Top Funchal On the Water

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Cruise Madeira's south coast on your own private yacht for 3 hours. Depart from Funchal, anchor for a swim in clear turquoise water, and enjoy drinks and snacks on board while taking in the dramatic cliffs and coastline. A relaxed, private trip for your group only, at your own pace, with a friendly local skipper.

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.

This canyoning adventure in Ribeira do Cidrão is a unique opportunity to explore Madeira’s central mountain range in an exhilarating way. Combining breathtaking scenery, crystal-clear pools, and thrilling rappels, it offers an unforgettable experience for beginners and seasoned adventurers alike. Guided by experienced professionals, you'll safely immerse yourself in the island’s wild beauty, discovering hidden waterfalls and rugged landscapes that are rarely seen by others. This activity is not just about adventure; it’s a chance to connect with Madeira’s untouched nature in a truly memorable way.

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.

A Madeira whale-watching tour by private motor yacht gives your party a front-row view without the crowds. Embark and let your skipper search the open seas for marine life including dolphins, whales, and sea turtles. You’ll have a luxurious time with this privately chartered boat equipped with refreshments, sparkling wine, snorkel gear, and a shower.

We will take you in a private vehicle directly to the beautiful town of Porto Moniz, where you can enjoy the famous Natural Pools or Lava Pools and have a good time in this natural paradise. We will pick you up at your accommodation area and take you directly to the Natural or Lava Pools. There you can enjoy your time swimming with this beautiful scenario, the nice rock formations from the old eruptions we had in the past, upon the formation of the Island itself. You will have 4h to sink in and relax your mind with the Atlantic ocean water.

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.

Embark on an extraordinary expedition to the Desertas Islands, a protected nature reserve and one of Madeira’s hidden treasures. This private full-day adventure takes you across crystal-clear waters to uninhabited volcanic islands, home to the endangered Mediterranean monk seal, rare seabirds, and diverse marine life. Dolphin or whale sightings are possible but not guaranteed, as we respect nature and its rhythm. An experienced crew ensures a safe, comfortable journey while sharing insights about the coastline and marine environment. Sail through endless blue horizons and explore serene, untouched bays of the Desertas Islands, with opportunities to swim, snorkel, or paddleboard. During the visit, the captain will share the islands’ history, wildlife, and past colonization attempts. You’ll also see the Nature Reserve Warden’s House, where wardens protect rare monk seals and seabirds. On board, enjoy an open bar, a selection of finger foods and fruit.

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.