Machico is a fantastic starting point for exploring Madeira’s highlights, thanks to its convenient location, welcoming beaches, and proximity to some of the island’s most intriguing sights. While this charming town itself offers plenty, it’s the tours that truly help visitors unlock Madeira’s diverse landscapes and activities. Among the standouts are the surf lessons at Madeira’s beaches, perfect for beginners eager to catch their first wave, and the scenic off-road jeep tours that wind through rugged terrain and reveal breathtaking viewpoints. If underwater adventures are your thing, the Ponta de São Lourenço shore dive lets certified divers explore Madeira’s vibrant marine life. And for those who love a mix of culture, nature, and a bit of adrenaline, the Whisper of the East Jeep Tour combines off-road fun with visits to traditional houses and dramatic cliffs.
What makes these tours in Machico stand out? They cover a wide range of interests and activity levels, from relaxed sightseeing to active adventures like coasteering and hiking. Many tours include local food tastings or visits to iconic sites like Pico do Arieiro and Santana, giving you a well-rounded experience of Madeira’s diverse offerings. You can check out all the options below to find the one that best matches your travel style.
1. Madeira: Surf Lessons
At number 1, we have the Madeira: Surf Lessons. For just $80 per person, this 2-hour session offers a fantastic way to learn or improve your surfing skills in the calm waters along Madeira’s coast. The tour includes expert instruction and top-quality equipment, which are perfect whether you’re a complete beginner or have some experience. Small group sizes ensure personalized attention, making it easier to get up on your board and enjoy the waves. The beaches here provide beautiful coastal views and reliable conditions, ideal for learning. The instructor’s positive reviews—such as “Really funny and very good teaching”—highlight how much fun you’ll have while learning.
This tour is especially suited for active travelers interested in trying something new. It’s a quick, affordable option that fits easily into a morning or afternoon schedule, and the friendly environment makes it feel accessible for all ages. Keep in mind, availability varies, so booking ahead is recommended. Bottom line: if you want a fun, hands-on introduction to surfing on Madeira’s scenic coast, this is a top choice.
2. Madeira: Surreal East Experience
Number 2 on our list is the Madeira: Surreal East Experience, a 7-hour adventure for $43 per person. This tour combines spectacular sightseeing, hiking, and local tasting in one comprehensive day. You’ll walk on a glass skywalk with panoramic views, explore dramatic cliffs, and hike a scenic 1.5 km trail where you can spot local birds and plant life. The itinerary also includes a rum tasting at a Madeira distillery, and visits to seven traditional Madeira houses, perfect for picking up unique souvenirs.
The tour departs from five different pickup points, making it flexible and convenient, and covers key sights like Pico do Arieiro and Ribeiro Frio. The experience offers a mix of adventure and culture, with both scenic views and local flavor. The reviews praise the tour’s well-organized itinerary and beautiful stops. It’s ideal for active travelers who enjoy hiking and sightseeing and want a full day of diverse experiences.
Bottom line: this tour is a fantastic choice if you want a taste of Madeira’s natural beauty, delicious rum, and authentic villages—great value for a full-day adventure.
3. Madeira: Ponta de São Lourenço Shore Dive (certified divers)
Number 3 is the Madeira: Ponta de São Lourenço Shore Dive. For $38, certified divers can explore the crystal-clear Atlantic waters at one of Madeira’s most renowned dive sites. The 2-hour dive begins at Azul Diving Center and takes you into a vibrant underwater world teeming with marine life, including octopuses, barracudas, rays, and moray eels. The reef’s fascinating rock formations and endemic sea creatures make this a memorable experience.
What sets this tour apart is the easy access to rich marine ecosystems and the opportunity to see a wide range of sea life in their natural habitat. The guide’s experience ensures safety and a smooth dive for both beginners and seasoned divers. Many divers appreciate the value: at just $38, it offers a quality dive with professional supervision, perfect for those wanting to combine a day of sightseeing with underwater exploration.
Bottom line: certified divers seeking a lively, rewarding dive experience should not miss this opportunity to explore Madeira’s underwater treasures.
4. The Whisper Of The East, Santana & Pico do Arieiro Jeep Tour
Number 4 on our list is the Whisper Of The East Jeep Tour. An 8-hour adventure costing an unspecified price, it is perfect for those who want to see Madeira’s offbeat east side in a comfortable 4×4. The itinerary includes visits to Santana’s traditional houses, Pico do Arieiro, and viewpoints like Guindaste, combined with off-road drives through lush landscapes. You’ll also enjoy a scenic levada walk, waterfalls, and local stops like a rum tasting.
This tour offers a rich mix of scenery, culture, and fun off-road driving. The guide’s enthusiasm and detailed explanations add to the experience, with reviews praising the guide’s effort and knowledge. The highlights, including waterfalls and mountain vistas, make this suitable for travelers who love active sightseeing with some adventure.
Bottom line: if you’re after a full day of off-road excitement mixed with cultural stops, this tour is hard to beat.
