Madeira · TOUR REVIEWS
A week is not long on an island this vertical: the drive from Funchal to the far northwest takes most of a morning. The 15 below are the days worth giving up a morning for, priced and timed, with the full catalogue underneath.
Eco-friendly dolphin and whale watching from Funchal on a hybrid-electric catamaran with silent cruising, big viewing nets, and expert spotting.
“A lovely afternoon and highly recommended. The highlight was seeing pilot whales 🐋”
Madeira 4WD Land Rover tour with Cabo Girão Skywalk, Seixal black sand, Porto Moniz lava pools, and Fanal Forest in Laurissilva.
“Fascinating day trip! Saw lots and lots of the island and the guide (Diogo) was amazing. Thank you! An unforgettable experience”
3-hour catamaran cruise from Funchal to Cabo Girão, chasing dolphins, whales, and turtles with a swim option and onboard drinks.
“We loved our morning out on the boat and we’re lucky enough to see a pod of short finned pilot whales right up close to the boat ! There was plenty of space on the boat to move around and for everyone to take photos. It was a beautiful and memory-making experience. We enjoyed the swim stop - the sea was lovely and warm and some of the guests had fun diving off the boat . I used the steps which were very easy to use. All in all a lovely trip and great value for money.”
8-hour open-top 4x4 tour from Funchal to Fanal Forest, Porto Moniz volcanic pools, Seixal, and Paul da Serra viewpoints for $74.
“Madeira has many faces & our guide was very knowledgeable about all things”
Sunrise hike from Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo with door-to-door transfer from Funchal and Caniço, self-guided trail in Madeira.
“Great experience and very well organized. The driver Diogo was on time, friendly, and explained everything clearly. I received detailed information the day before, including the weather forecast, map, and what to bring. Watching the sunrise at Pico do Arieiro followed by the hike was absolutely amazing, with breathtaking views throughout. Highly recommended!”
Open-roof 4x4 adventure through Madeira’s north, with natural pools, Cabo Girão skywalk, Fanal forest, and Seixal beach.
“Hold into your hats and be ready to experience full on 4WD!!! Saw a lot of Madeira I wouldn't have!! Including the suicidal geckos!!”
West Madeira full-day tour from Funchal with Cabo Girão Skywalk, Paul da Serra, Porto Moniz lava pools, Seixal waterfall, and coastal views.
“Very enjoyable day. Marco was brilliant. He was great with everyone on the bus and relayed the information on the island in English and Spanish ensuring no one missed out. Excellent driver too. The tour is definitely worth taking especially if it’s your first visit to Madeira.”
East Madeira in 8 hours: Pico do Arieiro views, Santana straw houses, Ribeiro Frio, Ponta de São Lourenço, Machico bay.
“Tour guide was excellent Tackling the Islands hilly roads was amazing only a local will know all the ins and outs he certainly did. Knowledgeable in his field. Not forgetting his lovely hair style!!”
A 2-hour old-town walk in Funchal with Farmers’ Market, a 19th-century sweet factory, wine lodge stops, and sugar-industry stories for $19.
“Really educational and enjoyable tour! Had an excellent time, thoroughly recommend to anyone wanting to learn more about Funchal and Madeira 😊”
Luxury catamaran dolphin and whale watch from Funchal, with snorkeling at Cabo Girão and big ocean views in 3 hours.
“Very nice cruise, unfortunately no dolphins but we saw a flying fish.”
A guided west Madeira loop with Câmara de Lobos, foggy Fanal Forest, Porto Moniz natural pools, north-coast waterfalls, and mountain pass views.
“Really great trip for people who have a limited time on the beautiful island. Small group of people is great too as not too crowded and very convenient to be picked up from the hotel when possible. we sat at the back of mini bus so could not hear all the information very clearly but it was still really great and good value for sure.”
Luxury catamaran from Funchal to Cabo Girão for whale and dolphin spotting, plus an included open bar, snacks, and a swim.
“You a pay a premium but with only a limited number of people in board makes it so much better & relaxing. Best way to see them without a crowd”
Guided Pico Arieiro to Pico Ruivo hike in Madeira, with coffee and views, transfers from Funchal, about $54.
“Louisa was a brilliant guide. The hike was very good, a great experience. Transport and pick up was easy.”
Full-day Madeira jeep tour with Funchal pickup. Skywalk views, Trompica off-road, Fanal Forest, Porto Moniz pools, and ocean stops.
“We set off right on time for our big adventure with our guide Renato, who is an excellent Jeep driver. Renato told us many interesting things about the flora and fauna of Madeira!”
Guided levada walk in Madeira’s Rabaçal Valley from Funchal, featuring Levada das 25 Fontes, an 800m tunnel, and endemic plants.
“Great walk with Sarah as a guide. Enjoyed the day with the group”
Every kind of day on the island, and the best of each.
