Wed, 7 Oct 2026
Madeira’s New Year’s Eve fireworks are famous for filling Funchal’s natural amphitheatre with light at midnight. Watching from a boat gives you a wide, unobstructed perspective of the display, with the city, hillsides and harbour forming the backdrop.
There is no single cruise that suits everyone. Some travellers want a lively catamaran with an open bar, while others prefer a smaller sailing boat, a fast and affordable speedboat, or a private yacht reserved exclusively for family and friends.
For New Year’s Eve 2026/2027, Madeira.Best offers shared cruises from €120 per person and private charters from €1,950 for the complete boat. The options below are organised by vessel type, passenger capacity, price and what is included, making it easier to choose the right experience.
Quick guide: which Madeira fireworks cruise should you choose?
| Best for |
Recommended type |
Capacity |
Price range |
| Lowest-priced shared option |
Shared speedboat |
Up to 18 guests |
From €120 per person |
| Lively celebration |
Large catamaran with open bar |
Up to 200 guests |
€150 per person |
| Families wanting more space |
Large shared catamaran or eco catamaran |
150–200 guests |
€150–€160 per person |
| Traditional Madeira atmosphere |
Santa Maria replica ship |
Up to 100 guests |
€195 per person |
| Smaller social group |
Sailing boat or yacht |
10–27 guests |
€185–€300 per person |
| Premium shared experience |
Premium boat or catamaran |
18–35 guests |
€250–€500 per person |
| Affordable private celebration |
Private sailing boat or motorboat |
6–11 guests |
From €1,950 per boat |
| High-end private event |
Private luxury yacht |
8–12 guests |
€4,125–€7,100 per yacht |
Prices and availability are based on the currently listed 2026/2027 programme and may change as boats sell out or new options are added.
Best shared New Year’s Eve cruises for bigger groups
Larger shared boats are generally the best match for travellers who enjoy a lively celebration and want more room to move around. They also tend to offer some of the most accessible prices for watching the Funchal fireworks from the ocean.
This spacious catamaran combines panoramic views over Funchal Bay with an open bar and a sociable onboard atmosphere. With capacity for up to 200 guests, it is a good choice for couples, groups of friends and travellers who want the feeling of a New Year’s Eve party at sea.
- Maximum capacity: 200 guests
- Price: €150 per person
- Included: Open bar
👉 View details and book the Shared Catamaran with Open Bar
Santa Maria Pirate Ship with Open Bar — best for character and tradition
Celebrate aboard a replica of Christopher Columbus’s historic ship. The Santa Maria combines Madeira’s midnight fireworks with the atmosphere of a traditional sailing vessel, making it one of the most distinctive options in the programme.
- Maximum capacity: 100 guests
- Price: €195 per person
- Included: Open bar
👉 View details and book the Santa Maria Pirate Ship
Shared New Year’s Eve Catamaran — best for local flavours
This large catamaran sails into Funchal Bay for the midnight display and includes several recognisably Madeiran touches. Champagne, Madeira wine and Madeira honey cake are served as part of the celebration.
- Maximum capacity: 200 guests
- Price: €150 per person
- Included: Champagne, Madeira wine and Madeira honey cake
👉 View details and book the Shared New Year’s Eve Catamaran
Eco Catamaran Fireworks Cruise — best for a modern catamaran experience
The eco catamaran offers generous viewing areas and a modern setting for the fireworks. It accommodates fewer passengers than the two largest catamarans while still providing the atmosphere and space of a larger shared cruise.
- Maximum capacity: 150 guests
- Price: €160 per person
- Included: Sparkling wine, Madeira wine and Madeira cake
👉 View details and book the Eco Catamaran Fireworks Cruise
Madeira Spectacular New Year Fireworks Cruise — best for a spacious sailing experience
This shared sailing boat is limited to 76 guests, placing it between the largest catamarans and the smaller group cruises. It offers a more moderately sized setting while retaining the sociable atmosphere of a shared New Year’s Eve celebration.
- Maximum capacity: 76 guests
- Price: €250 per person
- Included: One glass of sparkling wine and snacks
👉 View details and book the Madeira Spectacular New Year Fireworks Cruise
Best small-group New Year’s Eve fireworks cruises
Small-group cruises are ideal for travellers who want more personal space and fewer passengers without paying for an entire private boat. Capacity ranges from just 10 guests to 35, with options covering relaxed sailing boats, premium catamarans and open-bar celebrations.
Small-Group Sailing Boat — best balance of group size, food and price
Limited to 20 guests, this sailing boat offers a generous selection of savoury snacks, Madeiran sweets and drinks. It is a strong all-round option for travellers looking for a relaxed, sociable evening rather than a large onboard party.
- Maximum capacity: 20 guests
- Price: €200 per person
- Included: Croquettes, savoury snacks, Madeira honey cake, honey biscuits, brigadeiro chocolate truffles, beer, white wine, red wine, soft drinks, water and champagne
👉 View details and book the Small-Group Sailing Boat
New Year’s Eve Sailing Yacht — best for varied finger food
This intimate sailing yacht welcomes no more than 20 guests. Its menu combines savoury finger food, desserts and midnight traditions, creating a comfortable celebration for couples, friends or smaller family groups.
- Maximum capacity: 20 guests
- Price: €280 per person
- Included: Two drinks per person, sparkling wine and raisins at midnight, cheese bread, chicken and beef empanadas, sausage rolls, mini quiches, tartlets, biscuit cake and brownies
👉 View details and book the New Year’s Eve Sailing Yacht
Intimate Sailing Yacht Fireworks Cruise — smallest shared sailing option
With a maximum of only 10 passengers, this is one of the most intimate shared fireworks experiences available. It suits travellers who want the atmosphere of a sailing yacht and premium drinks without booking a full private charter.
- Maximum capacity: 10 guests
- Price: €300 per person
- Included: Sparkling wine, premium drinks and light snacks
👉 View details and book the Intimate Sailing Yacht Fireworks Cruise
Sailing Boat with Open Bar — best-value small-group open-bar option
This sailing boat carries up to 27 guests and combines a friendly small-group atmosphere with an open bar. Sparkling wine and the traditional 12 raisins are included for the midnight toast.
- Maximum capacity: 27 guests
- Price: €185 per person
- Included: Open bar, sparkling wine and raisins
👉 View details and book the Sailing Boat with Open Bar
Luxury Catamaran with Open Bar — best premium shared catamaran
Limited to 18 guests, this premium catamaran is designed for travellers who value space, comfort and attentive service. The open bar is accompanied by nuts, rissóis, savoury pastries, cheese and charcuterie.
- Maximum capacity: 18 guests
- Price: €500 per person
- Included: Open bar, nuts, rissóis, savoury pastries, cheese and charcuterie
👉 View details and book the Luxury Catamaran with Open Bar
Small-Group Premium Comfort Cruise — best for a more exclusive atmosphere
This comfortable shared boat is limited to 35 passengers. It offers a calmer and more exclusive setting than the largest cruises, with drinks and snacks included during the celebration.
- Maximum capacity: 35 guests
- Price: €350 per person
- Included: Drinks and snacks
👉 View details and book the Small-Group Premium Comfort Cruise
Premium Catamaran Fireworks Cruise — best mid-range premium catamaran
With capacity for up to 30 guests, this premium catamaran provides a comfortable shared setting at a lower price than the 18-guest luxury option. Drinks and snacks are included.
- Maximum capacity: 30 guests
- Price: €250 per person
- Included: Drinks and snacks
👉 View details and book the Premium Catamaran Fireworks Cruise
Best shared speedboat fireworks trips
Speedboats offer a smaller-group format at some of the lowest prices in the programme. They are a good match for travellers who value the fireworks view and an energetic experience more than the extra deck space or facilities of a larger vessel.
Small-Group Speedboat Fireworks Experience
This speedboat carries a maximum of 18 guests and includes sparkling wine and the traditional midnight raisins.
- Maximum capacity: 18 guests
- Price: €150 per person
- Included: Sparkling wine and raisins
👉 View details and book the Small-Group Speedboat Fireworks Experience
New Year Fireworks Speedboat Cruise — lowest-priced shared option
At €120 per person, this is the most affordable shared fireworks cruise currently listed. Capacity is limited to 18 guests, with champagne and snacks included.
- Maximum capacity: 18 guests
- Price: €120 per person
- Included: Champagne and snacks
👉 View details and book the New Year Fireworks Speedboat Cruise
Best private luxury yacht charters for New Year’s Eve
A private yacht gives your group exclusive use of the vessel and avoids sharing the celebration with other passengers. These options are suited to families, groups of friends and special celebrations where privacy, comfort and onboard service are the priorities.
Private Luxury Yacht with Dinner — best complete private celebration
Reserved exclusively for up to 12 guests, this luxury yacht includes dinner and drinks. It is the most complete private dining option in the current selection.
- Maximum capacity: 12 guests
- Charter price: €7,100 for the complete yacht
- Included: Dinner and drinks
👉 View details and book the Private Luxury Yacht with Dinner
Private Luxury Yacht for 8 Guests — best for an intimate luxury group
This elegant private yacht accommodates up to eight guests and includes champagne, wine, beer, soft drinks, snacks and fresh fruit throughout the celebration.
- Maximum capacity: 8 guests
- Charter price: €6,500 for the complete yacht
- Included: Three bottles of champagne, three bottles of white or rosé wine, water, juices, beer, snacks and fresh fruit
👉 View details and book the Private Luxury Yacht for Eight Guests
Private Luxury Boat for 12 Guests — best for finger food and desserts
This private boat combines capacity for up to 12 guests with a broad selection of savoury finger food, sweets and drinks. Sparkling wine and raisins are included for midnight.
- Maximum capacity: 12 guests
- Charter price: €5,800 for the complete boat
- Included: Two drinks per person, sparkling wine and raisins at midnight, cheese bread, chicken and beef empanadas, sausage rolls, mini quiches, tartlets, biscuit cake and brownies
👉 View details and book the Private Luxury Boat for 12 Guests
Private Motor Yacht for 10 Guests — best-value luxury motor yacht
This private motor yacht accommodates up to 10 guests and includes drinks and snacks. It offers exclusive use of a motor yacht at a lower total charter price than the other luxury options listed above.
- Maximum capacity: 10 guests
- Charter price: €4,125 for the complete yacht
- Included: Drinks and snacks
👉 View details and book the Private Motor Yacht for Ten Guests
Best private sailing boats and motorboats
Smaller private charters offer many of the benefits of a private yacht at a more accessible total price. When the cost is divided among a full group, they can also compare favourably with premium shared tickets.
Funchal New Year Fireworks Private Charter — lowest-priced private boat
This private charter accommodates up to eight people and includes champagne, beer, wine and snacks. At €1,950 for the complete boat, it is the lowest-priced private option in the current programme.
- Maximum capacity: 8 guests
- Charter price: €1,950 for the complete boat
- Included: Champagne, beer, wine and snacks
👉 View details and book the Funchal New Year Fireworks Private Charter
Private Sailing Boat for 8 Guests
Celebrate aboard a sailing boat reserved entirely for your group. This option accommodates up to eight guests and includes drinks and snacks.
- Maximum capacity: 8 guests
- Charter price: €2,800 for the complete boat
- Included: Drinks and snacks
👉 View details and book the Private Sailing Boat for Eight Guests
Exclusive Private Sailing Experience — best for up to 6 guests
Designed for no more than six people, this is the smallest private sailing option in the selection. It is particularly suitable for couples, families or close friends who want an intimate celebration at sea.
- Maximum capacity: 6 guests
- Charter price: €3,500 for the complete boat
- Included: Drinks and snacks
👉 View details and book the Exclusive Private Sailing Experience
Private Motorboat for Funchal’s Fireworks — best private capacity for the price
This private motorboat welcomes up to 11 guests and includes drinks and snacks. Its combination of capacity and total charter price makes it an attractive choice for a larger family or group of friends.
- Maximum capacity: 11 guests
- Charter price: €2,375 for the complete boat
- Included: Drinks and snacks
👉 View details and book the Private Motorboat for Funchal’s Fireworks
Shared cruise or private charter: which is better?
A shared cruise is usually the easiest choice for one or two travellers. You pay per person, and there are options covering everything from affordable speedboats to premium small-group catamarans.
A private charter becomes especially attractive for families and groups who want their own space. The complete boat is reserved for your group, so the experience feels more personal and you know exactly who will be onboard. For groups of eight to eleven people, some private boats may also offer a competitive per-person cost when the charter price is divided among everyone.
Choose a large catamaran if you want more deck space and a lively crowd. Choose a small sailing boat or yacht if fewer passengers and a quieter atmosphere matter more. Choose a speedboat if you want a smaller group at a lower price and are comfortable with a more compact vessel.
What is normally included on Madeira New Year’s Eve cruises?
Every boat has its own package. The current selection includes options with:
- Open bar service
- Champagne or sparkling wine for the midnight toast
- Madeira wine
- Traditional Madeira honey cake and biscuits
- The Portuguese tradition of eating 12 raisins at midnight
- Savoury snacks, finger food, cheese and charcuterie
- Full dinner on selected private luxury yachts
Always read the individual product page before booking. The exact drinks, food quantities and onboard services vary considerably between vessels.
When should you book a Madeira New Year’s Eve boat trip?
Book as early as possible, particularly if you want a private charter, a shared boat with fewer than 20 passengers or a specific vessel. Madeira’s New Year’s Eve boat trips operate on a single high-demand night, and the smallest or best-value options have very limited capacity.
Waiting until the final days of December can mean accepting whichever spaces remain rather than choosing the boat that best suits your group. Availability shown on each product page should therefore be checked before making other plans for the evening.
Practical tips before choosing your cruise
- Compare capacity, not only price. A €150 ticket can mean a speedboat with 18 passengers or a catamaran with up to 200.
- Check what is included. An open bar, full dinner or broad finger-food selection can materially change the value of the experience.
- Consider the vessel type. Catamarans generally provide more space, while sailing yachts and speedboats offer a smaller setting.
- Dress for the sea. Even when Funchal feels mild on land, the temperature and wind can feel cooler offshore at night. Bring a warm outer layer and wear stable footwear.
- Review the individual booking terms. Seasonal event products may have specific cancellation and weather policies.
- Confirm the operational details. Boarding time, departure point and check-in instructions are provided with the selected experience and can vary by boat.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best New Year’s Eve fireworks cruises in Madeira?
The best cruise depends on your preferred atmosphere and budget. Large catamarans suit travellers who want space and a lively celebration; small sailing boats suit those who prefer fewer passengers; speedboats offer lower-priced small-group choices; and private yachts provide privacy for families and groups.
How much does a Madeira New Year’s Eve fireworks cruise cost?
For the 2026/2027 programme listed here, shared cruises range from €120 to €500 per person. Private charters range from €1,950 to €7,100 for the complete boat, depending on vessel type, capacity and the food and drinks included.
What is the cheapest Madeira fireworks boat trip?
The lowest-priced shared option currently listed is the New Year Fireworks Speedboat Cruise at €120 per person. The lowest-priced private option is the Funchal New Year Fireworks Private Charter at €1,950 for up to eight guests.
Are there small-group New Year’s Eve boat trips in Madeira?
Yes. The current selection includes shared speedboats for up to 18 guests, sailing boats and yachts for 10 to 27 guests, a luxury catamaran for 18, a premium catamaran for 30 and a premium comfort cruise for 35 passengers.
Can I charter a private yacht for the Funchal fireworks?
Yes. Private luxury yachts and boats are available for groups of eight to twelve guests, with charter prices currently ranging from €4,125 to €7,100. Smaller private sailing boats and motorboats are available from €1,950.
Are food and drinks included?
All the cruises in this guide include at least some drinks, food or snacks, but packages differ. Some offer an open bar, while others include a set number of drinks, sparkling wine, snacks, finger food or a complete dinner. Check the relevant product page for the exact package.
Is it better to watch Madeira’s fireworks from a boat or from land?
A boat provides a wide view of Funchal’s amphitheatre and avoids the densest viewing crowds on land. Land viewpoints may be better for travellers who prefer not to sail or want more freedom before and after midnight. The best choice depends on comfort, budget and preferred atmosphere.
Which fireworks cruise is best for couples?
Couples who enjoy a lively event may prefer a large open-bar catamaran. Those seeking a quieter evening should consider the 10-guest intimate sailing yacht or another small-group sailing option. A private six-guest sailing charter offers the most privacy but has a higher total cost.
Are New Year’s Eve boat trips suitable for families?
Suitability depends on the individual vessel, the age of the children and sea conditions. Larger catamarans generally provide more space, while private charters keep the group together. Parents should check age rules, onboard facilities and safety information on the selected product page before booking.
What should I wear on a Madeira New Year’s Eve cruise?
Wear comfortable, stable footwear and bring a warm jacket or windproof layer. Madeira has a mild winter climate, but conditions can feel cooler and windier offshore at night. Follow any vessel-specific guidance supplied after booking.
What happens if the weather affects the cruise?
The vessel operator makes the final operational and safety decision. Procedures may differ between products, so read the cancellation and weather terms of the selected cruise and monitor any instructions sent before departure.
Do Madeira New Year’s Eve cruises sell out?
They can sell out because every experience operates on the same high-demand night. Private boats, the smallest shared cruises and the best-value tickets have the fewest places, so early booking provides a wider choice.
Book your Madeira New Year’s Eve fireworks cruise
Whether you want an affordable speedboat ticket, an open-bar catamaran, a small-group sailing yacht or a private luxury charter, booking early gives you the best choice of vessel, atmosphere and budget.
Madeira.Best works with local boat operators and brings the available New Year’s Eve options together in one place, helping you compare capacities, inclusions and prices before reserving.
👉 Explore all Madeira New Year’s Eve fireworks experiences
