Top Funchal Swim with Dolphins

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.

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.

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.

Explore the wild and rural side of East Madeira by going on an exhilarating 4x4 tour. You won’t have to worry about your trip being overcrowded as you’ll be traveling in a small group. Visit off-road sites that would be hard to reach alone such as Pico do Arieiro. You’ll see incredible landscapes, learn about local flora and fauna, and see traditional houses in Santana. A guide will enhance your tour with fascinating stories about the island along the way.

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.

Find the sheer cliffs, volcanic pools, and mist-shrouded peaks of western Madeira on a full-day, small-group tour from Funchal. You’ll wind through a series of fishing villages to the dramatic Cape Girão, climb the Encumeadato for views into a deep valley, then see the rocky pools at Porto Moniz, where you’ll have free time for lunch. Including pickup and drop-off at hotels in Funchal, this tour is limited to eight people for personal service, with all transport by climate-controlled minivan.

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.

Discover the beautiful nature of northwest Madeira on this exciting 4x4 adventure. Spend the day driving through rugged terrain and across volcanic beaches to visit the beautiful countryside of this island. Pass through small villages and the UNESCO-listed Laurissilva Forest all the way to Porto Moniz to enjoy the warm volcanic lava pools on this island adventure.

Hike through the Madeira highlands on a half-day walk that follows the historic Levada da Serra do Faial, a century-old irrigation canal, through lush forest. You’ll cover 3.4 miles (5.5 km) of trail, earn views of Madeiran villages, and see a wide range of plants in a scenic, natural environment. This 4-hour, guided walking tour includes pickup and drop-off at Funchal hotels.

Begin your day watching the sunrise over the clouds and mountains on this early morning adventure from Funchal. Join a small group and head to the summit of Arieiro, Madeira’s third highest peak, to watch the sky change from night to day. After, enjoy a “levada” walk through the lush forests before the crowds set in.