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Machico Birdwatching

Our most recommended Machico Birdwatching

Madeira: Whale and Dolphin Watching Tour

1. Madeira: Whale and Dolphin Watching Tour

Look for whales and dolphins and discover other marine life off the beautiful Ponta de São Lourenço coast in Madeira on a small-group boat tour with a crew of marine biologists. Climb aboard the 300 hp engine boat with a sleek design and listen to informative commentary about the sea life and places of interest of Madeira as you start the trip. Encounter different groups of dolphins, whales, and turtles in the water. Marvel as the animals breach and splash about in the water and learn amazing facts about them from your marine biologists guide. See endemic marine birds and get up-close to the unique rock formations on the coast as you speed across large distances in little time. If you are visiting in summer, get the chance to snorkel and swim in Ponta de São Lourenço.

Lighthouse View 2: Ponta de São Lourenço Boat Tour

2. Lighthouse View 2: Ponta de São Lourenço Boat Tour

Embark on a boat trip to admire a 150-year-old lighthouse, the oldest in Madeira Archipelago. See Ilhéu do Desembarcadouro, the North Coast, its beautiful caves and calm bays. This islet is a protected conservation area for its rich biodiversity. The Farol da Ponta de São Lourenço is a lighthouse located on the islet of São Lourenço. It lies on the extreme east of Madeira Island. The lighthouse was built in 1870 on top of a small extinct volcano. Spot several species of animals and plants that are unique to this area along the way. Marvel at the flowering plants of Marmulano, endemic to Madeira Islands. Soak in spectacular views from the Baía d´Abra Viewpoint over Ponta de São Lourenço and its coastline. There are different starting and ending point options for the tour. Choose the one that fits your needs. If you decide to end at Marina da Quinta do Lorde, you will see the Elephant rock before completing the tour.

Madeira: Full-Day of Activities at Ponta de São Lourenço

3. Madeira: Full-Day of Activities at Ponta de São Lourenço

Arrive at Ponta de São Lourenço and discover the unique wonders of this nature reserve through a variety of fun activities. First, do some kayaking along the coast and observe beautiful caves up close. Take beautiful photographs of the volcanic slopes of Baía D'abra. Next, get your snorkel gear and be amazed by the fantastic underwater world at Cais do Sardinha. See beautiful species of fish, maybe even octopus and cuttlefish, beautiful algae, and sponges. If you're lucky you'll also be able to observe the very rare Monk Seal. Enjoy a light lunch of sandwiches made with traditional Bolo do Caco bread and a selection of fresh fillings. Then, embark on a boat tour along the coast. Sail to the farthest point of Ponta de São Lourenço and enjoy fantastic views of the oldest lighthouse of Madeira, before returning to Marina da Quinta do Lorde.

Madeira: Santo da Serra to Ribeiro Frio Private Walk

4. Madeira: Santo da Serra to Ribeiro Frio Private Walk

Journey from the center of Santo da Serra to Ribeiro Frio, two of the main points of interest on Madeira Island, visited not only by tourists but also by residents. Walk through a forest road passing by the Trout Fishing Park, where you can relax for a while, having a tea or simply enjoying the surroundings. Immerse yourself in the amazing nature at the Levada, enjoying every step while you appreciate the wide variety of endemic flora and fauna of Madeira Laurisilva. Discover open areas that offer magnificent views of the valley and peaks of the island. Continue walking along the levada, enjoying the energy of all this pure nature surround you.

Madeira: Private Vereda do Larano Hike

5. Madeira: Private Vereda do Larano Hike

Begin your tour with a pickup from your accommodation on Madeira. Start the trail in Porto da Cruz, through a path which the local people used to travel between these two locations Enjoy magnificent views over the North East Coast of Madeira until you reach the viewpoint of Boca do Risco, which offers a breathtaking sight of the northern coast of the island. Enjoy the surroundings and scenic beauty of this location. Along the trail, admire the beautiful scenery and landscapes of the region. Upon arrival at Porto da Cruz, enjoy some time to relax and explore this charming village. Then, be dropped off at your hotel.

