Madeira: Cabo Girão, Wines Experience and Dolphins Watching

Exploring Madeira’s diverse landscape and vibrant culture can be a challenge to fit into one trip. Luckily, this tour offers a thoughtfully curated glimpse into the island’s highlights—spectacular viewpoints, renowned wines, and the thrill of spotting dolphins in their natural habitat. Whether you’re a lover of scenic vistas, a wine enthusiast, or just eager for some marine wildlife action, this experience aims to check all those boxes.

What we really appreciate about this tour is how it balances adventure with relaxation. You’ll marvel at the legendary cliffs of Cabo Girão, enjoy a guidated wine tasting at a traditional vineyard, and then unwind with a catamaran cruise full of chances to see playful dolphins. That said, one thing to keep in mind is the length of the boat trip, which some might find a bit long if they’re not big fans of sailing. Still, for many, the chance to see dolphins in the wild makes it worthwhile.

This tour is ideal for travelers seeking a mix of nature, culture, and marine life. It’s perfect if you want a full day packed with varied experiences, and if your group values guided insights and authentic encounters over just ticking sights off a list.

Key Points

• Spectacular Views: Offers panoramic vistas from Cabo Girão, Europe’s highest sea cliff, with a transparent glass platform.
• Wine Lovers’ Delight: Includes a guided tour of a local winery with tastings of multiple wines—red, white, and rosé.
• Scenic Off-Road Adventure: Features a jeep trip through Serra d’Água to São Vicente, with breathtaking views of terraced farmland.
• Wildlife Watching: Guarantees a chance to see dolphins (and possibly whales) from the comfort of a catamaran.
• Flexible & Well-Organized: Fits into an 8-hour window with pickup from Funchal’s central area included.
• Authentic Experiences: Combines natural beauty, cultural insights, and marine wildlife in one cohesive tour.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Detailed Look at the Tour Experience

Starting Point and Transportation

The tour begins with free pickup from Funchal’s central area and the port, which simplifies logistics and ensures no fuss about getting to the first stop. The transport is modern, sanitized, and equipped with Wi-Fi, making the ride comfortable and connected. This is especially helpful for those who want to relax or catch up on messages during the drive.

Cabo Girão: Europe’s Highest Sea Cliff

The first major stop is Cabo Girão, a marvel of nature towering 580 meters above the Atlantic. The viewpoint is an absolute highlight, offering sweeping vistas over Câmara de Lobos Bay and Funchal. The suspended glass platform adds an element of thrill—be warned, it’s a bit nerve-wracking for those afraid of heights! But the panoramic sightlines make it worth stepping onto the glass and taking in a perspective few places in Europe can match.

Travelers consistently praise this stop for its spectacular scenery. One reviewer noted, “The best part of the activity was the view from Cabo Girão, incredibly breathtaking.” It’s a perfect spot for photos that will make friends back home jealous.

Off-Road Drive to São Vicente

Next, the tour heads inland through Serra d’Água on a jeep adventure to São Vicente. This off-road segment is a real treat, especially for those who enjoy breathtaking mountain and valley views. You’ll traverse through traditional terraced farms—a living museum of Madeira’s agricultural heritage—and see the lush, green landscape from a new perspective.

The scenic drive offers breathtaking vistas over the north of the island, with many photo-worthy moments. Reviews mention that this part of the tour provides “fantastic views over the traditional terraces,” making it a favorite for nature and photography lovers alike.

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Visiting the Quinta do Barbusano Winery

From the rugged outdoors, the tour shifts gears to the serene world of Madeira’s wine culture. At Quinta do Barbusano, you’ll tour one of the main local wine producers, walking through large vineyards nestled in the hillside. The guide provides insights into Madeira’s wine history, production techniques, and cultural significance.

You’ll sample six wines—including a rosé, three whites, and two reds—all included in the tour price. Reviewers rave about the knowledgeable guides and the quality of the wines, with one noting, “The best part was the wine tasting—the explanations made it even more enjoyable.” It’s a relaxed, authentic experience that celebrates Madeira’s long-standing wine traditions.

