Porto Santo One-Day Cruise and Tour

Discovering the captivating beauty of Porto Santo is a must-do experience for visitors to Madeira. The Porto Santo One-Day Cruise and Tour offers a comprehensive way to explore this stunning "golden island" in just a single day. With comfortable transportation, a knowledgeable guide, and a small group size, travelers can enjoy the island’s rugged landscapes, picturesque beaches, and charming local culture. Whether it’s the breathtaking north coast or the tranquil Calheta Beach, this tour promises to leave a lasting impression on all who embark on this enchanting journey.

Key Points

• Full-day excursion from Funchal to Porto Santo, known as the "golden island," including round-trip ferry and comprehensive minibus sightseeing tour.
• Features popular north coast, south bay, Calheta beach, Quinta das Palmeiras, Casa da Serra, and Pico Castelo as sightseeing highlights.
• Inclusive package with hotel/port pickup and drop-off, on-island transportation, and accessibility features to accommodate diverse travelers.
• Highly rated tour by travelers, offering knowledgeable guides and stunning scenery, although some concerns about pricing.
• Full-day itinerary with 2.5-hour sightseeing tour, allowing independent exploration before the return ferry to Funchal.

Tour Overview

This full-day excursion from Funchal takes travelers to the picturesque Porto Santo, known as the "golden island."

The tour includes round-trip ferry transportation, a comprehensive minibus sightseeing tour, and hotel/port pickup and drop-off for maximum convenience.

With a maximum group size of 15 passengers, this highly-rated tour offers an intimate and personalized experience.

Travelers can expect to see the mountainous north coast, the stunning south bay, Calheta beach, the Quinta das Palmeiras garden, Casa da Serra, and Pico Castelo during the 2.5-hour sightseeing portion.

The tour concludes with the return ferry to Funchal, departing at 7:00 PM.

Transportation Details

The tour begins with a ferry ride from Funchal to Porto Santo, which takes approximately 2.5 hours.

Participants are picked up from their hotels or the port in Funchal and transported to the ferry terminal. The ferry departs at 8:00 AM and arrives in Porto Santo at 10:30 AM.

Upon arrival, guests board a minibus for the sightseeing tour of the island. At the end of the tour, the group is transported back to the ferry terminal, where they depart Porto Santo at 7:00 PM for the return journey to Funchal.

All transportation, including hotel/port pickup and drop-off, is included in the tour package.

Sightseeing Highlights

The sightseeing tour takes visitors along the mountainous north coast of Porto Santo, offering breathtaking views of the rugged cliffs and pristine beaches. The tour then heads to the south bay, showcasing the island’s famous golden sand. Next, guests visit Calheta beach, known for its tranquil waters and scenic backdrop. The tour also includes a stop at the Quinta das Palmeiras garden, where travelers can stroll through lush palm trees and fragrant flora. Finally, the tour visits the Casa da Serra and Pico Castelo, providing a glimpse into the island’s history and culture.

Sightseeing Highlight	Description
Mountainous North Coast	Rugged cliffs and pristine beaches
South Bay	Famous golden sand
Calheta Beach	Tranquil waters and scenic backdrop
Quinta das Palmeiras	Lush palm trees and fragrant flora
Casa da Serra	Insight into island’s history and culture
Pico Castelo	Insight into island’s history and culture

Inclusion Highlights

The Porto Santo One-Day Cruise and Tour includes several key inclusions that enhance the overall experience. The package covers all taxes, fees, and handling charges, ensuring a seamless and worry-free journey.

Plus, the tour includes hotel/port pickup and drop-off in Funchal, providing a convenient start and end to the day. The on-island transportation via minibus allows passengers to explore the island’s highlights comfortably.

While food and drinks aren’t included, these inclusions make the tour a comprehensive and accessible offering for travelers.

The tour’s key inclusions are:

1. All taxes, fees, and handling charges.
2. Hotel/port pickup and drop-off in Funchal.
3. On-island transportation via minibus.

