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MadeiraFamily-friendly activities

Our most recommended Madeira Family-friendly activities

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.

Funchal: Dolphin and Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise

2. 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.

All Inclusive Whale and Dolphin Watching Luxury Tour

3. 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: Level-1 Canyoning Adventure

4. Madeira: Level-1 Canyoning Adventure

Discover why Madeira island is one of the top five places in the world for canyoning on this canyoning adventure tour. Rappel down waterfalls and experience the area’s natural splendor. Head up to the mountains where you will receive your canyoning gear. After being decked out in gear, it will be time for a small hike through some of the most impressive nature that Madeira has to offer. Rappel down sparkling waterfalls, where the mountain spring waters are always flowing.  Swim in the natural swimming pools along the canyons. In some of the canyons you may also have the opportunity to slide down natural water slides. Once the activity ends, change back into your dry clothes and return to your accommodation.

From Funchal: Madeira Island Canyoning for Beginners

5. From Funchal: Madeira Island Canyoning for Beginners

Let your guide share their passion for canyoning with you on this beginner-level tour from Funchal. Slide and swim through lush natural settings on the beautiful island of Madeira.  Be picked up from the comfort of your hotel in Funchal and transported to the canyoning starting point. Get acquainted with the necessary gear and do a short walk to ensure that all the equipment has been properly adjusted. Listen to a short briefing on the trip. Start your adventure of crossing water lines, swimming, sliding, abseiling, and jumping. Marvel at the diversity of landscapes and the rich flora. Replenish your energy with a snack and water stop. Take home photos and videos of your trip. Have more snacks before heading back to your hotel in Funchal.

Funchal Bay: Dolphin & Whale Watch Luxury Catamaran Cruise

6. Funchal Bay: Dolphin & Whale Watch Luxury Catamaran Cruise

Spot the dolphins and whales that call Funchal Bay home on this catamaran cruise from Funchal. Snorkel in the crystal-clear waters under Cabo Girão and learn more about the majestic creatures from your expert crew. Arrive at New Marina - Funchal and board a luxury catamaran. Receive some safety information from the experienced crew. Choose to sit in the luxurious interior with comfortable seating and protection from the sun, and lounge chairs or outdoor hammocks. Afterward, sit back and relax as you sail towards the open sea. Although sightings of marine species can not be guaranteed, dolphins and whales are often found in the waters around Funchal. Keep an eye on the movements in the water whilst the crew answers any questions about the variety of species. Continue up to the high cliffs of Cabo Girão, which rise 580 meters above sea level. Anchor the boat at Cabo Girão and immerse yourself in the refreshing waters to explore underwater marine life. Then, sail at a leisurely pace around the Marina of Funchal, and marvel at the fantastic views of Madeira's landscapes. Return to Funchal New Marina for a quick landing process and continue to enjoy your day after the tour.

From Funchal: Intermediate (Level 2) Canyoning Adventure

7. From Funchal: Intermediate (Level 2) Canyoning Adventure

Start with pickup from Funchal, Canico or Câmara De Lobos and drive to the canyoning location. Meet your guides and receive all your equipment for the activity. Walk 15-minutes to the entrance of a stream where the first safety briefing will take place. Along the way, abseil down breath-taking waterfalls, jump and swim in beautiful natural pools, always surrounded by incredible landscapes. With natural water slides, abseiling, and jumps into natural rock pools the canyons are sure to make your heart skip a beat. The beginning of the stream has some vertical challenges (maximum 18-meters), small walking sections, and many play areas. The river will be flowing by the entire time with several optional jumps. The challenge continues following a quick snack break with waterfalls. Guides will take pictures and videos of your experience throughout the day, to be sent to you afterwards. At the end of the trip, there will be transportation to bring you back to the park where you began your adventure.

Funchal: Scuba Diving Experience for Beginners

8. Funchal: Scuba Diving Experience for Beginners

Learn the basics of scuba diving from a PADI instructor and discover one of Funchal’s reefs. Practice your new skills in a pool to get comfortable, before embarking on your first dive around a shallow reef, where you can enjoy the vibrant colors and amazing variety of the Atlantic marine life. Start the experience at the Madeira Divepoint, which boasts its own private reef. Following an introduction and safety briefing, practice breathing and floating in a pool to get familiar with the equipment. To finish, head out to the reef to explore an incredible underwater world. Come face to face with colorful fish and striking coral as you enjoy the thrill of your first dive. Make sure to book the right option if you want to enjoy the Ocean dive. Pool session from 8 years and ocean dive from 10 years or older. NO flying after diving for 12hours.

Porto Moniz: Diving with Sharks and Rays in Madeira Aquarium

9. Porto Moniz: Diving with Sharks and Rays in Madeira Aquarium

Get up close to marine species that are difficult to spot at sea with this diving experience in the main tank of the Madeira Aquarium in Porto Moniz. Experience the thrill of scuba diving without having certification while learning how to manage the necessary equipment. Learn about the majestic creatures that call the Madeira Aquarium home on a guided tour that includes the aquarium's technical zone.  Learn all you need for your tank dive in a pre-dive briefing. Warm up for your dive with an introduction to diving which takes place in a natural pool. Once you are ready, plunge into the water with your instructor and discover the beauty of mantas, rays, and sharks. 

From Funchal: Madeira Dolphin and Whale Watching Tour

10. From Funchal: Madeira Dolphin and Whale Watching Tour

Climb aboard a comfortable catamaran for a relaxing trip along Madeira's south coast from the Marina do Funchal. Look for dolphins and whales (and even turtles) playing in the cold waters of the sea. Be on the lookout for dolphins and whales as you tour Madeira's south coast on a catamaran cruise. During the summer months, stop to swim below the cliffs of Cabo Girão, one of the highest sea cliffs in the world. A qualified crew will provide detailed information in various languages about the species of cetaceans (dolphins and whales) you see. Also get historical and technical information for a truly unique experience. In the event, you don’t spot any whales or dolphins you will be offered a complimentary second trip. However, if you only see dolphins but not whales, no refund will be offered.

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Frequently asked questions about Madeira Family-friendly activities

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Other Sightseeing Options in Madeira

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What people are saying about Madeira

We were greeted well and directed to the boat, staff were very knowledgeable and friendly on board. Refreshments and toilets were available. The sightings whales and domphins were amazing, something my children will never forget. Stafg also pointed out in a book which species we had seen on our trip with information about each. Would definately book again as such value for money!

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!

We start a bit later and in a rain, but just few minutes later we were seeing dolphins and some amazing cliffs. Crew was very friendly and professional. Highly recommend!

They was very kind and helpful and the tour was so exciting and fun !!!

Amazing experience. Lucky to watch the pilot whales