Near the port, you can head into the city for waterfront promenades and plazas, while farther afield the dramatic mountain landscape gives the whole island a lively, sun-soaked feel.
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Places you'll visit
Funchal
Arriving in Funchal, you are met by Madeira’s steep green slopes rising above a broad harbour, with white buildings climbing the hillside and the Atlantic stretching open beyond the breakwaters. Nearby, the old town, waterfront promenade and the terraced landscape above the city give the port a bright, relaxed subtropical feel.
Tenerife
Arriving in Tenerife by ship, you’re greeted by a busy Atlantic harbour backed by steep volcanic slopes and the island’s bright, dry light. Near the port, you can head into the city for waterfront promenades and plazas, while farther afield the dramatic mountain landscape gives the whole island a lively, sun-soaked feel.
Cristina Rampinini
Cristina Rampinini lies on the waterfront by A Coruña, with a working-port feel, wide harbour views, and the open Atlantic never far away. From the ship you can look toward the city skyline and nearby beaches, while the surrounding Galician coast gives the area a breezy, maritime atmosphere.
Frequently asked questions about tall ship cruises and sailing ships
Many leisure and introductory voyages accept guests without sailing experience. Training and expedition voyages may require active participation, minimum ages or a particular level of mobility. Check the operator's conditions for the exact voyage before booking.
Start with the operator's joining instructions because space, dress rules and required equipment vary by ship. Soft luggage, layered clothing, a waterproof outer layer, sun protection and operator-approved non-slip footwear are common recommendations. Ask a medical professional about suitable seasickness precautions if needed.
Choose a cruise on the Cruise Tall Ships site, click the offer and go to the operator's booking page. We do not charge fees – we connect you directly with the cruise organizer.
Choosing a tall ship cruise is more than just booking a vacation; it is an invitation to experience the timeless romance of the sea. Unlike modern, crowded cruise liners, a traditional sailing vessel offers an intimate atmosphere where the sound of the wind in the canvas replaces the hum of engines. Taking part in such a unique voyage allows you to connect with maritime heritage while enjoying the comforts of a modern leisure cruise. Whether it’s the thrill of seeing the horizon from a wooden deck, the spectacular sight of a full press of sail, or the chance to visit hidden coastal gems inaccessible to larger ships, a tall ship voyage offers a sense of freedom that is simply unmatched. It is the perfect choice for travelers seeking authenticity, tranquility, and a truly luxury sailing experience that stays with them long after they return to shore.
Tall ships cruises take place on many waters: Baltic, North Sea, Atlantic, Caribbean, Mediterranean and others. Each offer indicates the region and route.
Safety rules, vessel certification, briefings and required equipment depend on the ship, flag state, route and operator. Review the operator's current safety information and ask them directly about certification or accessibility before booking.
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Swimming requirements vary by operator and voyage. Do not assume that a life jacket removes an operator's swimming or mobility requirement; confirm the conditions for the specific departure.
