To Caletha to spot whales and dolphins

Madeira offers year-round opportunities for many sports such as cycling, canoeing, paragliding and surfing. The only beach with golden sand (but it is artificial) is Calheta (on the south-western coast). Its marina is actually famous because it is from here that one sets off for an authentic exploration of marine life in the crystal-clear sea on board a boat for a dolphin, whale and turtle sighting. Madeira is in fact one of the main destinations for spotting some of the ocean's most majestic creatures such as whales that can be spotted practically all year round. March to June is the time when migratory species such as minke and humpback whales are most commonly seen. The temperate waters around the island serve as an ideal stopover on their migratory routes. From July to September there is a greater chance of spotting resident species such as sperm whales and pilot whales. Finally, dolphins and the occasional whale are spotted from December to February. In October, the Madeira Islands host the Madeira Whale Fest, an event dedicated to the unique cultural and ecological heritage of the region's cetaceans that reinforces Madeira's ongoing commitment to ecotourism and cetacean conservation. Not far from Clheta is Ponta do Sol with its pier, once the safest and widest pier on Madeira's south-west coast. Today, it offers a picturesque view of the town's beach and is home to the Sol Ponente restaurant where you can enjoy typical sautéed limpets.