Cabo Girão & Dolphin Watching from Funchal: Jeep Tour + Boat

Jeep ride to Europe's highest sea cliff, then a catamaran search for dolphins off Madeira's coast

This eight-hour tour from Funchal combines a morning 4x4 adventure through Madeira's highlands with an afternoon dolphin-watching catamaran. You'll climb to Boca dos Namorados for views of Nun's Valley, cross the glass-floor balcony at Cabo Girão (589 meters), taste Fortified Madeira wine in the fishing village of Câmara de Lobos, then board a boat at Funchal Harbor to watch for dolphins and whales at sea.

Step-by-step itinerary

Scenic views, 4x4 ride, and dolphin tour

• Drive uphill to Boca dos Namorados
• View Nun’s Valley and Eira do Serrado
• Off-road ride to Boca da Corrida
• Visit Jardim da Serra cherry land
• See Cabo Girão cliff and glass balcony
• Visit Câmara de Lobos fishing village
• Wine tasting of Fortified Madeira Wine
• Lunch at Funchal’s Harbor (not included)
• Start dolphin watching tour by catamaran

The experience

Boca dos Namorados opens the day with panoramic views across Nun's Valley and toward Eira do Serrado. From there the Jeep climbs to 1,200 meters for a soft off-road section through Madeira's interior, then descends to Jardim da Serra, the island's cherry-growing region, before reaching Cabo Girão. The cliff itself is the second-highest in the world, and its suspended glass-floor balcony lets you stand over a 589-meter drop to the ocean below. On clear days the view stretches across Câmara de Lobos and Funchal's bay.

After the Jeep tour ends at Funchal Harbor around 1:30 pm, you have time for lunch on your own before the catamaran departs at 3 pm. The boat trip runs until 6 pm, giving a three-hour window to spot dolphins and whales in Madeira's waters. In summer, conditions sometimes allow swimming below Cabo Girão's cliff during the morning portion. A professional guide leads both the Jeep and boat sections and speaks English or Portuguese. Safety instruction and first aid are provided, and all Portuguese-law insurances are included.

Free pickup covers Funchal's central area and the harbor itself, so you don't need a rental car or separate transport to the starting point. The tour suits all fitness levels and welcomes children from age 3 with specialized infant seats available. Vehicles are disinfected before and after each activity.

What’s included

• Professional guide in English or Portuguese.
• safety instruction and first aid.
• free pickup from Funchal's central area and harbor.
• all Portuguese-law insurances.
• vehicle disinfection before and after the tour.
• specialized infant seats for children ages 3 and up.

Before you book

Days and timesMonday, Tuesday and FridayDeparts at 09:00

AgesAdult (11 and older) · Child (3 to 10 years) · Under 3: can't be booked

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish and Portuguese

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Paid on site€ 5

Prices and times updated 4 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortInfant seats available

Operated by True Spirit

Is this one for you?Pickup from central Funchal and the harbor means you don't need a car or separate transport to start. The tour collects you and returns you to the harbor, settling the logistics for anyone staying in the city or arriving by ship.

Traveler reviews

4.90★★★★★★★★★★

40 verified traveler reviews

5 ★37

4 ★2

3 ★1

2 ★0

1 ★0

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Portuguese.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 10 years). Children under 3 can't be included in the booking.

What is the glass-floor balcony at Cabo Girão like?

Cabo Girão's suspended glass-floor balcony extends over the cliff edge, letting you stand 589 meters above the ocean with nothing but transparent floor beneath you. It's the viewpoint's signature feature and offers an unobstructed look straight down to the water and the fishing village of Câmara de Lobos below.

Will I see dolphins on the catamaran tour?

The afternoon boat trip is a dolphin and whale-watching tour, so spotting them is the goal, but sightings depend on what's in the water that day. The catamaran runs for three hours off Funchal's coast, giving a solid window to search.

How much time is there between the Jeep tour and the boat trip?

The Jeep tour finishes at Funchal Harbor around 1:30 pm, and the catamaran departs at 3 pm, leaving roughly 90 minutes for lunch. Lunch is not included, so you'll choose where to eat during that break.

What is Câmara de Lobos and why do we stop there?

Câmara de Lobos is a traditional fishing village where the tour visits a producer of Fortified Madeira Wine. You'll taste these wines as part of the morning Jeep portion before heading to the harbor for the boat trip.

Is the off-road section difficult or rough?

The off-road ride is described as soft and takes place at 1,200 meters elevation through Madeira's natural landscape. The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels, and children from age 3 can join with specialized infant seats available.