The 15 Best Madeira Tours & Day Trips

From Funchal: Ecological Catamaran Dolphin Whale Watching - Choosing your place on the catamaran

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 5,771 reviews · from $40Our pick

Set out from Funchal on a purpose-built catamaran with hybrid-electric engines, certified guides and land-based whale spotters. The 2.5 to 3-hour trip looks for dolphins, whales, turtles and seabirds, then follows Madeira’s south coast past Cabo Girão and includes a swim stop. Bar service, toilets, shaded seating and open viewing areas are on board.

“At first we had that "doomed to see nothing" feeling but three large schools of whales later, we were very happy.”

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Cabo Girão Skywalk Tours, Fanal Forest Tours, Madeira Jeep Tours, Madeira Tours, Porto Moniz Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Madeira: Skywalk, Porto Moniz, Seixal, and Fanal 4WD Tour

2.Skywalk, Porto Moniz, Seixal, and Fanal 4WD Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 5,732 reviews · from $72Top rated

Ride an open-roof Land Rover from Funchal to Cabo Girão, Seixal, Porto Moniz and Fanal Forest, with time for a swim and a short off-road run. Guides such as Victor, Gil and Antonio Gonçalves bring local stories and humor. The day costs $72, with pool and Skywalk entry fees extra.

“Our driver was lovely and very knowledgeable about the island. He made sure all of us were having a good time throughout the day and really looked after us. We saw so much of the island, it was really good value for money. Would 100% recommend.”

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

Funchal: Dolphin and Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise

3.Dolphin and Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 5,697 reviews · 3 hours · from $41

From Funchal Marina, sail for three hours along Madeira’s coast aboard a spacious catamaran, watching for dolphins, whales and turtles. The crew speaks English and Portuguese and shares information about marine life. In summer, the trip may include a swim stop beneath Cabo Girão. Drinks are sold onboard; wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.

“Entire experience was amazing and all went as planned - we have been extremely lucky as we managed to watch whales and dolphins during the trip. Staff was helpful and also enjoyed watching with all the crew - we could see their happy faces. Wild life watching is seasonal and we picked the best time of the year.”

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Fanal Forest Tours, Madeira Jeep Tours, Madeira Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Funchal: Enchanted Terraces, Porto do Moniz & Fanal 4WD Tour

4.Enchanted Terraces, Porto do Moniz & Fanal 4WD Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 4,930 reviews · 8 hours · from $74

Spend eight hours in an open-top 4x4 exploring Madeira’s northwest, from Fanal’s old Laurissilva forest to Porto Moniz and Seixal’s volcanic pools. Your guide leads the scenic drives and walks, with time for a swim and lunch stop. Guides including Jorge, Diego, Pedro and Ruan have led tours, but your guide may vary.

“guide was so pleasant and informative and gave a great explanation of all the sights. friendly and pleasant guide well worth the only. a lovely day”

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From Funchal: Best of Madeira’s West Tour

5.Best of Madeira’s West Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 3,463 reviews · 8 hours · from $42

Travel from Funchal across Madeira’s west and north in an air-conditioned van, with stops at Cabo Girão, Paul da Serra, Porto Moniz, Seixal and São Vicente. You get an hour for lunch in Porto Moniz, plus time to see its volcanic pools. Guides speak English, French, German, Portuguese and Spanish. The €5 Cabo Girão viewpoint ticket and lunch are extra.

“Although the weather wasn’t great Porto Moniz as stunning. Roberto was a good guide and looked after us very well. Restaurant he recommended for lunch was lovely. Really interesting tour.”

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Madeira: Best of the East Tour from Funchal

6.Best of the East Tour from Funchal

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 3,364 reviews · 8 hours · from $42

From Funchal, spend eight hours crossing Madeira’s eastern half by minibus, with stops at Terreiro da Luta, Pico do Arieiro, Ribeiro Frio, Santana, Ponta de São Lourenço and Machico. Guides such as Marco, Bruno and Patrícia share island history and local customs. Hotel pickup is included in selected Funchal areas. Lunch is extra.

“information on all aspects off trip from start to finish by guide”

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Funchal Walking Tours, Madeira Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Funchal: Old Town Walking Tour

7.Old Town Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 3,233 reviews · 2 hours · from $19Best value

Start inside the Jesuits’ College with a small-group guide from Madeiran Heritage. Over two hours, follow Funchal’s story through the City Hall, a 19th-century sweet factory, the Farmers’ Market, Santa Maria Street, old fortifications, the cathedral and a traditional Wine Lodge. Guides lead in English, German or French, and proceeds support University of Madeira student programmes.

“Sarah was our guide, she was very friendly and knowledgeable. The walking tour was a good pace and she gave us plenty of time to look round certain places on our own after explaining the history of it - highly recommend”

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Funchal: Pico do Arieiro Sunrise Transfer Self-guided Hike

8.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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Funchal Bay: Dolphin & Whale Watch Luxury Catamaran Cruise

9.Dolphin & Whale Watch Luxury Catamaran Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 2,684 reviews · 3 hours · from $47

Set sail from Funchal aboard the Atlantic Pearl for a three-hour coastal cruise with a crew speaking Portuguese and English. Watch for whales and dolphins, then stop near Cabo Girão for a swim or snorkel. The boat has covered seating, outdoor lounging areas, a bathroom and a bar where you can buy drinks.

“Despite not seeing any animals on the trip (obviously not the fault of the experience provider), we had such a great time. We chose the luxury catamaran as we wanted a more quieter experience, rather than a party boat and we got exactly what we paid for. We will cherish this memory! Thank you to the crew for the beautiful experience.”

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From Funchal: West Madeira Waterfalls and Fanal Forest Tour

10.West Madeira Waterfalls and Fanal Forest Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 2,630 reviews · 8 hours · from $33

Spend eight hours crossing Madeira’s west, from Câmara de Lobos and Cabo Girão to misty Fanal Forest, Porto Moniz’s volcanic pools and the Serra de Água mountains. Your guide drives and explains the island along the way. A short forest walk may be possible in suitable weather; bring a jacket and swimwear.

“Everything was amazing. The driver went above and beyond to make sure that we feel comfortable during the trip. At some point we forgot a personal item in the vehicle, and he came back to our drop off location to deliver it back to us. Top notch service!”

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All Inclusive Whale and Dolphin Watching Luxury Tour

11.All Inclusive Whale and Dolphin Watching Luxury Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 2,573 reviews · 3 hours · from $93

From Funchal’s new marina, sail with a small group to look for whales, dolphins and turtles, then stop to swim beneath Cabo Girão. The three-hour trip includes sparkling wine, local snacks, unlimited drinks and snorkels. Crew members such as Liv, David and skipper Bruno have been praised for their attentive hosting, though wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.

“Excellent staff very friendly and knowledgeable. Great variety of drinks and snacks. Unfortunately no dolphins or whales!”

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Madeira: Full-Day Jeep Tour with Guide and Pickup

12.Full-Day Jeep Tour with Guide and Pickup

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 2,216 reviews · 8 hours · from $78

Spend eight hours crossing Madeira in a small-group jeep, with an English-speaking local guide such as Paulo, Renato, Pedro or Ricardo. Expect a glass-floor cliff stop at Cabo Girão, a bumpy Trompica trail, coastal viewpoints, Fanal Forest and up to two hours for lunch and a swim in Porto Moniz’s volcanic pools.

“Amazing 4x4 excursion to the North West of Madeira. Renato bought great energy and enthusiasm to the day. We visited a number of different locations and Renato was passionate on sharing with us the history, geography and culture of the island. Experiencing off road travel was exhilarating and thrilling. The countryside was magical and a highlight for us was the Fanal Forest. Renato was keen that each member of our small group were given a wonderful experience. Really recommend this excursion. Thank you Renato for making memories for us.”

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Madeira: Enjoy a Guided Levada Walk in the Rabaçal Valley

13.Enjoy a Guided Levada Walk in the Rabaçal Valley

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 2,197 reviews · 8 hours · from $50

From Funchal, Câmara de Lobos, or Caniço, travel with a guide to Rabaçal for a full-day walk along Madeira’s historic levadas. Expect waterfalls, a lagoon fed by 25 springs, forest paths, steps, and a wet 800-meter tunnel. Guides have included Sara, Ruby, and Robina. Bring sturdy shoes, weather-ready clothing, food, water, and a light.

“It was a great trip, very well planned and organized, and our tour guide Sara talked about Madeira in a very interesting way.”

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From Funchal: West Madeira and Laurel Forest Day Trip

14.West Madeira and Laurel Forest Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 2,067 reviews · 8 hours · from $37

Travel from Funchal through Câmara de Lobos, Cabo Girão and the old laurel forest at Fanal, then reach Porto Moniz for free time and a possible swim in its volcanic pools. Guides such as Carlos, Tony and Daniel lead the route in several languages. Hotel pickup and transport are included; lunch, pool entry and the optional Cabo Girão Skywalk fee are extra.

“The guide is so informative , funny and helpful . I highly recommend the tour and it definitely worth more . My only feedback is I would skip the towns in order to have more time in Fanal”

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Madeira Funchal:East Tour Pico Arieiro & Santana&Laurissilva

15.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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