Madeira: Cabo Girão, Wines Experience and Dolphins Watching

Madeira, a captivating island in the Atlantic, beckons adventurers to discover its natural wonders. From the towering Cabo Girão sea cliffs to the renowned Madeira wines, this comprehensive tour promises an unforgettable experience. Venture off-road to uncover remote landscapes, indulge in a guided winery tour, and embark on a thrilling dolphin-watching excursion. With breathtaking scenery, culture, and once-in-a-lifetime encounters, this tour showcases the island’s diverse and captivating attractions. As you prepare to embark on this journey, the possibilities for exploration and discovery are endless.

This experience made our list of the 20 Best Wine Tours In Madeira.

Key Points

• This tour offers a comprehensive exploration of Madeira, including visits to the renowned Cabo Girão sea cliffs, a winery tour and tasting, and a dolphin-watching excursion.
• Participants can enjoy stunning scenic viewpoints, such as Curral das Freiras and Pico do Arieiro, and an off-road adventure through the island’s rugged terrain.
• The winery tour provides insights into Madeira’s winemaking traditions and allows visitors to taste the region’s signature varietals.
• The dolphin-watching activity offers the opportunity to observe these majestic marine creatures in their natural habitat.
• The tour includes free pickup from Funchal, necessary insurances, and safety instructions, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Island Exploration

The tour begins with a pickup from Funchal’s central area and port, setting the stage for an immersive exploration of Madeira’s captivating landscape.

First, the group heads to Cabo Girão, one of the highest sea cliffs in Europe, where they enjoy a photo stop and safety briefing before taking in the stunning, panoramic vistas.

Next, the adventure continues with an off-road journey to São Vicente, where travelers can enjoy the island’s scenic natural wonders.

Throughout the day, the knowledgeable local guide shares insights into Madeira’s rich history and culture, ensuring participants gain a deeper appreciation for this enchanting destination.

Scenic Viewpoints

Spectacular vistas await visitors at Cabo Girão, one of the highest sea cliffs in Europe, where they can snap captivating photos and soak in the breathtaking panoramic views of Madeira’s rugged coastline. The tour provides a safety briefing and ample time to explore the viewpoint, which offers sweeping vistas of the lush, verdant island. Visitors can gaze out over the azure ocean and try to spot whales and dolphins in the distance. To enhance the experience, the tour also includes a scenic drive and off-road adventure through the picturesque countryside of São Vicente.

Viewpoint	Height	Elevation Gain
Cabo Girão	589m (1,932 ft)	589m (1,932 ft)
Curral das Freiras	1,058m (3,474 ft)	469m (1,542 ft)
Pico do Arieiro	1,818m (5,965 ft)	760m (2,491 ft)

Off-Road Adventure

Thrill-seekers embark on an exhilarating off-road journey through the picturesque countryside of São Vicente, where rugged terrain and breathtaking scenery create an unforgettable experience.

The tour’s off-road adventure offers a glimpse into Madeira’s natural wonders, showcasing its diverse landscapes and hidden gems. Participants can expect:

1. Navigating through winding mountain roads and traversing rocky paths that lead to stunning viewpoints.

2. Experiencing the thrill of traversing the island’s rugged terrain, with the guidance of experienced drivers ensuring a safe and enjoyable journey.

3. Discovering remote and secluded areas that offer a unique perspective on Madeira’s natural beauty, away from the typical tourist routes.

Winery Tour and Tasting

After the off-road adventure, visitors are taken to the Quinta do Barbusano winery for a guided tour and wine tasting experience.

During the tour, knowledgeable guides provide insights into the winemaking process, from grape cultivation to barrel aging, allowing guests to gain a deeper appreciation for Madeira’s renowned wine legacy.

The tour culminates in a wine tasting, where participants sample the winery’s signature varietals, such as the crisp Verdelho and the robust Tinta Negra. Guests learn about the unique terroir and production methods that give Madeira wines their distinctive characteristics.

This intimate encounter with the island’s viticulture leaves travelers with a newfound understanding and appreciation for the region’s centuries-old winemaking traditions.

