Porto Moniz – Private Full-Day – Safari 4×4 Tour – NorthWest

Discover Madeira’s Hidden Corners with a Private 4×4 Safari Tour

The Porto Moniz – Private Full-Day Safari 4×4 Tour offers an engaging way to explore Madeira’s northwest coast. Priced at $447.01 per group (up to 4 people), this 8-hour trip is perfect for small groups seeking an intimate experience. The tour starts from Funchal and features private transportation in an ex-army Portuguese Jeep, ensuring comfort and flexibility.

This tour is highly praised, with a perfect 5.0 rating from 49 reviews and a consistent recommendation rate of 100%. It is especially well-suited for families, nature lovers, and those eager to go off the beaten track. While the tour includes many scenic stops, travelers should be prepared for a flexible schedule, as the guide adjusts the day based on weather and group interests.

Key Points

• Private and personalized: Only your group participates, led by a knowledgeable guide.
• All-day adventure: Lasts about 8 hours, covering multiple scenic stops and viewpoints.
• Includes off-road driving: Travel in a classic open-top Jeep, with access to remote valleys and mountain roads.
• Highlights: Waterfalls, volcanic valleys, natural pools, and panoramic vistas from Paul da Serra.
• Flexible stops: Optional walks through Fanal Forest or along a levada, weather permitting.
• Optional lunch: A visit to Porto Moniz for swimming or exploring the village; lunch is not included but can be added.

The Private Tour in a Classic Portuguese Jeep

This private full-day safari begins in Funchal, where guests are picked up in a relaxed, classic ex-army Jeep. The vehicle offers cover for all weather conditions and a chance to enjoy open-top driving for superior photo opportunities. The personalized experience means the driver guides you through Madeira’s lesser-known rural roads, remote villages, and hidden valleys that larger tours often miss.

The entire journey is designed to avoid crowds, giving your group the chance to truly explore Madeira’s quiet corners. This setup is ideal for travelers who prefer a relaxed pace and customized stops based on your interests.

Exploring Ribeira Brava and Ponta Do Sol

The tour spends the morning traveling along the southwestern coastline around Ribeira Brava and Ponta do Sol. These stops showcase spectacular views from the open Jeep, far from busy tourist spots. In Ribeira Brava, the panoramic perspective offers a fresh look at the village, with multiple photo stops and explanations along the way.

Next, the journey takes you through old roads, passing Tabua and Lugar de Baixo, where the scenery includes dazzling cliffs and remote villages. The relaxed driving style ensures a smooth, scenic ride that emphasizes peaceful landscapes and authentic local life.

Climbing to the Heights of Paul da Serra

One of the tour’s highlights is the ascent from sea level to about 1500 meters on Paul da Serra, Madeira’s only plateau. Stops at Ponta Do Sol and Paúl da Serra chapel offer incredible views of volcanic valleys and grazing cattle. These high-altitude locations feature photo opportunities of the wildlife cohabiting with the landscape and mountain flora.

Weather permitting, guests can choose to walk along a levada or explore Fanal Forest for about 30 to 40 minutes, adding a gentle hike to the day’s adventures. The flexible schedule allows for an optional walk in these scenic areas, enhancing the experience for nature enthusiasts.

Crossing the Madeiran Tundra at Paul da Serra

The tour crosses Madeira’s only plateau—Paul da Serra—which resembles a tundra and offers unmatched views of volcanic valleys formed during past eruptions. The 45-minute drive across this expansive area features multiple photo stops. Weather conditions can impact this part of the tour, but when clear, the vistas are breathtaking.

This high-altitude crossing is a key part of understanding Madeira’s volcanic origins and diverse landscape. It highlights the contrast between mountain peaks and coastal cliffs that makes this island so visually striking.

Visiting Porto Moniz’s Natural Pools and Village

After crossing the plateau, the tour reaches Porto Moniz, famous for its natural volcanic swimming pools. Guests can swim in the pools or explore the charming village. The visit lasts about 2 hours, providing sufficient time for refreshing swims or a casual walk through the town.

The pools are a major highlight for many visitors, offering an authentic experience of Madeira’s volcanic geography. Swimming gear like a bathing suit and towel is recommended, and entrance fees for the pools are not included.

Discovering Waterfalls and Coastal Villages

In the afternoon, the tour proceeds along the north coast, with stops at Seixal and Sao Vicente. These locations showcase waterfalls dropping from rugged cliffs and provide excellent photo opportunities. The stops typically last 15 minutes each, allowing time for pictures or a quick swim at Praia do Seixal.

The route also includes visits to Ribeira da Janela and Ilheus Da Ribeira Da Janela, with spectacular views over Seixal, São Vicente, Ponta Delgada, and São Jorge. These scenic viewpoints emphasize Madeira’s dramatic coastal scenery and volcanic cliffs.

Optional Lunch and Refreshments

A lunch stop at Porto Moniz is included in the itinerary, where visitors can swim in the pools or explore the village. The tour recommends lunch as an optional extra, which costs about $17. Many choose to enjoy local seafood or regional specialties, with the opportunity to relax by the sea after a morning of sightseeing.

In addition, a coffee break at a local bar near Ponta do Sol often features during the journey, giving travelers a chance to sample local drinks or snacks.

End of the Day with Poncha in Serra de Agua

The tour concludes with a visit to Serra de Agua, where the famous Madeira Poncha—a traditional homemade drink—is served. This refreshing end to a full day captures the island’s warm hospitality and local flavor, leaving guests with a sense of authentic Madeira.

Practical Details and Booking Tips

The meeting point is at Praia Formosa in São Martinho, with departures scheduled at 9:00 am. The tour is completely private, only involving your group, which allows for customization and relaxed pacing. Pickup from accommodations is included, simplifying logistics.

The tour is suitable for most travelers aged 5 and above, with children accompanied by adults. It’s advisable to dress appropriately for variable weather, as elevations reach up to 1500 meters. Comfortable shoes are recommended for optional walks, and travelers should bring bathing suits and towels for the pools.

Why Choose This Tour?

The expertise of the guide—notably, Miguel’s deep knowledge and friendly attitude—receives consistent praise. The private nature of the trip means more flexibility and personalized attention. Many reviews emphasize stunning views and off-the-beaten-path locations that larger group tours often miss.

While lunch and pool entry are not included, the overall value comes from the tailored experience, scenic variety, and expert guidance. The off-road driving in a classic Jeep adds an element of adventure that appeals to families and adventure seekers.

Madeira’s NW Coast in a Nutshell

This full-day private safari offers a well-rounded look at Madeira’s volcanic landscapes, waterfalls, and villages. The off-road experience combined with panoramic views and flexible stops makes it a memorable way to explore the island’s lesser-known treasures.

The guide’s friendly, knowledgeable approach and the ability to customize the day stand out. Visitors who value personalized service and scenic variety will find this tour an excellent choice for discovering Madeira’s hidden beauty.

Madeira’s NW Coast Private Safari: Who Will Love It?

This tour is ideal for families seeking a safe, relaxing day of exploration, nature lovers eager to see waterfalls and untouched landscapes, and adventurers who enjoy off-road driving and picturesque views. The flexible schedule and optional walks make it suitable for a range of physical abilities, provided travelers are comfortable with moderate walking.

The private format ensures a quiet, intimate experience, perfect for those wanting to avoid crowded tours while still seeing Madeira’s spectacular northwest. This safari brings the island’s wild terrain and scenic vistas directly to your group, creating a truly personalized journey.

Madeira’s NW Coast Private Safari: Final Thoughts

This full-day private safari combines stunning scenery, off-road adventure, and expert guidance in a way that few tours can match. The small-group format and customizable stops make it a standout for quality and flexibility.

While lunch and pool entry are additional costs, the value of visiting remote locations and enjoying personalized service outweighs these extras. For those wanting to see Madeira’s best views and hidden corners, this tour offers a balanced, scenic, and relaxed exploration of the northwest coast.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, the tour is suitable for most travelers aged 5 and above. Children must be accompanied by adults.

What is the cost for the group?
The price is $447.01 per group, accommodating up to 4 people.

Does the tour include lunch?
Lunch is not included but can be added as an optional extra in Porto Moniz for about $17.

What should I bring?
It’s recommended to bring a bathing suit and towel for swimming in the pools, comfortable walking shoes for optional walks, and a jacket for higher elevations.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

How long does the tour last?
The full-day tour lasts approximately 8 hours.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at Praia Formosa in São Martinho and returns there at the end of the day.

Is the vehicle comfortable and safe?
Yes, the ex-army Portuguese Jeep is well-maintained, offers cover for all weather, and is driven by an experienced guide.

What makes this tour unique?
Its private, personalized approach, off-road driving in a classic Jeep, and ability to access remote, scenic locations make it stand out from standard sightseeing options.