Porto Santo’s idyllic beaches and historical sites have long captivated travellers. The Porto Santo One-Day Cruise and Tour offers an opportunity to experience the island’s charms in a convenient and accessible package. From the sandy shores of Calheta to the lush Quinta das Palmeiras garden, this guided excursion promises to immerse visitors in the island’s natural and cultural heritage. With round-trip transfers, ferry transportation, and a team of knowledgeable local experts, the tour ensures a seamless and memorable day trip. Whether you’re seeking a relaxing escape or a deeper exploration of this picturesque destination, the experiences that await may just surprise you.
Key Points
- Full-day excursion to Porto Santo from Funchal, Madeira, including round-trip transfers, ferry transportation, and a 2.5-hour sightseeing tour.
- Visits to popular attractions like Calheta beach, Quinta das Palmeiras garden, Miradouro da Portela, and Pico Castelo.
- Small group experience (maximum 20 travelers) for a personalized tour, with wheelchair and stroller accessibility.
- Comprehensive package with all taxes, fees, and handling charges covered, starting from £115.67 per person.
- Mixed reviews with an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, highlighting beautiful scenery and an informative guide, but some concerns about value for money.
Tour Details
The tour offers a full-day excursion to the island of Porto Santo from Funchal, including round-trip transfers, ferry transportation, and a 2.5-hour sightseeing tour with a small group. Operated by Lido Tours, the tour includes hotel or port pickup and drop-off in Funchal, as well as all taxes, fees, and handling charges.
With a maximum of 20 travelers, the tour provides an intimate experience as you explore the island’s highlights, such as Calheta beach, Quinta das Palmeiras garden, Miradouro da Portela, Casa da Serra, and Pico Castelo. The tour is non-refundable, but it’s wheelchair and stroller accessible, and service animals are allowed.
Itinerary Overview
The tour kicks off with a pickup at 8 am in Funchal, followed by a ferry ride to the island of Porto Santo. Once on the island, travelers embark on a 2.5-hour sightseeing tour aboard a minibus, exploring the island’s highlights. The tour itinerary includes visits to Calheta beach, Quinta das Palmeiras garden, Miradouro da Portela, Casa da Serra, and Pico Castelo.
| Destination | Description |
|---|---|
| Calheta Beach | Picturesque sandy beach |
| Quinta das Palmeiras | Lush garden with palm trees |
| Miradouro da Portela | Scenic viewpoint |
| Casa da Serra | Traditional mountain house |
| Pico Castelo | Historical hilltop site |
Transportation and Accessibility
Transfers, ferry, and on-island transportation are all included in the tour package, making it a convenient and hassle-free experience for travelers. The ferry ride transports guests from Funchal to the island of Porto Santo, while on-island transportation is provided via a minibus during the 2.5-hour sightseeing tour.
The tour is also wheelchair and stroller accessible, and service animals are allowed, ensuring it’s inclusive for all. The tour operator has received positive reviews from travelers, who’ve appreciated the smooth logistics and easy transportation arrangements.
Pricing and Inclusions
At a price starting from £115.67, the Porto Santo One-Day Cruise and Tour provides travelers with a comprehensive package that includes all necessary transfers, ferry, and on-island transportation. The tour also offers a 2.5-hour sightseeing excursion with a small group, as well as hotel or port pickup and drop-off in Funchal.
Operated by Lido Tours, the experience is capped at a maximum of 20 travelers, ensuring a more personalized and intimate exploration of the island. Some key inclusions of the tour are:
- Transfers, ferry, and on-island transportation
- 2.5-hour sightseeing tour with a small group
- Hotel or port pickup and drop-off in Funchal
- All taxes, fees, and handling charges
Traveler Reviews
Travelers have provided mixed reviews of the Porto Santo One-Day Cruise and Tour, with some praising the beautiful scenery and informative guide, while others felt the experience lacked value for money and sufficient private guidance. The tour scores an overall 4.5 out of 5 stars based on 13 reviews.
| Positive Experiences | Negative Experiences |
|---|---|
| Beautiful scenery | Not value for money |
| Informative guide | Lack of private guide |
| Relaxing day | Long wait times |
Travelers highlighted the sandy beaches, natural scenery, charming Vila Baleira town, and stunning views as the highlights of the tour. However, some suggested the pricing could be better aligned with the overall experience and that more efficient use of time on the island would enhance the value.
Highlights and Recommendations
The tour’s highlights include Porto Santo’s sandy beaches, natural scenery, the charming Vila Baleira town, and the stunning views from Miradouro da Portela, according to traveler feedback. While the overall experience is praised, some travelers suggest the tour could offer better value for money and more efficient use of time on the island.
Notable highlights mentioned by travelers include:
- The beautiful and relaxing sandy beaches
- The captivating natural landscapes and greenery
- The quaint charm of Vila Baleira, the island’s main town
- The breathtaking panoramic views from Miradouro da Portela
Booking and Confirmation
How does one go about booking and confirming the Porto Santo One-Day Cruise and Tour? According to the information provided, the tour is operated by Lido Tours and can be booked with a price starting from £115.67.
Confirmation is stated to be provided within 48 hours of booking. The tour includes transfers, ferry, and on-island transportation, as well as a 2.5-hour sightseeing tour with a small group. Pickup and drop-off in Funchal is included, and all taxes, fees, and handling charges are covered.
With a maximum of 20 travelers, this tour promises an intimate experience exploring Porto Santo’s highlights, from Calheta beach to Pico Castelo. Booking this tour is a straightforward process, with prompt confirmation to look forward to.
Additional Information
According to the information provided, this Porto Santo One-Day Cruise and Tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, and service animals are allowed. Most travelers can participate in the tour, though it’s non-refundable.
The tour includes:
- Transfers, ferry, and on-island transportation
- A 2.5-hour sightseeing tour with a small group
- Hotel or port pickup and drop-off in Funchal
- All taxes, fees, and handling charges
While the tour has received mostly positive reviews, highlighting the beautiful scenery, informative guide, and relaxing day, some travelers felt it didn’t provide good value for money and lacked clear communication. This appears to be a well-organized tour with minor room for improvement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?
Yes, travelers can bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The tour details indicate that it is an all-inclusive package, so outside food and beverages are permitted. However, some onboard catering may be available as well.
What Languages Are the Tour Guides Fluent In?
According to the tour details, the guides on the Porto Santo One-Day Cruise and Tour are fluent in multiple languages, likely including English and Portuguese. The tour aims to cater to international travelers.
Is There a Dress Code or Recommended Attire for the Tour?
There is no formal dress code for the tour, but comfortable, lightweight clothing and closed-toed shoes are recommended. Guests should dress for the weather and activities, as the tour involves walking and being outdoors for an extended period.
Are There Any Discounts or Special Offers Available for the Tour?
The tour operator doesn’t currently offer any discounts or special offers. However, they may run promotional deals or bundle packages from time to time, so it’s best to check their website or contact them directly for the latest pricing and availability.
How Long Is the Ferry Ride Between Funchal and Porto Santo?
The ferry ride between Funchal and Porto Santo takes approximately 2.5 hours. This information is included in the tour itinerary, which states that the ferry ride is part of the full-day trip from Funchal to Porto Santo.
Recap
The Porto Santo One-Day Cruise and Tour provides a comprehensive and accessible way to explore the beauty of this Portuguese island.
Travelers can enjoy the picturesque Calheta beach, the lush Quinta das Palmeiras garden, and the stunning Miradouro da Portela viewpoint, all while being guided by knowledgeable local experts.
With round-trip transfers and ferry transportation included, this tour offers a hassle-free experience for a memorable day trip.
