Madeira, the stunning Portuguese island, offers a captivating tour that showcases its natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. Set out on a journey to witness the towering Cabo Girão cliffs, indulge in a wine tasting experience, and encounter majestic dolphins in their natural habitat. This comprehensive tour promises to leave you enchanted by Madeira’s diverse wonders, whetting your appetite for more exploration.
Key Points
- This 8-hour tour takes visitors to Cabo Girão cliffs, a family-owned winery for a guided tasting, and a dolphin watching excursion from Marina do Funchal.
- The tour includes free pickup, a local guide, insurance, and safety instructions, with an optional entrance fee to Cabo Girão cliff-top viewpoint.
- The winery tour and tasting feature one rosé, three whites, and two red wines, providing an immersive experience into Madeira’s winemaking heritage.
- The 3-hour dolphin watching boat trip offers opportunities to spot playful dolphins and whales while enjoying scenic coastal views.
- The tour is priced from $118.32 per person, with a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance and a reserve now, pay later option.
Tour Overview and Pricing
This Madeira: Cabo Girão, Wines Experience, and Dolphins Watching tour offers an 8-hour activity priced from $118.32 per person.
It features free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a reserve now, pay later option.
Pickup is available from Funchal’s central area and port at no extra cost, with an additional fee for other locations.
Pickup is available from Funchal’s central area and port at no extra cost, with an additional fee for other locations.
The tour includes visits to the Cabo Girão Cliffs, São Vicente for an off-road adventure, a guided tour and wine tasting at the Quinta do Barbusano Winery, and a catamaran trip for dolphin watching from the Marina do Funchal.
Want to see more dolphins? We've reviewed these other marine encounters in Madeira
Itinerary Highlights
The tour begins with pickup from Funchal’s central area and port, with an extra fee for other locations. The first stop is Cabo Girão, the highest cliffs in Europe at 580m, offering panoramic views (entrance €3 not included). Next, an off-road adventure takes guests to São Vicente for a scenic drive. The tour then visits Quinta do Barbusano Winery for a guided tour and wine tasting of 1 rosé, 3 whites, and 2 reds. The final stop is the Marina do Funchal for lunch, free time, and dolphin watching from a catamaran for 3 hours.
| Itinerary Highlights | Location | Duration |
|———————|———-|———-|
| Cabo Girão Cliff | Funchal | – |
| São Vicente | Off-road | – |
| Quinta do Barbusano | Winery | Guided tour & tasting |
| Marina do Funchal | Funchal | Lunch, free time, 3hr dolphin watching |
Cabo Girão Cliff Experience
As the tour’s first stop, visitors are treated to a breathtaking panorama from the Cabo Girão Cliff, the highest sea cliffs in Europe at an impressive 580 meters.
Guests have the opportunity to take in the stunning vistas and coastal landscapes of Madeira. An entrance fee of €3 is required to access the cliff-top viewpoint. Although this isn’t included in the tour price, the panoramic views are well worth the small fee.
After exploring the clifftops, the tour continues with an off-road adventure through the scenic countryside of São Vicente.
São Vicente Off-Road Adventure
After exploring the breathtaking Cabo Girão Cliff, the tour takes guests on an off-road adventure through the scenic countryside of São Vicente. The off-road journey offers a unique perspective of Madeira’s landscape, with stunning mountain vistas and picturesque villages along the way. Guests can expect:
| Feature | Description |
| — | — |
| Scenic Drive | Winding roads through lush greenery and dramatic coastlines |
| Local Culture | Glimpse into traditional Madeiran villages and way of life |
| Adventure | Thrilling off-road experience in sturdy, comfortable vehicles |
| Photo Opportunities | Capture the natural beauty of Madeira’s rural landscapes |
This segment of the tour provides a delightful contrast to the previous stop at Cabo Girão.
More Great Tours NearbyQuinta Do Barbusano Winery Tour
Following the off-road adventure through the scenic countryside of São Vicente, the tour takes guests to the Quinta do Barbusano Winery.
This family-owned winery offers a guided tour and wine tasting experience. Visitors learn about the winemaking process and sample a selection of rosé, white, and red wines.
The tasting includes one rosé, three whites, and two reds. This portion of the tour provides an opportunity to appreciate Madeira’s rich winemaking heritage.
Guests can savor the flavors and gain insights into the region’s viticulture before continuing on to the next stop at the Marina do Funchal.
Ready for another glass? Here are more wine experiences we've reviewed in Madeira
Lunch and Dolphin Watching at Marina Do Funchal
The tour then takes guests to the Marina do Funchal, where they can enjoy a lunch break and an opportunity for dolphin and whale watching.
Theres some good a seaside lunch and embark on a captivating catamaran cruise to spot dolphins and whales at the Marina do Funchal.
During this portion of the excursion:
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Theres some good a seaside lunch at one of the local restaurants, savoring the fresh seafood and stunning views.
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They’ll then embark on a catamaran cruise, keeping an eye out for the playful dolphins and whales that frequently grace the waters.
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The boat trip lasts approximately 3 hours, allowing ample time to spot the marine wildlife and soak in the coastal scenery.
Scenic Views and Professional Guidance
The scenic views and professional guidance are highlights of this Madeira tour. Visitors can take in the panoramic vistas from the Cabo Girão Cliffs, the highest sea cliffs in Europe at 580 meters.
The guided off-road adventure through São Vicente offers more breathtaking scenery. The knowledgeable local guide provides insights throughout the day, from the winery tour to the dolphin watching excursion. Guests appreciate the guide’s expertise, as evidenced by the 5/5 rating.
With the safety and convenience of included transportation, this tour allows travelers to experience Madeira’s natural wonders with ease and confidence.
Inclusions, Exclusions, and Customer Feedback
Although the tour includes several complimentary services, there are a few exclusions that travelers should be aware of.
The tour covers free pickup from Funchal’s central area and port, a professional local guide, insurance, safety instructions, sanitized vehicles, and Wi-Fi.
Complimentary services include pickup, a local guide, insurance, safety instructions, sanitized vehicles, and Wi-Fi.
However, it excludes:
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Food and drinks (excluding wines and snacks)
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Entrance fee to Cabo Girão (€3)
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Drop-off service
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Pets, luggage, or large bags
Based on 26 reviews, the tour has an overall rating of 4.5/5, with positive feedback on the wine tasting and informative guide, but some negative comments about the lengthy boat trip and limited views.
Since You Asked
What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?
The dress code for the tour is casual and comfortable. Participants are advised to wear weather-appropriate clothing, comfortable walking shoes, and bring sun protection. Swimwear is recommended for the optional swimming opportunity below the Cabo Girão cliff.
Is This Tour Suitable for People With Mobility Issues?
The tour may not be suitable for people with mobility issues. The itinerary involves a scenic drive, walking at the winery, and boarding a catamaran, which could be challenging for those with limited mobility. Visitors should check with the tour operator for specific accessibility details.
Can the Tour Be Customized to Accommodate Dietary Restrictions?
The tour can be customized to accommodate dietary restrictions. Travelers should contact the tour operator in advance to discuss their needs, and the operator will try to make appropriate arrangements within the tour’s offerings.
Are There Any Age Restrictions or Requirements for Children?
The tour doesn’t have any age restrictions or requirements for children. Families with kids are welcome to join the excursion, though parents should supervise their children throughout the activities for safety.
Is There an Option to Extend the Duration of the Tour?
The tour doesn’t appear to offer an option to extend the duration. However, customers can book additional tours or activities separately if they want to spend more time exploring Madeira.
The Sum Up
This tour offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore Madeira’s natural beauty and cultural heritage. From the breathtaking Cabo Girão cliffs to the exquisite wines of Quinta do Barbusano, and the chance to spot dolphins and whales, it’s an immersive experience that showcases the best of this enchanting island. With professional guidance and stunning scenery, it’s a must-do for anyone seeking an unforgettable adventure in Madeira.
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