* Hotels in Madeira now charge a tourist tax of 2 euros/per person per night (up to maximum of 7 nights) this must be paid locally on check in. Children up to 13 years will be exempt.
** you can only snorkel with the dolphins if the conditions are right. There is also the possibility that not all the members of the group will be able to do it before the dolphins move on.
Madeira is the perfect place for families to enjoy a holiday of discovery: warm waters, sun-filled days and exciting activities make this a fantastic place to explore.
You’ll be based in Funchal, the island’s small and fascinating capital and from here you can take part in all sorts of adventures. On your first day, you will explore the island as you enjoy a jeep adventure from one amazing viewpoint to another, over mountains and through valleys and along the winding coastline as you go! Stopping for a walk in the colourful mountains of Madeira, you’ll head to the stunning Balcões viewpoint, which looks out to the island’s central mountain range. From here, you’ll then go for a short walk along one of the island’s many levadas, traversing across the forested hills, filled with emerald green trees and bursting with colourful flowers and bubbling streams.
Moving from land to sea, you’ll have the chance to explore the coves and bays of the island by sea kayak, as you paddle across the beautiful blue sea in search of wildlife and adventure. You’ll then take to the seas again, aboard a RIB in search of marine life. Madeira is renowned for its whale and dolphin watching, so there’s no way we could leave this out during your time here. The boat trip will take you across the waters that surround Madeira and if nature is on your side, you’ll even get the chance to snorkel with the wild dolphins that call these waters home! A truly brilliant experience, this is sure to leave your family with fun-filled, lasting memories.
Read moreAfter the excitement of the ocean, you’ll head deep into the island for a half-day of family-friendly canyoning. It’s a fantastic way to explore the island from another point of view – water slides, refreshing pools and rappels will certainly keep the family entertained!
Back on the road you will explore the Serra D’Água, the dramatic valley dividing the massif from the only plateau on the island. This tour takes you to the lush northwest, where waterfalls melt into the ocean and lava has been shaped into unique pools, perfect for a refreshing swim. You cannot help but appreciate the power of nature in this landscape dominated by ancient forests, but you will also be able to walk alongside the famous man-made channels - called Levada’s – which supply the island’s farms with plentiful water and are the basis for its amazing array of fruit and vegetables.
Finally, you’ll take to the trails as you enjoy an easy biking tour along a wide levada, surrounded by luscious forest; a fantastic way to explore the famous irrigation channels of Madeira!
Based in a family-run hotel, which is full of charm and character, you’ll be staying close to the sea and the old town section of Funchal, so this is the perfect trip for families looking for a fun-filled adventure holiday with nearby shops, restaurants and excitement!
Arriving into Funchal, you will be picked up at the airport and transferred to your hotel, the Quinta da Penha Franca/Franca de Mar, which is situated close to the sea and the old town section of Funchal.
Please note that the order and timings of activities listed within the agenda is subject to change; your final itinerary will be provided to you on arrival.
Included Meals: NoneMadeira has to be explored to be truly appreciated, so we’ve made sure that you get to cover as much of the island as possible and see it in all its glory.
A jeep expedition is a brilliant way to journey through the mountainous terrain and it will no doubt excite the family as you weave through the ravines and wind along the coastline. The island is filled with natural sights and viewpoints, from stunning plateaus to jagged mountain peaks, it is one big natural wonder.
After a first stop at the bay where the Portuguese landed in 1419/20, in the southeast coast, this tour continues along the ancient royal footpath, where our sight is captured by the geometry of the oldest terraces of the island, along the beaten tracks crossing the indigenous forest. You will be amazed at the isolated rural nature of the villages we will visit. This is a tour rich in culture, with some of the most beautiful landscapes you can set your eyes on and breathtaking trails that will take you from sea level to Madeira’s highest mountains.
Your jeep adventure will last the full day, starting at 9am and finishing at 5pm (approximately). Upon returning to your hotel, why not take a short walk into Funchal and eat out at one of the city’s many restaurants tonight.
Included Meals: BreakfastToday is free for you to do as you please; you can be as active or relaxed as you like.
