Portugal · TOURS IN MADEIRA

The 15 Best Madeira Tours & Levada Walks

70 tours  ·  from $19 a head

Madeira is a mountain with a coastline attached, and almost every good day out involves altitude. These 15 cover the levadas, the peak walks, the 4WD runs to Fanal and the boats out of Funchal, priced and honest about the cloud.

From Funchal: Ecological Catamaran Dolphin Whale Watching - Finding Dolphins and Whales Offshore
Catamaran Cruises in Madeira, Dolphin Watching, Dolphin Watching Trips in Madeira, Sailing & Catamaran Cruises, Tour Reviews, Tours in Madeira, Whale Watching

From Funchal: Ecological Catamaran Dolphin Whale Watching

1.Ecological Catamaran Dolphin Whale Watching

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 5,771 reviews · from $40Our pick

Set out from Funchal Marina aboard the 2022 Magic Dolphin Eco, Madeira’s purpose-built hybrid-electric whale-watching catamaran. Land spotters help locate dolphins, pilot whales, sperm whales, turtles, and seabirds. You’ll hear clear commentary in English or Portuguese, stop for a swim near Cabo Girão, and cruise back past Câmara de Lobos and Reid’s Hotel.

“It was an unforgettable experience. The guides were very informative and welcoming. They explained right from the start that dolphins and whales are wild animals and hence can sometimes not be seen. We got incredibly lucky and got to see 4 different species that day: pilot whales, bottomnose dolphins, common dolphins and striped dolphins. I loved how they respected the animal’s space, and kept the limited time in each observation area. It’s a beautiful way to see these animals in their natural habitat. I loved that the guide explained after why it’s so good that we chose this way to observe the animals instead of going to a aquarium or…”

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Madeira: Skywalk, Porto Moniz, Seixal, and Fanal 4WD Tour - Cabo Girão gives you the high viewpoint first
Jeep & 4x4 Safaris, Jeep Safaris in Madeira, Madeira Peaks & Viewpoints, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Madeira

Madeira: Skywalk, Porto Moniz, Seixal, and Fanal 4WD Tour

2.Skywalk, Porto Moniz, Seixal, and Fanal 4WD Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 5,732 reviews · from $72

Spend about eight hours crossing Madeira by open-roof Land Rover, with stops at Cabo Girão, Seixal, Porto Moniz, Fanal Forest, and Paúl da Serra. You can swim in volcanic pools, ride an off-road track, and hear island stories from guides such as Victor, Tony, Gil, or Miguel. Lunch is paused separately, and pool and skywalk fees cost extra.

“Top jeep tour, the guide Camochu was great, funny, well prepared, a native animal as he said 😅 sky walk, forest, natural pools in Porto Moniz and also a traditional poncha for a great and crazy day on the road and through the forest. I definitely recommend the tour, not to be missed!”

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Funchal: Dolphin and Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise - What you may see beyond dolphins
Boat Trips in Madeira, Catamaran Cruises in Madeira, Cruises & Boat Tours, Dolphin Watching, Dolphin Watching Trips in Madeira, Sailing & Catamaran Cruises, Tour Reviews, Tours in Madeira, Whale Watching

Funchal: Dolphin and Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise

3.Dolphin and Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 5,697 reviews · 3 hours · from $41

From Funchal Marina, Seaborn Catamaran takes you along Madeira’s coast to search for dolphins, whales and turtles. The three-hour trip includes a guide in English or Portuguese, sea views, an onboard bar and a summer swim stop below Cabo Girão. Sightings are never guaranteed, and rough winter seas can bring motion sickness.

“It was amazing! We got to see dolphins and then we got to swim the water was perfect amd the guides very a very fun and nice bunch! I didnt get their names but it was one of the 3pms tour 👌🏾🥳”

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Funchal: Enchanted Terraces, Porto do Moniz & Fanal 4WD Tour - Porto Moniz and its volcanic pools
Jeep & 4x4 Safaris, Jeep Safaris in Madeira, Madeira Peaks & Viewpoints, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Madeira

Funchal: Enchanted Terraces, Porto do Moniz & Fanal 4WD Tour

4.Enchanted Terraces, Porto do Moniz & Fanal 4WD Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 4,930 reviews · 8 hours · from $74

Spend eight hours touring Madeira’s northwest in an open-top 4x4 with a local guide. You’ll visit Fanal Forest, Paul da Serra, Porto Moniz, Seixal, São Vicente, and mountain viewpoints, with time for swimming and an optional lunch stop. Guides may include Diego, Jorge, Pedro, George, or Ruan.

