Zino's Petrel Night Expedition

Experience the rare calls and sights of the Zino's Petrel Pterodroma madeira, Europe's rarest seabird, near its breeding grounds on Madeira's highest peaks. This exclusive experience, offered only by licensed tour companies, is climate positive. With over 20 years of expertise, Madeira Wind Birds provides you this unique opportunity.

  • Madeira Island, Portugal

    A night birdwatching experience on the peaks of Madeira to listen to Zino's Petrel Pterodroma madeira close to its breeding grounds while stargazing.

    • Price

      50 EUR per person

    • Target species

      Zino's Petrels (calls and silhouettes) though in early season we may also hear Manx shearwater

    • Itinerary

      45 minutes ride up to Pico do Arieiro and then a 25 minutes walk at 1800 meters (5900 feet) of altitude to get close to the Petrels' breeding grounds. Add same times for the return.

    • Schedule

      Pick ups start around 20:30-21:00 and drop off is around 00:30-01:00. Check availability during your stay.

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    Highlights

    Observe one of the most threatened seabirds in Europe. Relax while stargazing and listening to the calls of Zino's Petrels. A night adventure on the highest peaks of Madeira

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    Inclusions

    Pick up and drop off at the same place
    The most knowledgeable and experienced tour leaders with this species

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    Friendly advice

    Take very warm clothes as at 1800 meters of altitude temperature drops a lot. Waterproof jacket, hat, gloves and a bottle of water are useful.

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    Group size

    Minimum people to run the trip: 2
    Maximum group size: 12
    Staff to Guest ratio: 1/6

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    Meeting point

    City centres of Funchal, Caniço, Santa Cruz and Machico. As long as your hotel is not too difficult to access due to traffic, narrow roads or controlled entrance, pick up is at the hotel. Otherwise, it will be at a meeting point close by. For other locations, please contact us.

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    Climate Positive

    All our past tours have achieved Net Zero status. We go beyond by offsetting 200% of the carbon emissions (CO2) for each tour, ensuring a climate-positive experience.

One of the most exclusive birdwatching tours in Madeira, where you hear the calls and sometimes see the silhouettes of Zino's Petrel Pterodroma madeira one of the rarest seabirds in Europe.

Listen to these birds and learn more about them and its conservation works from Catarina and Hugo, two passionate birdwatchers and volunteers for the Freira Conservation Project (a charity/research institution for the preservation of Zino's Petrels and other Madeira seabirds)

After a 45 minutes ride to reach Pico do Areeiro, the third highest peak of Madeira, we start the 25 to 30 minutes walk at a slow pace, stepping down and up the mountain, until we reach a location near the breeding area of Zino's Petrels. We start walking under the spectacular sunset colours while the observation and return way is under the shining stars.

Following arrival at the listening location above the nesting ledges of this endangered seabird species, lights must be turned off, and a quiet wait follows until the first calls are heard. Bird silhouettes are often seen. The way back seems harder as most of it is climbing up the many steps to get to the car park.

Upcoming Tours

Birdwatching tour pick ups available at the city centres of Funchal, Machico, Santa Cruz, Caniço, Câmara de Lobos.

May1

Zino's Petrel Night Tour6 places available

May4

Zino's Petrel Night Tour3 places available

May7

Zino's Petrel Night Tour7 places available

May14

Zino's Petrel Night Tour4 places available

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  • Zino Night Trip Zinos Petrel Night Expedition
  • Zino Night Trip Zinos Petrel Night Trip
  • Zino Night Trip Zinos Petrel Night Expedition
  • Zino Night Trip Zinos Petrel Night Expedition
  • Zino Night Trip Zinos Petrel Night Tour
  • Zino Night Trip Zinos Petrel Night Expedition
  • Zino Night Trip Zinos Petrel Night Trip
  • Zino Night Trip Zinos Petrel Night Expedition

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have other questions, please contact us.

  • Can I visit the breeding site on my own?

    No, access to the breeding site is restricted to protect the Zino's Petrel. Only our licensed tours offer this unique opportunity responsibly.

  • When does this tour operate?

    We offer this tour from April to August, when Zino's Petrels provide optimal viewing opportunities.

  • Can I take photos using a flash on this tour?

    No flash photography is allowed by law. Bright lights can be dangerous for seabirds in flight, so they must be kept pointed towards the ground at all times.

  • Do you supply a flashlight, or should I bring my own?

    We can provide a flashlight for use during the tour. Its purpose is to illuminate the path while walking. Once stopped, please turn the light off.

  • What is the most suitable payment method for this tour?

    We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and cash. Additionally, Google Pay and Apple Pay are also accepted. We are also trialing Bitcoin payments.

  • What should I bring?

    We recommend bringing a warm jumper, waterproof jacket, seamed cap, walking boots or shoes with good grip, and a water bottle.