Top Funchal Outdoor Activities

Bask in the sun and sea of Cabo Girão, one of the world’s tallest oceanside cliffs, on this romantic catamaran excursion departing from the Funchal Marina. After boarding, find a nice spot on the deck for spotting whales and dolphins, and then strap on your complimentary goggles and mask while you look for sea life beneath the surface.

Go whale and dolphin watching, a unique experience from Madeira. Board a boat with your experienced captain and crew, then set out for the open seas to search for these friendly marine mammals. Learn about these fascinating creatures through your crew's informative commentary.

Experience Funchal’s rich culture and natural environment on this all-day off-road adventure. After a convenient hotel pickup, hop in a 4x4 and explore the island’s pristine corners with a local guide. Stop for souvenirs in Santana, visit Madiera’s first capital city, and marvel at picturesque views of the Red Cliffs—all on one affordable, family-friendly tour.

The Swim with Dolphins Trip is a breakthrough! Using specific approach techniques and relying on the dolphins amazing intelligence and inherent interest in humans, we now are able to share with YOU an open water, in-water dolphin experience. You are connected safely to the boat at all times and in the water right next to the dolphins as they glide from bow to bow- in front of, below, and next to you! The best thing is that this all takes place right here in the crystal clear waters of the Natural reserve of Ponta de Sao Lourenco - Madeira! Why with us? - 99% chance of spotting whales or dolphins - Tour in the area with the highest concentration of cetacean of Madeira - Learn about marine mammals - Get your digital guide about Madeira's cetaceans In the case of no-sighting, we will offer you the possibility to join us on another trip free of charge. Our guides will decide if dolphins behaviour, species and sea condition allow or not to get safely in the water.

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.

On this snorkeling adventure in Ponta de São Lourenço, you’ll save time researching the best places to find marine life, as you’ll be taken by speedboat to the most beautiful spot. You won’t have to worry about safety, as you’ll have an experienced guide to give you a safety briefing, and snorkeling advice. Pack light as snorkeling equipment is included, and see the incredible views of the cliffs of Baia D’Abra.

Experience diving for people with or without experience, where we want to put the participants in contact with the species in the Madeira Aquarium, which include sharks, rays, morays and many more. With this experience, participants can contact species that may be difficult to spot at sea, in a controlled environment, and still have the chance to be observed by family / friends as they perform the activity.

Discover the abundant marine life near Madeira on this fast-paced dolphin and whale watching tour. You won’t have to worry about wasting time traveling, as you’ll whizz through the water on a speedboat, and cover large distances. Look out for dolphins and whales, while enjoying guide commentary. If you don’t spot any sea life, you’ll get another free trip. You’ll stop at Cabo Girao, and have a chance to snorkel too. 

Ascend to Madeira’s highest peak on an 8-hour levada walk to Vereda do Pico Ruivo, from the top of which travelers are rewarded with spectacular panoramas of Madeira. Ideal for visitors with a moderate fitness level, this tour takes you through an ancient heather forest and reveals a plethora of flora and fauna native to the island. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included.

Aboard this sailing catamarans you will enjoy the beauty of the Madeiran coast with comfort and stability. Possibility of watching Dolphins, Whales and Turtles. Madeira has different species of cetacean throughout the year. Some more common on the warm summer months and others more common on the cooler winter season. So, sightings are possible all year long. We stop for swimming during the summer and snorkeling equipment is available on board free of charge. Bar service is also available on board

It can be tough knowing where to find good snorkeling spots while traveling. This tour takes away the risk of wasting time, by traveling with a guide to a spot known for its rich marine life. All equipment is provided which means you can pack light. The day starts with a Kayak tour along the Underwater Nature Reserve of Garajau and then plenty of time to snorkel and swim.

Venture off-road to explore Madeira’s northwest coast on this full-day safari from Funchal. Take the scenic route between Ribeira Brava and Porto Moniz in an open-top safari vehicle; enjoy spectacular views of the Cabo Girão sea cliffs, Veu da Noiva waterfall, and the Paul da Serra plateau.

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.

Venture off-road to explore the rugged mountains and rural villages of Madeira on this half-day safari from Funchal. Travel around the Fajã dos Padres cliffs in an open-top safari vehicle, take in the views from Boca dos Namorados and Jardim da Serra, and pass through traditional villages like Curral das Freiras and Fajã das Galinhas.

Marvel at Madeira's pristine and vibrant endemic Laurissilva forests. Take in panoramic views of the volcanic valleys of the island. Walk next to a "levada" (an irrigation water channel).

Famed for its splintering mountains and rugged coastlines, Madeira is a mecca for outdoor adventurers. See some of the island’s most spectacular scenery on a 4-hour jeep tour from Funchal, including convenient hotel pickup and drop-off. Absorb panoramic views of Funchal from Pico dos Barcelos Viewpoint, visit the famous Valley of the Nuns (Curral das Freiras), and Pico do Arieiro, the island’s third-highest peak.

Journey to the mystical land of Rabaçal on this full-day walking and Jeep tour, from Funchal. See the beautiful fountains and waterfalls on the “25 Fontes” Levada Walk as well as the highest cliff in Europe, Cabo Girão. Then, hop in a stylish 4x4 Jeep for some more adventure. Along the way, see local wildlife and learn about this fascinating region from your expert guide.

If you love the feeling of driving through the hills on a motorcycle, you shouldn't miss this adrenaline-fueled trike tour around scenic Madeira. With this tour you get the best of everything— you drive your own trike, with up to two guests, and you follow a guide so you don't get lost. As you ride, enjoy the region's scenic hillsides and coastal views, and stop for photo ops along the way.

Stray from the beaten path and explore Madeira’s mountainous and volcanic terrain on an 8-hour 4x4 tour from Funchal. On an off-road route, you’ll ascend to the 4,921-foot (1,500-meter) summit of Paúl da Serra and admire the valleys and vineyards of Fonte do Bispo & Prazere. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included.

A Madeira whale-watching tour by private motor yacht gives your party a front-row view without the crowds. Embark aboard ‘Miranda’ and let your skipper search the open seas for marine life including dolphins, whales, and sea turtles. You’ll have a luxurious time with this privately chartered boat equipped with refreshments, sparkling wine, snorkel gear, and shower.

Seeing Portugal’s Madeira region can be difficult on your own because of its hard-to-get-to highlights. This Jeep tour to Madeira’s cliffs and valleys charges through the area’s rough landscape, so you can stop by Boca dos Namorados, Jardim da Serra, Cabo Girão, and Câmara de Lobo all in one day. Plus, round-trip transport from Funchal is included for a seamless adventure.

Tick off more of MAdeira’s natural wonders in less time on a full-day tour from Funchal, ideal for visitors with limited time. Traveling by Jeep, you’ll ascend to the glass-floored viewing platform at Cabo Girão—one of Europe’s highest cliffs—and visit the Valley of the Nuns (Curral das Freiras). Plus, you’ll visit Câmara de Lobos, home to a multitude of wolf seals, and conclude with a whale and dolphin watching cruise. Hotel pickup is included.

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.

If you only have a day to explore the beautiful, wild northwest of Madeira, then booking a guided tour is the best way to ensure a great experience. This shore excursion from Funchal takes you to natural highlights on an exciting 4x4 vehicle, including volcanic lava pools, cliffs, and waterfalls. Upgrade to include a 3-course meal with a drink and coffee.