Madeira’s Funchal is a captivating destination, and this two-day tour package offers an enticing way to explore it. Travelers can hop on and off a bus, visiting key attractions, then embark on a thrilling catamaran cruise to spot whales and dolphins. With included perks like a wine tasting, this tour promises an immersive experience at a compelling price. But what makes this excursion truly remarkable? The details just might surprise you.
Key Points
- This activity includes a hop-on hop-off bus tour of Funchal and Câmara de Lobos, as well as a catamaran cruise to spot whales and dolphins.
- Participants can enjoy a free Madeira wine tasting, a visit to the Bordal Embroideries Factory, and discounts on local attractions.
- The bus tour runs every 30-45 minutes, with key stops like Avenida do Mar and Bordal Embroidery Factory.
- The catamaran cruise includes a swimming and snorkeling break at Fajã do Cabo Girão.
- The activity has a 4/5 rating, with high value for money but mixed reviews on transportation and guide service.
Activity Overview
The activity, titled "Funchal: Hop-on Hop-off Bus & Whale & Dolphin Boat Excursion," is priced from $50.24 per person and has a duration of 2 days from first activation.
Travelers can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. The package allows customers to reserve now and pay later, securing their spot without paying upfront.
Highlights include discovering Funchal and Câmara de Lobos by bus, a catamaran whale and dolphin watching experience, a swimming and snorkeling break, and complimentary tastings and factory visits.
Discover Funchal and Câmara de Lobos by bus, enjoy a catamaran whale and dolphin watching experience, and take a swimming and snorkeling break.
The activity promises a comprehensive Madeira adventure at a reasonable price.
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Tour Highlights
Discover attractions of Funchal and Câmara de Lobos by hopping on and off the bus at your leisure.
Spot whales and dolphins on a catamaran cruise.
Take a refreshing swim and snorkel at Fajã do Cabo Girão.
Enjoy a free Madeira wine tasting at the historic Blandys Wine Lodge.
Visit the Bordal Embroideries Factory for a glimpse of traditional craftsmanship.
Take advantage of discounts on tickets to local monuments, museums, and leisure activities.
With a 2-in-1 tour, you’ll explore Madeira’s stunning landscapes and cultural treasures at your own pace.
Included Features
This tour provides a comprehensive 2-in-1 experience, giving travelers access to a Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour for 48 hours as well as a Catamaran Whale and Dolphin Watching excursion.
Included are a free Madeira wine tasting and 10% discount on shopping at the Old Blandys Wine Lodge, plus a free visit to the Bordal Embroideries Factory with a 10% discount.
Travelers also receive discounts on tickets to various monuments, museums, and leisure activities.
Convenient hotel pick-up and drop-off service is provided, ensuring a seamless and hassle-free experience.
Itinerary and Stops
The bus tour takes travelers to various stops throughout Funchal and the nearby town of Câmara de Lobos, allowing them to hop on and off at their leisure.
The bus runs every 30 minutes from 9 AM to 12:30 PM, and every 45 minutes from 1:15 PM to 5 PM.
Key stops include:
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Avenida do Mar
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Bordal Embroidery Factory
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Câmara de Lobos (South and North)
The catamaran departure point is the VMT City Pier Kiosk, located in front of Stop 2 of the bus tour.
Travelers can enjoy dolphin and whale watching, as well as a swimming and snorkeling break at Fajã do Cabo Girão.
More Great Tours NearbyCustomer Feedback
Travelers have provided mixed reviews for this tour, with an overall rating of 4 out of 5 based on 21 reviews.
While the value for money was rated highly at 4.3/5, feedback on the transportation and guide was less positive, at 3.8/5 and 3.3/5 respectively.
Some customers reported issues with the bus schedule, noting that they’d to resort to public transport due to early closures.
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Hop-on Hop-off Bus Experience
Although the bus schedule has received some mixed reviews, the hop-on hop-off bus experience allows visitors to discover Funchal’s top attractions at their own pace.
The hop-on hop-off bus experience allows visitors to discover Funchal’s top attractions at their own pace, despite some mixed reviews on the schedule.
The buses run every 30-45 minutes, providing flexibility to explore sights like:
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The Old Town and Cable Car
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Bordal Embroidery Factory
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Madeira Wine Museum
While some travelers experienced early bus closures, the convenience of hopping on and off the buses to visit key landmarks and enjoy included activities, such as the wine tasting and embroidery factory, makes this a valuable option for discovering Funchal.
Whale and Dolphin Watching Excursion
One key component of this experience is the whale and dolphin watching excursion. Guests will embark on a catamaran and sail out to spot these magnificent marine creatures.
The tour offers a chance to observe whales and dolphins in their natural habitat. Travelers can enjoy swimming and snorkeling at the Fajã do Cabo Girão break.
The whale and dolphin watching is an included activity, providing great value for money. While reviews indicate the bus schedule reliability could be improved, the catamaran experience seems to be a highlight, with travelers appreciating the opportunity to see these animals up close.
Tips for Booking and Enjoying the Tour
When booking this tour, it’s wise to reserve in advance to secure your spot, as availability can be limited, especially during peak seasons.
To make the most of your experience:
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Arrive at the bus stops early to ensure you don’t miss the frequent departures.
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Pack comfortable shoes, sun protection, and a swimsuit if you plan to take advantage of the snorkeling break.
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Be flexible with your schedule, as the bus and boat tours may occasionally run behind due to traffic or weather conditions.
The Sum Up
The "Funchal: Hop-On Hop-Off Bus & Whale & Dolphin Boat Excursion" offers an excellent value for travelers seeking to explore Madeira’s top attractions. With a 48-hour bus tour, a thrilling catamaran cruise, and additional perks, this package provides a comprehensive and convenient way to experience the island’s natural beauty and cultural highlights. It’s an ideal choice for those looking to make the most of their time in Funchal.
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