West 4×4 Experience: Skywalk, Porto Moniz Pools and Fanal Forest

Discover Madeira’s West in a Full-Day 4×4 Adventure for $80

This 8-hour guided tour from Funchal costs $80.11 per person and is highly praised with a perfect 5.0 rating from 47 reviews. It offers a comprehensive look at Madeira’s natural beauty, with stops including lush forests, volcanic pools, and breathtaking cliffside views. The tour departs at 9:00 am and features round-trip transfers from centrally located Funchal accommodations or the port, making it easy to join without extra hassle.

A key strength of this experience is the small-group setting limited to 15 participants, which ensures more personalized attention and a relaxed atmosphere. The tour is suitable for most travelers, with most participation levels accommodated, and includes Wi-Fi onboard for staying connected during the day. While entrance fees to some stops like Cabo Girao are not included, the tour offers free pickup, insurance, safety instructions, and sanitized vehicles, making it a well-organized and safe option for exploring Madeira’s west side.

Key Points

• Full-day Madeira tour covering the island’s highlights from Funchal
• Price of $80.11 per person with round-trip transfers included
• Visits to natural volcanic pools, Fanal Forest, and Cabo Girao Skywalk
• Small-group experience with up to 15 travelers for more attention
• Includes Wi-Fi and professional guide with extensive local knowledge
• Flexible stops with free pickup from central Funchal hotels and port

From Funchal to Madeira’s North: São Vicente’s Vineyards and Caves

The tour begins with a drive northward to São Vicente, famous for its vineyards, volcanic caves, and Madeira wine production. This stop offers a glimpse into the island’s viticulture and volcanic geology, setting the tone for the day’s diverse landscape exploration. While this stop is more about scenery and culture, it provides a relaxing start before heading into the more active and scenic parts of the tour.

Admiring the Bridal Veil Waterfall at Miradouro do Veu da Noiva

Next, the group visits Miradouro do Veu da Noiva, renowned for a spectacular waterfall that resembles a bride’s veil due to the water’s flow. This famous viewpoint is accessible in about 30 minutes, offering excellent photo opportunities without long waits. Best of all, there’s no admission fee, making it a quick but memorable stop.

Swimming in Volcanic Lava Pools at Poca Das Lesmas

Following the waterfalls, travelers head to Poca Das Lesmas, where they can swim in crystal-clear volcanic pools surrounded by lush scenery. This stop also lasts about 30 minutes, giving ample time for a refreshing dip and sightseeing. The pools are free to access, and the setting provides a peaceful moment amid nature.

Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools: Madeira’s Iconic Spot

One of the tour’s highlights is a visit to the Porto Moniz natural pools, which is one of Madeira’s most visited attractions. Here, visitors can spend around 1 hour and 15 minutes enjoying swimming in volcanic seawater within beautifully formed pools. While entrance tickets are not included, the pools offer a unique experience of natural seawater pools set against dramatic volcanic scenery.

Experiencing the Skywalk at Cabo Girao

A true must-see on this tour is the Cabo Girao Skywalk, which is the highest sea cliff in Europe at 589 meters. Travelers walk onto the glass-floor balcony that reaches out over the cliff edge, offering breathtaking views of the Atlantic and the surrounding landscape. The stop lasts 30 minutes, giving enough time to take photos and marvel at the spectacular height. Entrance to the skywalk is not included in the tour price.

Exploring the Laurissilva Forest at Vereda do Fanal

A highlight for nature lovers is a walk through the Fanal Forest, one of Portugal’s seven Natural Wonders. This century-old forest within the Madeira Laurissilva features ancient trees and a mysterious, mist-shrouded atmosphere. The 20-minute stop allows visitors to appreciate the lush greenery and learn from the guide about the forest’s ecological importance. Entrance to this site is included.

The Spectacle of Europe’s Highest Sea Cliff: Cabo Girao

Standing at 589 meters, Cabo Girao offers panoramic views over the Atlantic. The glass-floor balcony adds an element of thrill to the visit, allowing visitors to look straight down to the rocky coastline below. This 30-minute stop is ideal for those seeking picture-perfect vistas and a sense of awe at Madeira’s dramatic coastline.