Madeira: Levada do Paúl da Serra Private Walk

6. Madeira: Levada do Paúl da Serra Private Walk

Journey through Levada do Paul da Serra, 1400 meters above sea level. Take in the beautiful natural surroundings and stroll along the mountain trail. Begin your journey from Levada do to Paúl da Serra, starting in the plateau, 1400 meters above sea level. Experience one of the most spectacular hikes throughout the island. Continue towards Paúl da Serra, following the opposite direction, for about 5 kilometers. Arrive at the emblematic Rabaçal area, where a great variety of pedestrian routes begins, such as Levada do Alecrim, 25 fontes and more. Discover one of the most important zones of the island that generates renewable energy, as well as solar panels. Walk side by side with the Levada, following the flow of water. Make some breaks along the way and enjoy nature and its scenic surrounding. Keep caution, as you may come across a few cows along the way.

Madeira: Private Guided Levada Ribeiro Frio - Portela Walk

7. Madeira: Private Guided Levada Ribeiro Frio - Portela Walk

This tour ranges in altitude from 641-886 meters. You'll begin at Ribeiro Frio and end at Portela, covering a distance of 11 kilometers. This trail is a real stunner even for the seasoned traveler, without a doubt one of the most beautiful in Madeira. Enjoy the natural heritage of the island and its endemic species of flora and fauna. The magnificent vegetation will envelop and recharge you in its oh-so-peaceful environs. Watch sunbeams peak cheekily between the laurels and other plants of the area, birds cooing gently all the while. On this softly quiet walk, you will progress parallel to the lovely levada that flows along the trail.

Madeira: Private Guided Ilha to Pico Ruivo Hike PR1.1

8. Madeira: Private Guided Ilha to Pico Ruivo Hike PR1.1

You will be picked up from your accommodation in Madeira and transferred via your own private transportation to the small village of Ilha, where you will will meet your professional guide. From Ilha you will walk the serene trail to Pico Ruivo, the highest point of Madeira Island. At 6106 feet it offers breathtaking views of the island and the ocean. Enjoy marveling at the island’s fauna and flora on your way to the top whilst learning about its culture from your guide. You will experience the rich greens of Laurissilva Forest along the way, and in the mild subtropical climate natural to the Mediterranean.

Madeira: Levada Prazeres Private Guided Tour

9. Madeira: Levada Prazeres Private Guided Tour

Get to know the natural landscapes of Madeira on this guided hike through the forest. See wildlife and diverse flora, while learning about the zone from your expert guide. This pleasant walk starts in Prazeres, and travels to the south of the Island to the area of Raposeira. You will be picked up from your accommodation in Madeira by your driver and professional guide and taken to the beginning of the guided tour. Through the Levada, you can see some rich wilderness and wildlife and learn about it all from your expert guide You can enjoy views of the valleys, the eucalyptus and pine trees and learn about the Levadas, which were carved into the cliff to help carry water down to the farms and plantations. You will also pass some traditional houses and their residents at work farming.

Other Sightseeing Options in Machico

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What people are saying about Machico

The day came out cloudy and a sea full of waves. Everything predicted that we were not going to see anything and that it would be a horrible trip.....but nothing was further from reality. The pilot and biologist did their best to find dolphins. and they got it. more than 50 "played" with the zodiac and the zodiac played with us with the waves. Between jump and jump, and jumping dolphins it was hilarious. highly recommend with them. Even the incredible boat back from San Lorenzo thanks to its crew. Congratulations. keep going

Wonderful excursion, very good the pilot of the boat, very good the biologist who accompanied us. The very comfortable boat, suitable for anyone. We saw dozens and dozens of dolphins following and playing with the boat. Excursion recommended for everyone, an experience to do absolutely. Good good good

They worked a lot, because it seemed that we were not going to see anything and they persisted until we did. We found a pod of dolphins and another of pilot whales and in the end there was also a swim, despite the fact that we spent almost three hours in the sea. It was great!!!!

Really on top, a super friendly guide who adapted to our rather mediocre level of English. I recommend to do a maximum of activity with the same company. Diving is a plus with very crystal clear water. To do with your eyes closed

Tutto è stato impeccabile. Esperienza emozionante che consiglio a chiunque!