Top Madeira Nature and Wildlife Tours

Go whale and dolphin watching, a unique experience from Madeira. Board a boat with your experienced captain and crew, then set out for the open seas to search for these friendly marine mammals. Learn about these fascinating creatures through your crew's informative commentary.

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.

Stray from the beaten path and see a side of Funchal that’s inaccessible to traditional tour vehicles on an excursion by 4x4 Jeep. As well as receiving personalized attention in a small group limited to eight people, you’ll discover landscape that feature everything from mountains and waterfalls to fishing villages and natural pools.

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’s strategic placement in the North Atlantic Ocean makes it a great location for dolphin and whale watching. On this exciting tour, observe the cetaceans in their natural habitat without disturbing them. You can also observe other wildlife such as fish, sharks, and birds during your adventure.

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.

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.

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.

Ride a hybrid-electric catamarn off the coast of Madeira on this half-day wildlife-spotting trip from Funchal. Hold tight and watch for dolphins and whales as your super-fast craft bounces through the waves in search of dolphins and whales. Take a set on one of the two levels with trampoline nets located at the bow of the boat. Your tour includes a guide, live onboard commentary, and a bar.

Nature enthusiasts will love this dolphin- and whale-watching cruise from Funchal. Board your catamaran and kick back as you sail along Madeira’s south coast. Your crew guides you to the areas where whales and dolphins are most often seen. If the sea conditions are good in summer, take a dip in the waters beneath the Cabo Girão sea cliffs. Choose a morning or afternoon departure to suit your schedule.

Madeira's mountains are a must-see but navigating them without local know-how can be tricky. This small-group hike pairs you with a mountain guide, taking you along the PR3 trail to Pico do Areeiro, the island's third-highest peak. Cross the Stairway to Heaven ridge and pause at clifftop viewpoints over the valleys before reaching to the summit.

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.

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.

You can make the most of your time with this tour that takes you to explore both the western and northwestern regions of Madeira in one day. Hop into your 4-wheel-drive Jeep with hotel pickup and start exploring the landscape. Discover mountains, cliffs, valleys, waterfalls, lush forests, and natural lava pools in areas inaccessible by regular vehicles. This small-group tour provides privacy, comfort, and personalized attention from your guide.

On this full-day guided walk along the Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço trail, you’ll get a first-hand experience of the island’s most stunning natural sights. Discover a protected natural park, filled with volcanic rock formations, evergreen paths, and panoramic views over Desertas Islands and Porto Santo. Tours include pickup from your Funchal hotel and an optional dip in the ocean.

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.

No visit to Madeira is complete without following one of the island’s ‘levada’ trails, renowned for their natural beauty. Perfect for travelers seeking a moderate walk, this 4-hour tour  takes you on a 5-km (3-mile) journey through the Serra de Agua Valley, from which you can see South Coast, Encumeada, Ribeira Brava and Campanário. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included.

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.

Portugal’s Madeira region is best explored by boat, but unless you rent one during your visit, you may miss out on views from the ocean. This private Madeira Sunset Boat Tour from Funchal allows you to see Cape Girao, Camara De Lobos, and Jardins do Lido all from the comfort of a boat without having the hassle of renting or driving it.

Discover the best that the Portuguese island of Madeira has to offer on a full-day tour. Visit top locations including the Camara dos Lobos fishing village, Girao Cape, Arieiro Peak, the traditional houses of Santana, and many more. Since this is a private tour, you are able to customize the itinerary to your group’s interests and stop at any place you’d like.

Its an early start but so worth the effort. Imagine Starting the day with a spectacular Sunrise from the 3rd highest peak of Madeira, Pico do Arieiro. Due to the late fires the full walk is not possible, but we don´t want you to miss out on the possibility to visit the 3rd highest peak. After the sunrise we go to 2 viewpoints along part of the walk where its still possible to do a 2.4 km long walk (return) After finishing we will drive you to a special comforting place for a warm drink

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.

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.