Funchal:Hop-on Hop-off Bus & Whale & Dolphin boat Excursion

Explore Madeira with a 2-Day Hop-on Hop-off Bus & Whale & Dolphin Excursion

This tour in Madeira, Portugal, offers a convenient way to see the highlights of Funchal and Câmara de Lobos over two days. For a fixed price, you get 48 hours of unlimited hop-on hop-off bus rides plus a whale and dolphin watching trip aboard a catamaran. The combination makes it ideal for travelers wanting a flexible land and sea experience.

The tour’s key attractions include visiting iconic landmarks through the bus route, stopping at Câmara de Lobos, enjoying whale and dolphin sightings from a catamaran, and sampling Madeira wine at Old Blandys Wine Lodge. Notably, it also grants free entry and discounts at Bordal Embroideries Factory and other locations, adding value.

A practical consideration: the check-in location for the bus is described as not ideal, requiring some back-and-forth, which may be less convenient for some. Still, the tour suits those who want a comprehensive, flexible way to explore Madeira’s coast and culture.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Two-day validity allows flexible sightseeing over 48 hours.
• Includes a whale and dolphin watching trip on a catamaran with opportunities to see dolphins, whales, turtles, and sea birds.
• Hop-on hop-off bus covers major landmarks such as Old Town, Farmer’s Market, Madeira Cathedral, and Câmara de Lobos.
• Extras include free Madeira wine tasting at Old Blandys Wine Lodge and free entry to Bordal Embroideries Factory.
• Stops are frequent, with buses running every 30 minutes from 9AM to 12:30PM, then every 45 minutes from 1:15PM to 5PM.
• No hotel pick-up or drop-off is included, so plan your transportation to the meeting points.

Starting Point and Meeting Arrangements in Funchal

The bus tour begins at Avenida do Mar, near the Marina (stop number 1). This is where travelers exchange their voucher for the bus ticket. Note that the check-in process has been described as inconvenient—you must go back and forth to the meeting point, which could be a minor hassle.

For the catamaran whale and dolphin watching, the meeting point is at the VMT City Pier Kiosk, located in front of Stop 2 of the bus route. Check-in is required 30 minutes before each trip, ensuring enough time to board comfortably.

The Bus Route Through Funchal and Câmara de Lobos

The 48-hour hop-on hop-off bus covers numerous stops, including major sights like Old Town with the Cable Car, the Farmer’s Market, Madeira Wine Museum, the Cathedral, and Casino. The route also passes attractions like Quinta Magnólia Gardens, São Martinho Chapel, and Pico dos Barcelos Viewpoint.

Travelers can choose to disembark at any stop to explore on foot and then catch the next bus to continue the tour. The route includes stops in Câmara de Lobos, both north and south, giving travelers the chance to experience this charming fishing village.

Whale & Dolphin Watching from a Catamaran: Over Atlantic Waters

The catamaran experience is a highlight, providing a marine adventure along Madeira’s coast. The vessel offers stunning views of the coastline with crystal-clear waters and rock formations resembling lace work.

On this 1-hour trip, you’ll have the chance to spot dolphins and whales, with over 20 cetacean species visiting Madeira. Sometimes, there’s also the possibility of seeing sea turtles and sea birds, adding to the excitement.

This activity is included with your ticket, and free at the start point, making it a cost-effective way to enjoy Madeira’s marine life.

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Enjoying Madeira Wine Tasting and Factory Visit

The tour includes a complimentary Madeira wine tasting at Old Blandys Wine Lodge, a renowned cellar in Funchal. Visitors also receive a 10% shopping discount, encouraging a visit to the store.

Plus, there is a free visit to Bordal Embroideries Factory, where visitors can observe traditional embroidery techniques and explore the factory’s offerings, also with a 10% discount on shopping. These visits provide a cultural and culinary taste of Madeira.

Duration and Pacing of the Tour

The bus tour runs from 9AM with frequent departures until 12:30PM, then resumes at 1:15PM and continues until 5PM. The catamaran trips are scheduled separately but within the same day, with check-in 30 minutes prior.

The two-day validity gives flexibility to disembark at stops for sightseeing, shopping, or relaxing, then reboard later. You can tailor the experience to your pace, which is a major strength.

Pricing, Inclusions, and Limitations

The price covers the 48-hour hop-on hop-off bus, one whale and dolphin trip, free wine tasting, factory visit, and discounts on various tickets and shopping.

Hotel pick-up and drop-off are not included, so travelers need to organize their transport to the starting point. The tour offers audio guides in multiple languages, including English, Portuguese, Spanish, French, and more, ensuring accessibility for diverse visitors.

Practical Tips and Considerations

The check-in location for the bus has been described as not ideal, requiring multiple trips to reach it, which may cause inconvenience. Travelers should plan accordingly, perhaps arriving early or allowing extra time.

The activity ends back at the initial meeting point, so it’s best to stay aware of the schedule to avoid missing the last bus or boat.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour Most?

This tour is best suited for those wanting a rundown of Funchal and Câmara de Lobos combined with a marine adventure. Fans of culture, scenic views, and marine wildlife will find the included whale and dolphin watching particularly memorable.

It’s ideal for travelers who prefer flexibility, as the 48-hour window allows you to explore at your own pace. The extra visits to wine and embroidery factories add cultural flavor, making it a well-rounded experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pick-up included?
No, hotel pick-up and drop-off are not included in this tour. You must meet at the designated starting points in Funchal.

How long is the whale and dolphin watching trip?
The catamaran trip lasts approximately 1 hour.

Can I hop off the bus at any stop?
Yes, the bus allows unlimited stop-offs within the 48-hour ticket validity, giving you freedom to explore different sites.

What languages are available for the audio guide?
Audio guides are available in Portuguese, English, Spanish, French, Italian, German, Dutch, Finnish, Swedish, and Russian.

Are there discounts included?
Yes, the ticket includes discounts on tickets to monuments, museums, and leisure activities, plus special discounts at Bordal Embroideries Factory and Old Blandys Wine Lodge.

What is the main meeting point for the bus?
The bus starts at Avenida do Mar, near the Marina (stop number 1).

Where is the catamaran excursion departing from?
The VMT City Pier Kiosk, located in front of Stop 2 of the bus route.

Is food or drinks allowed on the bus or boat?
No, food and drinks are not permitted on the bus or boat.

How often do the buses run?
From 9AM to 12:30PM, buses depart every 30 minutes; from 1:15PM to 5PM, every 45 minutes.

What attractions are covered on the bus route?
Major stops include Old Town, Farmer’s Market, Madeira Cathedral, Câmara de Lobos, Pico dos Barcelos Viewpoint, and Lido Promenade, among others.

This Funchal: Hop-on Hop-off Bus & Whale & Dolphin Boat Excursion combines convenience, cultural experiences, and marine wildlife spotting into a flexible two-day adventure. While the check-in process could be smoother, the tour’s broad coverage and inclusive activities make it a strong option for those wanting to explore Madeira at their own pace.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby