Wine + Dolphin Watching – Full Day- Shared Tour

Madeira’s Wine, Views, and Dolphins: An Authentic Full-Day Adventure

If you’re looking to combine Madeira’s lush scenery, world-famous wines, and the thrill of spotting dolphins and whales, this full-day shared tour offers all that and more. For around $130 per group, you’ll spend about 7 hours exploring some of the island’s most iconic sights, with a knowledgeable guide leading the way. Key highlights include visiting vineyards at São Vicente, walking on the skywalk at Cabo Girão, off-road jeep excursions, and a relaxing 3-hour catamaran dolphin watching cruise.

What we particularly love about this tour is the blend of active exploration and laid-back marine viewing—it suits travelers who want a well-rounded Madeira experience. Plus, the chance to sample Madeira’s renowned wines in their homeland adds a special flavor to the day. The fact that pickup is included and the tour operates rain or shine make it a convenient choice.

On the downside, the tour involves some off-road driving, which can be bumpy, so those prone to motion sickness or seeking a smooth ride might want to prepare accordingly. Still, the wide-ranging sights and expert guides make it a compelling choice for curious adventurers.

This tour is best suited for first-time visitors eager to see both land and sea, as well as those who love authentic local experiences—from meeting wine producers to marveling at panoramic vistas.

Key Points

• Diverse Itinerary: Combines vineyard visits, scenic viewpoints, jeep adventure, and dolphin watching.
• Expert Guides: Highly praised guides like Antonio, Eddy, and Miguel enhance the experience with local insights.
• Stunning Views: From Cabo Girão’s glass skywalk to lush valleys, the vistas are unforgettable.
• Authentic Experiences: Guided wine tastings and village visits reveal Madeira’s true character.
• Flexible & Convenient: Includes hotel pickup, operates in all weather, with optional lunch.
• Value for Money: The combination of activities for under $130 offers excellent overall value.

A Deep Dive into the Madeira Full-Day Tour

An Itinerary Designed for All Senses

This 7-hour adventure kicks off early at 9:00 am, with hotel pickup included, making it straightforward to start your day with minimal fuss. The journey begins with a scenic drive up to Cabo Girão, the highest sea cliff in Europe, where you’ll walk on a glass platform suspended 589 meters above the Atlantic. Here, the views are breathtaking, offering a dramatic perspective of the coast and ocean below. A small fee (around 3 euros) applies for entry, but many visitors find it worth the extra expense for the once-in-a-lifetime photo opportunity.

Next, the tour ventures inland to São Vicente, a charming village renowned for its distinctive wine production. Here, you’ll spend about an hour and a half exploring the local vineyards and learning about Madeira’s wine traditions. A highlight is tasting five different wines—including rosé, white, and red—guided by a knowledgeable professional who explains the nuances of each. Multiple reviews praise the quality and authenticity of the wine tasting, describing it as a meaningful insight into Madeira’s wine culture.

From there, the journey continues with a jeep ride through the island’s rugged terrain, including the Paul da Serra plateau, Ribeira da Janela, and Porto Moniz. The off-road drive is often highlighted as a memorable part of the experience, offering views of forests, mountain slopes, and remote villages. As one reviewer mentioned, “Despite the neck-breaking offroads, our driver David gave us a fantastic trip up and down the mountain sides,” emphasizing the adventurous spirit of this part of the tour.

The Spectacular Cabo Girão Skywalk

The Cabo Girão skywalk is a highlight for many visitors. Standing on the transparent glass floor, you get a vertigo-inducing view of the coastline and the Atlantic waves crashing below. It’s a dramatic setting that captures Madeira’s awe-inspiring natural beauty. Note that the entrance fee is not included in the tour price, but many find it a small price to pay for the extraordinary photo ops and panoramic views.

Immersive Wine and Village Experiences

After the jeep adventure, you’ll be driven back to Funchal to prepare for the dolphin watching cruise. Before boarding, many travelers take the opportunity to relax and enjoy some local lunch (not included in the tour price, but available for about 15 euros). The dolphin and whale watching cruise on a comfortable catamaran offers a peaceful, three-hour sail, where the likelihood of spotting playful dolphins is high. Multiple reviews mention how seeing dolphins from the boat was a highlight, with one reviewer calling it “the best part of the day.”

Authentic, Well-Reviewed Guides and Flexibility

Guides like Antonio, Eddy, Miguel, and Christos consistently receive praise for their knowledge, friendliness, and flexibility. Reviewers love how guides tailor stops based on interest and weather, making the day feel personalized and relaxed. For example, one noted, “Our driver David was great, adapting the program based on what we had already seen on the island,” which underscores the high level of customized service.

Practical Aspects and Overall Value

For $129.36 per group, this experience packs in a lot—transport, guided tours, wine tasting, scenic stops, and marine life viewing. The inclusion of hotel pickup and drop-off simplifies logistics, especially for those unfamiliar with Madeira. The tour operates rain or shine, which is advantageous given Madeira’s unpredictable weather, but travelers should dress appropriately and be prepared for possible rain or wind at viewpoints.

The reviews unanimously commend the value for money. Many have expressed that the tour exceeded expectations, especially appreciating the expert guides and stunning vistas. The small group size (up to 80 travelers but often smaller) keeps the experience intimate enough to ask questions and engage with guides.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This full-day adventure is perfect for first-time visitors who want to see Madeira’s highlights without sacrificing authenticity. Nature lovers will appreciate the scenic vistas and marine life, while wine enthusiasts can indulge in a genuine tasting experience. Families and groups of friends will enjoy the variety and flexibility, especially since reviews mention guides being attentive and accommodating.

If you’re looking for an active day with a mix of land, sea, and sky, this tour hits the mark. It’s especially suitable for those who enjoy off-road driving, panoramic views, and marine wildlife—and want to do it all comfortably in one day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour offers pickup and drop-off from your hotel or accommodation, making it easy to start and end your day without extra hassle.

How long is the dolphin watching cruise?
The boat cruise lasts approximately 3 hours, during which you can relax and look out for dolphins and whales.

Do I need to pay for entry to Cabo Girão?
The entrance fee to Cabo Girão (about 3 euros) is not included in the tour price, so you should plan to pay on the spot if you choose to walk on the skywalk.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch is optional and costs about 15 euros. Many travelers opt to take local meals in Funchal before or after the boat cruise.

What should I wear?
Dress in layers, especially since weather can change quickly on the coast and at viewpoints. Bring a rain jacket and sturdy shoes for the jeep ride and walking on the skywalk.

Are children welcome?
Yes, children must be accompanied by an adult, and the tour is suitable for most age groups, especially those who enjoy outdoor activities.

What is the maximum group size?
While the tour can accommodate up to 80 travelers, reviews suggest it’s often smaller, making for a friendly, manageable experience.

Final Thoughts

This Madeira full-day tour offers a well-balanced mix of spectacular views, cultural insights, adventure, and marine wildlife—a truly authentic snapshot of the island’s diverse landscapes. The combination of guided wine tastings, scenic viewpoints like Cabo Girão, and the thrill of dolphin watching ensures there’s something for all, especially those eager to experience Madeira beyond just the beaches.

The expert guides are consistently praised for their knowledge and flexibility, turning what could be a standard sightseeing day into a personalized, memorable journey. The price is reasonable considering the variety of experiences packed into one day, making it a solid value for those wanting a comprehensive look at Madeira’s natural and cultural riches.

If you’re a traveler who enjoys active exploration, appreciates authentic local experiences, and values convenience, this tour will suit you well. Just be prepared for some bumpy off-road driving and bring your camera—those views are hard to beat.

Madeira’s landscapes and wildlife are unforgettable, and this tour captures much of their magic. Whether you’re into wine, scenery, or sea life, it’s a day that’s both fun and meaningful.