Porto Moniz, Seixal, Fanal Forest, Cabo Girão Skywalk, Jeep Tour

Exploring Madeira’s stunning north in a fully-equipped Jeep for around 8 hours offers a perfect way to see the island’s most iconic natural sites. This tour, priced at $79.54 per person, is highly recommended, with 99% of travelers suggesting it to others and a stellar rating of 5.0 based on over 3,000 reviews. The tour departs from Funchal at 9:00 am, with pick-up offered from key locations, making it convenient for visitors staying in the city. It’s ideal for those who want a comprehensive, guided experience with off-road adventures, stunning views, and visits to some of Madeira’s most celebrated spots.

While the tour includes many stops, it is a full-day activity and best suited for guests comfortable with a long, active day. The group size is limited to 15 travelers, ensuring a more personal experience. The tour’s reputation is built on knowledgeable guides, scenic locations, and fun off-road driving, but it’s important to remember that some stops, such as Porto Moniz pools and Cabo Girao Skywalk, require additional entrance fees if visitors wish to access certain areas.

Key Points

• Full-day tour from Funchal lasting about 8 hours with pickup included
• Visit Porto Moniz natural pools, Cabo Girao Skywalk, and Fanal Forest
• Includes off-road Jeep driving into scenic and less-traveled parts of Madeira
• Guided by local experts with knowledgeable commentary about the island’s highlights
• Many stops with free time, but some attractions like Porto Moniz pools and Cabo Girao charge additional entrance fees
• Great reviews emphasize stunning scenery, fun driving, and excellent guides

Starting from Funchal and Visiting Seven Natural Wonders

The tour begins in Funchal, with pickup offered from central areas and the port. It kicks off at 9:00 am, giving travelers the chance to explore Madeira’s north in a fully-equipped Jeep that handles off-road terrain comfortably. The guides are praised for their local knowledge and ability to explain the island’s geology, history, and culture, making every stop both scenic and educational.

The first stop is at Miradouro do Veu da Noiva, a waterfall that appears to resemble a bride’s veil due to the volume of water. This spot is free to visit and offers stunning photos of cascading water over lush surroundings. Next, the journey takes you to Porto Moniz, famous for its volcanic natural swimming pools. Visitors can enjoy crystal clear waters in these volcanic formations; the pools are a major highlight, though entry tickets are not included in the tour price.

Experiencing the Porto Moniz Natural Pools

Porto Moniz pools are among the most visited sites in Madeira, drawing visitors with their unique volcanic formations and inviting waters. The tour allocates roughly one hour and fifteen minutes here, allowing ample time for swimming, relaxing, or simply taking photos of the striking landscape. Keep in mind that access to the pools requires an entrance fee, so it’s best to have some cash or card ready if you want to take a dip.

This stop often gets high praise for its natural beauty and the opportunity to enjoy the volcanic waters up close. The pools’ long-standing volcanic origins lend them a rugged, awe-inspiring charm that’s difficult to match elsewhere. Some visitors mention that if you don’t plan to swim, bringing a book or coffee is a good idea since the wait can feel long for non-swimmers.

Standing on Europe’s Highest Sea Cliff at Cabo Girao

Following Porto Moniz, the tour heads to Cabo Girao, where the skywalk offers breathtaking views from 589 meters above sea level. This is the highest sea cliff in Europe, and the glass floor balcony provides a thrilling vantage point over the Atlantic. The stop lasts about 30 minutes, during which visitors can take in the spectacular scenery and capture photos through the transparent floor.

While entrance to the skywalk is not included, the view from the lookout remains impressive even without additional tickets. It’s a favorite for its dramatic cliffs and panoramic vistas, with reviews highlighting the exhilaration of standing on the glass floor and marveling at the natural forces that shaped the coast.