Lunch and Free Time at Funchal Harbor

After the winery, you’ll have a break at the Marina do Funchal, where local snacks and a chance to relax await. While the tour doesn’t include a full meal, there’s ample opportunity to grab something from nearby eateries or simply enjoy the waterfront ambiance.

Dolphin and Whale Watching from the Catamaran

The final part of the day is the dolphin-watching cruise from Funchal’s harbor. The three-hour boat trip offers excellent chances to see dolphins in their natural environment, with the crew providing detailed info about the species you might encounter.

Many travelers mention that this is the highlight—seeing dolphins leap and play in the wild. One review notes, “Strong possibilities of watching dolphins in their natural habitat” and describes the experience as “relaxing.” The trip concludes at around 6 pm, back at the harbor, providing a satisfying end to a full day.

What’s Not Included

While most of the experience is covered, food and drinks outside the included wines and snacks are extra. The tour does not cover entrance fees to Cabo Girão (which costs 3 euros), so budget accordingly if you wish to go inside or onto other attractions. Plus, the tour doesn’t offer drop-offs after the dolphin cruise, so plan your evening logistics in Funchal accordingly.

Practical Tips for Travelers

• Dress comfortably and be ready for outdoor activities—from viewing platforms to off-road jeep rides.
• Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat, especially for the Cabo Girão viewpoint and boat trip.
• For those prone to seasickness, it’s worth considering medication before the dolphin cruise, as the waters can get a little choppy.
• The tour is not suitable for children under 3, pregnant women, or wheelchair users, due to the nature of some activities.
• If you’re interested in the full experience, consider adding extra time for exploring Funchal afterward or visiting other nearby sights.

Value and Overall Impression

At around eight hours, this tour packs a lot into a single day. The combination of stunning landscapes, culture through wine tasting, and marine wildlife viewing makes it a well-rounded option. The value is especially evident when you consider the included guided commentary, transportation, and multiple experiences—it’s a comprehensive way to see Madeira without the stress of planning each part separately.

The tour’s price reflects its mix of activities, but many travelers find it worthwhile for the variety and quality of experiences. The guide’s knowledge and friendly attitude also enhance the value, turning what could be a simple sightseeing trip into a memorable adventure.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for nature lovers, wine enthusiasts, and families or groups seeking a full day of activities. Those who enjoy spectacular viewpoints and are comfortable on boats will especially appreciate the dolphin-watching cruise. It’s also a smart choice for travelers who prefer organized tours with local insights, rather than trying to navigate Madeira alone.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a balanced mix of scenic beauty, cultural insight, and marine adventure, this tour delivers. Madeira’s impressive cliffs, lush landscapes, and vibrant wine culture are all presented with knowledgeable guides and a relaxed pace. While the boat trip might not be perfect for everyone, the chances of encountering dolphins in the wild make it worthwhile for many.

Overall, it’s a well-priced, authentic, and memorable way to experience some of Madeira’s best. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning to the island, this full-day adventure provides a meaningful taste of what Madeira has to offer.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 8 hours, starting and ending in Funchal, with a full schedule of sightseeing, tasting, and cruising.

Is transportation included?
Yes, free pickup from Funchal’s central area and the port is included. The transport is modern and sanitized, ensuring comfort and safety.

What are the main highlights?
Expect breathtaking views from Cabo Girão, a guided wine tasting at Quinta do Barbusano, an off-road jeep ride, and wildlife watching from a catamaran.

Can I see whales or just dolphins?
While the focus is on dolphins, there are strong chances of spotting whales and dolphins in the wild during the cruise.

Are there any additional costs?
Entrance to Cabo Girão costs 3 euros if you want to go inside or onto the platform. Other than that, food, drinks outside the included wine tasting, and drop-offs are not included.

Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s not recommended for children under 3, pregnant women, or wheelchair users due to some activities and terrain.

What should I bring?
Bring sunscreen, a hat, and possibly a light jacket or layers depending on the weather. Be prepared for outdoor activities and boat trips.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, which adds flexibility for your travel plans.

This Madeira experience offers a great way to blend spectacular natural sights, cultural indulgence, and marine fun, making it a fitting choice for those eager to see the best of the island in one memorable day.

You can check availability for your dates here: