Top Funchal Nature and Wildlife Tours

Bask in the sun and sea of Madeira, one of the world’s tallest oceanside cliffs, on this catamaran excursion from the Funchal Marina. After boarding, find a nice spot on the deck or one of the four trampoline nets for spotting whales and dolphins. Your crew highlights landmarks and wildlife plus you have a choice of a morning or afternoon departure time.

Stray from the beaten path and see a side of Funchal that’s inaccessible to traditional tour vehicles on an excursion by 4x4 Jeep. As well as receiving personalized attention in a small group limited to eight people, you’ll discover landscape that feature everything from mountains and waterfalls to fishing villages and natural pools.

Admire the views of Madeira's coastline and look out for local wildlife at the same time with this catamaran adventure. Eliminate the guesswork of wildlife spotting and benefit from having a crew to take you to areas where dolphins, turtles, and whales have been spotted before. In the summer months, it’s also possible to hop off the boat and go snorkeling.

Make the most of your time in Madeira and cover the entire island in just two days on this small-group excursion. Set out for two full-day tours to see top landmarks including Girao Cape, the Porto Moniz natural pools, the fishing village of Camara de Lobos, and the Arieiro and Ruivo summits. Experience nature, history, and tradition on this comprehensive tour.

Spend time on the Atlantic Ocean spotting whales and dolphins during this small-group wildlife tour. Board a fast, agile speedboat in Funchal and sail along the coastline to observe marine life in their natural habitats, learning about their behavior from your skipper. The tour operates responsibly, with no chasing or feeding, ensuring respectful encounters.

The south coast of Madeira is a popular spot to watch whales and dolphins in their natural environment. This small-group yacht cruise offers a more personalized experience, with a chance to customize the tour to your group’s preferences, stopping to swim or snorkel along the coast, and looking out for bottlenose dolphins, sperm whales, and Bryde's whales.

Delve into the spectacular landscapes of Madeira’s northwest coast on an explorative full-day tour from Funchal. Accompanied by your guide, travel through scenery of outstanding natural beauty, gazing at landmarks like Paul da Serra and Porto Moniz. Head deep into the mysterious forest on a guided hike; gain an insightful glimpse into Portuguese culture; and, weather permitting, sink your toes into the silky sands of the black sandy beach of Seixal.

Discover the enchanting island of Madeira during your 4-hour stop in Funchal. This mini-adventure takes you to breathtaking viewpoints and lush landscapes, providing a glimpse into the island's natural beauty and rich culture. With expert guides leading the way, you'll enjoy a surprise itinerary that showcases the best sights Madeira has to offer, making the most of your limited time. - Explore stunning viewpoints and natural landscapes in Madeira - Experience local culture through guided tours tailored for short stays - Enjoy a surprise program that highlights the island’s charm - Perfect for travelers looking to make the most of a 4-hour break in Funchal

The rugged landscape of Madeira means there are lots of nature spots that can only be accessed on off-road routes. Instead of organizing your own car rental, benefit from the expertise of a local driver who knows the roads well. Enjoy a private off-road tour that’s customized to suit your requirements; swim in rock pools, hike through forests, access stunning viewpoints, or explore local food spots—the choice is yours.

Uncover the natural splendor surrounding Funchal on this full-day northern wonders Jeep trip. Stay from Funchal’s well-trodden paths in a fully-equipped Jeep to see the awe-inspiring plateaus at Paul da Serra. Admire the natural Porto Moniz pools, formed by volcanic activity long ago, as well as the renowned São Vicente vineyards and Cabo Girao.

Taste your way around Madeira on this small-group food and walking tour. You won’t have to worry about language barriers as you’ll have a guide to translate and order for you. Save time researching and planning your trip by having a guide to show you around. Make the most of your day by visiting multiple places and tasting local specialties. All food and drink is included.

See the extraordinary views from the summit of Pico Ruivo on this small-group sunrise hike. The PR1 hike from Pico do Arieiro takes you to the highest peak in Madeira, offering panoramic scenes of the island below. Set off long before the crowds arrive and climb the mountainous region to reach the top, often above the clouds, as the sun rises.

Enjoy a more personalized way of exploring one of Funchal’s most popular attractions with this private tour of the Madeira Botanical Garden. Pick a start time that’s best for you, meet your guide at your Funchal hotel, and hop aboard your very own tuk-tuk. You’ll enjoy a comfortable ride uphill and straight to the botanical garden (tickets own expense), where you’ll have time to explore its attractions at your own pace.