You might choose to spend the day lounging by the pools or swimming in the sea, or maybe you’ll want to explore the city of Funchal at your leisure. Thanks to the hotel’s location, Funchal can be reached on foot and you can enjoy a walk through Santa Catarina Park which is filled with flowers, trees and colourful shrubs (the park is also opposite Cristiano Ronaldo’s hotel and museum!).
One thing not to be missed is the city’s marketplace, which is packed with sweets, fruits and vegetables: a real treat for the senses. You should also take a walk through the colourful old town, which is brimming with exciting shops, cafes and restaurants – you can even take a cable car up to the mountains above for a spectacular view of Funchal and the surrounding coastline.
Included Meals: BreakfastToday is filled with water-based fun for all of the family to enjoy, so be sure to have your swimming costumes at the ready!
After breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel at approximately 8.30am, before heading to the sea for a morning of sea kayaking around the coves and bays of the island. This is a great way to see the coastline of Madeira, as you paddle across the deep blue sea. Keep your eyes peeled, as you never know, you might just catch a glimpse of some marine life, prior to this afternoon’s marine-based excitement!
You will be kayaking for approximately two hours this morning. The kayaks are sit-ons which can accommodate two adults and one child and you will have plenty of time to swim and snorkel in the clear waters of the Garajau Nature Reserve, which is home to a variety of coastal species.
You will have a break following this activity which you will be able to swim in the Lido attached to one of the local hotels and also take lunch there or at one of the local restaurants (lunch not included.)
At 2.15pm you will be collected from outside the hotel and you will then head back out to the Atlantic for what will hopefully be one of your most memorable activities: whale watching and snorkelling with dolphins! If luck has been on your side, you may have already seen marine life during your kayaking this morning, but this afternoon’s adventure will be different and more personal in many ways.
You will head out via RIB (Rigid-hulled Inflatable Boat) in search of your aquatic friends. Your onboard marine biologist will tell you about the marine life of the islands while your captain searches for whales and dolphins. The waters that surround the islands are rich with life and throughout the year, 28 different species can be found, including: Atlantic-spotted, bottlenose, risso's and stripped dolphins, as well as pilot, bryde and fin whales.
Hopefully nature will be on your side today and give you the chance to get close to the action and excitement, as the dolphins follow your boat. If the conditions are right, you may also get the chance to join the dolphins in the sea, as you snorkel alongside the boat; a fantastically amazing experience for all of the family. Although you may not get to see the dolphins as close as you would in a marine park, the experience is far superior as you get to see them in their natural environment.
Please note that snorkelling with the dolphins depends on the weather conditions at the time, as well as the dolphins’ behaviour and there is a chance that it might not be possible. There is also a possibility that not all members of the group will be able to snorkel with the dolphins before they move on, as only 6 people are allowed in the sea at any one time.
You will return to the hotel in the late afternoon.
Included Meals: BreakfastToday’s activity starts in the afternoon, so we would recommend an early lunch, as you will be collected from the hotel at approximately 1pm and taken into the island’s interior for an afternoon of fun.
You’ll be kitted out with wet suits and canyoning shoes, with your swimming costume worn underneath. It’s then an uphill walk, followed by a steep path down through the trees to the start point.
It’s the perfect canyon for novices, with a series of easy slides, pool jumps and rappels to enjoy. Our expert local guides have been working in these canyons for years and they know every little foot and hand hold there is, so you’ll be in safe hands throughout.
You’ll be guided through the canyon at a pace suited to the group’s ability, taking in the incredible scenery as you work your way downstream. Filled with trees, plants and colourful flowers, it’s a wonderful place to explore – the canyon is filled with fennel (funcho in Portuguese), which is where the name Funchal, the island’s capital, comes from.
Canyoning is a fantastic way to experience the island’s landscape from a different perspective and it will no doubt leave your family grinning from ear to ear, as you navigate your way along the stream.
You will return to the hotel at approximately 5:30-6pm.
Please note that children must be over 140cm tall to participate in the canyoning.
Included Meals: BreakfastToday you will enjoy another full day of excitement and adventure as you explore the northern part of Madeira.
You will be picked up from your hotel this morning and journey into the mountains, through deep ravines, pre-historic forests and picturesque villages.
Following this, you will stop for lunch in a local restaurant (not included) with a chance to experience some of the island’s flavours, then it is on to the natural lava pools at Porto Moniz. The saltwater lava pools were naturally created by volcanic eruptions and have since filled with seawater to create the perfect swimming area, with crystal-clear waters; a wonderfully fun experience for the family!
You will enjoy a walk along one of the near gravity-defying canals that supply water throughout the island, before heading back to your hotel for approximately 5-5:30 pm.
Included Meals: BreakfastThis morning, it’s time to explore the island by bike. Although we have selected a family-friendly trail which follows a wide and gentle levada, we do recommend previous experience of cycling and that children be 8 and above for this experience. Please speak to our travel experts if this trip is not a good fit for your family as other options will be available.
You’ll cycle for approximately two hours, as your expert guide leads you through the forest on this easy route which still offers amazing sea views.
Cycling past towering trees and plants bursting with colour, this is another fantastic way to enjoy the stunning flora of Madeira in a wonderful part of the island.
Each activity this week allows you and your family to explore different parts of the island by foot, kayak, bike, boat and jeep, giving you a wonderful, all-encompassing Madeiran experience; hopefully filled with an abundance of family-fuelled fun along the way!
Returning to your hotel in time for lunch, you will have the afternoon free to unwind and relax, or explore Funchal for one last time.
Included Meals: BreakfastSadly the time has come for you to return home today. After breakfast at your hotel, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight home.
Included Meals: BreakfastPlease note that a city tax of approximately 2 euros per person per night is payable locally on arrival. This amount may change without notice.
Situated close to the sea and only a short walk from the centre of Funchal, the Quinta da Penha de Franca is perfectly located to enjoy sun, sea and adventure!
The word ‘quinta’ refers to country villas and manors and they offer a true sense of Madeiran life, with traditional designs and lots of character, making a refreshing change from the large hotels that you can see throughout Funchal.
The hotel is set slightly back from the sea, with its own tropical gardens and saltwater swimming pool and it is perfect for families. It is joined to the Quinta da Penha de Franca Mar (accommodation option 2) and facilities are shared between the two.
Our package includes accommodation in a garden view room with terrace/balcony (other options are available). These rooms are traditionally decorated and come with either a twin or double bed. They each have a TV, telephone, minibar and safe, as well as a separate bathroom with tub and hair dryer. Some rooms have air-conditioning (fans are also available and payable locally if required) and each of them enjoys views out to the hotel’s tropical gardens.
Please speak to our Travel Expert for a quote.
Double/twin superior side sea view with balcony
These double and twin rooms have their own balcony overlooking the garden and with a side view of the sea. Each room has a double or twin bed, a TV, telephone, minibar and safe, as well as air conditioning and a separate bathroom with tub and hair dryer.
Please speak to our Travel Expert for a quote.
During your stay in Madeira, you could choose to upgrade to the Porto Mare Hotel - perfect for those who prefer a hotel further out of the city. Located around a 40-minute walk from Funchal (or take the free hotel bus), the resort has beautiful ocean and tropical garden surroundings away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre.
Double land view (sleeps max 3): These rooms come equipped with twin beds, air conditioning and private bathroom with bathtub and shower. You will also find tea and coffee making facilities as well as a safe, minibar and private balcony with views of Madeira’s gorgeous landscape.
Double sea view room (sleeps max 3): You could also upgrade to a double room with sea view. These rooms come equipped with twin beds, air conditioning and private bathroom with bathtub and shower. You will also find tea and coffee making facilities as well as a safe, minibar and private balcony with views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Junior Suite (sleeps 3-4): If you prefer to keep the family together, you could upgrade to the junior suite. These rooms come equipped with two queen beds, separate living room area, air conditioning and private bathroom with bathtub and shower. You will also find tea and coffee making facilities as well as a safe, minibar and private balcony.
Please speak to our Travel Expert for a quote.
A little further out from the centre of Funchal, this 4-star option guarantees you a sea view (from all 125 rooms) and a pebble beach just 900 yards away. Just twenty minutes from the airport and a similar time to Funchal itself (there is a bus which stops just outside the hotel).
The hotel was founded as an active resort and is very well equipped for this purpose, however, there are also plenty of quiet spaces in the grounds, so you can also relax whenever you wish.
Set over three floors the hotel has 125 rooms, which are being refurbished in early 2023.
There are 118 double rooms, with 5 suites and 2 master suites. There are 8 double rooms with connecting doors.
The standard double and twin rooms are air-conditioned with a balcony or terrace and blackout curtains. A 40” smart TV is in each room. Beds are twins as standard but can be made into a king with a substantial topper and mattresses are rated as medium-high firmness. A selection of pillows is available. Tea, coffee and a kettle are provided in the room together with a phone, safe and hairdryer.
Price based on 2 adults (12 and over) sharing with 1 child (8-11) on an extra bed
From 2024, visitors to Madeira are required to pay a €2 per person per night tax directly to their hotel. This tax applies only to those aged 13 and over and is payable up to a maximum of seven nights only.
Dates | |||
---|---|---|---|
Sun 25 May 2025
to Sun 01 Jun 2025 |
Adult price (per person):
£1315.00
to £1465.00 |
Child (age 8 - 11):
£1025.00
to £1135.00 |
Enquire |
Sun 29 Jun 2025
to Sun 24 Aug 2025 |
Adult price (per person):
£1315.00
to £1465.00 |
Child (age 8 - 11):
£1025.00
to £1135.00 |
Enquire |
Sun 19 Oct 2025
to Sun 02 Nov 2025 |
Adult price (per person):
£1275.00
to £1425.00 |
Child (age 8 - 11):
£995.00
to £1125.00 |
Enquire |
For our full booking terms and conditions please click here
Minimum 4 people, maximum 25 (approximately)
We always try to provide an approximation of the group size you can expect to be with for the duration of each of our holidays. It may be that you are joined by others for parts of your holiday (such as transfers and particular activities) but the above number reflects those you can normally expect to be with from beginning to end. If group size is something which is particularly important to you, please speak to our Travel Experts and they can suggest the best holidays for you.
Tailor-made holiday group sizes will vary for all activities as will the group size for any additional activities you book.
Some of our holidays require a minimum number of participants to operate (as listed in the ‘Group Size’ section). If your holiday departure has not yet reached the minimum number, you will be told at the time of booking. In the unlikely event that your chosen date is not guaranteed by nine weeks before your scheduled departure date, we will contact you to discuss the available options as per our booking conditions.
The minimum age for this holiday can be found in the ‘Key Facts’ section of the holiday overview.
Younger family members may be able to participate but may not be able to take part in all activities. Please contact one of our Travel Experts if you have any questions.
The order of activities listed in this agenda is provided for guidance only, your final and detailed itinerary will be provided either with your final travel documents (which are uploaded into your online account around a week prior to departure) or upon arrival.
We want our holidays to be accessible as they can be and will do our best to accommodate any special requests and requirements where possible. We have a wide range of holidays and destinations and so our travel experts will help find the best holiday for you.
In order to give us the best possible chance to do this we ask that if you or any member of your party has any medical condition or disability which may affect your holiday or has any special requirements, that you tell us at the time of enquiry or booking. You must also promptly advise us if any medical condition or disability which may affect your holiday develops after your booking has been confirmed. You may need to provide a doctor’s note and proof of insurance in some cases as the health and safety of our clients is absolutely paramount.
In providing this information you are allowing us to work with our expert local partners to ensure that your whole party can enjoy the holiday. By letting us know in advance we can discreetly work with you to adapt any part of the holiday which may potentially be challenging. Being able to prepare for this in advance makes an incredible difference to what we can offer and minimises any impact on your party and the rest of the group.
Unfortunately, if you choose not to share this information with us in advance then it may limit some or all of the itinerary you have booked, and we cannot be held accountable for any additional costs or missed activities resulting from this.
It is vitally important that you advise us prior to departure of any medical or dietary condition relating to any member of your party so that we may notify our local staff before you arrive. We recommend only drinking bottled water from bottles with unbroken seals and be vigilant about the use of ice in drinks and ice cream.
