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Funchal Family-friendly activities

Our most recommended Funchal Family-friendly activities

Funchal: Dolphin and Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise

1. Funchal: Dolphin and Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise

Discover the natural beauty of Madeira coastline and look for marine life on this catamaran cruise from Funchal. Snorkel through schools of silver fish with high-quality snorkeling gear. Look for dolphins while sipping on a drink purchased from the onboard bar. See dolphins, whales, and turtles playing in their natural habitat. Throughout the year Madeira has different aquatic mammals journeying through its blue waters. Whether you come in summer or winter, the chances are high you’ll see one of these amazing creatures. Stop for a swim during the summer season or catch a glimpse of the world beneath the waves with the provided snorkeling equipment. Relax on deck with a refreshing drink from the onboard bar.

Funchal Bay: Dolphin & Whale Watch Luxury Catamaran Cruise

2. Funchal Bay: Dolphin & Whale Watch Luxury Catamaran Cruise

Spot the dolphins and whales that call Funchal Bay home on this catamaran cruise from Funchal. Snorkel in the crystal-clear waters under Cabo Girão and learn more about the majestic creatures from your expert crew. Arrive at New Marina - Funchal and board a luxury catamaran. Receive some safety information from the experienced crew. Choose to sit in the luxurious interior with comfortable seating and protection from the sun, and lounge chairs or outdoor hammocks. Afterward, sit back and relax as you sail towards the open sea. Although sightings of marine species can not be guaranteed, dolphins and whales are often found in the waters around Funchal. Keep an eye on the movements in the water whilst the crew answers any questions about the variety of species. Continue up to the high cliffs of Cabo Girão, which rise 580 meters above sea level. Anchor the boat at Cabo Girão and immerse yourself in the refreshing waters to explore underwater marine life with a snorkel. Then, sail at a leisurely pace around the Marina of Funchal, and marvel at the fantastic views of Madeira's landscapes. Return to Funchal New Marina for a quick landing process and continue to enjoy your day after the tour.

From Funchal: Dolphin and Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise

3. From Funchal: Dolphin and Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise

Go green with the #1 dolphin and whale watching experience in Madeira Island! Cruise on our brand new purpose-built eco-friendly catamaran and enjoy a comfortable cruise along the south coast of Madeira Island. Watch out for wonderful whales and dolphins jumping and splashing nearby. When sea life arrives our electric engines engage for silent emission free cruising which helps keep the cetaceans very happy! On this tour we will sail a few miles out of Funchal looking for all kinds of wildlife such as dolphins, whales, turtles and endemic birds. We often spot these animals jumping and splashing nearby and it’s always a great sight that never gets old!! Our certified guides will provide you with informative commentary and fun facts about the cetaceans and different species that you may find on your trip and in Madeira Island. On our way back, we sail close to the coast passing by many points of interest such Cabo Girão where you will enjoy stunning views of one of the highest sea cliffs in the world! Camara de Lobos Bay – a traditional fishing village; the world famous Reid’s Hotel where Winston Churchill used to stay during his visits to Madeira Island and much more! You will be able to sit back and take in the beautiful views of the south coast of Madeira Island. Magic Dolphin Eco is the only purpose built catamaran for dolphin and whale watching in Madeira Island. It was carefully developed to assure our passengers a safe, comfortable and unforgettable cruise! It is the only ecological catamaran with hybrid-electric engines for dolphin and whale watching, making it the best experience not only for our guests, but also for our beloved cetaceans! Bar service (2x) with drinks and snacks available; Toilets (2x) on deck wheelchair accessible; Two decks for better sightseeing; Fantastic upper deck providing 360° panoramic views! Great bridge deck shade area; Large nets and sea life observation area; Seating for everyone inside and out; Fast Catamaran – up to 20 knots; Modern safety construction 2022; Stable and comfortable cruising. We are one of very few companies to work with professional sealife spotters on land, providing the best possible chances of seeing them in their natural habitat and high quality observation! We are all about responsible dolphin and whale watching, and love sharing our knowledge with you! Join us and observe sealife the right way, in the wild! Note: The cetaceans in Madeira are wild and free, and it is simply not possible to guarantee their sighting. We observe cetaceans every day, however not always every trip. We will always do our best to find them, however if you are unlucky we will do our best to make you happy! Note: Please arrive to our office in Funchal Marina 30 minutes before departure. If you miss the boat, you will be refused a refund. Note: Cancelations/ Booking Changes must be made 24h prior to departure time.

All Inclusive Whale and Dolphin Watching Luxury Tour

4. All Inclusive Whale and Dolphin Watching Luxury Tour

Your 3-hour luxury catamaran tour begins at the docks of the new marina of Funchal. Board the catamaran and enjoy a glass of sparkling wine before setting off. Sail into the ocean to find dolphins, whales, and turtles. Spot these creatures in their natural habitat. After sailing around spotting dolphins, whales and turtles enjoy a 30 minute stop next to Cabo Girão, the 1920 foot (586m) seaside cliff. Here you have a change o go swimming in the crystal clear waters. After a quick swim, you will get back on the boat where you can relax and enjoy the views of the coast of Funchal as you head back to the marina.

