Funchal: Cabo Girão, Wines Tasting and Dolphins Watching

Glass floors and dolphins, all in one day. I like the chance to walk the Cabo Girão glass floor and I like how the catamaran tries for dolphins in the wild with crew explanations. The trade-off is that the switch from the jeep portion to the boat portion includes a break and you may have to locate the right meeting point on your own.

From Funchal Bay you climb to nearly 1,000 meters for views over Curral das Freiras, also called Nun’s Valley, then bounce in an open-roof 4×4 through Jardim da Serra, a cherry-growing area. I also enjoy the stop in a typical Madeiran bar for freshly made Poncha and the guided Henriques & Henriques tasting of sweet through dry Madeira wines.

With a small group of up to 8 people and pickup near the port, it feels controlled and safe, with safety instructions and ozone-sanitized vehicles. You should plan for no luggage or pets, and you will end back at the Port of Funchal rather than being dropped off at your hotel.

Key things I’d circle before you book

• Cabo Girão suspended glass floor at one of Europe’s highest cliff viewpoints, plus an extra €3 entrance fee
• Open-roof 4×4 off-road driving with a fun, high-adrenaline feel on Madeira roads
• Nun’s Valley viewpoints from Boca dos Namorados, including the famous perspective toward Eira do Serrado
• Jardim da Serra Poncha stop in a local bar that supports the community, but you pay for drinks
• Henriques & Henriques Madeira tasting across four styles: sweet, medium sweet, dry, and medium dry
• 3 hours on a catamaran from Marina do Funchal with strong chances for dolphins, and possible summer cliff swimming

One day, two operators, and three big moments

This tour is built like a day of contrasts. You start with an open-roof jeep ride and cliff viewpoints, then shift into wine tasting, and finish with a catamaran out along Madeira’s south coast for dolphins.

What I like about this setup is that it gives you variety without making you plan multiple tickets. The small group size (up to 8) also helps, especially on the narrow roads where a larger group would feel rushed.

One practical heads-up: the jeep part and the boat part are handled at different times, and they can feel a little disconnected. You’ll get a break and lunch/free time at the marina, so it pays to get clear on where to go next before you split.

Morning views above Funchal: Boca dos Namorados and Nun’s Valley

The day starts with pickup from central Funchal, including near the port, and a drive that climbs fast. Before you even reach the higher viewpoints, you’re already getting the big payoff: the perspective over Funchal Bay.

Your first key stop is Miradouro da Boca dos Namorados, where you get a photo stop and sightseeing time plus a safety briefing. This is one of those Madeira viewpoints where the island suddenly looks bigger than you expected, because you’re looking down into the folds of the terrain rather than across the ocean only.

From here, you’ll admire the view over Curral das Freiras, also known as Nun’s Valley, and the outlook toward Eira do Serrado from the same area. The practical value is simple: you’ll understand how Madeira’s south coast works, with steep ridges dropping toward the sea.

Time-wise, it’s not a long linger, but it’s enough to take photos, get oriented, and enjoy the views without sprinting. If you’re sensitive to height exposure, keep it slow at the edges and stay where you feel steady.

Jardim da Serra in an open-roof 4×4: cherries and off-road fun

After the viewpoint time, the tour moves toward Jardim da Serra, a place known for cherry production. This is where the experience turns from sightseeing driving into something more hands-on.

You’ll travel in a 4×4 open-roof vehicle, and the roads here are part of the thrill. In at least one example from past trips, guides have encouraged people to stand during safe stretches, which makes the ride feel less like transport and more like an adventure.

The trade-off is what you’d expect on an open roof: wind and temperature changes. Even when Funchal is warm, higher areas can feel cooler, so bring a light layer and secure your sunglasses so they do not take flight.

There’s also an important local moment in Jardim da Serra. You stop in a typical Madeiran bar, partly to support the community and local economy. This is not where your lunch is included, so treat it as a quick cultural break where you can buy coffee, tea, or Poncha.

Poncha is freshly made and costs extra. If you’re trying it, it’s an easy win, but pace yourself. It’s easy to get excited after off-road driving and forget that your next stop is still up on the cliffs.

