Funchal, the vibrant capital of Madeira, beckons with its captivating blend of natural wonders and cultural delights. Set out on a journey that effortlessly combines the flexibility of a hop-on hop-off bus tour with the thrill of a whale and dolphin watching adventure. For just $50.10 per person, this immersive experience allows you to explore the city’s iconic landmarks at your own pace, from the lively Farmers Market to the grand Madeira Cathedral. But the excitement doesn’t stop there – prepare to be amazed as you set sail on a catamaran, spotting these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.
Key Points
• This package combines a hop-on hop-off bus tour in Funchal with a catamaran excursion to spot whales and dolphins, providing a comprehensive sightseeing experience.
• The bus tour allows passengers to explore Funchal’s landmarks at their own pace, including the Funchal Cathedral, Madeira Wine Museum, and scenic viewpoints.
• The catamaran excursion offers opportunities to swim and snorkel at Fajã do Cabo Girão, with a complimentary Madeira wine tasting at the Old Blandys Wine Lodge.
• The package includes various discounts for monuments, museums, and leisure activities, enhancing the overall value and flexibility of the experience.
• The tour features a user-friendly cancellation policy with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, providing customers with peace of mind when booking.
Activity Overview and Pricing
This Funchal experience offers visitors a chance to explore the city’s top attractions via a hop-on hop-off bus and embark on an exciting whale and dolphin watching excursion, all for a starting price of $50.10 per person.
Travelers can take advantage of the 2-day validity period and the free cancellation policy, which allows them to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Plus, the option to reserve now and pay later makes it easy for travelers to secure their spot without having to pay upfront.
With the ability to discover Funchal and Câmera de Lobos at their own pace, this activity promises an immersive and flexible sightseeing experience.
Tour Highlights and Features
With the Hop-on Hop-off Bus, travelers can discover Funchal and Câmara de Lobos’ top attractions at their own pace.
The catamaran excursion offers the chance to spot whales and dolphins in their natural habitat.
During the tour, visitors can enjoy a refreshing swim and snorkeling break at Fajã do Cabo Girão, as well as a complimentary Madeira wine tasting at the Old Blandys Wine Lodge and free entry to the Bordal Embroideries Factory.
Throughout the experience, guests can take advantage of discounts on tickets to monuments, museums, and leisure activities.
Plus, they can utilize the available audio guide in multiple languages to enhance their understanding of the destination.
Itinerary and Stops
The hop-on hop-off bus takes travelers on a journey through Funchal’s top attractions, including the Avenida do Mar, Funchal City Gates, and the charming Old Town and Cable Car.
The tour also includes stops at the Farmers Market, Bordal Embroidery Factory, Madeira Wine Museum, and the Madeira Cathedral.
Passengers can admire the stunning views from the Funchal Bay Panoramic Viewpoint, the São Martinho Chapel and Cemetery, and the Pico dos Barcelos Viewpoint.
The bus runs every 30 minutes in the morning and every 45 minutes in the afternoon, allowing visitors to explore the city at their own pace.
With the included audio guide in multiple languages, travelers can delve deeper into the history and culture of Funchal.
Meeting Points and Logistics
Travelers begin their Funchal adventure by meeting at the Avenida do Mar, stop number 1 near the Marina, where they can exchange their vouchers for the hop-on hop-off bus tickets.
For the whale and dolphin boat excursion, the meeting point is the VMT City Pier Kiosk, located in front of Stop 2 of the bus route. Guests must check-in 30 minutes prior to each scheduled departure.
The tour organizers don’t permit bringing food or drinks onto the vehicles. This logistical information ensures a seamless start to the day’s activities, allowing travelers to maximize their time exploring the sights and attractions of Funchal.
Customer Reviews and Ratings
Glowing customer reviews and a solid 4.2/5 overall rating paint a picture of a thoroughly enjoyable Funchal experience, with travelers praising the convenience of the hop-on hop-off bus and the thrill of the whale and dolphin boat excursion.
Reviewers noted:
- The seamless transportation, with the bus running on a reliable schedule and stopping at all the key sights.