“guide was so pleasant and informative and gave a great explanation of all the sights. friendly and pleasant guide well worth the only. a lovely day”

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Porto Moniz, Seixal, Fanal Forest, Cliff Skywalk in Open Roof 4X4 - São Vicente and Veu da Noiva waterfall
Jeep & 4x4 Safaris, Jeep Safaris in Madeira, Madeira Peaks & Viewpoints, Tour Reviews, Tours in Madeira

Porto Moniz, Seixal, Fanal Forest, Cliff Skywalk in Open Roof 4X4

5.Porto Moniz, Seixal, Fanal Forest, Cliff Skywalk in Open Roof 4X4

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3,631 reviews · 8 hours (approx.) · from $75Top rated

Spend about eight hours touring Madeira’s west in an open-roof 4x4 with a local guide. Visit Porto Moniz, Seixal, Fanal Forest, Veu da Noiva waterfall, São Vicente, and Cabo Girão. Guides such as Graham, José, Miguel, and Robert are praised for island knowledge, good humor, and confident driving on steep roads.

“We say lots of interesting parts of the island. Guide was knowledgeable and pointed out entertaining facts. Very enjoyable.”

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From Funchal: Best of Madeira's West Tour - Cabo Girão: a high cliff with a clear price tag
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From Funchal: Best of Madeira’s West Tour

6.Best of Madeira’s West Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 3,463 reviews · 8 hours · from $42

Spend eight hours touring Madeira’s rugged west and north in an air-conditioned van, with hotel pickup in Funchal. Stop at Cabo Girão, cross Paul da Serra, visit Porto Moniz, see the Bridal Veil waterfall, and pass through São Vicente. Guides such as Marco and Bruno add local stories in several languages. Lunch and the €5 skywalk ticket cost extra.

“Brand new mini bus. Picked up from our hotel. Knowledgeable and entertaining drive and guide. The weather blocked some of the views but to be expected at this time of year.”

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Madeira: Best of the East Tour from Funchal - Starting near Funchal at Terreiro da Luta
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Madeira: Best of the East Tour from Funchal

7.Best of the East Tour from Funchal

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 3,364 reviews · 8 hours · from $42

Spend eight hours exploring eastern Madeira by air-conditioned minibus, with hotel pickup in selected Funchal areas. Your guide may be Marco, Bruno, Patrícia, Nuno, or another multilingual local guide. Expect mountain views, laurissilva forest, Santana’s thatched homes, rugged coast, and a relaxed lunch stop.

“We had a nice tour with Marco, a funny and knowledgeable person and good driver. spectacular views and interesting insides in the past of Madeira.”

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Funchal: Old Town Walking Tour - Finding the Jesuits’ College meeting point
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Funchal: Old Town Walking Tour

8.Old Town Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 3,233 reviews · 2 hours · from $19Best value

Start at Funchal’s Jesuits’ College and walk through the market, Santa Maria Street, old fortifications, cathedral, wine lodge, and painted-door quarter. Guides such as Annabelle, Elias, Hugo, and Elea bring the city to life in English, German, or French. The small groups and student-support mission add real value.

“Great tour full of history! Jaoa had a lot of knowledge about the city and historical details. I was the only one on the tour and I appreciate they didn’t cancel. At the end there’s a mini wine tasting. Loved ever part of the tour!”

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Funchal: Pico do Arieiro Sunrise Transfer Self-guided Hike - How the self-guided briefing works
Guided, Hiking & Trekking, Madeira Peaks & Viewpoints, Private Drivers, Self-Guided Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours in Madeira

Funchal: Pico do Arieiro Sunrise Transfer Self-guided Hike

9.Pico do Arieiro Sunrise Transfer Self-guided Hike

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 2,798 reviews · from $37

Travel from Funchal or Caniço to Pico do Arieiro for sunrise, then hike independently toward Pico Ruivo and Achada do Teixeira. Your driver gives route instructions, map guidance, and a pickup time before leaving you to walk at your own pace. The 10-kilometer route takes about five hours and may change if trail sections close.

“It was great! Pickup was right on time and communicated well, we were dropped off right at the viewing point and then it was really easy to find our way to the trails. It might have been good to have a bit more time to enjoy the scenery and have more snack stops on the way.”

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Funchal Bay: Dolphin & Whale Watch Luxury Catamaran Cruise - The first 45 minutes across Funchal Bay
Boat Trips in Madeira, Catamaran Cruises in Madeira, Cruises & Boat Tours, Dolphin Watching, Dolphin Watching Trips in Madeira, Sailing & Catamaran Cruises, Tour Reviews, Tours in Madeira, VIP, Whale Watching

Funchal Bay: Dolphin & Whale Watch Luxury Catamaran Cruise

10.Funchal Bay: Dolphin & Whale Watch Luxury Catamaran Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 2,684 reviews · 3 hours · from $47

Join Atlantic Pearl at Funchal New Marina for a three-hour cruise with Portuguese and English-speaking guides. You will look for dolphins and whales, hear about local marine life, and stop to swim beneath Cabo Girão. The boat has covered seating, outdoor loungers, hammocks, bathrooms, and a bar.

“Terrific , good access to the boat, good seating. Great staff and we were lucky and saw both sperm whales and dolphins.”

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From Funchal: West Madeira Waterfalls and Fanal Forest Tour - Câmara de Lobos starts the day by the water
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From Funchal: West Madeira Waterfalls and Fanal Forest Tour

11.West Madeira Waterfalls and Fanal Forest Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 2,630 reviews · 8 hours · from $33

Spend eight hours touring west Madeira by minibus, from Câmara de Lobos and Cabo Girão to misty Fanal Forest, Porto Moniz pools, São Vicente, and Serra de Água. English, French, Portuguese, Spanish, and German guides are available. Expect a full day, changing temperatures, steep roads, and many short stops.

“As promised a full day. Take a jacket regardless of the weather where you are staying as it can get unexpectedly cold. Guide was factual and informative. Kept to the schedule. We are in January now so not sure if price goes up with the season but excellent value.”

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All Inclusive Whale and Dolphin Watching Luxury Tour - Heading offshore in search of dolphins and whales
Dolphin Watching, Dolphin Watching Trips in Madeira, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Madeira, VIP, Whale Watching

All Inclusive Whale and Dolphin Watching Luxury Tour

12.All Inclusive Whale and Dolphin Watching Luxury Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 2,573 reviews · 3 hours · from $93

From Funchal, sail on a spacious catamaran with indoor and outdoor seating, a welcome glass of sparkling wine, and a small group capped at about 17 people. Your crew searches for dolphins, whales, and turtles, serves Madeira snacks and drinks, then stops beneath 586-meter Cabo Girão for swimming and snorkeling.

“This was an amazing 3 hours, the crew could not do enough for you, worth every penny”

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Madeira: Full-Day Jeep Tour with Guide and Pickup - Cabo Girão: a high start above the Atlantic
Full-Day, Guided, Jeep & 4x4 Safaris, Jeep Safaris in Madeira, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Madeira

Madeira: Full-Day Jeep Tour with Guide and Pickup

13.Full-Day Jeep Tour with Guide and Pickup

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 2,216 reviews · 8 hours · from $78

Spend eight hours exploring Madeira with a local English-speaking guide such as Paulo, Pedro, Renato, or Ricardo. Travel by Jeep from Funchal to Cabo Girão, Trompica, São Vicente, Seixal, Porto Moniz, Fanal Forest, and Ponta do Sol. Expect mountain roads, off-road tracks, volcanic swimming pools, photo stops, and plenty of island stories.

“Renato was a fantastic guide. Lots of energy and great stories not just about the island but about his personal experiences growing up here. We are only here for a few days, so it was a great way to fit in a lot of great locations around the island in a short amount of time. Such a fun experience!”

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Madeira: Enjoy a Guided Levada Walk in the Rabaçal Valley - From Funchal to Paul da Serra
Guided, Levada Walks, Tour Reviews, Tours in Madeira

Madeira: Enjoy a Guided Levada Walk in the Rabaçal Valley

14.Enjoy a Guided Levada Walk in the Rabaçal Valley

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 2,197 reviews · 8 hours · from $50

Spend eight hours exploring Madeira’s Rabaçal Valley with a guide such as Sara or Ruby. Follow the Levada do Risco and Levada das 25 Fontes, see cascades dropping into a cliff-ringed lagoon, and pass through an 800-meter water tunnel. Hotel pickup, transport, and a guide are included. Bring sturdy shoes, food, water, and a torch.

“Great walk with Sarah as a guide. Enjoyed the day with the group”

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From Funchal: West Madeira and Laurel Forest Day Trip - Câmara de Lobos and the first mountain views
1-Day Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours in Madeira

From Funchal: West Madeira and Laurel Forest Day Trip

15.West Madeira and Laurel Forest Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 2,067 reviews · 8 hours · from $37

Spend about eight hours crossing West Madeira with a multilingual guide such as Carlos, Daniel, Tony, or Gama. See banana terraces, Cabo Girão, Fanal Forest, Ribeira da Janela, Porto Moniz, Seixal, and São Vicente. Bring a jacket, water, and swimwear for the volcanic pools.

“We loved the ancient forest in the fog and Atlantic pools stop for a swim. It would be impossible for a first time visitor to pack so much in a day without the guide and transportation. It is very complicated to drive in Madeira, steep and narrow roads so we were so happy Tony did all hard job we just soaked in the nature and information”

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