The 15 Best Funchal Tours & Excursions

Porto Moniz, Seixal, Fanal Forest, Cliff Skywalk in Open Roof 4X4 - Porto Moniz: the longest stop and a chance to swim

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3,631 reviews · 8 hours (approx.) · from $75Our pick

Spend about eight hours exploring Madeira’s west and north from Funchal in an open-roof 4x4. Your local guide drives forest tracks and steep roads, with stops at the Porto Moniz pools, Seixal’s black-sand beach, Fanal Forest and Cabo Girão. Pool admission, the €3 Cabo Girão entry fee, and lunch are extra. Guides vary, with names including Tony, Eddie, Diogo and Miguel.

“Great adventure on and off road in a jeep. Brilliant way to see the western part of Madeira. Varied landscapes from sea to mountain. For those of us who suffer car sickness, dont forget the tablets! It's a full on ride for the day, but we'll worth it 👍”

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Funchal Tours, Guided, Hiking & Trekking, Madeira Sunrise Tours, Madeira Tours, Morning, Pico do Arieiro Tours, Private Drivers, Self-Guided Tours, Tour Reviews

Funchal: Pico do Arieiro Sunrise Transfer Self-guided Hike

2.Pico do Arieiro Sunrise Transfer Self-guided Hike

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 2,798 reviews · from $37

Set off from Funchal or Caniço before dawn for a self-guided mountain hike from Pico do Arieiro toward Pico Ruivo and Achada do Teixeira. Your driver explains the route and pickup plan, then collects you at the finish. Expect about five hours on foot, steep sections and stairs, and weather that can hide the sunrise.

“We were really lucky with the weather. We only hiked part of the PR1 (as the rest of it is shut). It was quite busy with lots of tourists. The PR3 trail we went on after was much quieter and the scenery was beautiful. Watching the sunrise at pick do ariero was amazing, good transport and all in all lovely trip that was worth the money.”

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East Madeira Tours, Funchal Tours, Madeira Tours, Pico do Arieiro Tours, Santana Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Madeira Funchal:East Tour Pico Arieiro & Santana&Laurissilva

3.Madeira Funchal:East Tour Pico Arieiro & Santana&Laurissilva

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 1,994 reviews · 7 hours · from $37

Travel from Funchal or Caniço into eastern Madeira with a driver-guide, stopping at Pico do Arieiro, Ribeiro Frio’s laurel forest, Santana and coastal viewpoints. The optional Balcões walk is an easy, flat route of about 20 minutes. Guides have included Bruna, Pedro and Nelson; lunch and snacks are extra.

“This was the best trip of the holidays by far. The weather was fantastic. We were picked up from our hotel on time and the journey was interspersed with stops with views that were stunning. Pedro was a great host and driver. using his mic so we could hear his commentary. loved the stop on the peak at over 1800 MTs and the fabulous views. later we did the gentle laveda walk to see the viewpoints. We walked down the hill and he advised us on the best restaurant for lunch near where the van was. in the afternoon he took the faster routes from Santana to the east point.…”

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Funchal Tours, Madeira Boat Trips, Madeira Tours, Madeira Whale and Dolphin Watching, Sailing, Tour Reviews

Madeira Dolphin and Whale Watching on a Ecological Catamaran

4.Madeira Dolphin and Whale Watching on a Ecological Catamaran

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,957 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $42

Sail from Funchal aboard a purpose-built catamaran, watching for dolphins and whales guided by spotters on land. Certified guides explain the marine life, and hybrid-electric engines allow quieter cruising near cetaceans. The roughly three-hour outing may also pass Cabo Girão, Câmara de Lobos and Reid’s Hotel on the return.

“Well organised trip. We were on a cruise ship and walked to where the Magic Dolphin kiosk and boat are. All staff were very professional, particularly the staff on board. We saw pilot whales and common seals. Take a waterproof, as you may get very wet from sea spray on the return journey. You can purchase snacks and drinks on board although we didn’t take this up.”

