Madeira: Cabo Girão, Wines Experience and Dolphins Watching

Discover the Best of Madeira in One Day

This 8-hour tour offers a well-rounded experience of Madeira’s stunning landscapes, local wines, and marine wildlife. Starting from Funchal, it combines natural wonders like Cabo Girao, the highest sea cliff in Europe, with a scenic jeep off-road adventure through Serra d’Água and São Vicente. A highlight is the guided visit to a prominent winery, where you enjoy a complimentary wine tasting of six different varieties.

The tour wraps up with a dolphin and whale watching trip aboard a comfortable catamaran along Madeira’s south coast. With a rating of 4.5 out of 5 from 26 reviews, this experience suits nature lovers, wine enthusiasts, and those wanting to see marine life in its natural habitat.

Keep in mind that the boat trip lasts 3 hours, and there is a small entrance fee for Cabo Girao (€3). The tour is ideal for those who appreciate a mix of scenic vistas, culture, and marine wildlife, but it’s less suitable for very young children, pregnant women, or visitors with mobility challenges.

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Key Points

• Stunning views from Cabo Girao, the tallest sea cliff in Europe, with a suspended glass platform
• Guided winery visit featuring a tasting of 6 wines (1 rosé, 3 whites, 2 reds)
• Scenic off-road drive through Serra d’Água and São Vicente
• Whale and dolphin watching from a relaxing catamaran, with high chances of spotting marine mammals
• Tour duration is 8 hours, starting from Funchal, with free pickup in the central area
• Includes professional guide, safety instructions, insurance, Wi-Fi, and sanitized vehicles

From the Funchal Pickup to Cabo Girao’s Suspended Platform

The experience begins with free pickup in Funchal, where the guide greets the group and provides safety instructions. The first stop is at Cabo Girao, which rises 580 meters above the Atlantic, offering panoramic views of Câmara de Lobos and Funchal. Visitors can step onto the suspended glass platform for photo opportunities and marvel at the dramatic cliffs.

The scenic drive to Cabo Girao features beautiful coastal vistas en route. The guide shares insights about the island’s geography and history, setting a perfect tone for the day ahead.

Exploring the Serra d’Água and São Vicente by Jeep

After Cabo Girao, the tour continues with an off-road Jeep adventure through the Serra d’Água and São Vicente areas. This part of the journey emphasizes Madeira’s traditional terraces and lush landscapes. The scenic drive provides breathtaking vistas over the northern part of the island, showcasing rugged coastlines and verdant hills.

This segment is particularly valued for its informative guidance and the opportunity to see Madeira’s rural charm up close. The off-road nature of this section offers some light adventure, making it suitable for those comfortable with bumpy rides but not overly demanding physically.

Wine Tasting at Quinta do Barbusano

Next, the group visits Quinta do Barbusano, a main local winery. Here, a guided tour takes visitors through the largest vineyards on the island, where they learn about Madeira’s wine production and its cultural importance. The wine tasting includes six varieties: 1 rosé, 3 whites, and 2 reds.

This part of the experience highlights Madeira’s wine heritage, with guides providing stories about the history, culture, and process behind the wines. The setting offers a peaceful environment to savor the flavors and learn about the island’s viniculture.

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Enjoying Lunch and Free Time at the Funchal Marina

The tour then provides a break at Funchal’s marina, where lunch and snacks are available. Visitors can relax and enjoy local delicacies or simply take in the lively port atmosphere. This downtime allows for a brief respite before the afternoon marine adventure.

While no specific meals are included in the package, the marina’s facilities mean you can choose to purchase additional food or drinks, making it flexible for different appetites.

Dolphin and Whale Watching from the Catamaran

The final highlight is a 3-hour boat trip departing from Funchal’s marina. The catamaran offers a comfortable platform to observe dolphins and whales in their natural environment. The crew provides detailed information about the cetacean species you might encounter, such as common dolphins and other marine mammals.

This excursion is especially popular in summer months, with some opportunities for swimming below Cabo Girao if conditions allow. The trip ends back at Funchal harbor around 6 pm.

Practicalities: Transportation, Safety, and Inclusions

The tour includes free pickup in Funchal’s central area and the port, making logistics straightforward. It uses sanitized vehicles with ozone cleaning and provides Wi-Fi, safety instructions, and insurance according to Portuguese law.

Not included are food and drinks outside the wine tasting and snacks, and there is a €3 entrance fee for Cabo Girao. The tour does not offer drop-off services outside the initial pickup location, and pets, large luggage, and wheelchairs are not permitted.

Review Insights and Potential Drawbacks

The overall rating of 4.5/5 reflects strong satisfaction, especially with the guides’ knowledge, the spectacular scenery, and the wine experience. However, some feedback notes that the boat trip can be lengthy with limited animal sightings and short swimming opportunities. The safety briefing, while present, was sometimes hard to hear over the boat’s noise.

This tour is best suited for adults and older children who enjoy nature, scenic viewpoints, and wine tasting. It may be less ideal for very young children or those with mobility issues due to the off-road jeep segment and boat trip.

Madeira’s Unique Highlights: Cliffs, Vineyards, and Marine Life

The experience delivers breathtaking views from Cabo Girao’s suspended platform, offering a chance to see Madeira’s dramatic cliffs up close. The guided winery tour immerses visitors in the island’s wine tradition, with tastings to enjoy and stories to remember.

The off-road drive through Serra d’Água and São Vicente uncovers Madeira’s rural beauty, while the catamaran trip introduces marine wildlife in a peaceful setting. Combining natural beauty with cultural delights, this tour appeals to those eager to get a broad taste of Madeira in a single day.

Final Thoughts on the Madeira: Cabo Girao, Wines, and Dolphins Tour

This well-organized tour balances spectacular viewpoints, authentic wine experiences, and the chance to see dolphins in their habitat. Its 8-hour length and smooth logistics make it manageable for most visitors, and the inclusion of free pickup adds convenience.

While the boat trip may not guarantee animal sightings or long swimming, the overall variety of stops and scenic highlights compensate for that. It’s a practical choice for nature lovers, wine fans, and those curious about Madeira’s coastal wildlife.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, free pickup from Funchal’s central area and port is included, and vehicles are sanitized with ozone.

How long is the boat trip?
The dolphin and whale watching catamaran cruise lasts 3 hours and ends at Funchal’s marina around 6 pm.

What are the main stops during the tour?
Stops include Cabo Girao, São Vicente, Quinta do Barbusano Winery, and the Funchal marina for lunch and the boat trip.

Is the tour suitable for children?
The tour is not suitable for children under 3 years, pregnant women, or wheelchair users, mainly due to jeep and boat segments.

How much does the Cabo Girao entrance fee cost?
There is a €3 entrance fee for Cabo Girao, payable on-site.

What should I bring?
Comfortable clothing, sun protection, and possibly a camera for the stunning views and wildlife.

Are food and drinks included?
No, except for the wine tasting and snacks at the marina. Additional meals are at your discretion.

Can I swim during the boat trip?
In summer months, swimming below Cabo Girao is possible, but the main activity is marine wildlife viewing.

Is there a refund policy?
Yes, cancellations made up to 24 hours in advance are fully refundable.

What languages are available for the tour guide?
The tour is conducted in English.

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