Madeira Monte Tobbogans and Old Town Tuk Tuk Tour by MadTuk

If you want Madeira that feels quick, scenic, and a little daring, this is a fun way to do it. I like how the tour strings together Funchal viewpoints and Monte’s toboggan descent in one smooth route, with your guide handling the flow. The one thing to keep in mind is that the toboggans depend on operating times and weather, and the sled ride itself is not included in the base price.

I also like the personal feel. You’re in a private tuk tuk with pickup and drop-off inside Funchal, so you spend less time herding with strangers and more time looking out the window. The tour is short, about 1 to 2 hours, so it’s ideal if you want a highlight without committing to a long day.

Key points at a glance

• Funchal to Monte in one hit, with scenic passes through coastal areas and Santa Luzia
• Two free viewpoint/church stops included on the way up, with a great chance to get photos
• Monte toboggans are the main event, and you’ll buy the sledge ticket separately
• Guides matter here, with Bruno and Fabio frequently praised for friendly, practical help
• A private service means only your group rides together
• Plan around weather and lines, because the sled ride can pause or take longer than expected

Why this MadTuk tuk tuk plan works so well in Funchal

Madeira’s hills can make you do math in your head: how far is it, how steep is it, and how much time will you lose just getting around? This tour cuts that problem down. You hop in a tuk tuk, get dropped at the key points in Monte and Funchal, then ride back into town.

The route is also built for views. You pass the coastal feel of Funchal, then head toward Santa Luzia, and only later work your way to the viewpoints and Monte area. That pacing matters because it helps you build a visual story as you climb.

Most days, you’ll also get a quick dose of culture without turning it into a museum day. The free stops include a standout viewpoint and the Monte church area, with time to look around briefly before the toboggan part.

From Funchal coast to Santa Luzia: the scenic intro you actually want

The tour begins with a pass through Funchal, with the kind of coastal scenery that makes you understand why Madeira draws repeat visitors. Even before you reach the big sights, you’re already getting that “okay, we’re on the right island” feeling.

Then you roll through the natural garden of Santa Luzia. This is one of those calm, green pauses that helps break up the climb. You’re not stuck somewhere for long, but you get a taste of the island’s softer side right when your eyes need a break.

This section is a good warm-up. If you’re nervous about the angle of the Monte ride, these scenic minutes help you settle in and get oriented.

Marmeleiros viewpoint (1939): a free view with serious height

One of the tour’s stops is Miradouro dos Marmeleiros, a viewpoint built in 1939. It sits 383 meters above Funchal, and it’s the kind of altitude that makes cities look like model sets.

This stop lasts about 10 minutes and is admission free. That short duration is on purpose. You get the big view, take photos, and move on before you lose time waiting around.

A practical tip: since it’s only around 10 minutes, decide early what photo you want. If you’re going for a wide skyline shot, aim for the clearest moment first, then do smaller angles after.

Paroquia de Nossa Senhora do Monte: the church area and its famous staircase

Next is Paroquia de Nossa Senhora do Monte, where you can visit the Monte Church and its famous staircase. It’s another about 10 minutes and also free to enter for this tour’s stop.

This is a great moment to reset your legs. You’ve been climbing and riding, and then the church area gives you something to look at that feels distinctly Monte. It also gives you a chance to feel the tradition of the neighborhood, which makes the toboggan ride feel more connected to place.

If you’re traveling with older folks, this short stop style can be a win. The tour doesn’t keep you stuck in one spot long, so you can manage energy before the adrenaline part.

Monte toboggans at Carreiros do Monte: the part you should plan for

The main event is Carreiros do Monte, where the famous toboggans carry riders down for an adrenaline hit and famous views over Funchal and beyond. The ride period on the schedule is about 30 minutes, but the key word is “plan.”

Here’s what’s important for your expectations:

• The toboggan ticket is not included in the tour price.
• You’ll typically need to purchase entry for the sled ride when you get to the area.
• The ride can be affected by weather, and operating hours matter.

That last point is the one I’d treat as non-negotiable. On days when conditions are poor, the toboggans may not run right away. In practice, that can change how long you wait, and it can even push you past your original time window.

I also like how the tour is structured around the ride. Your guide stays involved, and the return trip is handled after the sled moment. One solid plus from past customers is that guides stayed flexible and waited at the bottom so the return into Funchal stayed smooth.

If you want the best shot at enjoying the ride rather than watching the clock, book early start times when you can and keep your schedule light that morning.

The Old Town pass and a photo stop that actually helps you remember

After Monte, the tour includes a passage through the emblematic old area of the city. This is your chance to see more of Funchal’s character as you head back.

There’s also a photo stop included. That matters because you might not have time to stop on your own later. A planned photo stop can save you from sprinting between viewpoints while your ride is waiting.

And since the service is described as exclusive and private, you won’t be fighting for space in a crowd at the exact wrong moment. It’s still busy in Funchal at times, but you’re not trapped in a mass group rhythm.

Price and value: why $48.19 can make sense, and when it won’t

The price is listed as $48.19 per person, for an experience that typically runs about 1 to 2 hours. That’s relatively affordable for a private guide plus tuk tuk transportation plus added sightseeing stops.

