Magical Madeira Moments!
July 22, 2025
Hello again!
Hayden and Nelson here, checking in with another trip update. Since we last wrote, we’ve explored every corner of Porto Santo and made it back to Madeira safe and sound. The group continues to bring the energy each day, and it’s been such a joy to witness their excitement and enthusiasm.
We’re now transitioning from the beach-focused part of our adventure into the mountains and everyone seems eager for the change of scenery. While the beaches have been absolutely stunning, there’s still so much more of the island to explore. Let’s catch you up on all the adventures from the past few days.
Friday:
We kicked off the day with breakfast before heading to the highest point of Porto Santo for a scenic hike. Judson lead the way as we trekked about 4.5 miles downhill toward the coastline, with sunny skies and breathtaking views the entire way. Once we reached the beach, we enjoyed a picnic lunch of endless prosciutto sandwiches and cookies with Nutella for dessert.
In the afternoon, our guide led us on a coastal adventure through dramatic cliff bands and glowing natural pools. The kids dove in and out of the water, marveling at the vibrant blues all around them. Noah showed off some especially cool tricks as they jumped in. Back at the hotel, we took a well-earned break by the pool before walking to a beachfront restaurant for dinner. As the sun set over the ocean, we strolled along the sand, ending the day on a picture-perfect note.
Saturday:
After breakfast, we traveled to the east side of the island for another beautiful hike. We started in enormous sand caves that stretched more than 60 feet overhead. The way the sunlight danced off the rock walls created a surreal, golden glow.
The trail wound around the mountainside, revealing sweeping views of the port and the island’s signature golden beaches. Ari lead the way while foster took over aux which was perfect to pass the time as we walked. After hiking a little over five miles, we stopped for lunch at a mini golf course, where the kids got to play for a bit and enjoy some downtime.
Once we returned to the hotel, everyone quickly changed into swimsuits and made their way to the beach. There, the group took turns leaping off the tall dock into the deep blue ocean below. It was the perfect way to cool off after the hike. Michael and Sawyer took the first leaps, but everyone else quickly followed. We ended the day with dinner in the town center and turned in early to rest up for the next adventure.
Sunday:
We rose early to catch the first ferry back to Madeira. Most of the group caught up on sleep during the ride, besides Kacky, Foster and Finny who watched the sunrise from the back of the ship. Once we arrived in Funchal, we headed straight into the island’s mountainous interior for our first canyoning experience.
We explored Ribeira do Cidrão, a canyon nestled in the center of the island. After gearing up, we began rappelling down a series of seven waterfalls, including one that towered over 45 feet high. Everyone picked it up quickly and handled the challenge with confidence.
Afterwards, we checked into our new hotel and took a short nap before heading out for a special cooking class. A friend of our guide hosted us at her home and taught the group how to prepare traditional Madeiran dishes, including espetada, bolo do caco, and fried maize. The kids worked as a team and cooked a delicious dinner, Ben on the grill while Sophie and Sophia prepared the garlic bread. We enjoyed all the great food together while overlooking the lights of the city below.
Monday:
We headed back into the mountains for our second canyoning day, driving through some of the most scenic parts of Madeira. The views of jagged peaks and lush green forests were absolutely incredible.
Our guides met us near a levada, one of Madeira’s historic irrigation channels, and we began the day’s descent. We tackled four major jumps, two of which were over 20 feet. At this point in the trip, the kids are basically experts when it comes to big jumps. The final rappel stretched more than 60 feet and ended in a thrilling zipline to the base of the canyon.
In the afternoon, we traveled to the island’s north side to explore a set of natural saltwater pools. Everyone was a little worn out from the day’s activities, so after a refreshing swim, we headed back to the hostel to relax. That evening, the group cooked their own chicken taco dinner and watched the sunset together before heading to bed.
That brings y’all up to speed on our past few days here in Madeira. We’re now moving into our multi-day trek, which the kids are especially excited about. They can’t wait to tell you all their stories in more detail soon.
This group continues to impress us every single day. Their positivity, enthusiasm, and sense of fun make everything we do that much more meaningful. It’s hard to believe we’re entering the final stretch of the trip, but we know this crew is going to finish strong.
Talk soon,Hayden & Nelson
Thank You’s:
Kacky- Thank you so much for letting me come on this moondance trip! I am having the BEST time and cannot wait to tell you all about it! Love you and see you soon!
