The 15 Best Things to Do in Madeira

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 8,204 reviews · 3 hours · from $41Our pick

Funchal eco catamaran dolphin and whale watching with hybrid-electric quiet sailing, land spotters, and 360° views along Madeira’s south coast.

“Lovely crew on boat. Delighted to see pod of pilot whales …a real treat. Thank you team. Be warned, it’s gets ve dry chilly out there, on way out to observation area. Bring layers!”

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Things to Do in Madeira, Tour Reviews, Tours

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

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

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 7,905 reviews · 8 hours · from $73

8-hour Madeira 4WD day to Cabo Girão Skywalk, Seixal black sand, Porto Moniz lava pools, and Fanal Forest off-road.

“it was an amazing trip,well worth the money. Would absolutely book it again next time visiting Madeira.”

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Boat Tours in Madeira, Cruises & Boat Tours, Dolphin Watching, Sailing, Things to Do in Madeira, Tour Reviews, 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

3 hours off Madeira from Funchal in a stable catamaran, searching for dolphins, whales, turtles, plus Cabo Girão swim time.

“We were lucky to see both dolphins and whales. Staff were great! ,they interacted with everyone, pleasant, friendly and very informative about the sea life.”

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Things to Do in Madeira, Tour Reviews, Tours

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

A full northwestern Madeira 4x4 day from Funchal with Porto Moniz swims, Seixal, Paul da Serra cloud views, and Fanal Forest.

“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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Hiking & Trekking, Morning, Pico do Arieiro Sunrise Tours, Private Drivers, Things to Do in Madeira, Tour Reviews

Funchal: Pico do Arieiro Sunrise Hiking Transfer

5.Pico do Arieiro Sunrise Hiking Transfer

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 4,021 reviews · 8.5 hours · from $38

Sunrise hike from Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo with a door-to-door transfer from Funchal, plus a self-guided trail map.

“It was an amazing experience. The driver is very professional and friendly”

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Jeep Safaris & 4x4 Adventures, Things to Do in Madeira, Tour Reviews

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

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

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3,631 reviews · 8 hours (approx.) · from $75.10Top rated

Open-roof 4x4 tour from Funchal to Porto Moniz pools, Cabo Girao skywalk, Fanal Forest and Seixal black sand beach.

“Fantastic trip - great mix of cultural with fun swim at the Porto Muniz pools and off road landrover thrills and spills. Diogo is a fantastic guide !!”

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Things to Do in Madeira, Tour Reviews, Tours

From Funchal: Best of Madeira’s West Tour

7.Best of Madeira’s West Tour

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

West Madeira from Funchal in 8 hours, with Cabo Girão Skywalk, Paul da Serra plateau, Porto Moniz lava pools, and Seixal’s Bridal Veil.

“Beautiful views! Marco showed us much and also knew a lot about the history. He’s also a great driver, because the twists and turns in the mountains are no joke 😅 Definitely a must-do tour if you’re visiting Madeira.”

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Things to Do in Madeira, Tour Reviews, Tours

Madeira: Best of the East Tour from Funchal

8.Best of the East Tour from Funchal

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

A smooth 8 hour drive through Madeira’s east highlights, from Pico do Arieiro viewpoints and Santana houses to Ponta de São Lourenço.

“We went on an East trip in Funchal and it was an amazing experience from start to finish. The tour was well organized, smooth, and covered some of the most beautiful spots on the east side of Madeira. The views were stunning, the stops were well chosen, and everything was explained clearly. It was a perfect mix of nature, viewpoints, and local culture without feeling rushed. Transportation was comfortable and the timing at each stop was just right. Overall, it was a great way to see Madeira, especially if you don’t want to drive yourself. Definitely worth it and I would recommend it to anyone visiting Madeira. Lastly, we’d like…”

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Things to Do in Madeira, Tour Reviews, Tours, Walking Tours, Walking Tours in Madeira

Funchal: Old Town Walking Tour

9.Old Town Walking Tour

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

A 2-hour Funchal Old Town walk with markets, a 19th-century sweet factory, wine, sugar stories, and student-support.