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VipDolphins Luxury Whale Watching

5.VipDolphins Luxury Whale Watching

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,709 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $95

Sail from Funchal’s marina on a modern catamaran with a maximum of 17 passengers. The three-hour trip searches for dolphins and whales, then pauses for a swim and snorkeling near Cabo Girao. Snacks, drinks, towels, and snorkeling gear are included. Crew names vary, with Sheila and Liv among those praised for attentive service.

“Great start views of the coast were incredible, snack and drinks provided. All questions answered and recommendations given. Highlight of trip was the pilot whales swimming close to us. Thank you Nick and crew I’m sure we will be back. Maggie thanks for info on where to visit.”

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From Funchal: Transfer to Pico do Arieiro & Pico Ruivo Trail

6.Transfer to Pico do Arieiro & Pico Ruivo Trail

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 1,591 reviews · from $36

Ride from Funchal or Caniço to Pico do Arieiro, then hike on your own for about five hours toward Pico Ruivo and finish at Achada do Teixeira. Your English-speaking driver gives trail instructions and handles the return transfer. Route changes can happen when trails close or weather turns, so pack for varied conditions and confirm your pickup details the day before.

“This was a great trip, definitely can recommend! Diego the driver was very friendly and took good care of us 😊 We got good instructions before hike, and it was so good experience. Views everybody should see 🤩 Thank you for this experience.”

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Whale and Dolphin Watching Tour in Madeira

7.Whale and Dolphin Watching Tour in Madeira

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,192 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $83

Set out from Calheta Marina with On Tales for a 2.5-hour coastal cruise, wildlife search, and a swim or snorkel stop when sea conditions allow. The crew provides masks, fins, towels, and drinks. Wildlife is never guaranteed, and sunset departures are for sunset, swimming, and sparkling wine, not whale watching.

“Seeing the island from the sea was an amazing experience as well as watching the dolphins jump in the water. Emanuel was a great captain, so knowledgeable and a lot of fun.”

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Cabo Girão Skywalk Tours, Fanal Forest Tours, Full-Day, Funchal Tours, Madeira Jeep Tours, Madeira Tours, Porto Moniz Tours, Tour Reviews, West Madeira Tours

Full-Day Jeep Safari West: Fanal, Porto Moniz, Seixal, Cabo Girão

8.Full-Day Jeep Safari West: Fanal, Porto Moniz, Seixal, Cabo Girão

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 940 reviews · 7 hours (approx.) · from $74

Set out from Funchal at 9:00 am for a seven-hour west Madeira jeep safari, with pickup, an English-speaking guide and a maximum of eight people. Expect coastal viewpoints, Fanal’s mossy trees, time for lunch and a swim at Porto Moniz, and some bumpy off-road driving. Guides named by past participants include Ernesto, Pedro, Tyrese and Miguel.

“Guide Miguel great. Informative, exuberant and amusing. The scenery especially up in mountains and forest spectacular. Loved the beach and natural pools. Really enjoyed wild ride on the jeep. So much more fun than a van ect.”

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Jeep Tour Amazing West to Natural Pools -Full-Day

9.Jeep Tour Amazing West to Natural Pools -Full-Day

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 827 reviews · 8 hours (approx.) · from $78

Spend about eight hours crossing Madeira’s west and north in a 4x4, with stops at Cabo Girão, Fanal’s old laurel trees, Porto Moniz and Seixal. Hotel pickup is offered, and groups are capped at eight. Guides named Justino, Justinho and Jake have led tours, though you cannot count on a particular guide. Bring swimwear, and budget separately for lunch and pool entry.

“We had a wonderful tour of Madeira Island, we saw unique views that are impossible to describe, you have to see them! Our driver Justin was simply amazing. I highly recommend this tour. Ramunė and Lukas from Ireland/Lithuania 20/11/25”

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East Madeira Tours, Full-Day, Funchal Tours, Madeira Jeep Tours, Madeira Tours, Pico do Arieiro Tours, Santana Tours, São Lourenço Hikes, Tour Reviews

Full Day Jeep Safari East – Pico do Areeiro – Santana – Ponta de são Lourenço

10.Full Day Jeep Safari East – Pico do Areeiro – Santana – Ponta de são Lourenço

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 819 reviews · 7 hours (approx.) · from $74

Set out from Funchal at 9 a.m. for a seven-hour east Madeira safari in a small 4x4 group of up to eight. Expect mountain views, a short walk to Balcões, lunch time in Santana, coastal stops and a rum tasting in Porto da Cruz. Guides vary, with names including Nico, Alex, Ernesto and Rodrigo.

