Top Funchal On the Water

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.

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.

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.

On this snorkeling adventure in Marine reserve of Ponta de São Lourenço, you’ll save time researching the best places to find marine life, as you’ll be taken by boat to the most beautiful spot. You won’t have to worry about safety, as you’ll have an experienced guide to give you a safety briefing, and snorkeling advice. Pack light as snorkeling equipment is included, and see the incredible views of the cliffs of Ponta de São Lourenço Protected Area.

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.

Explore the beautiful island of Madeira by land and sea during this 3-hour. Take a Jeep excursion around the mountainous region to discover its beautiful terrain. Then head out on the water for a boat trip to discover the beautiful coastal scenery and local wildlife of Madeira. This tour has the option of exploring either the eastern or western part of the island.

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.

Take a dive in Madeira's aquarium tank and see local fish species during this small-group experience. Don your scuba gear and dive into the water to swim with rays, sharks, several fish species, morays, and more. Whether you’re a seasoned diver or a beginner, this experience has something for everyone to enjoy.

Discover Madeira from the sea in a fully private setting- the catamaran is exclusively for you, your friends, or family. Your modern catamaran is designed for smooth sailing, stability, and maximum comfort, offering spacious decks to relax, sunbathe, and enjoy uninterrupted panoramic views of the coastline. Dolphins and whales may be spotted during the tour, although sightings cannot be guaranteed. Choose a morning cruise to enjoy the tranquil beauty of the sea under soft daylight, or a sunset tour to experience the island bathed in golden light as the sun sets over the Atlantic. On sunset cruises, the captain selects the perfect anchoring spot to capture truly unforgettable golden-hour moments. We sail along Madeira’s coast, anchoring in secluded bays like Calhau da Lapa or near Cabo Girão, where you can swim, snorkel, or paddleboard. The cruise includes fresh fruit, snacks, and an open bar.

Set sail from Machico to Madeira's wild coast to spot whales and dolphins in their natural habitat. Join a marine biologist aboard a private boat and improve your odds of a sighting with a land-based spotter guiding the boat. Finish your trip on a high with the possibility to swim alongside common and spotted dolphins when conditions allow.

Discover some of Madeira's most popular landmarks on a full-day tour in a 4x4 vehicle. Join a small group in Funchal and head to the north of the island, to sample wines from a local producer and enjoy a tour of the vineyard. Then, visit Girao Cape for stunning views of the Atlantic before heading on a boat tour to search for dolphins. Enjoy convenient hotel pickup included in your tour.

Perfect for travelers who prefer to explore at their own pace, this hop-on hop-off bus tour of Funchal allows you to do just that. See highlights such as Nossa Senhora do Monte Church, the Old Town, and the Funchal Market, and disembark at any of the stops whenever an attraction captures your attention. Your ticket also includes a catamaran cruise to search for dolphins and whales on the Atlantic Ocean.

Spend a day exploring the dramatic sea cliffs, islands and traditional villages of Madeira’s east coast on this full-day small-group tour, with a maximum of 8 people. Enjoy magnificent views of Ribeiro Frio, Pico do Arieiro and Laurissilva forest; discover the crafts-making heritage of Camacha village; and snap photos of the thatched triangular houses in Santana village. After a scenic walk along the levadas (canal ways) and a visit to a trout farm, tuck into a delicious 3-course lunch (included) on the island of Grutas do Faial.

Enjoy Madeira’s natural beauty and renowned wine on a half-day off-road adventure. After a convenient hotel pickup in Funchal or Caniço, travel by 4x4 to picturesque sites like the soaring cliffs of Cabo Girão and the vineyards of Sao Vicente. Learn about local wine customs and production from a local winemaker, and sample white, red, and rosé varieties.

Tick off more of Madeira’s natural wonders in less time on a small-group tour from Funchal, ideal for visitors with limited time. Traveling by Jeep, you’ll ascend to the glass-floored viewing platform at Cabo Girão—one of Europe’s highest cliffs—and check out the views from Boca dos Namorados. Plus, you’ll visit Câmara de Lobos, home to a multitude of wolf seals, and conclude with a whale and dolphin-watching cruise. Hotel pickup is included.

Madeira Island’s western shores are home to natural sea pools, traditional fishing villages, and more, but reaching the top sites requires local knowledge. On this group tour, travel from your hotel (select areas) via air-conditioned minibus and reach the sites with ease. Hit sites of interest, including Camara de Lobos, Porto Moniz natural pools, and the Ribeira Brava. The tour is available in English, French, Portuguese, and Spanish.

A hop-on hop-off bus tour is the ideal way to combine the flexibility of independent sightseeing with the convenience of a guided tour. With a choice of a 48-hour or 5-day ticket, this great-value deal offers full access to three routes—the highlights of Funchal, the village of Câmara de Lobos, and the Skywalk of Cabo Girão.

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.

Get a comprehensive tour of Funchal, combined with personalized attention, on this private excursion. With a dedicated guide behind the wheel, you’ll enjoy private transportation for a stress-free trip that ticks all of the important sights off your list. Stops include Sao Joao do Pico Fortress, Quinta das Cruzes, the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption, Mercado dos Lavradores, and some impressive lookout points for great photo ops.

Hike through the Madeira highlands on a half-day walk that follows the historic Levada da Serra do Faial, a century-old irrigation canal, through lush forest. You’ll cover 3.4 miles (5.5 km) of trail, earn views of Madeiran villages, and see a wide range of plants in a scenic, natural environment. This 4-hour, guided walking tour includes pickup and drop-off at Funchal hotels.

This full-day private island tour stops at several unique locations for a mix of cultural and natural attractions. Highlights include the UNESCO-listed laurel forest of Laurisilva, an optional swimming excursion in the lava pools of Porto Moniz, and panoramic views from the Cabo Girão lookout point. Tours also include door-to-door transfers—with hotel pickup—in a comfortable, Wi-Fi-equipped vehicle.

If you’ve ever wanted to try scuba diving but didn’t want to commit to a certification then this discovery dive is right up your alley. Join a private instructor and learn the basics of scuba diving during this PADI-certified class in Madeira. Then, head out to sea and enjoy a brief dive in shallow waters to observe marine life in their natural habitat.