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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The deep waters off Madeira Island are home to a dazzling array of marine life, with dolphins and whales sharing the waves with birds, turtles, and more. On this wildlife-spotting adventure, take to the seas for up-close sightings of the native Bottlenose Dolphins, Sperm Whales, Spotted Dolphins, and Pilot Whales who call Madeira home. Enjoy free time to snorkel at your leisure—depending on the season—with a second trip guaranteed if you make no sightings.

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.

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.

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.

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 most striking corners often sit at the end of rural mountain tracks that are tricky for visitors to navigate. This private full-day tour reaches them effortlessly, going off-road to volcanic natural pools at Porto Moniz and Seixal and into wilderness spots most visitors never see. Refuel partway with a light lunch included on the trail and customize the route to suit your group.

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.

Experience the spectacular natural scenery, delicious cuisine, and traditional villages of Madeira’s east coast on this full-day tour. Traveling by 4WD, venture off-road and escape the crowds as you drive the Pico do Areiro mountain roads, stop in villages such as Ribeiro Frio and Faial, and visit a traditional A-frame house in Santana. Along the way, enjoy lunch (own expense) at a local restaurant, optional tastings of Madeira wine or Porto Da Cruz rum, and a visit to a poncho bar.

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.

This is a great choice for travelers who enjoy walking and exploring the great outdoors. Enjoy a peaceful day in Ponta De São Lourenço with a certified mountain guide to accompany you so you don’t get lost. This small-group tour is limited to 8 people, so you’ll have better access to your guide for questions. See stunning viewpoints, learn about local vegetation, and enjoy spending time in nature.

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.

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.

Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Rabaçal Valley on an 8-hour hike from Funchal. In a small group limited to 15, you’ll descend from the plateau of Paul da Serra and follow the ‘levada’ trail, an irrigation system developed in the 16th century. Marvel at a lagoon, towering cliff, and 25 natural springs. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included.

If you’re a mobile traveler looking to discover Madeira’s world-famous levadas then this 4-hour tour is for you. Departing from Funchal, you’ll follow a route beside a traditional 16th-century irrigation system and enjoy views of Madeira’s mountainous landscapes. Absorb panoramic vistas of Machico city and visit stalls selling seasonal fresh fruit. Hotel pickup and drop-off at your Funchal hotel are included.

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.