Top Funchal Wildlife Encounters

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.

Truly immerse yourself in the art world during a visit to the 3D Fun Art Museum in the heart of Funchal. Purchase your ticket and enter a world of imagination as you dive headfirst into over 40 fun scenarios. Hop on top of a dinosaur, hang upside down, explore the galaxy, and much more while your friends capture pictures of your adventures.

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.

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 wonders along Madeira’s famed Levada do Caldeirão Verde on this leisurely guided walking tour. Your day begins with a convenient pickup from your central Funchal hotel, then set off on a short 45-minute ride to the starting point. As you stroll the path, your local guide will illuminate the surroundings with informative anecdotes. Admire a tranquil laurel forest, historical local paths, traditional irrigation channels, and sweeping vistas of the island’s north coast.

Being able to enjoy a cultural, gastronomic, mountain hiking experience, and the history and biodiversity of the island as a real place. Our activity will take you to eat like a local, in the restaurants that locals go to. Eat a regional kebab, drink a poncha, all this as a true Madeiran does, along trails little used by those who visit us. Get to know the story told by a certified guide born and raised on the island. Have a social and economic impact on local communities, thus bringing sustainability to our activity.

Visit the Madeira Whale Museum to discover more about the island’s history of whaling—which dates back to the 1940s. You can also learn comprehensive information about dolphins, whales, and other marine life, through life-size models and stereoscopic 3D movies. To help you avoid wasted time in ticket lines, admission is included, as well as a private guided tour.

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.

Explore the rugged countryside of Madeira far from the crowds with this thrilling hard-top ATV adventure. Set off with your guide through the Madeiran mountains near Cabo Girão, roaring along mostly unpaved roads to access scenic spots too remote for other vehicles. Stop to take in sweeping views across the island to the sea, snapping souvenir photos along the way.

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.