Madeira hits different once you see it by bus and by sea. This 2-day combo lets you hop around Funchal and Câmara de Lobos at your own pace, then head out on the Atlantic for a chance at dolphins and whales. I especially like the way the open-air bus ride (high views, about 3 meters up) makes it easy to take in gardens, streets, and viewpoints without committing to one long guided walk.

The second win is the pairing of big nature time with two hands-on cultural stops: a free Madeira wine tasting at Old Blandys and free entry to the Bordal Embroideries Factory. One thing to think about: whale and dolphin sightings aren’t guaranteed, and bad weather can shift plans—so build in flexibility and double-check your catamaran timing so you don’t get caught off guard.

Key things that make this combo work

• 48-hour hop-on hop-off gives you time to pace your sightseeing, not rush it
• Catamaran time on the Atlantic offers close-up chances with dolphins and whales, plus occasional turtles and sea birds
• Fajã do Cabo Girão includes a swim and snorkeling break in the middle of the action
• Free Madeira wine tasting at Old Blandys helps you slow down and taste the island
• Bordal Embroideries Factory free visit adds a craft stop that goes beyond photo ops
• Audio guide in many languages helps you understand what you’re seeing while you ride

48 hours on the hop-on hop-off bus: easy sightseeing, real views

This is the part that helps you get your bearings fast. You start at Avenida do Mar, stop number 1, near the Marina. From there, you can build your own two-day plan using stop numbers as your map. The bus itself is designed for sightseeing: you sit high enough to see over streets and gardens, and the audio guide is included in multiple languages (Portuguese, English, Spanish, French, Italian, German, Dutch, Finnish, Swedish, Russian). You can keep your eyes on the scenery and still follow along.

The route is built around viewpoints, old-town areas, and the coastal stretch. Frequency matters here. The Funchal & Câmara de Lobos tour runs every 30 minutes from 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM, then every 45 minutes from 1:15 PM to 5:00 PM. That’s enough rhythm to hop, wander, and hop again without feeling stuck.

A practical note: you swap your voucher onboard the bus. It’s not a “bus stop is the ticket” situation, so have your voucher ready when you board.

Where the bus stops take you: the smart way to use all 30 stops

You’ll see 30 stops total. Instead of trying to hit them all, I’d treat them like menus. Pick the ones that match your mood each time you ride—sea views, old town, crafts, wine, or viewpoints.

Here’s how I’d think about the stops, and what you’ll likely want from each:

• Stop 1: Avenida do Mar (near the Marina)

Your launch point. I like this stop because it puts you near the water early, which makes the rest of the route feel connected.

• Stop 2: Funchal City Gates

A good early hop if you want to start with a sense of entry points and city layout before you head deeper.

• Stop 3: Old Town and Cable Car

This is your “walk around” option. Old Town is where you tend to want your time on foot. If you’re curious about going up and down, the cable car link gives you flexibility, even if you don’t use it.

• Stop 4: Farmer’s Market

Markets are a shortcut to local life. Even if you don’t plan a big snack run, you’ll likely get a feel for what’s fresh and what people are buying.

• Stop 5: Bordal Embroidery Factory

This is one of the included highlights. You get free entry, so you can spend time here without feeling like you’re paying extra for a side stop.

• Stop 6: Madeira Wine Museum/City Hall

If you’re in the mood for a more “structured” stop, this one supports that. It also pairs nicely with the free Madeira wine tasting later.

• Stop 7: Madeira Cathedral

A classic sightseeing stop. It’s ideal for photos and a quiet pause, especially if you’re mixing history with views.

• Stop 8: Casino / Madeira President’s House

This one leans toward landmark spotting rather than a long visit. Think of it as a “check it off and keep moving” stop.

• Stop 9: Quinta Magnólia Gardens

A garden stop is always a break from road-time. I like adding at least one garden stop on a hop-on day because the bus can feel like you’re only passing through unless you slow down.

• Stop 10: Funchal Bay Panoramic Viewpoint

This is your photo stop. When you want wide angles and a calmer moment, this is where you hop off.

• Stop 11: São Martinho Chapel and Cemetery

A quieter stop for those who like smaller, local places. I’d keep expectations realistic: it’s not a headline attraction, but it can add context to daily life on the island.

• Stop 12: Pico dos Barcelos Viewpoint

Another viewpoint. If you’re doing only one “high view” stop on Day 1, pick the one that matches your light. Morning tends to feel crisp; late afternoon feels dramatic.

• Stop 13: Promenade to Funchal

This is a walk-friendly link back toward the city. If your feet are ready, promenades are a nice way to connect stops without burning time on taxis.

Now for Câmara de Lobos and the southern coastline:

• Stop 14: Câmara de Lobos South

Start here if you want a first taste of the town’s waterfront feel.

• Stop 15: Câmara de Lobos North

Pair South and North if you have time. Two sides of the same area can feel like two different moods.

• Stop 16: Promenade to Funchal

This is basically your connector. Use it to reset your direction after you’ve explored Câmara de Lobos.

• Stop 17: Orca Praia Hotel / Old Road to Câmara de Lobos

This helps you link back toward bus access points. It’s also a sign that the route balances scenic views with practical boarding spots.

• Stop 18: Angel Roundabout / Formosa Beach

Beach access means you can cool off. It’s a nice complement to the ocean catamaran day later.

• Stop 19: Doca do Cavacas

Another water-adjacent stop. If you like watching boats and shoreline activity, this is the kind of stop that rewards lingering.

• Stop 20: Forum Shopping centre

Use this like a utility stop. You might come here for a break, restrooms, or shopping—especially on Day 2.

• Stop 21: Pestana / Panoramic Gardens

Another garden-and-view mix. Great when you want a scenic break that still feels close to the bus network.

• Stop 22: Lido Promenade

This is for strolling. If you want a “walk with ocean views” hour, this is the kind of stop that makes it easy.

• Stop 23: Porto Mare Hotel

More of a boarding/walking access point than a destination in itself, but it keeps the seaside stretch convenient.

• Stop 24: Lido Promenade (listed again as Lido)

Don’t overthink it. It’s telling you the area is walkable from a few nearby pick-up points.

• Stop 25: Cliff Bay Hotel

Another connector stop in the coastal zone. Perfect if you’re mixing viewpoints with a café break nearby (you just can’t eat on the bus).

• Stop 26: Belmond Reid’s Palace Hotel

Landmark spotting and viewpoints tend to go together here, and the route design supports that.

• Stop 27: S. José Fortress Viewpoint

Fortress + view means you’ll likely get a stronger skyline feel than a straight promenade.

• Stop 28: Lighthouse Viewpoint

This is a classic “end-of-the-line” feeling viewpoint. If the light is right, it’s a great place to grab photos and pause.

• Stop 29: Cruise Terminal

Useful for orientation. If you’re thinking about where the ships sit and how the waterfront connects, this stop gives you that reference point.

• Stop 30: Design Centre Nini A. Silva

An arts/culture stop option. I’d use it if you want a change from outdoor viewpoints and beach time.

The catamaran: dolphins, whales, and a swim-snorkel break

Your second big chapter is the VMT catamaran experience. The meeting point for the boat is at the VMT City Pier Kiosk, in front of Stop 2 of the bus route. Check-in is obligatory 30 minutes before each trip, so plan to arrive early and avoid a last-minute sprint.

Once you leave the harbor, you’re viewing Madeira from the Atlantic side. The coastline is described as rocky and lace-like, which is exactly the kind of texture you miss when you only look from roads. You also get a chance to see nearby sea life: dolphins and whales are the main goal, and turtles and sea birds can show up sometimes.

How likely are you to see whales or dolphins? The reviews skew positive for dolphins, including one report of dolphins close up and lots of photo opportunities around sunset. Still, sightings depend on conditions and seasonal patterns. One booking note also points out that whale season may end in October, which is a useful reminder: if you’re traveling later in the year, set your expectations accordingly.

The Fajã do Cabo Girão break

One of the best features is the swimming and snorkeling break at Fajã do Cabo Girão. This is where the trip stops being only about viewing and becomes hands-on. You’ll want to pack accordingly: swimsuit, towel, and water-safe footwear if you have it. The details on gear aren’t listed here, so if you need specific equipment, confirm before you go.

Time on the water

The scheduled catamaran timing can vary by day, but one passenger described the ride as about 3 hours. Plan your day around that, and don’t schedule a tight “right after” activity unless you like living on the edge.

Wine tasting and Bordal embroidery: the two included stops you’ll actually remember

This combo includes two free add-ons that help it feel more like an island experience instead of just transport.

Old Blandys wine tasting

You get a free Madeira wine tasting at Old Blandys Wine Lodge, plus a 10% discount on shopping. I like this because it turns a common souvenir issue into something you can experience. You’re not just buying a bottle because it’s there; you’re tasting the style and learning enough to pick something that fits your taste.

