Arriving in Madeira on a cruise ship is an incredible opportunity. Yet, with limited time ashore, many passengers wonder: What should I do in Madeira during my stop? Should I join a group tour, book a private guide, or just walk around Funchal? This guide explains exactly how Madeira cruise port excursions work, so you can decide what’s best depending on how many hours you have.
Shared Tours & Walks: Ideal for Most Cruise Passengers
If your ship arrives before 08:30, and you only need to be back onboard after 17:00, you can easily join one of our shared tours.
- Pick-up point: The meeting point is outside the cruise terminal, in front of the CR7 Hotel. Depending on where your ship is docked, it usually takes 8 to 20 minutes walking.
- Options available: Scenic minibus tours, jeep tours, or guided walks.
- Why choose this: Affordable, social, and designed to fit most cruise ship schedules.
Private Tours: Flexible, Personalised, and Closer to the Ship
For passengers with tighter schedules, or those who prefer exclusivity, a private tour is the best option.
- Pick-up & drop-off: As close to the ship as possible.
- Flexibility: You choose how many hours (from 3 to 5 hours for half-day, or a full-day if time allows).
- Tailor-made itineraries: You can decide exactly which places to visit. However, since Madeira has a wide variety of attractions, our destination experts will advise you on the best combination. Sometimes the “wish list” is too long for a single day, so we help you select what fits your available time.
- Co-creation: The tour is designed through a dialogue between you and our local expert, ensuring a balance between what you want to see and what is realistically possible.
👉 Important tip for levada walks: Some trails are easy, others are more demanding. Ask our team which walk suits your fitness level and what equipment you should bring.
Airport and Hotel Transfers After Your Cruise
Many passengers finish their cruise in Madeira instead of returning onboard. If that’s your case, you can book a transfer service directly from the cruise port to the airport or to your hotel in Madeira. This ensures a smooth and stress-free end to your trip, without worrying about taxis or schedules. Private transfers are available for individuals, couples, families, or groups, and can be combined with a short tour if you have some spare time before your flight.
What to Do in Madeira Depending on Your Time
1. Half-Day Stay (3 to 5 hours)
Perfect for passengers with only a few hours ashore. Suggestions:
- A city tour of Funchal, including markets, gardens, and viewpoints.
- A short wine tasting experience in a traditional Madeira wine lodge.
- A quick jeep or minivan tour for panoramic views close to the port.
2. Full-Day Stay (6 to 8 hours)
If your ship allows a longer visit, you can explore much more of the island:
- West Coast tour: Câmara de Lobos, Cabo Girão skywalk, and Porto Moniz natural pools.
- East Coast tour: Santana’s traditional houses and the dramatic scenery of Pico do Arieiro.
- A levada walk, discovering Madeira’s famous irrigation channels and lush landscapes.
👉 Planning a hiking day in Madeira? Discover the best routes and ideas for your itinerary.
3. Overnight Stay (Multiday)
When a cruise stays overnight in Madeira, you gain the chance to enjoy both day and night experiences:
- Combine a scenic tour with an evening food & wine experience in Funchal.
- Go on a boat trip to spot dolphins and whales.
- Stroll through botanical gardens or attend a cultural show.
- Enjoy a folklore dinner with espetada (beef cooked on an open fire), a truly authentic Madeiran experience.
Why Choose a Madeira Cruise Port Tour?
- Convenience: Shared tours start from a central, easy-to-find meeting point, while private tours pick you up directly near the ship.
- Peace of mind: All tours are scheduled with cruise timetables in mind, ensuring you’re back well before departure.
- Flexibility: Choose between shared or private, short or long, cultural or adventure-focused.
- Expert guidance: Our local team helps you make the most of your time in Madeira.
If you’re arriving in Madeira on a cruise, you don’t need to feel lost or uncertain. Whether you have just a few hours, a full day, or even an overnight stay, there are many Madeira cruise port things to do.
- Choose a shared tour if you want a budget-friendly group experience.
- Go for a private tour if you prefer flexibility, exclusivity, and direct pick-up near the ship.
👉 Explore all the options in Things to Do, in the menu at the top of this page, and plan your perfect day in Madeira.
