Top Madeira Outdoor Activities

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.

MadTours Adventure Adrenaline & Emotions is a company dedicated to tourist activities, namely off-road tours, on the stunning island of Madeira. Born from a passion for off-roading, our main goal is to explore the natural beauty of the island in a radical and exclusive way with our buggies. We offer unforgettable off-road experiences, allowing our customers to discover fascinating landscapes, majestic mountains and the rich local fauna and flora. During the tours, which include stops at viewpoints overlooking the sea, customers drive our modern vehicles, providing a unique adventure. Our trails are carefully selected to guarantee a memorable experience, guided by our experienced Tour Guides, who share historical, cultural and environmental information. This is an adventure that our customers will want to relive again and again!

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.

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.

Head deep into the canyons of Madeira on this small-group canyoning adventure. Discover the beautiful geologic and natural characteristics of the island, one of the best canyoning areas in the world, at the Ecological Park of Funchal. Receive a thorough safety briefing before strapping into the provided gear and dive into this 15-meter canyon, perfect for all ages and beginner skill levels.

Try some scuba diving in the blue waters of Madeira when you’re on a visit to the area. This package includes all your equipment, your instructor’s guidance, safety briefings and instruction, practice in the pool or shallow water, and then one dive of up to 40ft (12 m) and with the entire activity taking around 2.5 hours.

Come and relax aboard the most luxurious cataraman on Madeira Island. Having the possibility to observe dolphins, whales or turtles in their natural environment. The trip is suitable for all ages due to the comfort that our boat offers with a maximum of 35 people on board, and can be inside or outside the boat. We make a stop to swim in Cabo Girão. And we also provide a variety of drinks on our boat so you can buy and enjoy the best of the tour.

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.

Discover the thrill of tandem paragliding over the stunning landscapes of Madeira Island. With experienced pilots guiding you, enjoy approximately 15 minutes of flight time as you glide gracefully above the breathtaking coastline of Madalena do Mar – Ponta do Sol. This adventure is suitable for everyone aged 18 to 65, provided you meet the weight requirements. Bring your hiking shoes, a jacket, and your sense of adventure for an unforgettable experience that combines the beauty of nature with the exhilaration of flight.

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.

Venture off-road to explore the rugged mountains and rural villages of Madeira, without having to worry about driving, on this small-group safari from Funchal. Travel around in an open-top safari vehicle, take in the views from Boca dos Namorados, and pass through traditional villages such as Camara de Lobos, and visit the famous glass walkway at Girao Cape that towers 1,970 feet (600 meters) above the sea.

Embark on an adventure through Madeira’s breathtaking landscapes, starting in the Ecological Park of Funchal, surrounded by lush greenery and diverse terrain. The trail leads to Poço da Neve, offering unique views over Funchal harbor. Continue along the PR3 Vereda do Burro trail to the majestic Pico do Areeiro, the island’s third-highest peak. From here, the path guides you to the stunning Miradouro do Ninho da Manta, where you’ll witness Madeira’s rugged beauty. Then, head to Pedra Rija viewpoint, another breathtaking stop. Next, tackle the challenging yet rewarding “Stairway to Heaven,” where the ascent promises awe-inspiring vistas. After conquering this iconic climb, return to Pico do Areeiro to complete your hike. This route is perfect for seasoned hikers and nature lovers, offering some of the most spectacular views Madeira has to offer. Experience the island's wilderness and let it captivate your soul!

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.

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.

Madeira is known for its “levada” walking trails, but it requires ample research time to shortlist the best hiking trails. With this tour, you can save time and let someone else do the hard work for you as hiking instructions and a map are provided. Get picked up from your accommodation and dropped off at the start point, then have free time to explore the 25 Fontes and Risco trails before being picked up at the end.

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.

With this private 4WD tour, you can discover dispersed island attractions, without the hassle of renting your own car. Instead, let your own personal driver take you around and show you the island’s secrets—with stops at waterfalls, volcanic swimming pools, panoramic viewpoints, a black sandy beach, and traditional villages too.

Discover the stunning coastline of Madeira with a private boat trip aboard a Jeanneau Sun Odyssey36. Perfect for families and friends, this adventure offers a spacious and shady deck to relax while an experienced skipper shares local stories and insights on wildlife preservation. Enjoy courtesy drinks and light snacks as you sail, all while keeping an eye out for turtles, whales, and dolphins. This is a fantastic way to explore the sea at your leisure while enjoying a unique perspective of Madeira. - Private boat for a comfortable group experience - Learn about local wildlife and sustainability - Enjoy complimentary drinks and light snacks - Spacious deck for families and friends to relax

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.

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.

The rugged landscape of Madeira means there are lots of nature spots that can only be accessed on off-road routes. Instead of organizing your own car rental, benefit from the expertise of a local driver who knows the roads well. Enjoy a private off-road tour that’s customized to suit your requirements; swim in rock pools, hike through forests, access stunning viewpoints, or explore local food spots—the choice is yours.

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 private 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.

The Valley of the Nuns (Curral da Freiras) might be one of the coolest places you can visit in all of Portugal—and this tour makes it easy to explore the area. Not only is it a village built on the crater of an extinct volcano, but it was once a place where nuns would hide when pirates attacked the city of Funchal. Plus, during this tour, you’ll stop by the fishing village, Câmara de Lobos, and try a traditional Madeira drink.