Top Funchal Outdoor Activities

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. This operator is the first WCA (World Cetaceans Alliance) certified in Funchal, supporting marine conservation efforts.

Funchal’s waters are home to whales and dolphins—and this luxurious catamaran tour offers the best way to spot them. Head to Funchal’s marina and hop aboard your vessel, where you’ll enjoy Champagne, cocktails, soft drinks, and snacks like local bread and cheese. Indulge as you look out for whales and dolphins. Then, if you wish, enjoy a swimming and snorkeling break at Cabo Girao before returning to shore.

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.

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.

Enjoy a peaceful sunrise stroll between Pico do Arieiro and Pico Ruivo—without having to rush to keep up with a group—by choosing this self-guided hike package. To save you the hassle of organizing transport, the trip includes hotel pickup, then drop-off at Pico do Arieiro, and pickup from Achada do Teixeira once you’ve finished the hike.

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.

Madeira is known for its “levada” walking trails, but it requires ample research time to shortlist the best hiking trails. With this tour, you can save time and let someone else do the hard work for you as hiking instructions and a map are provided. Get picked up from your accommodation and dropped off at the start point, then have free time to explore the 25 Fontes and Risco trails before being picked up at the end.

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.

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.

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.

Begin your day above the clouds with a breathtaking sunrise at Pico do Areeiro, Madeira’s third-highest peak. As the sky turns shades of gold and violet, you’ll witness one of the island’s most unforgettable views. After sunrise, follow a stunning section of the PR1 trail toward the iconic “Stairway to Heaven” — a dramatic ridge walk with epic photo opportunities. Then, continue your adventure on the PR3 – Vereda do Burro, a quieter trail that leads you through wide mountain scenery, peaceful paths, and open skies. The full hike takes around 5 hours and offers the perfect balance of beauty, challenge, and serenity. At the end, relax with a coffee or local treat before your comfortable return. Includes hotel pickup and drop-off, with early and late start times available. Whether you’re chasing sunrises or unforgettable hikes, this is a true Madeira highlight. We will inform you the exact pickup time the day before, and keep you updated via WhatsApp.

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.

Get ready for a unique off-road jeep tour, including an adrenaline-filled stop at Adrenaline X-Treme Adventures, where you can enjoy thrilling extreme sports like zipline and the Giant Swing. Feel the rush as you soar from 320 meters above sea level on one of Europe’s highest and fastest ziplines, reaching speeds of up to 110 km/h. Then, swing out 20 meters above the breathtaking Ribeira da Janela valley, with an incredible 250-meter drop beneath your feet. Please note: the Zipline and Giant Swing are not included in the base tour price and carry an additional cost of 89,00€ zipline + Giant Swing. Step out onto the skywalk at Cabo Girão, one of Europe’s highest glass platforms at over 580 meters, and take in stunning cliffside views plunging into the Atlantic Ocean. Stroll along the soft black volcanic sands of Seixal and soak in the serene beauty. Take a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear volcanic pools of Porto Moniz, a natural wonder sculpted by lava.

Enjoy the freedom and flexibility of a self-guided hike with the convenience of having transportation included with this hassle-free transport package. After a Funchal or Canico pickup, a driver takes you to Pico do Arieiro. Here, you can start a hike to Pico Ruivo, where a driver waits for you to drop you off back at your accommodation.

Our 4x4 adventure begins at Cabo Girão, the famous "SKYWALK" the second highest cliff in Europe with ums incredible height of 580 meters. We follow winding roads to the Ribeira Brava, where the 16th-century Church of St. Benedict stands out, offering stunning views over the ocean. Then we reach Ponta do Sol, the most sunny spot on the island, surrounded by dramatic cliffs. We ascend to Paul da Serra, the only plateau of Madeira, often wrapped in fog, which contrasts with the lush coastal areas. Descending, we arrive at Porto Moniz, famous for its natural lava pools. Along the coast, Ribeira da Janela delights with its basalt columns. In Seixal, we admire the black sand beach and the natural swimming pools of crystal clear waters. We end in Câmarade Lobos, the fishing village visited by churchill, before toasting to the rich wine tradition of Madeira in the winery Henriques & Henriques, ending an unforgettable day.

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.

Venture off-road and explore the natural wonders of Madeira’s west coast from the comfort of an open-top jeep. With a private guide and vehicle for the entire day, enjoy a custom-made itinerary, stopping as often as you like along the coast. Perhaps admire the views from Pico do Areeiro, take a swim at the Porto Moniz natural pools, explore the Sao Vicente Caves, or stop at Calheta Beach.

Step into a world of misty mountains, moss-covered paths, and ancient greenery on the unforgettable Caldeirão Verde Levada Walk. Beginning in the lush Queimadas Forest Park in Santana, this 13-kilometer hike winds through one of Madeira’s most magical landscapes — the UNESCO-listed Laurissilva Forest. This is a journey deep into nature, where every turn reveals a new surprise: birdsong echoing through the trees, trickling streams beside the levada, and tunnels carved into the volcanic rock. The trail leads you to the stunning Caldeirão Verde lagoon, fed by a towering waterfall that cascades into a deep emerald basin — a moment of stillness and beauty you won’t soon forget. On clear days, you’ll also enjoy glimpses of the picturesque villages of Santana, Ilha, and São Jorge, scattered across the valleys below. Whether you’re an enthusiastic hiker or a curious explorer, this experience is a peaceful, awe-inspiring way to discover the wild heart of Madeira.

Get ready for a day of pure discovery, freedom, and adventure with our private full-day 4x4 tour across the stunning island of Madeira. With a full 8 hours at your disposal, this is your chance to explore the island exactly the way you want—with no set itinerary, no strangers joining your ride, and no limits on where your journey can take you. From wild off-road trails that wind through the heart of the Laurissilva forest, to serene black sand beaches perfect for a swim or a relaxing stroll, the entire island is open for you to explore. Visit jaw-dropping viewpoints high in the mountains, stop at cascading waterfalls, discover picturesque villages steeped in tradition, or head to hidden spots only the locals know about. Whether you're chasing adventure, relaxation, culture, or a mix of it all, this tour is designed to match your pace, your interests, and your curiosity. Our experienced guide will help craft the perfect route for your day based on what you want to see and do.

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.

Repel down rock faces on this 2-hour professionally-guided canyoning trip in Ribeira das Cales. This tour’s adrenaline packed day starts atop the 1,500-meter-high “Chão da Lagoa” in Funchal Ecological Park. Even if you’re a beginner you will enjoy the challenging natural obstacles which include two rappels, some swimming and exciting jumps (equipment included).

Get outside and see Funchal at its best on this full-day tour to a wine area, lava pools, a waterfall, a forest, and spectacular viewpoints. Save hours of research time by having a full itinerary planned out for you. Highlights include Seixal's lava pools, Véu da Noiva waterfall, Porto Moniz volcanic pools, and Cabo Girão sea cliff.

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.