Funchal, the vibrant capital of Madeira, offers an unparalleled opportunity to take in the island’s natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. The "Cabo Girão, Wines Tasting and Dolphins Watching" tour provides an unforgettable experience, blending breathtaking landscapes, renowned local wines, and the chance to witness the majestic marine life. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a wine connoisseur, or simply seeking an adventure, this tour promises to leave you captivated and eager to explore more of Funchal’s wonders.
Key Points
- This 8-hour excursion in Funchal, Madeira offers a combination of scenic viewpoints, wine tasting, and dolphin watching along the southern coast.
- The tour includes an off-road adventure through Jardim da Serra, a visit to the renowned Cabo Girão cliff with a glass floor viewpoint, and a tasting at a local winery.
- Cabo Girão is Europe’s highest sea cliff at 580 meters, providing panoramic views of the Madeiran coastline and a thrilling glass floor experience.
- The Madeira wine tasting at Henriques & Henriques winery showcases the island’s renowned winemaking heritage and offers insights into the production process.
- The dolphin-watching catamaran trip along the southern coast is led by an experienced crew and a licensed marine biologist guide, providing the opportunity to observe these magnificent marine mammals in their natural habitat.
Tour Overview
This tour, titled "Funchal: Cabo Girão, Wines Tasting and Dolphins Watching," offers an 8-hour excursion from $96.61 per person.
It’s limited to 8 participants and available in Spanish, English, and Portuguese.
Pickup is from central Funchal, including the port.
Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later.
Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later.
The tour includes a professional local guide, all insurances, safety instructions, Wi-Fi, and Madeira wine tasting.
However, some restrictions apply, such as no children under 3, pregnant women, or wheelchair users.
Want to see more dolphins? We've reviewed these other marine encounters in Madeira
Pickup and Itinerary Highlights
The tour begins with pickup locations in Funchal’s central area and near the port.
Once gathered, the adventure unfolds with a visit to Boca dos Namorados, where participants receive a safety briefing and enjoy scenic views.
Next, the group embarks on an off-road journey to Jardim da Serra, stopping at a local bar for a taste of Madeira’s charm.
The highlight of the day is the visit to Cabo Girão, Europe’s highest cliff at 580 meters, where a glass floor viewpoint offers a thrilling perspective (entrance fee €3 not included).
The day concludes with a dolphin-watching catamaran trip along the south coast.
[NUMERIC LIST OF 4 ITEMS]:
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Pickup Locations: Central Funchal, including port
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Boca dos Namorados: Scenic views, safety briefing
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Jardim da Serra: Off-road adventure, local bar visit
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Cabo Girão: Highest cliff in Europe (580 m), glass floor viewpoint (entrance €3 not included)
Off-Road Adventure and Local Bar Visit
After the scenic views and safety briefing at Boca dos Namorados, the tour ventures into the rugged terrain of Jardim da Serra for an off-road adventure.
Bouncing along the winding mountain roads, the 4×4 vehicle takes guests to a local bar, where they can sample traditional Madeiran drinks and snacks.
Bouncing along winding mountain roads, the 4×4 takes guests to a local bar for traditional Madeiran drinks and snacks.
This lively stop offers a glimpse into the island’s vibrant culture and a chance to interact with friendly locals.
The guide shares insights about the region’s history and way of life, enriching the overall experience.
This off-road detour promises an exhilarating and authentic taste of Madeira’s untamed natural beauty.
Cabo Girão: Europe’s Highest Cliff
Towering over the southern coast of Madeira, Cabo Girão stands as the highest cliff in Europe, reaching an impressive height of 580 meters.
As part of the tour, visitors can experience the glass floor viewpoint, where a transparent platform juts out over the cliff’s edge, offering breathtaking panoramic views.
Some key features of Cabo Girão include:
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Staggering Elevation: Rising 580 meters above the Atlantic Ocean, Cabo Girão is one of the highest sea cliffs in the world.
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Glass Floor Viewpoint: A transparent platform allows visitors to peer down through the floor at the dramatic drop below.
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Stunning Vistas: The clifftop offers sweeping views of the southern Madeiran coastline and the vast expanse of the Atlantic.
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Entrance Fee: Access to the glass floor viewpoint requires a small entry fee of €3 per person.
Madeira Wine Tasting Experience
As part of the tour, visitors have the opportunity to savor the renowned Madeira wines at the historic Henriques & Henriques winery.
This iconic winery has been producing exceptional Madeira wines for generations. During the tasting, guests can sample a variety of the island’s distinctive fortified wines, each with its own unique flavor profile.
The knowledgeable guide provides insights into the winemaking process and the history of Madeira’s wine heritage.
This wine tasting experience complements the other highlights of the tour, offering a well-rounded exploration of Madeira’s natural and cultural treasures.
Hungry for more Madeira flavors? We've covered these other food and drink spots
Dolphin Watching Excursion
The 3-hour catamaran trip along Madeira’s southern coast provides an opportunity to spot pods of dolphins in their natural habitat.
Guests may even have the chance to swim with the playful creatures in summer months, weather permitting.
The tour includes:
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Experienced crew and licensed marine biologist guide to educate about the dolphins and their ecosystem.
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Onboard refreshments and snacks to enjoy during the excursion.
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Life jackets and other safety equipment provided.
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Ample time to observe the dolphins from the catamaran’s open-air decks.
This is a must-do activity for nature lovers visiting Funchal.
Tour Inclusions and Exclusions
The tour includes a pickup from Funchal’s central area and near the port, as well as a professional local guide.
All insurances as per Portuguese law are covered, and the tour provides safety instructions, first aid, sanitized vehicles, and alcohol-gel.
Wi-Fi, local taxes, and a Madeira wine tasting are also included.
However, food and drinks (excluding the wines) and the €3 entrance fee to Cabo Girão’s glass floor viewpoint aren’t included in the tour price.
Participants are also prohibited from bringing pets, luggage, or large bags.
Participant Restrictions and Customer Feedback
According to the information provided, there are some participant restrictions for this tour. The tour isn’t suitable for:
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Children under 3 years
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Pregnant women
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Wheelchair users
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Pets and large bags are prohibited.
Reviews for this tour have been overwhelmingly positive, with an overall rating of 4.6 out of 5 based on 47 reviews.
Travelers particularly enjoyed the knowledgeable guide, efficient transportation, and the excellent value for money.
The small group size and activities like the 4×4 jeep tour and dolphin watching were highlighted as standout experiences.
Since You Asked
What Is the Minimum Age Requirement for This Tour?
The minimum age requirement for this tour is 3 years old. Children under 3 are not suitable to participate in the tour, as stated in the participant restrictions.
Can We Bring Our Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?
According to the tour overview, personal food and drinks (excluding the included Madeira wine tasting) are not included. Participants are prohibited from bringing pets, luggage, or large bags on the tour.
Is There an Option to Extend the Dolphin Watching Activity?
Unfortunately, the tour does not offer an option to extend the dolphin watching activity. The tour includes a 3-hour catamaran trip along the south coast, with a potential swimming opportunity during summer. Any additional time would need to be arranged separately.
Is There a Discount for Booking the Tour as a Group?
Yes, there is a group discount for this tour. The website indicates the tour is limited to 8 participants, so larger groups can receive a discounted rate per person by booking together.
Can We Request a Private Tour With a Customized Itinerary?
Yes, the tour operator offers private tours with a customized itinerary. Travelers can request a private tour to suit their specific interests and preferences by contacting the operator directly.
The Sum Up
The "Cabo Girão, Wines Tasting and Dolphins Watching" tour offers a comprehensive Funchal experience. Travelers can enjoy breathtaking views, an off-road adventure, a wine tasting, and a dolphin-watching excursion, all within an 8-hour itinerary. With scenic landscapes, culture, and wildlife encounters, this tour provides an unforgettable way to explore the beauty of Funchal and the surrounding Madeira region.
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