Top Madeira Tours, Sightseeing & Cruises

Although Madeira is most famous for its natural landscapes, the Portuguese island also harbors a rich history. Receive an introduction to the history of Funchal during a walking tour that offers a more intimate glimpse into the Old Town than you’d get traveling by coach or car. This tour, which proves ideal for first-time visitors, allows you to benefit from the insider knowledge and personalized attention of your guide.

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.

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.

East Madeira is known for its stunning A-Framed houses in Camacha. This day tour is perfect for travelers with limited time in Madeira as you’ll see many highlights in one tour. Get access to incredible Pico Arieiro views, see the UNESCO World Heritage site Laurissilva Forest, and Ponta de São Lourenço. Traveling with a guide means you won’t get lost, and you’ll learn about Madeira as you explore its attractions.

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.

Expand your knowledge of Madeiran wine and enjoy a special opportunity to meet a wine producer on this small-group tour. Avoid the hassle of booking a taxi, as transportation is included. Upon arrival, enjoy a guided vineyard tour, then learn about the secrets of local wine production as you taste wine and tapas. Before the tour ends, the trip factors in visits to Cabo Girão, and Camara De Lobos.

Enjoy a peaceful sunrise stroll between Pico do Arieiro and Pico Ruivo—without having to rush to keep up with a group—by choosing this self-guided hike package. To save you the hassle of organizing transport, the trip includes hotel pickup, then drop-off at Pico do Arieiro, and pickup from Achada do Teixeira once you’ve finished the hike.

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.

Discover the eastern landscapes of Madeira with ease on an 8-hour tour from Funchal, ideal for lovers of natural landscapes. Ascend to Pico de Arieiro, Madeira’s third-highest peak, and admire the famous Laurissilva Forest, which dates back to prehistoric times. Plus, you’ll enjoy lunch in the colorful town of Santana, visit Machico, and admire panoramic views from Ponta de São Lourenço. Hotel pickup and drop-off in Funchal are included.

Hop aboard the “Santa Maria de Colombo,” a copy of Christopher Columbus’ signature boat, for a sail around Madeira’s southern coast. A trip that’s sure to appeal to adults and kids alike, the experience puts a historic spin on a classic boat tour, and includes the chance to see dolphins and whales, too.

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.

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.

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.

Enjoy an easy way to summit one of Madeira’s tallest peaks—and discover what many describe as the island’s best sunrise view—on this shared tour of Pico do Areeiro. Early in the morning, meet your driver directly at your hotel and drive to the top of the mountain, with stops at scenic villages en route. After admiring the view, you’ll enjoy a brief hike through Laurisilva forests and stop at a local bakery.

Embark on a guided adventure of the west side of Madeira that helps you uncover beautiful scenery, places that locals love, and lots of surprises along the way too. Exploring the island with a guide helps you access off the beaten path locations that you might not find alone. It also means you don’t have to worry about navigating or hiring a vehicle. Highlights along the way include Cabo Girao viewpoint, Ribeira Brava Beach, and Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools.

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 best of Madeira with our guided experience! Visit the charming village of Câmara de Lobos and the famous Cabo Girão, with vertigous views of 589 meters above the ocean. Discover the tranquility of the Paul da Serra, the island’s largest plateau, and the magical beauty of the Fanal Forest with its lush vegetation. In Ribeira da Janela, admire dramatic cliffs and the sea. Relax in Porto Moniz and enjoy a typical Madeirese lunch. In Seixal, explore the beautiful Seixal Beach. Book now and experience an unforgettable journey!

Find the most photo-worthy views on the western side of Madeira during this small-group day trip, led by a local guide. Let a guide navigate the tricky roads and explore coastal areas and the island's central plateau, including Porto Moniz natural swimming pools with time to swim and the Véu da Noiva Seixal waterfall. Hotel pickup is included for convenience, and the minibus features air conditioning and booster seats for added comfort.

Climb through Funchal’s hillside streets on a private 90-minute tuk-tuk tour, with views over the city, the bay and the hills beyond, before arriving at the famous basket sledge starting area in Monte. I’ll walk you through the history of this unique tradition, show you exactly where the ride begins, and share a few tips before you set off. Afterwards, we’ll continue through Funchal’s Old Town, passing painted doors, historic corners and local streets. The basket sledge ride itself is operated by a separate official service, and tickets are not included in this tuk-tuk tour. The Monte toboggan runs to its own schedule, but the rest of the route, especially the Old Town, can be shaped around what interests you most. The basket sledge is one of those Madeira traditions that sounds unusual until you’ve seen it for yourself, I still enjoy watching people’s reactions the first time, before we head into the Old Town for a change of pace.

Venture off-road to explore Madeira’s northwest coast on this full-day, small-group safari from Funchal. Take the scenic route between Ribeira Brava and Porto Moniz in an open-top safari vehicle; enjoy spectacular views of the Cabo Girão sea cliffs, and explore the dark-sand beach of Seixal.

Head into the waters off Madeira on a high-speed wildlife cruise in search of dolphins, whales, and other marine life. Travel aboard a modern speedboat with 360-degree views and double-cushioned seating, while spotters on shore help direct the captain toward active wildlife sightings. If no marine animals appear during your trip, you're invited back for another cruise at no additional cost.

It can be difficult to navigate the unmarked roads, and coastal paths in rugged Madeira—so avoid getting lost by going on a guided walk. You’ll visit Ponta de São Lourenço, and your experience will be enriched by having a guide to point out native vegetation and wildlife, that you might miss if you were alone. See protected seabirds, and access incredible views of the coast too.

Venture off the beaten path and see a side of Funchal that’s inaccessible to traditional tour vehicles on an excursion by 4WD vehicle. As well as receiving personalized attention in a small group, adventure through mountains, waterfalls, fishing villages, natural pools, and volcanic landscapes. This tour reaches scenic corners of Madeira that showcase the island’s dramatic natural diversity.

Spend the day hiking the remarkable Levada das 25 Fontes without any of the hassles of organizing transport, meals and more. On this small group hiking excursion, all of those things are pre-arranged for you. Catch your transport from Funchal and focus on the stunning landscapes of the Laurissilva Forest. Hike through to the center of the forest to get a close-up look at some of its natural highlights, including the dramatic 25 Fontes and Risco waterfalls.