Madeira: Level-1 Canyoning Adventure

5. Madeira: Level-1 Canyoning Adventure

Discover why Madeira island is one of the top five places in the world for canyoning on this canyoning adventure tour. Rappel down waterfalls and experience the area’s natural splendor. Head up to the mountains where you will receive your canyoning gear. After being decked out in gear, it will be time for a small hike through some of the most impressive nature that Madeira has to offer. Rappel down sparkling waterfalls, where the mountain spring waters are always flowing.  Swim in the natural swimming pools along the canyons. In some of the canyons you may also have the opportunity to slide down natural water slides. Once the activity ends, change back into your dry clothes and return to your accommodation.

From Funchal: Intermediate (Level 2) Canyoning Adventure

6. From Funchal: Intermediate (Level 2) Canyoning Adventure

Start with pickup from Funchal, Canico or Câmara De Lobos and drive to the canyoning location. Meet your guides and receive all your equipment for the activity. Take a 20-minute walk to the entrance of a stream where the first safety briefing will take place. Along the way, abseil down breath-taking waterfalls, jump and swim in beautiful natural pools, always surrounded by incredible landscapes. With natural water slides, abseiling, and jumps into natural rock pools the canyons are sure to make your heart skip a beat. The beginning of the stream has some vertical challenges (20m), small walking sections, and many play areas. The river will be flowing by the entire time with several optional jumps. The challenge continues following a quick snack break with waterfalls. Guides will take pictures and videos of your experience throughout the day, to be sent to you afterward. At the end of the trip, there will be transportation to bring you back to the park where you began your adventure.

Funchal: Madeira Island Group Surf Lesson

7. Funchal: Madeira Island Group Surf Lesson

Join a surf lesson in the clear Atlantic waters off Madeira Island, and learn the fun sport for the first time or hone your surfing skills with an expert instructor. Enjoy the ease of a hotel pickup from Funchal, and be directly dropped off at the best surfing spots on the island. Kick-start your lesson with a warm up and a technical demonstration on the beach before hitting the water to catch some waves. Feel the cool waters beneath your gliding board, and the adrenaline course through you after catching your first wave. Enjoy the top surfing spots for beginners on Madeira Island, including Praia do Seixal, Praia de Machico, and Porto da Cruz, where your instructor will bring you to make sure you get the best experience possible.

Funchal: Scuba Diving Experience for Beginners

8. Funchal: Scuba Diving Experience for Beginners

Learn the basics of scuba diving from a PADI instructor and discover one of Funchal’s reefs. Practice your new skills in a pool to get comfortable, before embarking on your first dive around a shallow reef, where you can enjoy the vibrant colors and amazing variety of the Atlantic marine life. Start the experience at the Madeira Divepoint, which boasts its own private reef. Following an introduction and safety briefing, practice breathing and floating in a pool to get familiar with the equipment. To finish, head out to the reef to explore an incredible underwater world. Come face to face with colorful fish and striking coral as you enjoy the thrill of your first dive.

Botanical Garden Cable Car Ticket

9. Botanical Garden Cable Car Ticket

Climb aboard the Botanical Garden cable car and ride to the mountains surrounding the city of Funchal. Botanical garden cable car is situated between 10-12 minutes (by car) from Funchal city center. Start out near the Botanical Garden, located about 3 kilometers from the center of Funchal. The Botanical Garden was created in 1960 and quickly became one of the major attractions on the island of Madeira. The cable car will take you over the Valley of João Gomes Ribeira, passing forest-covered mountains. Take some spectacular photos of the Bay of Funchal, the surrounding mountains, and the sea. The ride takes approximately 15 minutes. Your trip ends at the village of Monte, at an elevation of 1,025 meters above sea level. Monte is a small village that was initially a health resort for the upper classes in the early 20th century. Today it is one of Funchal’s main attractions and the site for trying a toboggan ride down the hill. Depending on the option selected you can end your journey in Monte or take the cable car back to the Botanical Garden. The cable car was designed and operates in accordance with the most strict European and international security standards, ensuring that you can focus on enjoying the ride.

Madeira: Flag Ship Tour of Santa Maria de Colombo

10. Madeira: Flag Ship Tour of Santa Maria de Colombo

Have a unique experience and climb aboard a convincing replica of Christopher Columbus’s original vessel the Santa Maria, built right here on lush Madeira Island. Enjoy a time-travelling journey back to the 15th century, and walk along the southern coast of the island before reaching Cabo Girão. There, stop for a refreshing swim in the azure waters off the coast. Keep your eyes open for possible sightings of dolphins and whales peeking above the blue waves as you walk along the Atlantic coastline.

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Frequently asked questions about Funchal

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The best day trips and excursions from Funchal are:

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Other Sightseeing Options in Funchal

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What people are saying about Funchal

Great experience! We were able to see common dolphins and even some rare beaked whales, which our guide and marine biologist was able to tell us all about. I really recommend this company as they really value nature and wildlife and respecting it fully, which is so important for sustainability. Lovely views, comfortable on the boat, with great coffee too!

The catamaran cruise was fantastic! I'm a bit biased, I love boat trips, go on them everywhere we travel to. We saw lots dolphins, even babies. The company takes great care and show respect to the wildlife and environment. The crew was amazing. My son was seasick, they were very professional and kind. Thank you!

Lucky enough to see two families of Pilot Whales at two different locations. Nice way to see the island from another perspective!

The guides were amazing and so was the experience. Definitely recommend as a must do activity while you are in Madeira!

Extremely peaceful. If you want to spend a stress-free day this is for you. Loved it