Slow down and explore the lush heart of Madeira island on this half-day walking tour from Rabaçal to 25 Fountains. Led by a local guide, you’ll learn about Madeira’s levadas (canals), catch stunning views of Rabaçal Valley, wander through a laurel forest, watch for the elusive trocaz pigeon—a bird found only on Madeira—and marvel at the clear, green water of 25 Fountains.

In Fanal, the centerpiece is undoubtedly the grove of centuries-old tis (Ocotea foetens)—these specimens date back even before the archipelago's discovery. They are part of the indigenous Laurissilva forest, which here expresses itself in a state of conservation that is impressive for its vibrancy. The tour allows you to walk at your own pace within the time we provide, without having to hassle with parking a car or paying parking fees and being subjected to availability.

Enjoy an easy way to summit one of Madeira’s tallest peaks—and discover what many describe as the island’s best sunrise view—on this private tour of Pico do Areeiro. Early in the morning, meet your driver directly at your hotel and drive to the top of the mountain, with stops at scenic villages en route. After admiring the view, you’ll enjoy a brief hike through Laurisilva forests and stop at a local bakery.

Venture off-road to explore the rugged mountains and rural villages of Madeira, without having to worry about driving, on this small-group safari from Funchal. Travel around in an open-top safari vehicle, take in the views from Boca dos Namorados, and pass through traditional villages such as Camara de Lobos, and visit the famous glass walkway at Girao Cape that towers 1,970 feet (600 meters) above the sea.

Discover the best that the Portuguese island of Madeira has to offer on a full-day tour. Visit top locations including the Camara dos Lobos fishing village, Girao Cape, Arieiro Peak, the traditional houses of Santana, and many more. Since this is a private tour, you are able to customize the itinerary to your group’s interests and stop at any place you’d like.

Discover the wild and authentic side of Madeira with a passionate local guide who knows every hidden corner of the island. This experience blends stunning landscapes, cultural insights, and adventure in a way that goes far beyond standard tours. Enjoy a taste of traditional poncha, swim in natural lava pools, and explore off-road trails, mystical forests, and secret viewpoints that most visitors never reach. Along the way, you’ll hear fascinating stories and enjoy carefully chosen stops that highlight Madeira’s true spirit. Here, it’s not only about where you go, but the unforgettable journey that takes you there.

Discover the abundant marine life near Madeira on this fast-paced dolphin and whale-watching tour. You won’t have to worry about wasting time traveling, as you’ll whizz through the water on a speedboat, and cover large distances. Look out for dolphins and whales, while enjoying guide commentary. If you don’t spot any sea life, you’ll get another free trip.

Experience Funchal’s rich culture and natural environment on this all-day off-road adventure. After a convenient hotel pickup, hop in a 4x4 and explore the island’s pristine corners with a local guide. Stop for souvenirs in Santana, visit Madiera’s first capital city, and marvel at picturesque views of the Red Cliffs—all on one affordable, family-friendly tour.

Embark on an adventure through Madeira’s breathtaking landscapes, starting in the Ecological Park of Funchal, surrounded by lush greenery and diverse terrain. The trail leads to Poço da Neve, offering unique views over Funchal harbor. Continue along the PR3 Vereda do Burro trail to the majestic Pico do Areeiro, the island’s third-highest peak. From here, the path guides you to the stunning Miradouro do Ninho da Manta, where you’ll witness Madeira’s rugged beauty. Then, head to Pedra Rija viewpoint, another breathtaking stop. Next, tackle the challenging yet rewarding “Stairway to Heaven,” where the ascent promises awe-inspiring vistas. After conquering this iconic climb, return to Pico do Areeiro to complete your hike. This route is perfect for seasoned hikers and nature lovers, offering some of the most spectacular views Madeira has to offer. Experience the island's wilderness and let it captivate your soul!

Pico do Arieiro is the third-highest peak in Madeira, and offers spectacular views—especially at sunset. Enjoy an easier way to visit, and give yourself the best chance of admiring the postcard-worthy sunset, on this half-day tour. With round-trip transit from several areas, including Funchal, getting there is made simple. As a bonus, you can choose to extend the experience with a self-led hike to the Stairway to Heaven viewpoint.