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Seaside Break

Following the immersive winery tour, the tour moves on to the Marina do Funchal, where travelers can take a break and explore the lively seaside atmosphere.

Here, they’ll find ample opportunities to indulge in local cuisine, browse boutique shops, and soak up the vibrant ambiance of this picturesque harbor.

Visitors can choose from a variety of dining options, ranging from traditional seafood dishes to casual cafes and bars. The marina also boasts a range of boutiques and artisanal shops, offering a chance to discover unique local crafts and souvenirs.

Plus, the tranquil waters of the marina provide an ideal setting for dolphin watching, allowing travelers to spot these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.

Dolphin Watching

Travelers can embark on a captivating dolphin watching excursion at the Marina do Funchal, where they’ll have the chance to spot these majestic marine creatures in their natural habitat.

The tour takes place aboard a comfortable catamaran, providing excellent views and the opportunity to observe the dolphins up close.

Experienced guides share their knowledge about the different species found in the area and provide insights into the behavior and ecology of these fascinating animals.

The dolphin watching experience is a highlight of the Madeira tour, allowing visitors to witness the grace and playfulness of these beloved marine mammals in their own environment.

Safety and Inclusions

The tour package includes all necessary insurances and safety instructions to ensure a worry-free experience for participants. A professional local guide accompanies the group, providing first-aid support and overseeing the proper use of sanitized vehicles equipped with alcohol-gel.

Plus, visitors won’t be responsible for local taxes or Wi-Fi access, as these are covered in the tour cost.

The highlights of the inclusions are:

1. Free pickup from Funchal’s Central Area and next to Funchal’s Port
2. Guided tour of a winery and wine tasting
3. All necessary insurances, safety instructions, and first-aid support

With these comprehensive inclusions, travelers can focus on enjoying the stunning scenery and immersive experiences that Madeira has to offer.

Suitability and Exclusions

While the tour offers a comprehensive experience, it’s important to note that the activity isn’t suitable for all participants. Children under 3 years, pregnant women, and wheelchair users aren’t recommended to join the tour. This is to ensure the safety and well-being of all guests.

The tour also excludes the entrance fee to Cabo Girão, which is €2 per person, as well as any food and drinks beyond the provided wines and snacks. Guests will need to cover these additional costs themselves.

The organizers prioritize providing a safe and enjoyable experience, so it’s crucial to consider these exclusions and suitability requirements when deciding whether this tour is the right fit.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Maximum Group Size for This Tour?

The tour does not specify a maximum group size. However, it states that the vehicles are sanitized, suggesting the group size is limited to ensure a comfortable experience and comply with any COVID-19 safety protocols.

Do I Need to Bring My Own Water and Snacks?

The tour includes water and snacks, so there’s no need to bring your own. The itinerary covers a guided winery tour with wine tasting, as well as access to local snacks during the break at the marina.

Is There a Dress Code for the Winery Tour?

There is no specific dress code for the winery tour. Comfortable, casual clothing is recommended, as the tour involves walking and exploring the winery grounds. Visitors should dress appropriately for the weather and be prepared for a relaxed, informative experience.

Can I Extend the Duration of the Dolphin Watching Activity?

The tour operator does not offer the option to extend the duration of the dolphin watching activity. The specified itinerary includes a fixed time for the dolphin watching experience, and there’s no flexibility to prolong it.

Is There an Option to Customize the Itinerary for This Tour?

Yes, the tour can be customized. Customers can work with the tour operator to adjust the itinerary and duration to suit their preferences, subject to availability and any additional costs.

Recap

Madeira’s Cabo Girão, Wines Experience, and Dolphins Watching tour offers an unforgettable adventure.

Explore the island’s stunning natural wonders, indulge in Madeira’s signature wines, and witness the captivating marine life.

This comprehensive experience blends breathtaking scenery, culture, and once-in-a-lifetime encounters, showcasing Madeira’s diverse and captivating attractions in a safe and inclusive manner.

You can check availability for your dates here: