Madeira: Cabo Girão, Wines Experience and Dolphins Watching

Traveling around Madeira often feels like stepping into a postcard—vivid landscapes, dramatic cliffs, and a flavor for life that’s hard to match. When I came across this tour, I immediately liked the idea of combining several of the island’s most iconic sights and experiences into one day. It seemed like a great way to see a lot without feeling rushed.

What really caught my eye were the breathtaking views from Cabo Girao, which is one of the highest sea cliffs in the world, and the opportunity to see dolphins and whales in their natural habitat from a catamaran. Plus, the guided wine tasting at a local winery sounded like a delightful way to connect with Madeira’s wine culture.

One thing to consider is that the boat trip can be quite lengthy—around three hours—and reviews mention that it might not be the most thrilling if you’re expecting a lot of animal sightings or detailed animal info. So if your main focus is wildlife watching, it’s good to keep expectations realistic.

This experience is perfect for travelers who love a mix of stunning scenery, culture, and nature. It’s especially suited for those who enjoy a full day out that covers diverse interests, though it might be less ideal for travelers with mobility issues or small children.

Key Points

• Diverse experience in one day, including scenic views, wine, and wildlife
• Stunning vistas from Cabo Girao, one of the highest cliffs in Europe
• Insightful wine tour with guided tasting of local varieties
• Wildlife spotting from a comfortable catamaran, with high chances of dolphin sightings
• Long but rewarding day, with a mix of off-road adventures and boat trips
• Includes safety measures and Wi-Fi, making it convenient and comfortable

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Great Mix of Nature, Culture, and Wildlife

This tour offers a well-rounded look at Madeira, blending some of its most iconic sights and experiences into a single day. It’s a tour that really caters to a variety of interests, whether you’re into jaw-dropping scenery, local wine, or marine life.

Starting with the Cliffs of Cabo Girao

Our journey kicks off from Funchal with a drive to the spectacular Cabo Girao, which rises 580 meters above the Atlantic, offering views so dramatic they’re hard to forget. The glass platform suspended over the cliff adds a dash of thrill—though if you’re squeamish about heights, you might prefer to admire from a safe distance. The views over Câmara de Lobos Bay and Funchal are postcard-perfect and give a real sense of Madeira’s rugged beauty.

Many reviews, including one from Olette, highlight the spectacular views as a favorite part. “The best part of the activity was the wine tasting…” they mention, but the views from Cabo Girao definitely rank high for most guests. It’s an unmissable photo stop, and you’ll want your camera ready.

Exploring São Vicente and the Off-Road Adventure

After soaking in the cliffs, the tour takes you through Serra d’Água and onto São Vicente for a rugged off-road drive. Here, the landscape shifts to more traditional terraces where local farmers cultivate grapes and other crops. The viewpoints along this route are truly breathtaking, offering sweeping vistas of the north coast.

The off-road part of the tour feels like a mini adventure—stateside, we’d call it a scenic safari with a vehicle that handles rough terrain well. It’s a slower, more personal way to connect with Madeira’s countryside, and it’s great for those who enjoy seeing the island beyond its well-trodden paths.

A Deep Dive into Madeira’s Wine Culture

The highlight for many is the visit to Quinta do Barbusano Winery. Here, a knowledgeable guide walks you through the vineyards and gives an engaging overview of Madeira’s winemaking traditions. The tasting includes a selection of wines: 1 rosé, 3 whites, and 2 reds—all included in the tour price.

Guests often mention how well-informed the guides are, making the experience both educational and delicious. As one reviewer put it, “The best part of the activity was the wine tasting, the information we got there…” It’s a relaxing, flavorful experience that perfectly complements the scenic parts of the day.

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Lunch and Free Time at Funchal’s Marina

After the wine, you’re dropped off at Funchal’s marina for a break, lunch, and some free time. You might choose to grab local snacks or explore the area a bit, but keep in mind that this is a quick stop—so don’t expect a sit-down meal included. It’s a good chance to stretch your legs and enjoy the lively harbor atmosphere.

Dolphin Watching from a Catamaran

The final major component is the dolphin and whale watching trip. You board a comfortable catamaran at Funchal’s harbor for a roughly three-hour cruise along the south coast. This part is fantastic for animal lovers; dolphins are commonly seen, and the crew provides info about the species you might encounter.

While the boat trip’s primary appeal is the chance to spot marine life, some reviews, like that from Olette, mention that “the boat trip was not that great,” with limited animal sightings and a long sail with little commentary. Still, most guests find the experience relaxing and enjoy the scenic views from the water.

In summer months, there’s even the option to swim below Cabo Girao—so if you love water activities, keep that in mind.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out

This Madeira experience is more than just sightseeing—it’s about experiencing the island’s diversity. From spectacular cliffs and breathtaking viewpoints to delicious wine and marine life, it offers a well-rounded look at what makes Madeira special.

The tour’s pace suits those who enjoy a full day out without feeling overwhelmed. Plus, it includes free pickup and Wi-Fi, making logistics a little easier.

Practical Benefits and Considerations

The price covers most of what matters—winery visit, wine tastings, scenic drives, and a sizable boat trip. The boat trip is the most variable part; reviews suggest that the wildlife sightings aren’t guaranteed, but dolphin sightings are quite common.

The duration is 8 hours, so it’s best for those who can handle a busy day. It’s not ideal for very young children or those with mobility challenges, given the off-road sections and boat trip.

Final Thoughts

This tour is best suited for travelers seeking a comprehensive Madeira experience—combining nature, culture, and wildlife in one well-organized package. If you’re excited by stunning vistas, local wines, and the chance to see dolphins in the wild, you’ll probably find this tour rewarding.

It’s a solid choice if you want a full day of varied activities that showcase Madeira’s natural beauty and cultural richness. Just keep in mind that the boat trip can be lengthy and might not thrill everyone equally, especially if animal sightings are limited.

For those who love a mix of adventure and relaxation, with a taste of everything Madeira has to offer, this tour hits the mark. It balances fun and education, scenic views and activities, making it a memorable way to explore the island.

FAQ

Is transportation included?
Yes, free pickup from Funchal’s central area and port is included. For other locations, there’s an extra fee.

What is the duration of the tour?
It lasts around 8 hours, with starting times depending on availability.

Are meals included?
No, food and drinks are not included except for wine tastings and snacks at the marina.

Can I swim during the boat trip?
In summer months, swimming below Cabo Girao might be possible, but it depends on conditions and is not guaranteed.

Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s not recommended for children under 3 years, and activities like off-road driving or the boat trip may not be ideal for very young kids.

What’s the main highlight of the tour?
Most guests love the panoramic views from Cabo Girao and the guided wine tasting experience.

Will I see dolphins or whales?
There’s a high chance of dolphin sightings, though sightings aren’t guaranteed and depend on the day’s conditions.

What’s the cancellation policy?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

All in all, this tour offers a well-balanced look at Madeira’s natural and cultural riches. It’s a good pick for curious travelers eager to experience the island beyond just the beaches.

You can check availability for your dates here: