MADEIRA · DESTINATION
Ranked by traveller popularity
The 10 most popular calheta & machico day trips in Madeira. Here's what they actually deliver, who runs them, and what they cost.
Funchal sunrise hike to Pico do Arieiro and Pico Ruivo, then PR1.2 or Vereda do Larano, with roundtrip transfers and self-guided trails.
“Amazing opportunity to see the island away from tourist resorts. Excellent communication from the team regarding change of date and location. Loved the insta story with the route, made it easy to spot landmarks.”
2-hour speedboat whale and dolphin tour from Calheta, Madeira. Quiet engines, German-English crew, and big views of the coast.
“On our trip we saw a sea turtle, 2 groups of dolphins and even a flying fish. The Stenella speed boat was lots of fun too! Our captain Drumond and guide Fatima were both very friendly and driven. They gave us explanation about the animals we encountered. It was obvious how much they respected the…”
Watch sunrise over clouds from Pico do Arieiro, then hike Vereda do Larano with sea cliffs and photo stops in a small group.
“The guide Roberto was friendly and his driving skills were good and on the way to the hike he was giving some knowledge about the island.”
A fast 2-hour RIB ride from Calheta to chase whales and dolphins, guided by a spotter, with Madeira views from the Atlantic.
“Our guides went above and beyond to help us see a whale and many dolphins on our tour. Even when the tour was coming to an end, the guides were tipped off about the whale and kept us out on the water a bit longer to ensure we got a chance to see it! It…”
Machico whale and dolphin watching in Madeira with a marine biologist, small boat, provided gear, and a chance to swim.
“Great tour with very nice staff. Many detailed explanations. We spotted 3 different animal spices: Dolphins, bottle-nose dolphins and pilot whales :)”
Guided Larano cliff hike from Machico to Porto da Cruz with dramatic ocean views, historic paths, and easy Funchal pickup for $50.
“Amazing experience! Our guide, Charlotte was great (not to forget our driver Nunu, sorry if I spelt it wrong). Beautiful and a very informative and friendly guide.”
Enjoy a 30-minute Calheta jet ski rental on Madeira’s south coast, with a safe closed circuit, great guides, and epic cliff views.
“We had an amazing time doing this activity, the staff were extremely friendly and helpful. It made my friends birthday a very special one. We will be back!”
2-hour beginner surf lesson on Madeira’s black-sand beaches in Porto da Cruz. Certified instructors, all gear included.
“Die Aktivität war okay. Leider wurde in der früh die Entscheidung getroffen, vom Strand mit Wellen zum Strand ohne Wellen zu wechseln. Als Begründung wurde die starke Strömung angeführt. Jedoch war hier der Hintergrund, dass es durch die Strömung wohl zu anstrengend gewesen wäre, den Unterricht durchzuführen. Lebensgefährdende Gründe wurden nicht angeführt. Surfen ohne Wellen…”
Sunrise at Pico do Arieiro with a Miradouro glass-platform photo stop and the Vereda do Larano hike, plus Funchal-area pickup.
“Cool, nice trasport and kind person like Rosbert and his wife and their beautiful daughter. Thank you”
Hike Madeira’s Stairway to Heaven and Vereda do Larano with a small group, guided views, picnic, coffee, and poncha.
“This was a truly amazing experience in maderia, everything was wonderful from the places, communication to the beautiful packed lunch which had so much thought to you, it was totally appreciated. I was nervous also because of slipping even with good boots Richard really looked after me. I really hope you do more events as…”