Insurance is not included in your holiday, but it is a pre-requisite to travelling with us. You will need to ensure that you have cover for all the activities that you will be participating in during your holiday.
It is extremely important that you take out a suitable travel insurance policy at the time of booking. Plans do sometimes change, and you will need this policy should you need to cancel your holiday.
If you are struggling to find a suitable policy then details of our preferred provider, who will cover you for all the activities we offer, can be found on our website by clicking here. Please note that this policy is available to EU residents under the age of 75 only.
Our clients’ safety is at the centre of everything we do, and our operations team continually assesses and monitors the destinations we feature. We carry out thorough risk assessments and work closely with all of our suppliers to continually follow best practice. For up to date travel advice the UK government offers its Travel Aware website as well as the advice detailed below.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office Advice
We receive all updates from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) with regards to travel advice and we always ensure that we follow this advice in our operations. The FCO issues travel advisories for countries based on a very wide range of factors. They may provide notification about things as simple as a football match and crowds, or they may go so far as to advise against all travel to a region. We ask all our clients to refer to the relevant Travel Advice by Country for the destinations they are visiting in order to make an informed decision on the safety of the destination based on the details provided. It also provides vital information regarding entry requirements, embassy information, local laws and customs as well as specific safety and health. Guests should take responsibility for keeping themselves up to date with this advice. Please also ensure that, if you are transiting through another country, you have read the advice and meet the entry requirements for that destination too.
The FCO travel advice is applicable to British Passport Holders. Most governments will issue their own travel advice for a region and, if you are not a UK resident then you can find some helpful links below:
Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/
New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade http://www.safetravel.govt.nz/
Canadian Consular Affairs Bureau http://voyage.gc.ca/
The U.S. Bureau of Consular Affairs http://travel.state.gov/content/travel/english.html
If the FCO deems that there is an unacceptable level of risk for UK citizens then, together with the government, they may issue an advisory against all travel to a region or country. If such an advisory is published, then we will act accordingly, and this may require the cancellation, curtailment or amendment of a holiday itinerary. These decisions are made on the basis of ensuring our clients’ safety and will affect all clients on the holiday, regardless of their nationality.
If one of our local experts suggests an amendment due to a situation which develops locally then we may also take the decision to amend an itinerary appropriately.
If we have to cancel your holiday prior to departure you will be offered the option of an alternative trip (where any price difference will either be refunded to or covered by you) or a full refund of the monies paid.
If we have to curtail a holiday, then you will be refunded for any costs for the elements we have been unable to deliver, where we have been able to secure a refund from our suppliers. If we must reroute a holiday, then any basis for refund is determined on a case by case basis and dependent on whether the central holiday experience was provided or not.
Additional activities can be booked locally in almost all our destinations. However, as per our booking conditions, we cannot be held responsible for any injury or loss incurred through participation in activities which are booked at your destination outside of our holiday itinerary (see our ‘Terms and Conditions’ for further details).
When arranging any such activity please always ensure that safety is your primary concern.
In some of our destinations, you can borrow or hire equipment for use in your free time. You do so entirely at your own risk. You must ensure that you are correctly prepared, have the necessary equipment and knowledge (maps, etc.) and ensure that where applicable, you follow marked routes. We recommend discussing your plans with the local teams who will be able to advise on the most suitable options for you.
Always let the reception/guide know where you are planning to go and take a torch and mobile phone (with the hotel/guide’s phone number stored). It is also a good idea to leave your contact number and the time you expect to return to the hotel should the hotel need to contact you.
On your documentation, we will confirm your flight schedule. Sometimes the flight number, routing and timings might change prior to your departure. If the change is classed as a significant change then we will contact you to discuss this. Please see our booking conditions for details.
Flight schedule changes can impact on your pre and post-holiday travel arrangements if these have been booked separately to your holiday. We strongly recommend that you do not book transport (such as trains or transfers), car parking or non-connecting flights to the departure point for your holiday until you have received your final confirmed travel times when your final travel documents are issued. We are not responsible for the effect of any schedule change on your pre or post travel arrangements. We strongly recommend that you do not purchase non-flexible or non-refundable tickets to avoid cancellation and penalty charges.
If you have chosen to book your own flights, then you will need to wait until we confirm to you that the holiday departure has met the minimum numbers required to run (if applicable to your chosen holiday). Once the holiday is guaranteed to run, you will be informed and you can then make your arrangements.
If transfers are included in your holiday, please ensure that any potential flights will be met by our standard transfers (speak to one of our Travel Experts for advice) otherwise private transfer supplements may be applicable. Once your flights are booked, please send us a copy of your detailed flight itinerary.
Please be aware that most tickets are non-refundable in the case of cancellation. For this reason, we strongly advise you check the rules of the ticket and check the limitations of your cancellation insurance before booking. We cannot be held liable, in the unlikely eventuality that we should be forced to cancel or amend your trip, for losses incurred relating to any flight booking you have made.
Additional Cancellation & Payment Terms and Conditions
Please note that the following cancellation terms supersede those mentioned in section 7 of our general booking terms and conditions.
- Up to balance due date (This is normally 12 weeks prior to departure however some holidays differ. If this applies to your holiday you will be advised at the time of booking) - Loss of deposit (including the full cost of flights or other services where paid at the time of booking)
- between balance due date and 43 days prior to departure - 50%
- 42 to 22 days prior to departure - 75%
- 21 or less days - 100%
Our full booking terms and conditions can be found on our website: https://www.activitiesabroad.com/booking-conditions
Please note: our payment and cancellation terms will be unique to each booking – they will be confirmed with you at the time of quotation. The terms listed above are noted as a guide only
Please note that the following cancellation terms supersede in part those mentioned in Section 7 of our general booking terms and conditions.
- Up to balance due date (this is normally 16 weeks prior to departure however some holidays differ. If this applies to your holiday you will be advised at the time of booking) - Loss of deposit (including the full cost of flights or other services where paid at the time of booking)
- Between balance due date and 92 days prior to departure – 50%
- 91 to 24 days prior to departure – 75%
- 23 or less days – 100%
We enjoyed a full week of activity with Activities Abroad in Funchal. The hotel was beautiful with a stunning aspect over the sea and ancient town wall and plenty of opportunity for jumping in and swimming in the sea, as well as in the lovely saltwater seafront pool. We loved staying in the older part of the hotel, with its old world charm. We could not fault the activities - all ran very smoothly…
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and our hosts/guides were all very enthusiastic and kind and keen to share their knowledge of the island. We would definitely book again with Activities Abroad. It really suited our need to be active but not feel like processed peas! There is exactly the right amount of organisation versus being left to your own devices. Many thanks to all who looked after us so well.
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We saw so many whales (incl. babies) and dolphins right beside our boat. Your subcontractor Kokoloko was excellent: knowledgable, friendly, helpful, always keen to make the holidays for us as enjoyable as possible.
This holiday had everything - amazing weather, great hotel with time to swim in the hotel pool and snorkel in the sea beside the hotel every day, lots of lovely places to eat close to the hotel and fantastic scenery and activities arranged by Activities Abroad. The transfer from the airport was very short and we had an early flight, so ended up arriving at the hotel at 11 am (and they were…
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great and let us have our rooms straight away).
We travelled with our sons aged 8 and 10 - they had an absolutely brilliant time and thoroughly enjoyed the kayaking, canyoning and mountain biking. I would just say that my youngest is strong and fit and fearless for his age - I would be cautious of taking an under 10 on this holiday if they were of a more cautious disposition or less robust as the activities are quite physical and could be overwhelming for nervous children! Having said that, the activity guides were absolutely lovely and I am sure that they would be able to adapt things as needed to keep everyone happy.
We felt that the itinerary was extremely well worked out - we left feeling we really understood the island and had a good balance of history, culture, sightseeing, nature and physical activities. The welcome and farewell dinners were much appreciated but we also enjoyed finding our own places to eat in Funchal as there are so many options (and amazing ice cream along the seafront open until late every night!). There was exactly the right amount of free time for us and it was spaced out through the week in a very thoughtful way.
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Created by families for families
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Family time, not screen time
Family memories to treasure
For toddlers, young children, teenagers & adults alike
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