Full Day Jeep Safari Tour to Porto Moniz and Cabo Girão

A full-day adventure exploring the diverse scenery of Madeira, the Jeep Safari Tour to Porto Moniz and Cabo Girão offers an exciting mix of breathtaking viewpoints, charming towns, and natural wonders. Priced at $71.15 per person, this 7.5-hour tour from Funchal is perfect for those seeking a comprehensive and scenic overview of the island’s highlights. With pickup options available and a mobile ticket, it combines convenience with a carefully curated route through Madeira’s most iconic spots. The tour shines thanks to highly praised guides and stunning scenery, though it’s worth noting that some stops include admission fees and lunch is optional.

This tour is best suited for travelers eager to see Madeira’s varied landscapes in a single day, including natural pools, lush forests, and dramatic cliffs. It is designed for most ages and physical abilities, with most travelers able to participate. The combination of off-road driving and scenic sightseeing makes it a flexible choice for families, adventure lovers, and anyone wanting a well-rounded island experience.

Key Points

• All-Inclusive Scenic Route: From Cabo Girão Skywalk to Porto Moniz’s natural pools, the tour covers Madeira’s most impressive viewpoints and landscapes.
• Expert Guidance: Guides are described as friendly, knowledgeable, and engaging, enhancing the experience with stories and insights.
• Flexible Stops: The tour includes free stops in Ribeira Brava and Ponta do Sol and entry to natural attractions like Fanal and the lava tubes in São Vicente.
• Meal Opportunities: Lunch in Porto Moniz costs $20 per person and offers local cuisine with ocean views.
• Group Size and Convenience: A maximum of 40 travelers ensures a comfortable experience, and pickup options in various towns cost an extra $10 per person.
• Highly Rated: The tour boasts a perfect 5.0/5 rating from 27 reviews and a 4.9/5 overall review score, with many praising the driver’s expertise and stunning scenery.

Introduction to Madeira’s Landscape on a Fully Guided Jeep Safari

The Full Day Jeep Safari Tour stands out for showcasing Madeira’s most beautiful and varied terrains. Starting in Funchal, the tour takes you through a series of distinctive locations, each offering a different aspect of Madeira’s natural beauty. The 7.5-hour itinerary balances scenic stops with enough time to appreciate each spot without feeling rushed.

What makes this tour attractive is how it captures Madeira’s essence—from the cliffs of Cabo Girão to lush laurel forests and rugged coastlines. Guides are praised for their local knowledge and friendly demeanor, making the journey informative and enjoyable. The tour’s value for money is clear, especially considering the inclusion of many free stops and the opportunity to swim in Porto Moniz’s natural pools.

Visiting Cabo Girão Skywalk and Europe’s Highest Cliffs

The tour’s first highlight is the Cabo Girão Skywalk, one of Europe’s highest cliffs. Standing on the glass skywalk, visitors peer down over 500 meters to the ocean below, offering an adrenaline rush and panoramic views of the coastline. While an admission fee of €2 applies, the spectacular sights make this a memorable photo opportunity.

The viewpoint is a popular start to the day, setting the tone with dramatic landscapes. The 45-minute stop allows ample time to experience the 20-meter-long glass platform and take pictures of the surrounding scenery. It’s a highlight especially for photo enthusiasts and those wanting to feel the thrill of standing on the edge of Madeira’s cliffs.

Exploring Ribeira Brava’s Coastal Charm

Next, the tour stops in Ribeira Brava, a town known for its beautiful valley setting and seafront promenade. This 45-minute visit offers a glimpse into local life with its mix of old architecture and modern cafes. It’s an excellent place for a relaxing break and some cultural exploration.

The waterfront provides scenic views and a chance to soak in the authentic atmosphere of Madeira’s coastal villages. Travelers often appreciate the free admission, allowing more time to explore or simply enjoy the vibrant streets and sea views.

Sun-Kissed Ponta do Sol and Its Historic Streets

The next stop is Ponta do Sol, famed for being one of Madeira’s sunniest spots. This 45-minute visit emphasizes its charming streets, historic buildings, and seafront promenade. It’s an ideal location for photos and relaxation.

Visitors can enjoy the warm seaside ambiance, with some free time to stroll through the picturesque streets and take in the ocean vistas. The stop is perfect for those wanting a peaceful moment amidst the more dramatic scenery elsewhere on the tour.

High-Altitude Views from Pico Ruivo do Paul da Serra

The journey continues to the vast plateau of Paul da Serra, Madeira’s largest flatlands, situated at nearly 1500 meters altitude. The 45-minute stop offers breathtaking panoramic views of rolling hills and endemic vegetation. The open terrain provides a unique landscape unlike other parts of the island.

This highland area is an excellent spot for wildlife spotting and appreciating Madeira’s mountainous terrain. The mountain air and expansive vistas make this stop a highlight for lovers of nature and tranquility.