Ben- Thank you so much for sending me on this trip. I am having the best time and it is so amazing here. Love yall
Sawyer- Thank you Mom and Dad for sending me on this trip. I am having an amazing time. Love yall
Michael – Thank you so much for sending me to Madeira. It has been so much fun and we are about to start trekking as our final activity. I love you and I can wait to see you!
Sophie – Thank y’all so much for sending me on this moondance! It is absolutely amazing and I think it’s my favorite one yet. Can’t wait to see everyone and tell them all about it! Love you guys!
Foster- Thank yall so much for sending me here!! I am having the best time ever and cant wait to tell yall all about it!! Litmo!! Love you guys
Sophia- Thank yall for sending me on this trip!! I am having so much fun and seeing such pretty views. I can’t wait to see you and tell you all about it!!
Noah- Thank you for giving me the chance to go and see the world and explore it. Im having fun with all the activities and cant wait to see yall.
Judson – Thank yall so much for letting me go on this trip. It is such an amazing experience and I am having so much fun. Love yall.
Ari – Thank you so much for the opportunity to be able to come on this trip. Madeira has been absolutely incredible and I can’t wait to be able to tell you guys everything! Love you!!
Finny – Thank you mom and dad so much for this trip. Portugal is beautiful. Love yall
Let the FUN Begin!
July 17, 2025
Greetings from Madeira!
Hayden and Nelson here with our first update of the session. We’ve had an incredible start to the trip and couldn’t be prouder of how this group has jumped right in. From day one, the energy has been nonstop, and the ocean has quickly become our second home. Whether it’s surfing, jumping off docks, or wading in after a long hike, this crew never misses an opportunity to get in the water.
The bonds between them are already forming quickly. It’s been so special to witness the beginning of what we’re sure will become lasting friendships. The group dynamic is upbeat, supportive, and full of laughter. We’re excited to see these connections continue to grow stronger in the days ahead. With such a great start, we can already tell this session is going to be a fantastic way to wrap up the summer.
Sunday:
We met the kids early in the Lisbon airport and spent time getting to know each other while waiting for our flight to Madeira. Ben experienced a few ticketing issues and delays, so we stayed hopeful he would catch up with us later. Once we boarded the flight and took off, excitement was in the air. As we descended, everyone got their first glimpse of Madeira’s lush cliffs and sparkling water – a beautiful welcome after a long journey.
After landing, we made our way to Machico, a quiet beach town just east of the airport. We dropped our bags at the hotel and immediately headed to lunch. The kids sampled some Madeiran classics like bolo de caco (garlic bread) and picado (steak bites and fries in garlic sauce), and it hit the spot.
Fueled up, we went straight to the beach. The group wasted no time jumping into the water. The boys set up Spikeball, and Finny and Sawyer faced off against a couple of local Portuguese kids. It was a close match, but the twins pulled off the win. Later, the group swam out to a floating dock about 100 meters offshore to jump off and cool down.
After showers, we walked to a local pizza shop and devoured four giant pies, saving just enough room for gelato from next door. We ended the night on the rooftop for sunset and Moonup – our nightly group reflection. The only thing missing was Ben, who was still en route. Everyone was eagerly awaiting his arrival the next morning.
Monday:
Our first full day began with a trip to Porto do Cruz, a nearby surf town. After a quick lesson, we hit the water. Kacky impressed the instructors with skills from a recent surf trip to Nicaragua. Noah, surfing for the first time, picked it up quickly and was soon paddling into waves on his own. Everyone got a few good rides before we wrapped up and had lunch overlooking the ocean.
Back in Machico, we finally welcomed Ben! After some long-awaited hugs, we celebrated his arrival with a dip in the ocean. The group later joined a game of beach volleyball with some friendly Canadians. For dinner, we enjoyed burgers just around the corner from our hotel.
Tuesday:
We returned to Porto do Cruz for a second surf session at a different break. With slightly bigger waves, the kids had a chance to improve their skills. Ben jumped right in and had some impressive rides, not missing a single beat from day one of the lessons. Michael, also new to surfing, learned how to turn and had some long, smooth runs. With the sun shining and the water sparkling, it was a perfect beach day.