“Excellent day out, enjoyed it from start to finish. Our driver John was very knowledgeable about Madeira. Some incredible views to be seen. Madeira is a beautiful island and there's no better way to see it. Recommended 👍”

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2-Day Experiences, Funchal Tours, Madeira Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Around The Island – Two Days Tour From 9am To 5pm (Each Day)

11.Around The Island – Two Days Tour From 9am To 5pm (Each Day)

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 795 reviews · 2 days (approx.) · from $72

Spend two days touring Madeira from Funchal in a small group of up to 16, with pickup in central Funchal and selected nearby areas. Expect coastal viewpoints, mountain stops, village visits and time for lunch, plus commentary from guides such as Lionel, Renato and Gloria. The route covers both sides of the island, but the order can change with conditions.

“Lionel and Renato were fantastic guides, funny with lots of information. The island is stunning and we really enjoyed the tour.”

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Funchal Tours, Hiking & Trekking, Madeira Tours, Private Drivers, São Lourenço Hikes, Tour Reviews

Funchal: Caniçal Ponta São Lourenco Hiking Transfer

12.Caniçal Ponta São Lourenco Hiking Transfer

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 756 reviews · 6 hours · from $35

Ride from Funchal, Caniço, Santa Cruz or Machico to Madeira’s eastern tip for a self-guided 7.5-kilometer hike along the coast. You get route instructions, a digital map and up to 4.5 hours on the trail, with a shared van ride back. Drivers such as Miguel, Filipe and Nuno have also shared useful trail and island tips.

“The trip was great - amazing views, option to get lunch / snacks in a cafe and go swimming. Our guide Nuno who was very friendly and fun - thank you! Highly recommended.”

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Funchal: City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

13.City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.1 · 627 reviews · 1 - 2 days · from $29

See Funchal by open-top bus on a 24-hour red route or a 48-hour ticket that adds the blue route to Monte, plus walking tours and a nightly loop. Audio commentary comes in 14 languages. Use the stops to plan your own pace, but check bus times: the blue route runs less often than the red.

“There was no activities onboard bus and the audio guide was not working”

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Caldeirão Verde Hikes, Funchal Tours, Hiking & Trekking, Madeira Levada Walks, Madeira Tours, Private Drivers, Tour Reviews

Madeira: PR 9 – Levada do Caldeirão Verde Hike Transfer

14.PR 9 – Levada do Caldeirão Verde Hike Transfer

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 620 reviews · 7 hours · from $47

Ride from Funchal, Caniço, or Garajau to Pico das Pedras, then follow the self-guided PR9 trail through Laurissilva Forest, tunnels, and ravines to Caldeirão Verde. Your local driver-host, such as Vitor, Fábio, Roberto, or Cristiano, gives a safety briefing and route details, then collects you for the return transfer. Bring a head torch, waterproof shoes, food, and water.

“We took the transfer to the PR9 trail with Levadas In and Out, and everything was perfect. Our driver Fábio was very attentive, punctual, and careful. The car was clean, comfortable, and in great condition. Before the hike, Fábio gave us all the necessary information about the trail and answered all our questions. We had a wonderful experience and would definitely use this company again!”

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Funchal Tours, Madeira Canyoning, Madeira Tours, Tour Reviews

Madeira Canyoning Beginners – Easy & Fun Waterfall Adventure

15.Madeira Canyoning Beginners – Easy & Fun Waterfall Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 548 reviews · 4.5 hours · from $63

Meet your guide at Bar 21 in Camacha for a half-day beginner canyoning trip. After a safety briefing and a short walk, you’ll descend a waterfall route with manageable abseils, small jumps and natural slides. Wetsuit, canyoning shoes, helmet, transport and photos are included. Guides such as Matilde, Sergio and Arthur have led trips, though the team may vary.