Mystical Atmosphere at Fanal within the Laurisilva Forest

The Posto Florestal Fanal is famed for its centuries-old trees shrouded in mist, creating a fairy-tale atmosphere. As part of the UNESCO World Heritage site, this spot offers a magical experience and excellent photo opportunities.

In this 45-minute stop, the misty forest feels like stepping into a different world. It’s a favorite for those who enjoy nature photography and want to learn about Madeira’s pristine wilderness. The free admission allows visitors to linger and absorb the tranquil beauty.

Rugged Coastlines and Dramatic Rock Formations at Ribeira da Janela

The tour explores the northwestern coast, stopping at Ribeira da Janela for stunning views of natural rock formations that resemble windows. The 45-minute visit offers awe-inspiring scenery of the untouched coastline and powerful natural forces that shaped the island.

While there’s no formal stop in Seixal, travelers get to admire its black sand beaches and waterfalls from the vehicle. The rugged landscape makes Ribeira da Janela an essential stop for adventure lovers and those wanting a raw, natural experience.

Porto Moniz’s Natural Lava Pools and Optional Lunch

The highlight for many is a visit to Porto Moniz, famed for its natural volcanic swimming pools. Here, visitors can swim in crystal-clear waters surrounded by rugged lava formations, offering both refreshment and visual spectacle.

The tour includes an optional lunch for $20, with local cuisine served at a seaside restaurant, allowing guests to enjoy traditional Madeiran dishes while gazing at the ocean. The 1.5-hour stop here balances relaxation and culinary experience amid stunning scenery.

Drive-By Views of Seixal’s Cliffs and Waterfalls

While Seixal is not a stop, the drive-through offers a spectacular view of its lush landscape, including black sand beaches and waterfalls. Visitors don’t disembark but get a visual appreciation of one of Madeira’s most scenic parts.

This 45-minute drive-by view emphasizes Madeira’s untamed coastline and natural beauty, making it a memorable part of the overall experience.

Discovering São Vicente’s Volcanic Origins and Caves

The tour concludes in São Vicente, a picturesque village known for its lava tubes and caves. The 45-minute stop provides an opportunity to explore the volcanic geology of Madeira and learn about its geothermal past.

The lava tubes and São Vicente Caves are well-known attractions, offering insight into the island’s volcanic formation. The peaceful village setting with vineyards and mountains adds to its charm, making this a fitting ending to the day.

Practical Details: Logistics and Booking

The full-day Jeep Safari departs from Funchal at 9:00 am, with pickup options available in Ponta do Sol, Calheta, Santana, São Vicente, and Porto Moniz for an additional $10 per person. The vehicle is air-conditioned, ensuring comfort throughout the approximately 7.5-hour journey.

While the admission fee for Cabo Girão Skywalk costs €2, most other stops are free, and lunch in Porto Moniz is optional, costing $20. The tour is designed for most travelers, with most participants able to join and a maximum group size of 40.

Final Thoughts on the Madeira Jeep Safari

The Full Day Jeep Safari scores highly on scenery, guide expertise, and value. The stunning viewpoints, such as Cabo Girão and Porto Moniz, combined with stops in Fanal and São Vicente, make it a rundown of Madeira’s diverse landscapes. The friendly guides and well-planned route earn consistent praise, especially for their knowledge and humor.

While some stops involve admission fees and lunch is optional, the overall cost-effectiveness and rich scenery make this tour an excellent choice for first-time visitors or those wanting to maximize their island experience in one day. Its off-road element and scenic diversity appeal particularly to adventure seekers and nature lovers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, the tour is designed for most travelers, including families with children. The vehicle is light 4×4, making it family-friendly, and stops are generally manageable in length.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 7 hours and 30 minutes, starting at 9:00 am with a lunch break in Porto Moniz.

Are meals included?
No, lunch is optional and costs $20 per person. It’s available at a seaside restaurant in Porto Moniz, offering local Madeiran cuisine.

What is the maximum group size?
The tour accommodates up to 40 travelers, ensuring a comfortable experience with plenty of room for everyone.

Do I need to pay extra for the viewpoints?
The admission fee for Cabo Girão Skywalk is €2; other stops, such as Fanal and the lava tubes, are free.

Is pickup included?
Pickup in Funchal is included, but additional pickup locations like Ponta do Sol, Calheta, Santana, São Vicente, and Porto Moniz cost an extra $10 per person.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours in advance. Cancellations less than 24 hours before the start are not refunded.

What kind of guides lead the tour?
Guides are praised for being friendly, knowledgeable, and engaging storytellers, making the journey both informative and lively.

Is this tour weather-dependent?
Yes, the experience requires good weather. If canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a rescheduled date or full refund.

Where does the tour end?
The tour concludes in São Vicente, after which travelers can continue exploring or return to Funchal.

This Full Day Jeep Safari provides a well-rounded, scenic, and comfortable way to see Madeira’s highlights, with the guidance of experienced hosts and the flexibility of various stops. It’s a strong choice for those wanting to experience the island’s natural beauty in one memorable day.