5. Madeira East Wonders 4X4 Tour Safari
Number 5 features the Madeira East Wonders 4X4 Tour Safari, an 8-hour off-road journey costing around $58. The tour explores Pico do Arieiro, Ribeiro Frio, Santana, and other highlights, with a focus on discovery and off-road fun in Land Rovers. You’ll learn about Madeira’s history and culture, while enjoying scenic stops and nature walks in the Laurissilva forest.
Guests rave about the knowledgeable guide Francisco, and the tour’s highlights include off-road drives, cultural visits, and spectacular viewpoints. The itinerary balances scenic drives with walking and tasting stops, making it suitable for active travelers eager to explore Madeira’s landscapes without spending all day on one activity.
Bottom line: great value for those who want a comprehensive, engaging day exploring Madeira’s east with off-road excitement and cultural insights.
6. Madeira Coasteering Tour The Remarkable Coastline Experience
Number 6 offers a coasteering experience at Ponta de São Lourenço, lasting 2 hours. This activity combines walking, swimming, scrambling, and jumping along Madeira’s maritime coast. Guided by experts, you’ll feel the thrill of jumping from cliffs into pristine waters and exploring rock formations and endemic plants.
It’s a thrilling adventure suitable for all ages and fitness levels, with safety and guidance provided throughout. The combination of adrenaline and scenic coastal exploration makes this a memorable highlight for active travelers looking for an outdoor challenge.
Bottom line: if you’re after an adrenaline-pumping, close-to-nature experience, coasteering here is a perfect pick.
7. Madeira East Coast Paradise With Santana Cable Car
Number 7 features a full-day tour costing $89, that includes a scenic cable car ride at Rocha do Navio, visits to Santana’s traditional houses, and viewpoints like Ponta de São Lourenço. The tour combines driving, walking, and sightseeing with opportunities for photos, local lunch, and scenic stops.
This experience is ideal for travelers who want breathtaking views and cultural insights, with the added thrill of a cable car ride. Guests appreciate the variety and the picturesque stops along the east coast.
Bottom line: perfect for those who want a well-rounded trip with both scenic cable car rides and cultural exploration.
8. Madeira: Full-Day Dive Pack
Number 8 is the Full-Day Dive Pack. For a full 6 hours, this experience combines two dives, a boat trip, and lunch for roughly the price of two individual dives. The tour focuses on exploring Ponta de São Lourenço’s natural park waters, with chances to see wildlife and even monk seals.
The tour offers comfort with modern facilities, easy boat access, and a relaxed pace. It appeals to divers wanting a comprehensive day underwater, with the chance to see Madeira’s marine life firsthand.
Bottom line: a good option if you’re a certified diver eager to maximize your underwater time in Madeira’s clear waters.
9. Madeira: Private 3-Hour Zoo Tour
Number 9 provides a private trip to Quinta do Santo park, focusing on local animals and the scenic countryside. The 3-hour tour is ideal for families or travelers wanting a relaxed, personalized experience.
Guests enjoy the peaceful environment and the chance to see animals like horses and peacocks in a private setting, with excellent views from the Quinta Santo da Serra.
Bottom line: best suited for those wanting a quick, personalized look at Madeira’s rural side with children or family.
10. Madeira: Private Hike and Boat Experience with Lunch
Number 10 is a full-day tour blending scenic hikes, a boat cruise, and a delicious local lunch. Covering coastal cliffs of São Lourenço and Pico Ruivo, the highest peak, this experience offers active exploration and relaxation. It involves two hikes and a 45-minute boat ride along Madeira’s rugged coastline.
Traveling in a sustainable electric car, the tour is smooth, quiet, and eco-friendly. It’s perfect for adventurers who want to see Madeira from land and sea without rushing, with the flexibility to customize the pace.
Bottom line: if you’re fit, curious, and enjoy combining hiking, boating, and local cuisine, this tour offers a comprehensive full-day experience.
How to Choose the Right Tour in Machico
When selecting a tour, consider your fitness level, interests, budget, and how much time you want to spend. For a relaxed introduction, the surf lessons or the private zoo tour might be ideal. If you’re after adventure and scenery, the jeep safaris or coasteering are excellent options.
For underwater lovers, the shore dive or full-day dive pack offers a chance to explore Madeira’s vibrant marine environment. Those seeking cultural insights will appreciate the Santana cable car or east coast safari, which blend sightseeing with local flavor. Remember to book early, especially in peak seasons, to secure your preferred date.
Final Thoughts
From adrenaline-filled coasteering to peaceful scenic hikes, these tours showcase Madeira’s rich diversity. If you’re traveling with family, the private zoo tour or gentle hiking and boat experiences fit well. For adventure seekers and active travelers, the jeep tours and scuba dives promise unforgettable moments. And for those wanting an easy introduction, the surf lessons are perfect.
No matter your interests, knowing your preferred pace, budget, and activity level will help you pick the right tour. Many of these experiences fill up quickly, so book early to ensure a spot. Have fun exploring Madeira’s vibrant landscapes, friendly towns, and the lively marine world around Machico.