Discovering Madeira’s Natural Wonders at Fanal Forest

The Fanal Forest presents a mystical landscape with centenary trees amid clouds and mist, characteristic of Madeira’s renowned Laurissilva. This 20-minute visit showcases the natural beauty and ecological significance of this UNESCO World Heritage site. Visitors appreciate the informative guidance that helps them understand the importance of preserving such environments.

Practical Details: Group Size, Logistics, and Safety

This tour operates with a maximum of 15 travelers, ensuring a personalized experience. The pickup and drop-off are complimentary from central Funchal and the port, with extra fees applying for pickups outside these areas. The vehicle is sanitized with ozone, and safety instructions and first aid are provided. Wi-Fi onboard allows guests to stay connected during the journey.

The Experience Provider: True Spirit’s Quality Service

True Spirit, the tour provider, is known for professional guidance and well-organized tours. The guides are praised for their extensive local knowledge and friendly manner. Reviews highlight the driver’s skill, especially on narrow, steep roads, and the passion guides show when explaining Madeira’s landscapes and history.

Considerations for Tour Participants

While the tour does not include entrance fees for attractions like Cabo Girao, the value lies in the guided experience and transportation. Travelers should be prepared for some walking and potentially variable weather conditions, especially in forests. The pickups outside central Funchal incur additional fees, so early planning is advisable.

Making the Most of Your Madeira Day Trip

To maximize enjoyment, it’s recommended to bring swimwear for the volcanic pools and comfortable footwear for light walking in forests. The flexible stops and informative guides make this tour suitable for all levels of mobility, provided guests are comfortable with a full day of sightseeing. The small-group size ensures a relaxed, engaging atmosphere, and the Wi-Fi helps share the experience in real-time.

Why This Tour Stands Out in Madeira

This comprehensive tour captures Madeira’s diverse landscapes — from lush forests and volcanic pools to dramatic cliffs and waterfalls. The small-group format and knowledgeable guides elevate the experience beyond just sightseeing, offering insights into the island’s geology, flora, and culture.

While some stops like Cabo Girao require an additional entrance fee, the overall value and variety of sights make this tour a strong choice for those wanting to see Madeira’s west side in one day. The positive reviews, especially for guides like João and Diogo Pinto, reaffirm the quality of this experience.

West Madeira in One Day: Who Will Love This Tour?

This full-day adventure is perfect for visitors who want a rich overview of Madeira’s natural beauty without the hassle of planning multiple excursions. It suits those interested in scenery, nature, and photo opportunities, with enough flexibility and small-group intimacy to make it comfortable. Travelers who enjoy learning from passionate guides will find this tour particularly rewarding.

Final Thoughts on the West 4×4 Experience

The $80.11 price tag offers excellent access to Madeira’s highlights, especially with the small-group setup and professional guide. The tour’s emphasis on natural wonders, spectacular views, and cultural insights makes it a well-rounded choice for first-time visitors or those wanting a comprehensive day exploring the island’s stunning west side.

While some attractions require additional fees, the value of the guided experience, scenic stops, and comfortable transport make this tour stand out for its variety and quality. It’s an ideal way to see Madeira efficiently and comfortably, with plenty of memorable moments packed into just one day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children or elderly travelers?
Most participants can enjoy this tour, but those with mobility issues should consider walking in forests and on uneven surfaces. The small group size and flexible stops help accommodate different needs.

Are meals or snacks included?
No, food and drinks are not included in the tour price. Travelers might want to bring water and snacks for the day.

What attractions have additional entrance fees?
Cabo Girao Skywalk costs extra, and while the Porto Moniz pools are free to visit, the entrance fee is not included in the tour.

How do pickups work?
The tour offers free pickups from Funchal’s central area and the port. Pickup outside these areas has an extra fee.

Is Wi-Fi available during the tour?
Yes, Wi-Fi is provided onboard the vehicle, allowing guests to stay connected and share moments during the day.