Madeira’s New SeaBus: A High Price for a Scenic Ride
Starting this tuesday, a new maritime transport service is set to change how people travel along the southern coast of Madeira. The company SeaYou Madeira is launching the SeaBus, a modern catamaran offering a scenic and supposedly sustainable journey between Calheta, Funchal, and Caniçal. Traveling from Calheta to Funchal and back costs you €73, which means the service is out of reach for many and will only serve as a tourist gig.
We provide the first-ever sea transfer connecting the main cities on the South and East coast of the island.
Departures are from Calheta marina and Canical marina with a stop in Funchal marina. You can check our schedules for the departure and arrival information.
Is the SeaBus Truly Sustainable?
While the SeaBus markets itself as an environmentally friendly option, questions remain about its actual sustainability. Although its electrical systems are powered by solar panels, operating a catamaran likely generates far more CO2 emissions than a bus or car would for the same journey. The efficiency of maritime transport compared to land-based alternatives needs to be considered, especially as the push for green travel intensifies.
A Reliable and Fixed Schedule
The SeaBus will operate on a structured timetable, ensuring reliability for passengers planning their trips. The schedule includes:
Tuesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays: Departing from Calheta, stopping in Funchal for passenger transfers, and arriving in Caniçal. One-way and round-trip options are available.
Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays: Departing from Caniçal, stopping in Funchal, and ending in Calheta, with similar travel options.
Route | Oneway Adults (€) | Oneway Children (€) | Oneway Infants | Roundtrip Adults (€) | Roundtrip Children (€) | Roundtrip Infants |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Caniçal > Calheta | 75 | 38 | Free | 99 | 50 | Free |
Calheta > Caniçal | 75 | 38 | Free | 99 | 50 | Free |
Funchal > Calheta | 55 | 28 | Free | 73 | 37 | Free |
Calheta > Funchal | 55 | 28 | Free | 73 | 37 | Free |
Funchal > Caniçal | 55 | 28 | Free | 73 | 37 | Free |
Caniçal > Funchal | 55 | 28 | Free | 73 | 37 | Free |
Launch Date and Future Outlook
While the service is expected to attract tourists looking for a unique way to experience Madeira, its long-term success will likely depend on whether it can justify its high cost and environmental claims. In this regard, Sea Bus
As global tourism shifts towards sustainability, I am doubtful whether projects like the SeaBus genuinely provide a greener alternative - or if they are simply capitalizing on the eco-friendly travel trend without delivering real benefits.
SeaBus Departures
Tuesday, Saturday, Sunday
08:30 From: Calheta To: Funchal (1h 15m)
08:30 From: Calheta To: Caniçal (2h 30m)
10:00 From: Funchal To: Caniçal (1h)
17:00 From: Caniçal To: Funchal (1h)
17:00 From: Caniçal To: Calheta (2h 30m)
18:15 From: Funchal To: Calheta (1h 15m)
Wednesday, Thursday, Friday
08:30 From: Caniçal To: Funchal (1h)
08:30 From: Caniçal To: Calheta (2h 30m)
09:45 From: Funchal To: Calheta (1h 15m)
17:00 From: Calheta To: Funchal (1h 15m)
17:00 From: Calheta To: Caniçal (2h 30m)
18:30 From: Funchal To: Caniçal (1h)
5-Star Reviews Only and 30% Off
When researching SeaYou, you will find out that for a while already, the company has offered private cruises or excursions by ship. They have only outstanding reviews 5-star reviews on Tripadvisor. Also, when booking the SeaBus, you will get 30% off when using the code "SEABUS" at the checkout (valid until March 31).
Care for a share?
Comments