Nautical Sports
In Madeira there is a broader range of water sports where the most common activities are swimming, surfing, windsurfing, diving, sailing, canoeing or water skiing.
Fishing
Madeira is winning international fame as a first class destination for deep water sea fishing. It is one the best locations in the world to fish for blue marlin of over 500 kg, thanks to abundance of tuna and tuna like species in these deep waters.
Madeira has over the past years produced some of the worlds largest blue marlin, which is also reflected by the results of the annual July 4.th Blue Marlin World Cup. Madeira was World Cup winner in 1995, 1996, 1997 and narrowly missed the World Cup fish in 2000. This years result was a second place. The marlin season in Madeira runs from May through to October ,with a fish average of about 700 lbs. About one in every ten is that fish of a lifetime, a grander blue marlin. These huge creatures swim in its predominantly calm blue waters ,with the run to reach these leviathans being practically non - existent. Add to this a pleasant temperate climate in which to fish, and all of this set in a safe, civilised European environment you'll see why if there is a finer Atlantic blue marlin fishery we certainly don't know of it .
As Madeira's warm blue waters metamorphose to a cooler green the fishing also undergoes a transformation. The marlin gradually leave, replaced by shoals of big-eye tuna and albacore. These pursuing bait fish in the form of scad and mackerel. These pelagic migrants provide the angler with some truly world class tuna fishing from February to May. Big-eye tuna of 150 lbs+ are regularly caught with fish in excess of 200 lbs being far from uncommon. Albacore whilst not reaching the weights of the big-eye tuna do provide the angler with worthwhile sport on lighter balanced tackle.
Diving
Beneath the surface of the Atlantic Ocean lies a fantastic underwater garden. Diving in Madeira is a unique experience.
Jet Ski and Water Ski
Jet skiing and water skiing are fine ways to enjoy the sea and the Madeira coast, which unfurls itself in green folds around the water’s edge.
Surf and Windsurfing
If it’s adrenaline you’re after, then the Madeira coast is the place Jardim do Mar, Paul do Mar and S. Vicente all offer excellent surfing, with waves able to stir even the stout-hearted.
Windsurfing conditions are also very good. In 1996 a native of Madeira won the world championship.