But the big value question is what’s included versus what’s extra:

• Included: pickup and drop-off within Funchal, local guide, insurance, photo stop, and a private tuk tuk service.
• Not included: tickets to the sledges, and any paid site entrance fees.

So where does the value land? It shines if you want someone else to manage the route up to Monte, you’re okay buying the toboggan ticket separately, and you like the idea of a tight, highlight-focused plan.

It may feel less like a bargain if you’re expecting the toboggan ride price to be bundled with the tour. Treat that sled ticket as the main add-on cost, and you’ll avoid disappointment.

If you’re arriving on a cruise, there’s also mention of a port fee. That’s separate from the tour price and can add to the total if you’re picking up at the dock area.

Guides Bruno and Fabio: why the human touch shows up in the details

The reviews put a lot of weight on the guide personality. In particular, Bruno and Fabio show up again and again for being friendly, polite, and able to explain Madeira in a way that feels practical rather than scripted.

I’d take that as a clue: this tour is not just a ride from A to B. It’s a guide-led way of getting your bearings in Funchal, learning what you’re looking at, and knowing where to go next when it’s time to sort out toboggan tickets.

One example from the experience flow: guides have been praised for pointing you toward where to get sledge tickets, then meeting you at the bottom to start your return. That reduces stress when you’re trying to coordinate a quick return with an activity that has its own timing.

So if you’re the type of traveler who likes explanations during transit, you’ll probably enjoy this more than a basic taxi shuffle.

Timing, lines, and weather: the tradeoff for doing it in a short window

Because the tour is short, the timing is tight. That’s great when everything runs smoothly. It can be annoying when toboggans are delayed, even if the delay is beyond the tour’s control.

One thing to watch is the typical toboggan waiting situation. There can be lines in Monte, and once you’re in the area, you can’t instantly teleport. Some guests reported waiting over an hour for the sled ride in Monte.

The good part is that guides have been described as patient and accommodating, including staying at the bottom for the return drive. Still, I recommend you plan your day with cushion. If your next activity is time-critical, give yourself breathing room.

The other weather factor is straightforward. The toboggans require good conditions, and if they pause, the day’s rhythm changes.

Pickup, private service, and who this suits best

This is a private tour, meaning only your group participates. That’s a big deal if you’re traveling with family, a small group of friends, or you just want quieter pacing.

Pickup is offered in the Funchal area, with free pickup and drop-off within a 2 km range from the sales point. If you’re on a cruise and need dock pickup, there’s a specific rule that requires 24 hours advance notice and an extra payment per vehicle, according to local port rules.

There are also a couple of practical constraints:

• People over 110 kg are not allowed due to vehicle restrictions.
• Children under 3 years old can travel only on a baby sling or pouch.
• Service animals are allowed.
• It’s offered in English, and you’ll receive a mobile ticket.

Who it’s best for:

• You want a highlight in a short time and like scenic riding.
• You enjoy guided help finding tickets and handling the flow.
• You’re okay treating the toboggan ticket as the main extra cost.

Who might consider another approach:

• You hate waiting in lines. The toboggan area can bring delays.
• You’re traveling with very strict time commitments later in the day.
• You need wheelchair-level access guarantees beyond what’s stated. The data here is specific to weight limits and child carriage, not broader mobility accommodations.

Quick decision guide: should you book MadTuk?

Book it if you want the easiest way to combine Funchal sights with Monte’s toboggan descent, in a private tuk tuk setting. The value tends to be strong when you’re happy to buy the sled ticket separately and you like getting a guided route that saves you legwork and guesswork.

Skip or rethink if your schedule is razor tight or if you’re traveling during a period where weather can be unsettled. The toboggans are the key part, and their operation can shift your timing. If you give yourself flexibility, this kind of short, scenic, guide-led tour can be a memorable Madeira moment without turning into a full-day commitment.

FAQ

What is the duration of the MadTuk Monte toboggans and Old Town tuk tuk tour?

It runs about 1 to 2 hours, approximately.

Is pickup and drop-off included?

Yes, pickup and drop-off within the Funchal area is included. Free pickup and drop-off is offered within a 2 km range from their sales point.

Is the toboggan ride included in the tour price?

No. Tickets for the sledges are not included in the tour price.

Are entrance fees for the viewpoint and church included?

The schedule includes stops at Miradouro dos Marmeleiros and Paroquia de Nossa Senhora do Monte, and those stops list admission as free.

Do I need to buy tickets for the toboggans during the tour?

Yes. Sledge tickets are not included, so you will need to arrange that separately for the toboggan ride.

Will the tour still happen in bad weather?

This experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Can cruise passengers be picked up at the port?

Yes, pickup inside the cruise port or dock of Funchal is only possible with 24 hours advance notice, and there is an extra payment of €6 per vehicle that can be paid to the driver.

Is there a weight or child age limit?

Yes. People over 110 kg cannot travel due to vehicle restrictions. Children under 3 can travel only on a baby sling or pouch.