Wicker Basket Tobogganing Travel Insurance

Specialist cover for high-risk sports and adventure travel.

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24/7 Emergency medical assistance

Cover for specialist sports equipment

Up to £2500 for lost or stolen luggage

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1 million+ Travellers protected

28 years Industry experience

Wicker basket tobogganing is a traditional downhill ride in which passengers sit inside a hand-woven wicker sled mounted on wooden runners. The sled is steered and controlled by trained drivers, known locally as carreiros, who guide it down steep, paved streets using skill and balance. It is a historic attraction rather than a snow-based toboggan activity, and it takes place on roads rather than ice or snow.

ActivitySure can cover wicker basket tobogganing on an amateur, non-professional basis when you are taking part abroad as a passenger on a professionally operated ride. This applies to recreational participation in the traditional Madeira experience and does not include employment, performance or operating the sled yourself. Although it is a long-established tourist attraction, the ride involves downhill movement at speed on public roads.

Choose the protection that fits your adventure

Bronze Essential Protection *

Excess £100


  • £1,000

  • £5,000,000

    • £20 per 24hrs, max. £500

    • £250

    • £5,000

    • £500

  • £750

    • £250

    • £200

    • £250

  • £250

  • £200

  • £300

    • £150

  • £20 per 12hrs, max. £100

    • £1,000

  • £5,000

    • £5,000

    • £5,000

  • £2,000,000

  • £250

  • £750

  • £60,000

Silver Balanced Protection *

Excess £75


  • £3,000

  • £10,000,000

    • £30 per 24hrs, max. £1,000

    • £250

    • £5,000

    • £500

  • £1,500

    • £500

    • £300

    • £500

  • £250

  • £200

  • £500

    • £250

  • £20 per 12hrs, max. £200

    • £3,000

  • £7,500

    • £7,500

    • £5,000

  • £2,000,000

  • £250

  • £750

  • £60,000

Gold Maximum Protection *

Excess £0


  • £5,000

  • £10,000,000

    • £50 per 24hrs, max. £1,500

    • £400

    • £5,000

    • £500

  • £2,500

    • £750

    • £500

    • £750

  • £250

  • £400

  • £1000

    • £500

  • £20 per 12hrs, max. £400

    • £5,000

  • £15,000

    • £15,000

    • £5,000

  • £2,000,000

  • £250

  • £750

  • £100,000

* Protection levels are based on overall cover limits, benefits and excess across each plan.


Choose the cover that fits your adventure

Single trip Wicker Basket Tobogganing Travel Insurance

Perfect for one-off adventures, holidays and activity breaks abroad.

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Annual multi-trip Wicker Basket Tobogganing Travel Insurance

Travel more for less with year-round protection across multiple trips.

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Whether you’re planning a one-off escape, an activity-packed holiday or travelling regularly throughout the year, our protection levels are designed to give you confidence at every stage of your journey. From emergency medical cover and cancellation protection to support while you’re away, you can choose the level of cover that best fits the way you travel and the adventures you take on.

Destination Insight

Where is popular to go wicker basket tobogganing?

Wicker basket tobogganing is unique to Madeira, Portugal. The ride traditionally runs from Monte down towards Funchal, with experienced carreiros steering the baskets through winding streets. It remains one of Madeiras best-known cultural attractions and continues to draw visitors looking for a distinctive and historic downhill experience.

Here's why wicker basket tobogganing travel insurance matters:

The ride involves a steep descent and movement along paved roads, which can result in jolts, bumps or sudden changes in speed. Minor injuries from slips while boarding or disembarking, or impact-related injuries during the descent, are possible. If you are injured while abroad, medical treatment or repatriation may be required. Having appropriate travel insurance in place helps protect you financially during your trip.

Helpful travel tips

  • Follow all instructions given by the carreiros and attraction staff. 
  • Remain seated properly and wear any required safety equipment provided
  • Sit back firmly in the basket and keep hands and arms inside at all times
  • Avoid leaning suddenly or shifting your weight during the descent. 
  • Take care when boarding and exiting the basket, especially on sloped ground.
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