Accessibility Information

One notable aspect of the Porto Santo One-Day Cruise and Tour is its accessibility. The tour is wheelchair accessible, stroller accessible, and allows service animals, ensuring it’s open to a wide range of travelers.

Most you can participate, making it a suitable choice for families, seniors, and those with mobility challenges. The minibus used for the sightseeing portion of the tour is equipped to accommodate passengers with special needs, allowing everyone to fully enjoy the stunning views and attractions.

With these accessibility features, the Porto Santo One-Day Cruise and Tour caters to the diverse needs of travelers, providing an inclusive and enjoyable experience.

Traveler Reviews

Travelers have praised the Porto Santo One-Day Cruise and Tour, with an overall rating of 4.5 stars based on their feedback.

Reviewers highlighted several positive aspects of the experience:

1. The tour’s knowledgeable guides, who provided valuable insights into the island’s history and natural beauty.
2. The stunning scenery encountered during the sightseeing tour, including the mountainous north coast, south bay, and Calheta beach.
3. The overall quality of the tour, which offered a well-rounded day of relaxation and exploration on the "golden island" of Porto Santo.

While some travelers felt the tour was slightly overpriced, the majority recommended the experience to those seeking a day of discovery on this unique Madeiran destination.

Tour Duration

The Porto Santo One-Day Cruise and Tour spans a full day, with the itinerary starting at 8:00 AM and concluding around 7:00 PM.

Travelers begin their journey with a ferry ride from Funchal to Porto Santo, arriving at 10:30 AM. The 2.5-hour sightseeing tour follows, showcasing the island’s highlights, including the mountainous north coast, south bay, Calheta beach, Quinta das Palmeiras garden, Casa da Serra, and Pico Castelo.

After the tour, guests have the opportunity to explore Porto Santo independently before boarding the return ferry to Funchal at 7:00 PM.

This comprehensive excursion allows visitors to make the most of their time on the "golden island."

Booking Information

To book the Porto Santo One-Day Cruise and Tour, interested parties can conveniently do so through the tour operator’s website or by contacting their customer service team.

The booking process is straightforward and includes the following:

1. Selection of preferred tour date and number of passengers.
2. Payment processing using secure online payment methods.
3. Confirmation of booking details, including pickup/drop-off locations and any special requests.

The tour operator offers flexible booking options to accommodate various travel plans.

Travelers are encouraged to reserve their spot in advance to ensure availability, as the tour’s maximum group size is limited to 15 passengers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are the Operating Hours of the Ferry Service?

The ferry service operates from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM, with the ferry ride from Funchal to Porto Santo taking 2.5 hours and the return ferry departing Porto Santo at 7:00 PM.

Can I Extend My Stay on Porto Santo After the Tour?

While the tour concludes with a return ferry to Funchal at 7:00 PM, travelers can extend their stay on Porto Santo by booking additional accommodations and transportation separately. This allows more time to explore the island at one’s own pace.

Are There Any Discounts Available for This Tour?

While there’s no information about discounts, it’s worth contacting the tour operator to inquire. They may offer discounts for certain groups or during off-peak seasons to help travelers save on this full-day excursion to Porto Santo.

Can I Leave My Luggage With the Tour Operator?

Yes, you can leave your luggage with the tour operator during the excursion. They’ll securely store it until your return, allowing you to explore Porto Santo hands-free.

How Flexible Is the Pickup and Drop-Off Service?

The pickup and drop-off service is flexible, as it includes hotel and port pickup and drop-off in Funchal. Travelers can easily coordinate their transportation to and from the tour with the operator.

Sum Up

The Porto Santo One-Day Cruise and Tour offers an immersive island experience, with a scenic ferry ride, comprehensive minibus tour, and convenient hotel transfers. Showcasing the island’s natural beauty, from the rugged north coast to the tranquil Calheta Beach, this tour provides an intimate and accessible way to explore Porto Santo. With a maximum group size of 15, it’s a great choice for travelers seeking a personalized and hassle-free day excursion.