PORTUGAL · FUNCHAL CITY AND MONTE
34 tours
Funchal runs uphill from the harbour to Monte, and the cable car up with a wicker toboggan back down is still the best hour on the island. These 15 trips run from catamarans that find whales to 4x4 climbs into the interior, with prices and pickup arrangements for each.
Eco-catamaran dolphin and whale watching from Funchal with silent hybrid engines, Cabo Girão cliff views, and a refreshing swim stop.
“Great crew. Friendly, knowledgeable and communicative. They did a good job finding some Sperm whales and Atlantic Spotted dolphins. Boat was comfortable and it was a pleasant 3 hours on the water.”
3-hour Seaborn catamaran cruise from Funchal, Madeira, searching for dolphins, whales, turtles, plus a swim under Cabo Girão.
“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.”
Take an open-top 4x4 from Funchal through Porto Moniz pools, Seixal, Paul da Serra, and Fanal Forest for big views and swim stops.
“It was a brilliant day! The guide was knowledgeable and fun!”
A relaxed 8-hour West Madeira day from Funchal, with Cabo Girão, Paul da Serra plateau, Porto Moniz lava pools, and Bridal Veil.
“Louis our driver was amazing polite funny and respectful if there is one criticism it would could you possibly have a portable step as my wife is disabled and struggles to get in and out of the bus otherwise what a fantastic day thank you paul”
See Madeira’s east highlights in one 8-hour day from Funchal, including Pico do Arieiro, Santana straw houses, Ponta de São Lourenço, and Machico.
“Thank you, Patricia! Perfect day with the best driver & guide, amazing views and wonderful people on the bus. It was supposed to be a German-language-tour but turned out to be English (which was no problem for me). Even though I live on the island, I booked this tour to be independent from tourist- (and car-)packed towns and it worked out well. Total recommendation! :) Obrigado”
A 2-hour Funchal Old Town walking tour with markets, sugarcane stories, churches, a sweet stop, and a wine lodge, guided for $19.
“This a great way to start your holiday, get your bearings & learn more about the city's history & culture. Good to know too that your money is going straight into the University's Student Welfare Fund. Our group was very small - just three solo women travellers and our guide, Evalina, who's currently on a gap year from the Czech Republic. She was very knowledgeable for someone who's only been in Funchal for a month, spoke impeccable English, and gave us a little time to wander around the market independently. The tour took us into two impressive churches, past the Bishop's house, up the little street with all the painted…”
Sunrise hike from Pico do Arieiro to Achada do Teixeira with a small-van transfer, self-guided trail notes, and big mountain views.
“Such a beautiful way to start the morning!! Detailed instructions given before pickup, and on the day so you feel safe and ready for the hike!! Fantastic driver with loads of information about the hike, Funchal and Madeira, would highly recommend”
Luxury catamaran cruise from Funchal Bay with dolphin and whale watching plus Cabo Girão snorkeling and cliff views.
“We got to see loads of dolphins, and a swim stop. Very good activity loved it”
Hotel pickup for a full day of West Madeira, from Câmara de Lobos and Fanal Forest to Porto Moniz sea pools and north-coast waterfalls.
“Brilliant trip, saw so much and learned a lot about the island from our excellent guide.”
West Madeira day trip with Cabo Girão cliffs, Fanal laurel forest, Porto Moniz volcanic pools, and north-coast stops from Funchal.
“What a lovely trip it was! Our guide Gama was an excellent driver navigating through many challenging areas. Very knowledgeable and thorough in explaining everything we saw along the way. We had sufficient time at each stop adding to the experience. Highly recommend!”
Small-group East Madeira day trip: Pico Arieiro, easy Balcões levada, Santana, ocean viewpoints, UNESCO Laurissilva, hotel pickup.
“Our guide Bruna was amazing, she was so enthusiastic about her beautiful home of Madeira, we thoroughly enjoyed the whole day. The levada walk followed by a great lunch was the highlight.”
Monte toboggan thrills, Eira do Serrado views, and Nuns Valley liquor tasting in a 4-hour Madeira tour with early access.
“Our guide Tony was a mine of information coupled with humour. That he was clearly fully bilingual was very impressive and a tremendous help to the tour. Whilst it was an early start to the day, that we were at the front for the queue for the sleigh ride made it worthwhile. The liquor tasting was a good way to round off the tour. A great 1/2 day.”
Luxury catamaran dolphin and whale watching from Funchal, sailing to Cabo Girão, with comfort onboard and a summer swim stop.
“This was excellent. Loved every minute. Really chilled out trip. The guides were amazing, made us feel really welcome and looked after. Made us all feel at home. the boat was spacious and plenty of seats anywhere on the boat or under the canopy in the shade if needed. One free drink and then very inexpensive to buy another £2.50 for a beer. The whole thing was great. The guides did their very best to get us to see the dolphins which were mostly quite a few meters from the boat but we got quite close at one point with 3 swimming directly in front of the boat. Actually the…”
Sunset sailing from Funchal to spot whales and dolphins, snorkel at Cabo Girão, and sip Madeira drinks as the sun sets.
“Bruno and Roberto did everything for a good experience. And we saw pilot whales, it was amazing.”
Self-guided hike from Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo with round-trip transfer from Funchal, clear instructions, and huge views.
“The Trail was closed, but we were informed beforehand and offered an alternative ( beginning of PR1 and Then PR3 …also lovely ). Great Guide and alltogether great experience.”
