Private Monte and Taboggan ride Tour

Tobogganing in Madeira feels gloriously old-school. This private Monte and taboggan ride lines up transport, a local guide, and a stop at the famous Church of Our Lady of Monte, so you can focus on the fun instead of figuring out buses and routes. I especially like the private guide just for your party and the all-inclusive pickup option in Funchal City.

The second thing I like is the way your guide helps you handle the sled logistics on the spot, including getting you to the ticket area and staying with you through the waiting period. The one drawback to plan for is time: the toboggan can involve a long wait, and the sled ticket is paid separately, so your total cost is higher than the tour price.

Key points to know before you go

• True private time: only your group rides, so you can set a pace that works for you.
• Monte church first: Our Lady of Monte sits in gardens with big views over Funchal.
• Sled ticket is separate: toboggan admission isn’t included, so budget extra.
• Plan for lines: waits at the toboggan area can run long at busy times.
• Pickup options are flexible: hotel pickup in Funchal City, plus a cruise-port pickup add-on.

A private ride to Monte with your own guide time

This tour is built for people who want an easy day without stitching together public transport. You get a guide and private transportation, and the ride is set up so you’re not just dropped off and left to sort things out.

The practical win here is the personalized attention. In a place like Monte, timing matters. You’ll be moving between the church area and the toboggan starting point, and a private guide helps keep you oriented so you spend less energy on logistics and more on the views and the ride.

Paroquia de Nossa Senhora do Monte: church, gardens, city views

Your first stop is Paroquia de Nossa Senhora do Monte, the 19th-century Church of Our Lady of Monte. You get about 30 minutes here, and the admission ticket is listed as free.

What makes this stop worth your time is the setting. The church sits inside landscaped gardens, and the outlook over Funchal is a major part of why people come to Monte in the first place. Even if you’re not a museum person, the church grounds give you a clean, scenic break right before the toboggan part.

A nice angle: if there’s any delay later, this church stop gives you something solid to do immediately—photos, walking paths, and a chance to take in the city from above.

Taboggan reality check: tickets, waits, and meeting your guide

The taboggan ride is the headline, but here’s the part to plan for: toboggan admission is not included in the tour price. You pay $40.00 per booking separately at the toboggan site.

Also, you should expect some waiting. In the experience details you were given, a couple of schedules can stretch depending on the day. One account described waiting 75 minutes, and another pointed to 90 minutes. In practice, that means your total time on the hill might feel longer than the 1 hour 30 minutes listed.

The upside is how the guides handle it. Several guide stories highlight that they don’t just dump you in a line. People have described guides standing with them in the ticket area and making sure they know where to go. In one instance, Gonzalo even waited with the group so they could look at the church area at the top while time passed. In another, Joao helped get tickets and then stayed involved so the waiting didn’t feel like you were on your own.

If you really hate lines, you might consider pairing the day with options that reduce waiting time (one suggested combo was a cable car + sled approach). You’re not required to do that, but it’s worth thinking about before you book if your schedule is tight.

After the ride, you’re typically met again so you can regroup easily. Some guides have also used any remaining time to add small local touches, like a bakery stop for cheesecake or a brief viewpoint stop near a fortress—only if your timing allows.

How pickup from Funchal works, including cruise harbor fees

Pickup is part of what makes this private tour feel smooth. If you’re staying in the Funchal City area, hotel pickup is available and listed as free.

If you’re arriving by cruise ship, you have a different option. There’s an additional harbor pickup service, and it covers port authority pickup fees listed as 5€ per vehicle.

This matters because harbor timing can be chaotic. Having a vehicle and a guide coming to the right place helps you avoid that last-minute scramble of figuring out where the bus drops you versus where your ride actually starts.

You’ll also get a mobile ticket, which should make check-in easier once you’re on the move.

Guide energy and flexible pacing (why names like Joao and Margarida matter)

The tour’s value isn’t just the vehicles. It’s the guide behavior—how they manage your time and help you feel confident about what’s next.

In the feedback you were given, guide names come up again and again. People described:

• Gonzalo as knowledgeable about the island and attentive to keeping the group together in the line so you can still see the church area.
• Joao as someone who helped with tickets, stood in line with you for photos and guidance, and met everyone after the ride so the day didn’t unravel at the bottom of the hill.
• Margarida as a guide who walked the group to the ticket office and made sure you knew where to go, then offered extra suggestions once the sled portion was done.
• Maggie as a steady, competent guide with hotel pickup and drop-off handled smoothly.

That last detail—hotel drop-off and pickup—sounds simple until you’re trying to get back down the hill with timing pressure. When a guide keeps the day organized, it feels like you’re visiting Madeira, not managing a schedule.

One caution: a private tour can still be only as good as the guide planning on the day. One disappointed experience described the tour being more of a straight transfer to the sled location, with no extra Monte time. That doesn’t mean your day will be like that, but it does mean you should pick a time when you have buffer for waiting.

Price and value: $120 per group plus the $40 sled ticket

Let’s talk numbers in real life terms.

The tour price is $120.02 per group, up to 3 people, for about 1 hour 30 minutes. That price covers the private guide and private transportation, plus live commentary in the vehicle.

But the taboggan admission is separate, at $40.00 per booking. So your total is more like: tour price for your group + the sled ticket you pay on site.

Is it still good value? Often, yes—because the tour isn’t paying for just a ride. You’re paying for:

• a private guide who can explain what you’re seeing in Monte,
• door-to-door convenience (where pickup is selected),
• and a “hands-on” help with the toboggan area flow, especially when waits show up.

If you compare this to buying a sled ticket alone and trying to coordinate transport on your own, the private factor is where you’re getting the money’s worth. If you’re traveling solo or as a small group and want things handled for you, the math usually works.

Weather, weight limits, and who this tour suits best

This tour operates in all weather conditions, so you should dress for that. Even if it’s sunny, Madeira weather can turn. Bring a light layer, and plan for rain gear if the forecast looks shaky.

There’s also a combined passenger weight rule: the maximum combined weight should not exceed 210 kg. That’s legal/safety based and it can affect who can fit comfortably.

Age rules are clear: the minimum age is 3 years, and children must be accompanied by an adult. So if you’re traveling with kids, this is at least compatible with family travel—just make sure everyone fits the adult accompaniment rule.

Who is this best for?

• You want private transport and guidance rather than figuring it out yourself.
• You care about learning what you’re looking at around Monte, not just ticking off the sled ride.
• You’re okay paying the toboggan admission separately and potentially spending extra time if the line is long.

Should you book this Monte and Taboggan private tour?

I’d book it if your goal is a smooth Monte morning with a guide doing the thinking. It’s especially appealing if you’re staying in Funchal City and want pickup handled, and if you like the idea of starting with the church gardens and views instead of racing straight to the sled.

I’d hesitate if you’re on a tight clock, hate waiting in lines, or expect the tour to include everything in one price. The sled ticket is extra, and waits can run long on busier days. If you’re the type who needs a very predictable schedule, consider options that reduce waiting time, or plan a more flexible day.

FAQ

FAQ

What is the starting location for pickup?

Pickup is available for free in hotels and accommodations in the Funchal City area. There is also a harbor pickup option for cruise ship passengers with an added port authority fee.

How much does this tour cost?

The tour price is $120.02 per group for up to 3 people.

How long is the tour?

The duration is approximately 1 hour 30 minutes.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel pickup is included if you select the pickup option. Free pickup applies in the Funchal City area.

Is the taboggan ride ticket included in the price?

No. The taboggan admission fee is paid separately at $40.00 per booking.

Is admission to the Monte church included?

The admission ticket for Paroquia de Nossa Senhora do Monte is listed as free.

Is this tour private?

Yes. It’s a private tour, and only your group participates.

What language is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

What age limits apply?

The minimum age is 3 years, and children must be accompanied by an adult.

Does the tour run in bad weather?

It operates in all weather conditions, so you should dress appropriately.