2 hours Funchal Marina
Family Boat & Swim Trip
A shorter, calmer sailing trip built around a swim stop in a sheltered bay — the easiest way to get small children onto the water.
from €30
Check availabilityFamily Activities
Madeira works well with children as long as you plan around two things: the terrain and the sun. The best family days combine one short walk, one swim and one thing that involves a boat or a cable car.
Where to go
Cable car to Monte
Fifteen minutes, huge views, no walking required.
Praia da Calheta
The calmest sand for small children.
Levada dos Balcões
Short and mostly level, with a payoff view.
Dolphin watching
Morning trips are calmer than afternoon ones.
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Guided options
3 hours Funchal Marina
Dolphin & Whale Watching from Funchal
A marine-biologist-led catamaran trip into the deep water south of Funchal, where pilot whales and three dolphin species are resident year round.
from €40
Check availability
4 hours Funchal
Funchal Old Town & Monte Tour
Painted doors of the Zona Velha, the market, then the cable car up to Monte and the wicker toboggan back down.
from €35
Check availabilityGuides on this subject
Family
Madeira with Kids
Which walks, beaches and boat trips work with children, and how to pace the week.
8 min read
Practical
What to Do in Madeira When It Rains
Rain on one coast usually means sun on the other. Here's how to use that.
5 min read