Exploring the Laurissilva Forest in Fanal

One of the seven natural wonders of Portugal, Fanal Forest is a highlight for nature lovers. The tour stops here for 20 minutes, giving visitors a glimpse of the century-old trees amidst the mossy landscape of the Laurissilva Forest. The area is known for its mystical atmosphere, with towering trees and a lush, green canopy.

Access to Fanal Forest is included in the tour, and it offers an authentic experience of Madeira’s unique biodiversity. The slippery and muddy terrain may require guests to wear suitable footwear, especially if they wish to walk around. The stop provides a peaceful contrast to the more dramatic coastal scenery.

Relaxing at Seixal’s Black Sand Beach

The journey concludes with a visit to Praia do Seixal, Madeira’s black sand beach and one of the island’s most visited beaches. This 20-minute stop allows travelers to admire the volcanic sands and enjoy the tranquil waters. It’s an ideal spot for relaxing, taking photos, or dipping your toes in the water, especially if the weather is warm.

Since no entrance fee is required, visitors can freely explore this scenic beach. The surrounding cliffs and lush greenery make it a picturesque ending to a day full of adventure and natural beauty.

The Off-Road Experience and Scenic Overlooks

A core feature of this tour is the off-road Jeep driving, which takes travelers into less accessible areas of Madeira. The guides are praised for their skillful driving and ability to share insights into the island’s geology and culture. Many reviews emphasize the fun and adrenaline of driving over small roads and rough terrain—a major perk for those seeking a sense of adventure.

Highlights include gaining panoramic views at Paul da Serra overlooks, where the vast highland plateaus stretch as far as the eye can see. The scenic viewpoints provide excellent photo opportunities and a chance to appreciate Madeira’s diverse landscapes.

Practical Details and Tour Logistics

The tour includes a professional local guide, insurance, safety instructions, first aid, sanitized vehicles, Wi-Fi, and local taxes. It also offers free pickup and drop-off from central Funchal and the port, with additional fees for pickups outside the city.

While lunch and entrance fees for some attractions like Cabo Girao are not included, the value for money is considered high, especially given the many stops, the knowledgeable guides, and the scenic diversity covered.

Highly Praised Guides and Traveler Experience

From reviews, it’s clear that guides like Miguel, Gil, Francisco, and Antonio are consistently praised for their knowledge, friendliness, and driving skills. Guides go out of their way to share insights, recommend local eateries, and make the experience fun and safe. Many mention the balance of informative commentary and lightheartedness as a key strength.

Guests also appreciate the flexibility of the seats in the Jeep, with some guides encouraging rotation for different perspectives. The top-down driving allows for better photos and the feeling of wind in the hair, adding to the adventure.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour the Most?

This full-day adventure suits guests who are comfortable with a long activity, enjoy off-road driving, and want to explore beyond typical tourist spots. It’s especially ideal for those interested in natural landscapes, scenic views, and local culture. The small group size and personalized guides enhance the experience and make it more engaging.

Visitors seeking a relaxed pace or extra time at specific sites should plan accordingly, as some stops can feel lengthy. However, the variety of locations and activities makes this tour a comprehensive introduction to Madeira’s highlights.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is food included in this tour?
No, food and drinks are not included, but there are opportunities to purchase meals during the day.

Are entrance fees included?
Entrance fees for Porto Moniz pools and Cabo Girao Skywalk are not included in the tour price and need to be paid separately if you wish to access these sites.

How physically demanding is the tour?
The tour involves off-road driving and some walking around stops. Visitors should wear comfortable, slip-resistant shoes and be prepared for muddy or slippery terrain at Fanal Forest.

What should I bring?
A jacket is recommended, especially for the Fanal Forest stop, as it can be cold and damp. Sunscreen, water, and a camera are also advised.

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

This Jeep tour of Madeira’s north offers an excellent mix of scenic beauty, adventure, and cultural insight. With high praise for guides and diverse stops, it’s a solid choice for travelers eager to see Madeira’s natural wonders in comfort and style.