That afternoon, we relaxed in Machico with more spikeball, dock jumping, and well-earned naps. Ari and Foster found an açaí bowl stand and brought the other girls for a refreshing treat, while the boys opted for bolo de caco filled with bacon. Dinner was at the hotel, followed by a beautiful sunset and some music-fueled beach volleyball.
Wednesday:
Time for our first land adventure. After breakfast, we headed to Ponta de São Lourenço for a gorgeous coastal hike. Towering cliffs, crashing waves, and volcanic rock formations made for a stunning backdrop. Sophie and Sophia helped scout the best photo ops, and we got some great group shots.
We stopped at a hidden beach for lunch and a swim. Sawyer requested country music, which was perfect for the beach vibes. After hiking back, we returned to Machico for even more beach time. Judson made fast friends with a younger boy vacationing in Madeira and invited him to join the volleyball game. We capped off the evening with high-tide dock jumps, dinner, and another round of volleyball under the setting sun.
Thursday:
We had an early morning ferry ride to Porto Santo, a nearby island about 50 miles away. The sunrise over the Atlantic was stunning and made the early wake-up totally worth it. After breakfast on deck, most of the kids caught up on sleep during the ride.
Upon arrival, we had a quick lunch and headed straight to the beach. The white sand and crystal-clear water were absolutely postcard-worthy. The afternoon was spent playing spikeball, swimming, and soaking up the sun. Later, we went sea kayaking to explore caves and a hidden beach. The day wrapped up with pizza in town and a golden sunset at the dock for Moonup.
Thank you again for sharing your amazing kids with us. Their enthusiasm, curiosity, and kindness have made every moment fun. We haven’t heard a single complaint, and they are having an absolute blast. We’re so excited for all the adventures still to come and can’t wait to share more soon.
Until next time,
Hayden & Nelson
Shout-outs:
Sophia – Hi mom and dad!! I am having so much fun right now and Madeira is beautiful. The beaches and adventures have been so amazing. Tell Sabrina I say hi and to have fun and camp. Hi Taylor and niamh and Abby I love and miss yall so much
Noah- hey fam missed yall I know it’s gonna be a min but I miss all yall and I’m having the time of my life I want to travel the world more hope to see yall soon love yall
Judson- hi mom and dad I’m having a great time in Madeira right now. So far we have done surfing and kayaking can’t wait to see yall again in 2 weeks miss yall
Michael- I’m having fun and I love you. Tell tally I’m exited for New York and I’ll see yall in like 10 days? Maybe more? Maybe less? Anyway love you and have a great next two weeks and have fun with Tisha! Bye.
Sawyer- Hi Mom, Dad, and Atty. I’m having so much fun and miss yall. Thank you so much for sending me on this trip. Love Sawyer.
Ben: hey mom and dad, I’ve been having the best time and weather here is beautiful. The ocean here is the most blue water I’ve ever seen. So thankful I was able to get here and didn’t have to stay home and missed out. Love yall.
Finny: Hi mom and dad I’m having so much fun. Portugal is beautiful I miss yall so much and the bunny. Love yall
Sophie: Hi fam + Annie! Miss yall so much but I’m having the BEST time. It is so beautiful here! Can’t wait to see you and tell you all about it. Love yall so much!!
Foster: Hi!!! Having sooo much fun!! Madeira is beautiful!! The water is so blue and clear it looks like Gatorade. Hope yall having fun at WSP without me and miss all of you!! Especially Tipsy. See you guys soo soon can’t wait to tell all of the stories and such!! Hi weez, marg, ed, can’t wait to see all of yall and hear everything!! Byeessss
Ari: Hi fam and Lotte!! I am having the absolute BEST time in Madeira. I genuinely can’t explain how beautiful it is. Hoping ID is so much fun can’t wait to join and tell you everything! Love you guys!!!!
Kacky: Hi!!! I am having so much fun in Madeira! It’s so pretty! Miss yall and can’t wait to tell you all about it! My group is amazing and I’m soooo grateful! Love yall!!
Safe Arrival in Madeira!
July 14, 2025
Hello Madeira Families!
We heard from our leaders this morning that the group has landed safely on Madeira! The group is so excited to start their adventure together!
Please remember our leaders and students will be unplugged during their trips, but we will be posting trip updates throughout the next week! This will allow you to follow along with the trip. You can also follow us on Instagram, @moondanceadventures, to see more of what we are up to!
-Moondance HQ
