Top Funchal Outdoor Activities - page 2

The countryside west of Funchal boasts some of Madeira’s most beautiful scenery, but the rugged roads make exploring a challenge. On this tour, begin with pickup at your hotel and spin around the island by powerful 4x4 vehicle. Reach attractions including the Paul da Serra plateau and the village of Porto Moniz, admire uninterrupted coastal views, and enjoy personal attention from your guide on this small-group tour—restricted to six people.

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.

Madeira is blessed with spectacular scenery, and this guided hiking tour is the perfect way to discover it. Instead of studying a map—let an official mountain guide lead the way and show you a safe route between Pico do Areeiro and Pico Ruivo. Along the way, take in views of beautiful valleys, and learn about local flora and fauna—such as the endangered Freira da Madeira bird.

Have only a short stay planned in Madeira? Make the most of your time, and discover some of the island’s most spectacular sights, on this private, half-day tour. Meet your driver in the morning at your preferred location, hop aboard your private vehicle, and set off. While the itinerary can be customized to fit your interests, you can discover sights like the Cabo Girao sea cliff, Miradouro da Portela viewpoint, and much more.

Venture off-road to explore Madeira’s northwest coast on this full-day, small-group safari from Funchal. Take the scenic route between Ribeira Brava and Porto Moniz in an open-top safari vehicle; enjoy spectacular views of the Cabo Girão sea cliffs, and explore the dark-sand beach of Seixal.

This half-day adventure introduces you to an unusual form of transport that originated in the early 19th century—wicker sledges known as the Monte Toboggans. There’s no need to go to a meeting place, as door-to-door hotel transfers are included. After meeting your guide, see local sights—such as the Church of Our Lady of the Mount. Then, enjoy a thrilling toboggan ride in Monte.

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.

Get active in Madeira and try out the exhilarating sport of canyoning—where you jump, swim, and rappel down a mountainous watercourse that showcases spectacular scenery such as waterfalls. No need to worry if it’s your first time trying out canyoning—a minimum of two professional guides accompany your small group, and this fun experience is ideal for beginners.

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.

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.

It can be tough knowing where to find good snorkeling spots while traveling. This tour takes away the risk of wasting time, by traveling with a guide to a spot known for its rich marine life. All equipment is provided which means you can pack light. The day starts with a Kayak tour along the Underwater Nature Reserve of Garajau and then plenty of time to snorkel and swim.

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.

Spend the day hiking the remarkable Levada das 25 Fontes without any of the hassles of organizing transport, meals and more. On this small group hiking excursion, all of those things are pre-arranged for you. Catch your transport from Funchal and focus on the stunning landscapes of the Laurissilva Forest. Hike through to the center of the forest to get a close-up look at some of its natural highlights, including the dramatic 25 Fontes and Risco waterfalls.

Try some scuba diving in the blue waters of Madeira when you’re on a visit to the area. This package includes all your equipment, your instructor’s guidance, safety briefings and instruction, practice in the pool or shallow water, and then one dive of up to 40ft (12 m) and with the entire activity taking around 2.5 hours.

This private tour is the perfect way to explore the scenic outdoor beauty of Ponta de Sao Lourenco. Instead of organizing car hire, let someone else take care of the driving, so you can focus on the views. The route travels between the north and south of the island to showcase volcanic rock formations and magnificent seascapes, and a scenic boat trip is included too.

Explore the great outdoors of northwest Madeira with ease on this guided 4WD adventure. Benefit from hotel pickup and drop-off at selected hotels and the luxury of having someone else drive on unfamiliar terrain—so you can admire the views and take photos along the way. The route showcases the valley of Serra d'Água, Ginjas, Porto Moniz, and plenty more surprises—with stops to explore villages, bathe in volcanic pools, and admire scenic viewpoints.

Head off the beaten track to explore Madeira in a way that many travelers miss out on. On this full-day tour, start your adventure with a visit Pico do Areeiro, Madeira's third-highest peak. Snap photos of the surrounding valleys and soak in the scenery. Next, explore the beautiful Laurissilva Forest—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—and make your way to Balcões Viewpoint. Pick up the pace with an exhilarating off-road adventure through Cova da Roda's rugged terrain, then head to the charming village of Santana—another great photo op—before stopping at a local rum distillery. Finish the day at the cliffs of Ponta de São Lourenço.

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.

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.

Come and meet some of the oldest inhabitants of Madeira Island! Centennial trees and breathtaking views!

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.

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.

Seeing Portugal’s Madeira region can be difficult on your own because of its hard-to-get-to highlights. This small-group Jeep tour to Madeira’s cliffs and valleys charges through the area’s rough landscape, so you can stop by Boca dos Namorados, Jardim da Serra, Cabo Girão, and Câmara de Lobo all in one day plus enjoy a tasting of Madeira wines. Plus, round-trip transport from Funchal is included for a seamless adventure.

Have the special opportunity to watch the sunrise from Madeira’s highest point on this small-group excursion. Following early-morning hotel pickup from your Funchal accommodation, travel via comfortable vehicle to Pico Ruivo. After disembarking, start your 1.5-mile (2.5-kilometer) hike in the dark; as you approach the peak, you will watch the sunrise begin.