Boca da Corrida and the rhythm of photo stops

You’ll have another photo stop at Boca da Corrida. These stops are short by design. They exist to give you the classic Madeira perspectives without turning the day into a slow bus tour.

This matters because the itinerary later stacks big-ticket experiences like the glass floor and wine tasting. If you want those moments to feel relaxed instead of chaotic, you’ll be grateful for these quick viewpoint breaks.

From a comfort standpoint, you’ll also notice the rhythm. Short stints outside, then driving, then another quick moment. That pattern helps you recharge, but it also means you shouldn’t expect a long sit-down snack between segments.

Cabo Girão glass floor: the star viewpoint and the €3 add-on

Next up is Cabo Girão, known as one of the highest cliffs in Europe, listed at 580 meters. The big reason people come here is the renovated viewpoint with a suspended glass floor.

This is the moment that changes your brain chemistry. A glass floor turns a view into a physical sensation, and Madeira’s steep drop makes it intense in a good way. Even if you are not the bravest person on the planet, take one step at a time. You can still enjoy the cliff without forcing yourself to sprint across.

A key detail for budgeting: entrance to Cabo Girão costs €3 and is not included. It’s small, but it’s the kind of extra that catches people off guard if they’re using the price as a strict all-in guide.

Also consider timing. On days when it’s busy, getting photos without crowds can be harder. If you want calmer glass-floor time, aim for a quick look while the group gathers, then give it a minute so you’re not stuck lining up behind a wall of cameras.

And if you’re hoping for ocean views, you’ll get them. Cabo Girão is famous because it frames the sea with that vertigo feeling. That said, on a cloudy day you may get fewer blue-ocean photos, but the cliff itself stays the headline.

Henriques & Henriques Madeira tasting: sweetness levels you can actually compare

After Cabo Girão, the tour heads to Henriques & Henriques, a Madeira wine lodge for tasting. This part is valuable because you are not just trying one wine. You’re tasting across different styles: sweet, medium sweet, dry, and medium dry.

That range is how Madeira gets interesting. Instead of treating it as one taste, you get a way to compare how sweetness changes the finish and balance. You can also decide what kind of bottle you’d want at home, whether you like richer profiles or something drier.

In at least one past experience, the wine guide experience stood out as fun and passionate, with practical tips that made the tasting feel more meaningful than a simple pour-and-glance routine. If you get a guide like that, you’ll probably leave with better instincts about what you liked and why.

One note: wine tasting is included, but food and drinks other than the wine are not. So if you’re expecting lunch with your tasting, plan to buy something during your marina break later.

Marina do Funchal and the catamaran dolphin watching (3 hours)

Once the jeep and wine portion are done, you’re dropped at Marina do Funchal to start the dolphin trip. The catamaran cruise runs for 3 hours along the south coast, with strong possibilities of dolphins.

This is the part that feels like a reward. After hours of viewpoints and roads, you get open water time and a slower pace. The crew gives information about the cetacean species you might be able to see, which helps you spot activity faster and understand what you’re looking at.

In practice, dolphin sightings can vary by day and conditions. Still, you’re on a trip built around wildlife watching, not just a sightseeing cruise. If you care about actually seeing animals, this is the best section of your day for that focus.

The tour also has a seasonal perk. In summer months, there’s a possibility of swimming below the Cabo Girão cliff. That’s not guaranteed, so don’t assume you’ll be in the water, but it’s worth keeping swimwear and a towel on hand if the season fits your dates.

One more reality check: some people find catamaran conditions can feel busy. If you want a calmer ride, choosing the right spot on board matters, and you might prefer earlier positioning when boarding so you’re not stuck in the loudest pocket of the boat.

Timing and logistics: how to avoid the awkward handoff

The itinerary includes break time at the marina, with lunch and free time before the boat trip. That’s nice because you can reset, but it creates a potential confusion point.

On some days, the afternoon portion feels disconnected because it’s run by a different operator than the morning jeep. If that’s the case on your day, the main thing you can control is clarity.

Here’s my practical advice:

• Before leaving the morning guide, confirm exactly where you’ll go for the catamaran check-in.
• Ask for the operator name and meeting location, not just the boat departure time.
• Take a photo of any instructions you’re given, including the operator name.

In at least one confirmed example from past participants, the catamaran company name was Sea Born, which helped people find the right boat quickly. Even if the name changes on other days, the lesson holds: confirm the operator before you wander off for lunch.

Also remember: the tour ends back at the Port of Funchal, and it does not include drop-off. Plan your return transport accordingly. If your hotel is not near the port, you’ll want a plan for the final leg.

What you get for the price, and what costs extra

At about $104 per person for an 8-hour day, this tour is aiming at mid-value territory. The reason it can feel fair is that you’re combining multiple paid experiences inside one package: a guided jeep segment with safety and insurance, included Madeira wine tasting, pickup from central areas, and the dolphin cruise.

Here’s what you should mentally budget separately:

• Cabo Girão entrance is €3 extra.
• Food and drinks are not included beyond the wine tasting. The bar stop is a buy-your-own moment, including Poncha.
• There’s no hotel drop-off, so transport costs at the end could add up depending on where you’re staying.

What you do get included that helps quality:

• A professional local guide and small group (max 8).
• Safety instructions and first aid, plus vehicles sanitized with ozone.
• Wi-Fi, plus alcohol gel.

For many people, the biggest value driver is the combination of high cliff viewpoint plus a wildlife cruise plus wine tasting. You’re paying for variety and local guidance, not just transportation.

Who should do this tour, and who should skip it

This is a great fit if you want a day with movement. You’ll be driving uphill, stepping out for viewpoints, then riding open-roof off-road, and finally cruising on a catamaran for animals.

It’s also a good choice for wine lovers who want to taste multiple Madeira styles, not just sip one glass and move on.

It’s less ideal for people who:

• Want a completely relaxed, no-rush day with minimal walking.
• Need wheelchair access, since it’s not suitable for wheelchair users.
• Are traveling with infants under 3 years, since it is not suitable for children under 3.
• Are pregnant, since it is not suitable for pregnant women.
• Rely on bringing lots of luggage, since luggage or large bags are not allowed.
• Want to bring pets, since pets are not allowed.

If you’re planning to swim in summer, this could be a fun bonus. If swimming is not part of your plan, you can still enjoy the wildlife and views without committing to the water.

Language-wise, the guide can work in Spanish, English, or Portuguese. That flexibility usually makes the day easier, especially during safety briefings and when instructions matter for the boat handoff.

Should you book this tour?

I’d book it if you want one organized day that gives you: Cabo Girão’s glass floor, off-road Madeira road fun, a guided Madeira tasting at Henriques & Henriques, and a real shot at dolphins on the south coast.

I’d think twice if your top priority is a perfectly continuous timeline with zero handoff confusion. The jeep-to-boat transition includes a break, and because the afternoon can feel run by a separate operator, you’ll want to confirm meeting details early.

If you do book, do these two things and you’ll stack the odds for a smooth day:

• Bring a light layer for higher elevations and wind on the open-roof ride.
• Before lunch break, confirm the catamaran operator and exact meeting location so you’re not guessing when it’s time to board.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

The full experience runs for 8 hours.

Where do you get picked up?

Pickup is included from Funchal’s central area and also next to Funchal’s port.

Is there drop-off back at my hotel?

No. This tour does not include drop-off. It finishes at the Port of Funchal.

Is Madeira wine tasting included?

Yes. Madeira wine tasting is included at Henriques & Henriques, with options like sweet, medium sweet, dry, and medium dry.

Do I need to pay extra for Cabo Girão?

Yes. Entrance to Cabo Girão costs €3 and is not included.

How long is the dolphin watching catamaran trip?

The catamaran cruise lasts 3 hours.

Where does the catamaran trip end?

It ends at the Marina of Funchal at around 6 pm.

Are pets allowed?

No, pets are not allowed.

What are the age and accessibility limits?

It is not suitable for children under 3 years, wheelchair users, or pregnant women.