“This a great way to start your holiday, get your bearings & learn more about the city's history & culture. Good to know too that your money is going straight into the University's Student Welfare Fund. Our group was very small - just three solo women travellers and our guide, Evalina, who's currently on a gap year from the Czech Republic. She was very knowledgeable for someone who's only been in Funchal for a month, spoke impeccable English, and gave us a little time to wander around the market independently. The tour took us into two impressive churches, past the Bishop's house, up the little street with all the painted…”

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Boat Tours in Madeira, Cruises & Boat Tours, Dolphin Watching, Sailing, Things to Do in Madeira, Tour Reviews, 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

3-hour luxury catamaran cruise from Funchal with dolphin and whale spotting, plus a swim and snorkel stop at Cabo Girão.

“Here is the revised version without the part about needing anything: ⸻ My mother and I had an absolutely amazing catamaran trip in Madeira! The skipper was incredibly friendly and made the whole experience unforgettable. He even sang along to the music, which created such a fun and relaxed atmosphere on board. His positive energy really set the tone for the entire trip. The combination of beautiful views, great music, and his fantastic mood made this one of the highlights of our stay in Madeira. It was such a special experience for both of us, and we truly enjoyed every minute. Highly recommended – we would definitely do it again!”

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Things to Do in Madeira, Tour Reviews, Tours

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

An 8-hour west Madeira loop with sea pools at Porto Moniz, the misty Fanal Forest, and Atlantic waterfalls, run by a guide and small group.

“Alex is best Gute Ever. . He 'upgrades' a Standard Programm to a top adventur.. and in german language!!! And he is a super driver!!”

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Dolphin Watching, Things to Do in Madeira, Tour Reviews, Tours, 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

3-hour luxury catamaran from Funchal with open bar, Cabo Girão cliff swim, and real chances to spot dolphins, whales, turtles.

“Tour was fantastic. Crew was very kind and told a lot of interesting facts about dolphins and whales. We had a lot of snacks and drinks. It was right decision to pay more. It was a definitely VIP tour. Thank you so much!”

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Hiking & Trekking, Pico do Arieiro Sunrise Tours, Things to Do in Madeira, Tour Reviews

Madeira: Pico Arieiro to Pico Ruivo Hike

13.Pico Arieiro to Pico Ruivo Hike

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 2,224 reviews · 8 hours · from $54

Guided hike from Pico Arieiro to Pico Ruivo on Madeira, with hotel pickup, coffee, volcanic peaks, and return drinks in 8 hours.

“Very enjoyable day. Guide was very helpful and entertaining.”

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Full-Day, Guided, Jeep Safaris & 4x4 Adventures, Things to Do in Madeira, Tour Reviews, Tours

Madeira: Full-Day Jeep Tour with Guide and Pickup

14.Full-Day Jeep Tour with Guide and Pickup

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

Madeira full-day jeep tour with Cabo Girão skywalk, wild off-road to Ribeira Brava, Fanal Forest, and Porto Moniz pools.

“We had a great guide. Paulo told us a lot of interesting things about the island, and we saw many interesting and beautiful places. I highly recommend him!”

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Guided, Levada Hikes, Things to Do in Madeira, Tour Reviews, Walking Tours, Walking Tours in Madeira

Madeira: Enjoy a Guided Levada Walk in the Rabaçal Valley

15.Enjoy a Guided Levada Walk in the Rabaçal Valley

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

Guided Levada dos 25 Fontes walk through Madeira’s Rabaçal Valley from Funchal, with hotel pickup, levada history, and 25 spring cascades.

“Amazing day out and lots of walking but worth it, great views and the waterfalls are out if Jurassic Park film. The whole walking tour was informative and well organised, lots of uphill and though mostly downhill expect some tricky areas and walking shoes a must. Perfect weather today with cool breeze and no rain, perfect for hiking. Highly recommend the walk and a great way to see the island and its hidden gems.”

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