Add dates

Things to do inMadeira

Local wine in the sun beckons between volcanic expeditions, hikes, and coastal trips on this island paradise.

Our most recommended things to do in Madeira

From Funchal: Dolphin and Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise

1. From Funchal: Dolphin and Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise

Go green with the premier dolphin and whale watching Eco-experience on Madeira Island! Book your cruise on our 2022 purpose-built Eco-friendly catamaran and enjoy a comfortable tour along the southern coast of Madeira Island. Watch out for wonderful whales and dolphins jumping and splashing nearby. When sea life arrives our electric engines engage for silent, emission free cruising which helps keep the cetaceans very happy! On this tour we will cruise a few miles out of Funchal looking for all kinds of wildlife such as dolphins, whales, turtles and oceanic birds. We have one of the best sightings records in Funchal thanks to our spotters from land monitoring the ocean and directing the boat to the dolphins and whales. Our certified guides will provide you with an informative commentary and fun facts about the cetaceans and marine species that you may find on your trip from Funchal. On our way back, we sail close to the coast passing by many points of interest such Cabo Girão where you will enjoy stunning views of one of the highest sea cliffs in the world! Camara de Lobos Bay – a traditional fishing village; the world famous Reid’s Hotel where Winston Churchill used to stay during his visits to Madeira Island and much more! You will be able to relax comfortably enjoy the beautiful views of the south coast of Madeira Island from our flagship vessel. Magic Dolphin Eco is the only purpose built dolphin & whale watching catamaran in Madeira Island with hybrid-electric engines. It was specially developed to assure our passengers a safe, comfortable and exceptional tour. Its hybrid-electric engines reduce noise and emissions making it the best experience not only for our guests, but also for our beloved cetaceans! Bar service (2x) with drinks and snacks available; Toilets (2x) on deck wheelchair accessible; Two decks for better sightseeing; Fantastic upper deck providing 360° panoramic views; Great bridge deck shade area; Large nets and sea life observation area; Seating for everyone inside and out; Fast Catamaran – up to 20 knots; Modern safety construction 2022; Stable and comfortable cruising. We are all about responsible dolphin and whale watching, and love sharing our knowledge with you! Join us and observe sealife the right way, in the wild! Note: Madeira is a world class destination for dolphin and whale watching. But as they are wild and free, it is simply not possible to guarantee seeing cetaceans on every tour. We encounter cetaceans every day and we always do our best to find them. But if your tour is one of the very few unlucky ones we will do our best to make you happy! Note: Please arrive to our office in Funchal Marina 30 minutes before departure. In respect to all of our guests the boat leaves on time. If you miss the boat, you will be not be issued a refund. Note: Cancellations/Booking Changes must be made 24h prior to departure time.

Madeira: Skywalk, Porto Moniz Volcanic Pools, and Fanal Tour

2. Madeira: Skywalk, Porto Moniz Volcanic Pools, and Fanal Tour

From Funchal we go to São Vicente in the North Coast, known for its vineyards, volcanic caves and Madeira table wine production, where we can see one of the most famous waterfall that by resembling a bride ́s veil got its name Véu da Noiva . Afterwards, we stop at the natural volcanic pools in Porto Moniz, one of the most visited places in Madeira, having the opportunity to swim in crystalline waters (entry not included) and enjoy the beautiful scenery around them. After this, we go uphill to Fanal, a place of rare beauty with centenary trees in the heart of the Laurissilva Forest (the largest in the world), which is one of the 7th Natural Wonders of Portugal. Continuing to Paúl da Serra, the biggest plateau of the island at nearly 1500 mts high with stunning views, we will have a lunch break (not included) in a typical Madeiran restaurant. To finish our tour, we drive to Cabo Girão, the highest Sea Cliff in Europe and the second in the World with 580 mts., better known for its suspended glass floor Viewpoint.

Funchal: Dolphin and Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise

3. Funchal: Dolphin and Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise

Discover the natural beauty of Madeira coastline and look for marine life on this catamaran cruise from Funchal. Look for dolphins while sipping on a drink purchased from the onboard bar. See dolphins, whales, and turtles playing in their natural habitat. Throughout the year Madeira has different aquatic mammals journeying through its blue waters. Whether you come in summer or winter, the chances are high you’ll see one of these amazing creatures. Stop for a swim during the summer season or catch a glimpse of the world beneath the waves with the provided snorkeling equipment. Relax on deck with a refreshing drink from the onboard bar.

Madeira: Funchal Sunset Tour by Catamaran

4. Madeira: Funchal Sunset Tour by Catamaran

Experience the changing colors of the sunset and reflections on the water from a unique perspective as you take a 3-hour catamaran cruise off the coast of Madeira from Funchal. Meet at the Marina do Funchal to climb aboard the catamaran and cruise along the south coast of Madeira. A qualified crew will provide detailed information in English and Portuguese about the cetaceans you may spot, as well as other technical and historic information to ensure a complete and unique experience. If there are no sightings of dolphins or whales, you will be offered a 2nd trip entirely free. Put on a wind-shield and warm clothes (recommended), and experience the sunset trip and peaceful melody of the ocean from a new perspective.

From Funchal: Sunrise at Pico do Arieiro with Breakfast

5. From Funchal: Sunrise at Pico do Arieiro with Breakfast

After pickup, travel to Pico do Arieiro where you will enjoy the sunrise. This is the highest viewpoint of the island at 1818 meters of altitude. See the sunrise while enjoying a hot cup of coffee or tea. Enjoy a buffet-style breakfast of sandwiches, homemade cake, biscuits, water, orange juice, fruit jam, cheese, and ham. Then, travel back to Camacha and go for a lovely walk in the Paradise Valley area. Admire the views of some endemic trees from the Laurissilva forest. Then, head back to the city center with drop-off at your hotel or at a central point.

From Funchal: Transfer to Pico do Arieiro & Pico Ruivo Trail

6. From Funchal: Transfer to Pico do Arieiro & Pico Ruivo Trail

Enjoy a flexible transfer from Funchal to Pico do Arieiro to enjoy the hike all the way to Pico Ruivo. Trek up to the highest and second-highest mountains on Madeira at your own pace and enjoy pickup and drop-off at your accommodation. Receive instructions from the host, and learn about the schedule and where you will pass by. The day before the hike, get the exact pickup time and a weather forecast to get ready for your transfer. Get picked up at your accommodation in Funchal and dropped off at the entrance to Pico do Arieiro to begin your self-guided hike. Soak in the natural scenery around you as you walk for 5 hours from mountain to mountain on a hiking trail. Walk up to 1862 meters in elevation at the Pico Ruivo, the highest peak on Madeira Island. When you're done exploring, head to the parking lot area at Achada do Teixeira.

All Inclusive Whale and Dolphin Watching Luxury Tour

7. All Inclusive Whale and Dolphin Watching Luxury Tour

Your 3-hour luxury catamaran tour begins at the docks of the new marina of Funchal. Board the catamaran and enjoy a glass of sparkling wine before setting off. Sail into the ocean to find dolphins, whales, and turtles. Spot these creatures in their natural habitat. After sailing around spotting dolphins, whales and turtles enjoy a 30 minute stop next to Cabo Girão, the 1920 foot (586m) seaside cliff. Here you have a change o go swimming in the crystal clear waters. After a quick swim, you will get back on the boat where you can relax and enjoy the views of the coast of Funchal as you head back to the marina.

Madeira: Half-Day Off-Road Buggy Tour

8. Madeira: Half-Day Off-Road Buggy Tour

Let the adventurer in you explore Madeira’s mountain landscape by off-road buggy with a professional guide. Start your experience with a pickup from Funchal before arriving at the site of your exploration, the mountainous area near Cabo Girão. Explore Madeira’s dirt paths and mountain tracks in your secure buggy, with goggles and a guide to keep you safe and having fun. Enjoy riding along some terrain that is otherwise inaccessible without a 4x4 vehicle.  Take moments from your exploration home with you with many photo stops along the way from idyllic viewpoints.

Funchal: Dolphin and Whale Watching Sailing Trip

9. Funchal: Dolphin and Whale Watching Sailing Trip

Hit the waters near Cabo Girão in search of dolphins and whales on a cruise trip from Funchal. Learn amazing facts about the animals from your guide. Take a dip in the water and use the snorkel provided, or relax with a drink in your hand before your sailboat docks back at the Funchal Marina. Set sail from the marina in Funchal, where you will board the yacht. Search for dolphins, whales, and sea turtles up to 3 miles from the coast. With some luck, you will see lots of native wildlife in their natural environment.  As you keep an eye out for local wildlife, make a stop for snorkeling. Swim in the sea or use the snorkeling gear at Cabo Girão, the highest sea cliff in Europe at 1,903 feet (580 meters) above the sea. Alternatively, admire the towering cliffs and the scenic coastal landscapes from the boat while sipping on a complimentary drink served on board.

Madeira: Pico Arieiro to Pico Ruivo Hike

10. Madeira: Pico Arieiro to Pico Ruivo Hike

The sun rises over your hotel as you set out on your walking tour adventure. Leaving from the comforts of your room in Funchal on the Madeira Islands, we'll drive you up to the third highest peak in Madeira - the magnificent Pico Arieiro. You'll sip coffee or a drink on your way up to the base of the peak, looking out at all the stunning beauty this place has to offer. As we head from sea level up to the base at 5,964ft (1818m), you'll pass beautiful flora and fauna. Finally, we'll begin our mighty walk up the mighty Pico Arieiro up to the highest point on the island, the Pico Ruivo peak at 6107 ft (1862m). Finally, we'll walk down to Teixeira where you'll be comfortably transferred back to your hotel. And of course, no day of hiking is complete without a drink at a traditional bar, so we'll make sure to stop at one with a spectacular view to enjoy the closing of your day!

Available activities

No results

We searched high and low but we couldn't find any results.

Try changing your dates, searching for something else, or get in touch and we'll help you find the perfect experience.

Frequently asked questions about Madeira

What are the most popular museums and exhibitions in Madeira?

Other Sightseeing Options in Madeira

Want to discover all there is to do in Madeira? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about Madeira

Overall rating

4.7 / 5

based on 26,134 reviews

We had a great experience and highly recommend it! We booked the trip just one day in advance and were imitatively contacted by Elizabeth, who provided us with all the details and map of the upcoming hike. We were picked at the hotel by a friendly and punctual driver Luis. Luis is a nice person to talk too; on our way up and down he shared some interesting stories about the places we were passing. The ride was fun. We got lucky with the weather and enjoyed the hike a lot. It was not easy but definitely worth it.

I had such an amazing experience despite never having done canyoning before. I felt super safe and the guides were super nice and helpful :) Transport to and from the location was also amazing. Thank you so much!

Very good communication by Elisabeth. Everything was clear. Driver was on time and very friendly. We were lucky with the weather. You’ll have plenty of time to sightsee during the walk.

Great tour, lots of great points pushed into a half day tour. Ruben was a fantastic tour guide, he knew a high level of information and kept the day very interesting.

Stunning way to see the island with great stops and even better tracks. I would highly recommend this particular tour.