Funchal: Cabo Girão, Wine Tasting and Dolphin Watching

Funchal, the vibrant capital of Madeira, beckons with a captivating tour that combines the island’s natural wonders and cultural delights. Visitors can start their adventure at the iconic Cabo Girão, Europe’s highest sea cliff, where panoramic vistas of the Atlantic Ocean and the lush, verdant landscapes set the stage for an unforgettable experience. From there, the tour progresses to the renowned Henriques & Henriques winery, where guests can indulge in the nuanced flavors of Madeira’s acclaimed wines. But the day’s excitement doesn’t end there, as a catamaran cruise along the picturesque south coast promises the chance to witness the graceful movements of dolphins and whales. This multifaceted tour promises to unveil Funchal’s most captivating treasures.

Key Points

• This 8-hour tour from Funchal offers a diverse itinerary including visits to Cabo Girão, a Madeira wine tasting, and a catamaran trip for dolphin and whale spotting.
• The tour provides free pickup from central Funchal and the port, and is led by a professional local guide with safety instructions and first aid provided.
• Participants will enjoy breathtaking panoramic views over Nun’s Valley at Boca dos Namorados, and an exhilarating off-road adventure to Jardim da Serra.
• The Madeira wine tasting at Henriques & Henriques winery offers a chance to sample a variety of sweet, medium-sweet, dry, and medium-dry wines.
• The tour is not suitable for children under 3, pregnant women, or wheelchair users, with restrictions on pets, luggage, and large bags.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

This tour offers a comprehensive exploration of Funchal, Madeira’s capital city.

It’s priced at €89 per person and lasts 8 hours, with a group size limited to 8 participants. The tour is available in Spanish, English, and Portuguese, and pickup is provided from central Funchal, including the port.

The cancellation policy is flexible, allowing free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Highlights include stunning views from Boca dos Namorados and Jardim da Serra, a visit to the highest cliff in Europe at Cabo Girão, a Madeira wine tasting, and a 3-hour catamaran trip to spot dolphins and whales along the southern coast.

Itinerary Highlights

The tour begins with a scenic drive to Boca dos Namorados, offering breathtaking views over the picturesque Nun’s Valley.

Next, the group embarks on an off-road adventure to Jardim da Serra, where they’ll enjoy a break at a local bar.

The highlight of the tour is a visit to the Cabo Girão, the highest cliff in Europe at 580 meters. Visitors can admire the spectacular views from the glass floor balcony (entrance fee not included).

The tour also includes a Madeira wine tasting at Henriques & Henriques, where guests can sample sweet, medium-sweet, dry, and medium-dry wines.

The final activity is a 3-hour catamaran trip along Madeira’s south coast, with opportunities to spot dolphins and whales.

Tour Inclusions

The tour includes free pickup from Funchal’s central area and near the port, a professional local guide, and insurance as per Portuguese law.

Plus, the tour provides:

1. Safety instructions and first aid, along with sanitized vehicles equipped with Ozone and alcohol gel.
2. Local taxes, Wi-Fi, and a Madeira wine tasting experience.
3. Opportunities to see dolphins and whales during the 3-hour catamaran trip along Madeira’s south coast.

These inclusions ensure a well-organized and enjoyable experience for the tour participants, with the necessary safety measures and amenities provided throughout the day.

Important Information

Not all participants may be suitable for this tour.

Children under 3, pregnant women, and wheelchair users aren’t permitted on the excursion. Plus, pets, luggage, and large bags aren’t allowed.

Pickup locations outside Funchal’s central area may incur extra charges. The dolphin watching portion of the tour concludes at 6 PM at Funchal Marina.

This tour offers an engaging mix of scenic viewpoints, off-road adventure, wine tasting, and wildlife observation. Participants should be prepared for a full day of activities and comfortable with the stated restrictions.

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Customer Reviews

Based on the 46 reviews analyzed, customers have overall awarded this tour a solid 4.6 out of 5 rating.