Madeira wine is a smart pairing with your time on the bus. You can do the wine museum/city hall area from the bus route and then taste right after or later in the same day.

Bordal Embroideries Factory

You also get free entry to Bordal Embroideries Factory, plus a 10% shopping discount. Embroidery sounds like a small detail, but it’s an easy stop to appreciate because it’s visual. You’ll likely come away with a better sense of what Madeira craft looks like beyond a printed postcard.

These two stops are a good contrast to the catamaran day. One is indoors and slower; the other is outdoors and loud. That balance is what makes the package feel complete.

How to plan your 2 days without feeling rushed

The package is valid for 2 days from first activation. That’s helpful because you can spread things out instead of forcing everything into one exhausting circuit.

Here’s a sensible rhythm that fits the included pieces:

• Day 1 (Land focus): Do Old Town (stop 3), Bordal embroidery (stop 5), wine museum area (stop 6), then end with a viewpoint like Pico dos Barcelos (stop 12) or Funchal Bay (stop 10).
• Day 2 (Sea + town balance): Use the bus for Câmara de Lobos (stops 14 and 15), then head to the coastal promenade stops like Lido Promenade (stop 22) if you still have energy. Cap it off with the catamaran day so you’re not stuck trying to fit sightseeing around the swim break.

A word on start times and communication

One issue came up in a booking: what some people thought would be the bus start time was actually tied to the catamaran timing. My advice is simple: treat your voucher as the source of truth for when you need to be at the catamaran. If you receive any schedule changes, stay reachable and check the boat meeting time the same day.

Bad weather can also cause adjustments. If you’re traveling when forecasts look rough, keep your “Plan B” mindset on. You can still enjoy the day even if the sea plan shifts.

Don’t eat on the bus

Food and drinks aren’t allowed on the vehicle. That’s normal, but it does affect your timing. Bring water for stops, and plan snacks around market time (Farmer’s Market stop 4) or when you’re off the bus.

Best fit: who should book this and who might want something else

I’d point this package at you if you want:

• a flexible sightseeing tool in Funchal and Câmara de Lobos (hop on, hop off, choose your pacing)
• a serious shot at dolphins and whales from a catamaran, not just a quick coastal glance
• built-in cultural stops (wine tasting and embroidery) that don’t require extra planning

This is less ideal if:

• you hate repeating routes and prefer “one big guided day” instead
• you’re very sensitive to schedule changes due to weather
• you’re traveling in a time window where whale sightings may be less likely (season can matter)

And yes, one passenger basically said they felt like hop-on hop-off was interesting once and then enough. That tells me the bus part is best used as a sampler and a connector, not as your entire sightseeing strategy.

Should you book this Funchal combo?

If your trip needs a smart blend of viewpoints, coastal towns, and a real ocean experience, I think it’s worth it. The price—$54 per person for 2 days—feels more reasonable when you count the included extras: the 48-hour bus ride, a catamaran entrance, free Madeira wine tasting at Old Blandys, and free entry to the Bordal Embroideries Factory, plus discounts that can add up.

Book it if you’re excited about the Atlantic and want options on land. Skip or consider alternatives if whale sightings are your only reason for traveling and you can’t tolerate the uncertainty of weather and seasonal patterns.

FAQ

Where do I exchange my voucher for the bus?

You meet at Avenida do Mar, stop number 1, near the Marina. This is where you exchange your voucher onboard the bus.

Where is the catamaran meeting point?

The catamaran meeting point is at the VMT City Pier Kiosk, in front of Stop 2 of the Funchal & Câmara de Lobos bus tour.

How early do I need to check in for the catamaran?

Check-in is obligatory 30 minutes before each trip.

What’s included in the price?

The package includes a 2-in-1 hop-on hop-off bus tour valid for 48 hours, one entrance in the VMT Catamaran Experience, a free Madeira wine tasting at Old Blandys Wine Lodge (plus a 10% discount on shopping), and a free visit to Bordal Embroideries Factory (plus a 10% discount on shopping).

Is an audio guide included?

Yes. The audio guide is included and available in Portuguese, English, Spanish, French, Italian, German, Dutch, Finnish, Swedish, Russian.

Can I bring food and drinks on the bus?

No. Food and drinks are not allowed in the vehicle.

How often does the bus run on the Funchal & Câmara de Lobos route?

It runs every 30 minutes from 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM, and every 45 minutes from 1:15 PM to 5:00 PM.

What’s the cancellation policy?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

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