Funchal: Pico Arieiro, Cristo Rei and Dolphins Watching

If you’re considering a day out in Madeira that mixes breathtaking scenery with the chance to spot dolphins in their natural environment, this tour might catch your eye. It promises a well-rounded experience—mountain vistas, off-road adventures, cultural sights, and a boat trip for marine wildlife. From what we’ve gathered, it’s a solid choice for those who want a taste of everything the island offers in just one day.

What really appeals to us about this tour is how it balances land and sea adventures. You’ll start with panoramic views from Pico Arieiro, one of Madeira’s highest peaks, and then venture into the forests and farmlands on a thrilling open-roof off-road Jeep ride. Afterward, the trip transitions seamlessly into a relaxing boat cruise, with a high likelihood of seeing dolphins—a magical highlight for many travelers.

A potential consideration is the tour’s duration—at around 8 hours, it’s a full day. If you’re someone who prefers a more leisurely pace or is traveling with very young children or people with mobility issues, the busy schedule might be a tad overwhelming. Also, note that the tour doesn’t include drop-off after the boat trip, so you’ll need to plan your transportation back to your accommodation.

This experience suits travelers who love a mix of adventure, scenic sightseeing, and wildlife spotting. It’s particularly good for those who want a comprehensive Madeira day trip without having to arrange multiple excursions themselves. If you enjoy guided tours that cover a lot of ground and appreciate insightful guides, this could be a perfect fit.

Key Points

• Diverse Experience: Combines mountain views, off-road driving, and marine wildlife watching.
• Expert Guides: Highly praised for knowledgeable and friendly guides, making the day more enjoyable.
• Stunning Vistas: Stops like Pico Arieiro and Cristo Rei offer incredible photo opportunities.
• Wildlife Viewing: The boat trip provides a good chance to see dolphins, with detailed info from crew.
• Full-Day Tour: At around 8 hours, it’s a well-structured tour but might be a long day for some.
• Limited Drop-off: No after-trip transport, so plan your return accordingly.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Starting Point and First Views

The tour kicks off from Funchal, with pickup included in the central area or near the port, which means no fuss for most travelers. From there, you’ll head to Largo do Miranda, a lookout point offering sweeping views over the city and the island’s coast. It’s a fitting introduction—great for quick photos and getting a sense of Madeira’s layered landscape.

Next, you’ll ascend to Pico do Arieiro, standing at 1,818 meters. This is a highlight for anyone who appreciates spectacular mountain scenery. The views from this elevation are jaw-dropping, with vistas stretching over the Desertas Islands, Ponta de São Lourenço, Ribeiro Frio, and even Porto Santo on a clear day. The high altitude and expansive views make this a memorable stop, and there’s plenty of time for photos and a brief walk around.

Travel tip: We loved the way the guide emphasized the significance of the peak—understanding its role in Madeira’s geography and weather patterns. It’s not just a photo op; it’s a meaningful view that sets the tone for the day.

Scenic Drive and Off-Road Adventure

From Pico do Arieiro, the tour takes you on a scenic drive through lesser-known parts of the island, revealing Madeira’s diverse landscapes—from rugged coastlines to lush, endemic forests. One of the most exciting parts is the Santo António da Serra stop. Here, you’ll hop into a 4×4 Jeep with an open roof for an off-road adventure through a mixture of native and introduced forests.

The open roof is a fun touch, letting you feel completely immersed in nature. The guide explains how local farmers manage to cultivate crops on the steep slopes—an insight that adds depth to this rural portrait. Many reviews mention the jeep ride as a highlight, with some describing it as “so much fun” and “a must-do.”

Worth noting: The off-road experience isn’t just an adrenaline rush; it’s also educational, showcasing Madeira’s agricultural resilience and unique terrain.

Santo da Serra and Local Life

Driving down from the mountains, the tour reaches Santo da Serra, where the landscape shifts from mountain wilderness to farmland. Here, the tour offers a chance to observe traditional Madeira farming, with terraced fields and steep slopes that require ingenuity to cultivate.

Many travelers find this part fascinating. As one reviewer put it, “you’ll feel and discover the traditional way the Madeiran farmers live and deal with the steep slopes.” It’s a good reminder of the island’s resilience and the daily life of its inhabitants, which often gets overshadowed by natural beauty.

Cristo Rei Viewpoint

The final scenic stop on land is at the Cristo Rei viewpoint, one of Madeira’s most iconic landmarks. The statue itself is impressive, and the panoramic views of Funchal and the surrounding coast are spectacular. This is a classic photo stop, but also an opportunity to reflect on the island’s geography and religious symbols.

Tip: The stop here is relatively brief, but the views are worth it. Many guests say this is a fitting conclusion to the land portion of the tour.

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Transition to the Marine Adventure

After the land tour, you’ll be dropped off at Funchal’s Marina, where the dolphin-watching catamaran trip begins. The boat trip lasts around 3 hours, providing relaxed but exciting time on the water. Many reviews highlight the high chances of spotting dolphins—a true highlight for animal lovers. The crew offers detailed info about the cetaceans, enriching the experience.

In summer months, there’s even the possibility of swimming beneath Cabo Girao cliffs, which many find to be a delightful bonus. The boat trip ends back at the marina around 6 pm, leaving you with a relaxed evening in Funchal or plans to head back to your accommodation.

A little insight: Many travelers mention how peaceful and special dolphin watching is, whether or not they see dolphins on the day. The crew’s knowledge and attentiveness really help make it a memorable part of the trip.

Practical Details & Value

At $101 per person, this tour offers quite a lot. You get transportation, guided commentary, scenic stops, off-road fun, and a marine wildlife experience—a comprehensive day that covers Madeira’s natural and cultural highlights.

The tour includes insurance, safety instructions, and measures like vehicle sanitation and alcohol-gel, which adds to the peace of mind. It’s a small-group setting with a limit of 9 participants, which tends to enhance personal attention and interactions.

However, it’s worth noting that the tour doesn’t include food or drinks, so bringing snacks or a water bottle is recommended. Also, no drop-off service after the boat trip, so you’ll need to arrange your return to your hotel.

What Travelers Say

The reviews are quite positive overall, with a 4.6 out of 5 rating based on 34 reviews. Guests often highlight knowledgeable guides, with one reviewer mentioning Daniel’s helpfulness and fun tricks. Others appreciate the stunning views and the variety of activities packed into the day, from mountain vistas to dolphin sightings.

One reviewer said, “The jeep excursion was so much fun,” and highlighted the guide’s accommodating attitude. Another loved the “spectacular views” and the chance to see dolphins in their natural habitat, calling the boat trip “a great experience.”

A recurring theme is how well-organized and engaging the guides are, making the day more enjoyable and informative.

This full-day experience appeals most to travelers who enjoy diversity in their activities—mountains, forests, scenic viewpoints, and marine wildlife. If you like guided trips that combine adventure and relaxation, with a good chance of wildlife encounters, this is a winner.

It’s especially suited for those who don’t mind a long, active day and appreciate expert guides who bring the landscape and local culture to life. If you’re traveling light or with young children, remember that the tour is not suitable for kids under 3, pregnant women, or wheelchair users.

This Madeira combo tour offers a well-rounded day packed with memorable sights and experiences. From the spectacular vistas atop Pico Arieiro to the tranquil dolphin sightings at sea, it covers both land and sea in a way that feels seamless and rewarding.

The tour’s strength lies in its knowledgeable guides and diverse itinerary—you’ll come away with a good sense of Madeira’s geography, wildlife, and rural life. The price reflects the value of multiple experiences in one day, making it a practical choice for travelers wanting a rundown.

While it’s a busy schedule, if you’re eager to maximize your time on the island and enjoy a variety of highlights with a small group, this tour will serve you well. Just be prepared for a full day—and perhaps bring some snacks for the trip!

Is pickup included in the tour price?
Yes, free pickup is provided in Funchal’s central area and near the port. Outside these locations, there’s an extra fee.

How long does the boat trip last?
The dolphin-watching boat trip takes approximately 3 hours, ending around 6 pm at Funchal’s marina.

Are meals included?
No, food and drinks are not included. You might want to bring snacks or purchase something during the stops.

Is the tour suitable for children?
It’s not recommended for children under 3 years old. The tour involves a full day of activity, so consider your children’s stamina and interests.

What is the group size?
It’s a small-group tour, limited to 9 participants, which helps ensure personalized attention.

Are there any physical restrictions?
The tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users or pregnant women, likely due to the off-road Jeep ride and full-day schedule.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is transportation provided after the tour?
No, the tour ends at the marina, and there’s no drop-off service afterward, so plan your return accordingly.

What are the main highlights of this tour?
Expect stunning mountain views from Pico Arieiro, an off-road adventure through Madeira’s forests and farmland, and the chance to see dolphins during the boat trip.

Would this tour suit someone who loves wildlife?
Absolutely. The dolphin watching is a key feature, with many travelers praising the crew’s detailed information and the peacefulness of the experience.

If you’re after a packed, varied day that captures the essence of Madeira’s natural beauty and its marine life, this tour is worth considering. It offers a good balance of adventure, scenery, and animal encounters—perfect for making the most of your time on the island.

You can check availability for your dates here: