Porto Santo One-Day Cruise and Tour

The Porto Santo One-Day Cruise and Tour offers an enticing way to explore the "golden island" off the coast of Madeira. With a maximum of 15 passengers, this intimate journey provides an opportunity to discover the island’s stunning beaches, lush gardens, and rich cultural heritage. Led by a knowledgeable guide, the tour promises an informative and relaxing experience, perfect for those seeking a day trip from Funchal. What unique experiences await travelers on this enchanting excursion?

Key Points

1. A full-day excursion from Funchal to the golden island of Porto Santo, with ferry transfers and minibus transportation included.
2. Highlights include visiting Calheta beach, Quinta das Palmeiras garden, Pico Castelo, and other cultural sites with a knowledgeable guide.
3. The tour offers a mix of sightseeing, relaxation, and cultural experiences, with time allocated for lunch and beach time.
4. The tour is priced at $143.89 per person, with a non-refundable booking policy and an overall positive rating from past travelers.
5. The tour provides a comprehensive culture into Porto Santo’s rich heritage, including its history, traditions, and distinctive cuisine.

Overview of the Porto Santo Cruise and Tour

The full-day excursion from Funchal to Porto Santo, known as the "golden island," is a small group tour with a maximum of 15 passengers.

It includes ferry transfers, on-island minibus transportation, and hotel/port pickup and drop-off in Funchal.

The tour duration is 2.5 hours, providing an overview of the island’s key sites like Calheta beach, Quinta das Palmeiras garden, and Pico Castelo.

A knowledgeable guide shares insights into the island’s history, culture, food, and people, giving travelers a well-rounded experience.

Afterward, visitors have time to enjoy lunch and relax at the beach.

Tour Highlights and Itinerary

The scenic ferry ride to Porto Santo kicks off the day, followed by a minibus tour that showcases the island’s key sites. Travelers visit Calheta beach, Quinta das Palmeiras garden, Miradouro da Portela, Casa da Serra, and Pico Castelo. A knowledgeable guide provides insights into the island’s history, culture, food, and people. Visitors also enjoy time for lunch and relaxation at the beach.

Tour Highlights
Calheta Beach	Pico Castelo
Quinta das Palmeiras	Casa da Serra
Miradouro da Portela	Scenic Ferry Ride

Travelers can expect a mix of sightseeing, relaxation, and cultural experiences on the golden island of Porto Santo.

Pricing and Booking Information

Although the Porto Santo Cruise and Tour costs $143.89 per person, it offers an immersive experience exploring the golden island.

The tour’s non-refundable booking policy means confirmation is received within 48 hours, subject to availability. The tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, and service animals are allowed.

Based on 16 reviews, the tour has an overall rating of 4.6, with 94% of travelers recommending it. While some found the price high, others praised the beautiful beaches, friendly guides, and informative tours.

The tour departs Funchal at 8:00 am and returns around 8:30 pm, providing a full day of sightseeing and relaxation.

Traveler Reviews and Feedback

Travelers have largely praised the Porto Santo Cruise and Tour, with an overall rating of 4.6 out of 16 reviews.

94% of reviewers recommend the excursion, highlighting the beautiful beaches, friendly guides, and informative tours.

However, some travelers felt the tour was expensive for the experience and noted the long wait time after the tour.

Tour Operator and Departure Details

Lido Tours operates the Porto Santo Cruise and Tour, offering a full-day excursion from Funchal to the golden island.

The tour departs at 8:00 am and returns to Funchal around 8:30 pm, with the final ferry leaving Porto Santo at 7:00 pm. Travelers are picked up and dropped off at their hotels or the port in Funchal.

The small group tours have a maximum of 15 passengers, ensuring a personalized experience. Wheelchair and stroller accessibility, as well as service animals, are accommodated.

With a mix of sightseeing, relaxation, and culture, the Porto Santo tour provides a comprehensive glimpse of this idyllic destination.

Exploring the Golden Island

The ferry journey to Porto Santo offers breathtaking views of the surrounding ocean as the tour group makes its way to the "golden island." Upon arrival, the minibus tour commences, providing an in-depth exploration of the island’s key highlights. The tour includes stops at Calheta beach, Quinta das Palmeiras garden, Miradouro da Portela, Casa da Serra, and Pico Castelo, where the guide shares insights into the island’s history, culture, food, and people.

Site	Highlight
Calheta Beach	Pristine golden sands
Quinta das Palmeiras	Lush botanical garden
Miradouro da Portela	Panoramic viewpoint
Casa da Serra	Traditional island architecture
Pico Castelo	Historic hilltop fortress

Travelers are allotted time for lunch and relaxation on the beach, seeing the tranquil charm of Porto Santo.

Cultural Insights and Experiences

Throughout the tour, the knowledgeable guide provides insights into Porto Santo’s rich cultural heritage and unique way of life.

Travelers learn about the island’s history, from its early settlement by the Portuguese to its transformation into a popular tourist destination. The guide shares stories about the local community, their traditions, and the importance of agriculture and fishing to the island’s economy.

Visitors also gain an appreciation for Porto Santo’s distinctive cuisine, which features fresh seafood and locally-grown produce.

The tour offers a well-rounded cultural experience, immersing guests in the heart of this golden island.

Practical Considerations

When booking the Porto Santo One-Day Cruise and Tour, travelers should keep a few practical considerations in mind.

The excursion is priced at $143.89 per person and has a non-refundable booking policy. Confirmation is received within 48 hours, subject to availability.

The tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, and service animals are allowed. Travelers should plan for a full-day adventure, as the ferry departs Funchal at 8:00 am and returns around 8:30 pm.

While the majority of reviewers recommend the tour, some found it expensive for the experience and noted long wait times.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

There is no specific dress code mentioned for this tour. Travelers should dress comfortably for a mix of sightseeing, walking, and potentially spending time at the beach.

Are Food and Drinks Provided During the Tour?

The tour does not include any food or drinks. Travelers are responsible for their own meals and refreshments during the day. However, there is time allocated for lunch and relaxation at the beach on the island.

Can We Extend the Stay on Porto Santo?

The tour doesn’t offer the option to extend the stay on Porto Santo. It’s a one-day excursion with a fixed schedule, including the ferry transfers and sightseeing tour. Travelers can’t prolong their time on the island beyond the tour’s duration.

Is There Wi-Fi Available on the Ferry and Island?

The tour information doesn’t indicate if WiFi is available on the ferry or throughout Porto Santo. Travelers should prepare to be offline during the day-long excursion and make alternative arrangements if they need to stay connected.

Can We Bring Our Own Snorkeling Gear?

Travelers can bring their own snorkeling gear on the Porto Santo tour. The tour itinerary provides time for visitors to enjoy the island’s beaches, so personal snorkeling equipment can be utilized during that free time.

The Sum Up

The Porto Santo One-Day Cruise and Tour offers travelers an immersive exploration of the "golden island." With a scenic ferry ride, visits to stunning locations, and a knowledgeable guide, the tour provides both sightseeing and cultural insights. Ideal for those seeking a relaxing yet informative day trip from Funchal, the tour’s intimate group size and mix of activities make it an unforgettable experience.