- The value-packed nature of the package, offering discounts and freebies that enhanced the overall experience.
- The knowledgeable and friendly staff, who went the extra mile to ensure a memorable tour.
- The opportunity to spot majestic whales and dolphins up close, leaving a lasting impression on nature enthusiasts.
With such positive feedback, this Funchal tour emerges as a must-do activity for visitors seeking an immersive and enriching exploration of the city.
Discounts and Inclusions
What sets this Funchal tour package apart are the numerous discounts and inclusions that provide exceptional value for money.
From a free Madeira wine tasting at the Old Blandys Wine Lodge to complimentary access to the Bordal Embroideries Factory, the tour thoughtfully incorporates a range of engaging experiences that enhance the overall sightseeing adventure.
Travelers can also enjoy discounts on tickets to various monuments, museums, and leisure activities, allowing them to explore Funchal’s rich cultural heritage without straining their budget.
The audio guide available in multiple languages further enriches the journey, catering to the diverse needs of global explorers.
With these value-added features, this Hop-On Hop-Off bus and boat excursion offers an unbeatable combination of convenience, discovery, and affordability.
Cancellation and Refund Policy
The tour’s cancellation and refund policy grants travelers the flexibility to cancel their booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, ensuring peace of mind and allowing for adjustments to travel plans. This policy is designed to accommodate unexpected changes or schedule conflicts, providing customers with the assurance that their investment is protected.
The key aspects of the cancellation and refund policy include:
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours prior to the tour’s start time.
- Full refund issued for all cancelled bookings within the 24-hour window.
- Ability to reserve a spot and pay later, allowing for last-minute planning.
- No penalties or fees for cancellations made within the specified timeframe.
This user-friendly policy enhances the overall experience, giving customers the confidence to book their Funchal adventure with ease.
Transportation and Sightseeing Combination
This tour combines the convenience of hop-on hop-off bus transportation with the excitement of a whale and dolphin watching excursion, offering visitors a well-rounded exploration of Funchal’s highlights.
The bus allows you to hop on and off at your leisure, discovering landmarks like the Funchal Cathedral, Madeira Wine Museum, and Quinta Magnólia Gardens.
Meanwhile, the catamaran cruise takes you out to sea in search of majestic whales and playful dolphins, with a chance to swim and snorkel at Fajã do Cabo Girão.
With the added perks of a free wine tasting and embroidery factory visit, this package provides an engaging blend of sightseeing, adventure, and local experiences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Bus?
According to the information provided, bringing your own food and drinks on the bus is not allowed. The tour explicitly states that food and drinks are not permitted inside the vehicle during the bus tour.
How Can I Contact the Tour Operator if I Have Any Issues?
Travelers can contact the tour operator by phone or email if they encounter any issues. The company’s contact information is typically provided on the tour voucher or website. Prompt communication can help resolve problems and ensure a positive tour experience.
Is the Bus Wheelchair Accessible?
The hop-on hop-off bus is wheelchair accessible, providing easy access for passengers with mobility needs. The bus features designated spaces and ramps to accommodate wheelchairs, ensuring a comfortable and inclusive sightseeing experience for all.
Can I Purchase Add-On Activities or Upgrades On-Site?
Yes, customers can typically purchase add-on activities or upgrades on-site. Many tour operators allow travelers to customize their experiences by selecting optional excursions or enhancements to their core package at the meeting point or while on the tour.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Whale and Dolphin Excursion?
The whale and dolphin excursion doesn’t have any age restrictions. Families with children of all ages can participate, though younger kids may need parental supervision for their safety and enjoyment during the boat trip.
Recap
This comprehensive tour of Funchal offers the perfect blend of flexibility and adventure.
Explore the city’s top landmarks at your own pace on the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus, then embark on an exhilarating catamaran voyage to spot whales and dolphins.
Complemented by exclusive discounts, Madeira wine tasting, and a hassle-free cancellation policy, it’s an immersive and convenient way to experience the best of Funchal.