The guides, particularly Toni and Rui, were consistently praised for their friendliness and commitment to safety.

Customers thoroughly enjoyed both the jeep tour and the dolphin watching experience, with many recommending the wine tasting as a highlight.

The overall organization and transportation aspects of the tour also received high marks, with an average score of 4.6 and 4.8 respectively.

1. Positive experiences with knowledgeable and personable guides.
2. Enjoyment of the diverse activities, including the off-road jeep tour and dolphin watching.
3. Recommendation of the Madeira wine tasting as a memorable part of the tour.

Scenic Views at Boca Dos Namorados

Spectacular vistas unfurl as the tour ventures to Boca dos Namorados, a scenic overlook offering breathtaking panoramas over Nun’s Valley. The jagged cliffs and lush, verdant landscape create a captivating backdrop, evoking a sense of tranquility and wonder. As visitors gaze out over the sweeping vistas, they’re transported to a world of natural beauty and serenity.

Adjective	Noun	Emotion
Breathtaking	Panoramas	Awe
Lush	Landscape	Wonder
Captivating	Backdrop	Tranquility
Sweeping	Vistas	Serenity
Verdant	Cliffs	Admiration

The stop at Boca dos Namorados promises to be a highlight of the tour, leaving lasting impressions on all who witness the stunning scenery.

Off-Road Adventure at Jardim Da Serra

Venturing off the beaten path, the tour delves into the rugged terrain of Jardim da Serra. This off-road adventure offers a thrilling and immersive experience, allowing visitors to explore the region’s natural beauty up close.

Some highlights of this segment include:

1. An exhilarating drive along the winding mountain roads, with sweeping vistas of the surrounding landscapes.

2. A stop at a local bar, where guests can enjoy a refreshing break and soak in the authentic atmosphere of the region.

3. The opportunity to witness the locals’ daily life and gain a deeper understanding of the area’s cultural heritage.

Madeira Wine Tasting Experience

Next, the tour takes visitors to the renowned Henriques & Henriques winery for a captivating Madeira wine tasting experience.

Guests will sample a variety of Madeira wines, including sweet, medium-sweet, dry, and medium-dry. The tasting provides an opportunity to learn about the unique production process and rich history of this fortified wine.

Madeira is known for its complex flavors, ranging from caramelized notes to citrus and dried fruit. The tasting allows participants to appreciate the nuances of this distinctive regional specialty.

This experience offers a delightful complement to the earlier sightseeing and outdoor adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

The tour does not specify a dress code, but comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and closed-toe shoes are recommended. Guests should be prepared for both indoor and outdoor activities during the day.

Can We Bring Our Own Food and Drinks?

No, participants are not allowed to bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The tour includes a wine tasting and the catamaran trip, so outside items are not permitted.

Are There Any Physical Fitness Requirements?

This tour has some physical fitness requirements. Guests must be able to walk short distances and climb stairs. It’s not suitable for young children, pregnant women, or wheelchair users. Participants should be in reasonably good health to fully enjoy the experience.

How Much Time Is Spent at Each Activity?

The tour spends around 1.5 hours at the scenic viewpoint of Boca dos Namorados, 1 hour for the Jardim da Serra off-road adventure, 1 hour at the Cabo Girão glass floor balcony, and 3 hours for the dolphin watching catamaran trip.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour?

The tour doesn’t offer an option to extend the duration. It’s a set 8-hour itinerary that includes specific activities like visiting Cabo Girão, wine tasting, and dolphin watching. Extending the tour would require booking a separate, longer excursion.

Recap

This tour offers an unforgettable blend of stunning natural landscapes, renowned wine tasting, and thrilling wildlife encounters. Whether you’re captivated by the breathtaking views of Cabo Girão, delighted by the flavors of Madeira wine, or enchanted by the playful dolphins, this experience is sure to leave a lasting impression. It’s the perfect way to explore the best of Funchal and learn about the island’s rich natural and cultural heritage.

You can check if your dates are available here: