Shore Excursion – Northwest Terraces and Volcanic Pools 4×4 tour

Madeira rewards you with a rough road. This full-day northwest tour combines an open-top 4×4 ride, a short levada walk, waterfalls, sea cliffs, forest, villages, and volcanic swimming pools. I like the small-group format and the chance to reach places that are awkward to visit from a cruise port without your own car. I also like the mix of active stops and quick viewpoints, so the day never depends on one single attraction.

The main drawback is the packed eight-hour schedule. Weather may cancel swimming, the mountain roads can be winding, and the lunch information is inconsistent: one description says lunch is included, while the inclusions list says it is not. Confirm that point before paying.

Five things to know before you book

• The route covers Madeira’s northwest: You visit Serra de Água, Encumeada, Paul da Serra, Fanal, Ribeira da Janela, Porto Moniz, and Seixal in one long day.
• The vehicle is an open-top 4×4: That gives you broad views and a lively ride, though mountain roads may feel bumpy.
• You get more than viewpoints: The day includes a 15-minute levada walk, villages, native forest, waterfalls, cliffs, and possible swims.
• The listed price is $71.72 per person: That is strong value if you want transport, a guide, and a full route from the cruise terminal.
• Guide quality matters: Diogo, Spencer, and Valdemar are specifically praised for driving skill, island knowledge, care, and good humor.
• Swimming depends on weather: Porto Moniz and Poça das Lesmas are planned for up to 45 minutes each, but swimming may not be possible.

Why this northwest route works from Funchal

Funchal is a fine base, but Madeira’s northwest feels like a different island. The road climbs through Serra de Água, crosses high ground at Encumeada and Paul da Serra, then drops toward the Atlantic around Ribeira da Janela, Porto Moniz, and Seixal.

That geography is the real reason to choose this tour. You are not spending the day at one famous stop. You are crossing the island from mountain country to the coast, with short pauses that show how sharply Madeira changes within a few miles.

The open-top 4×4 adds to the appeal. You can look above the road walls, see steep slopes, and take in more of the sky than you would from a regular minibus. It also means you should bring a light jacket, even if Funchal feels warm at 8:30 in the morning. Higher ground can be cooler and cloudier.

Pickup and drop-off at the cruise terminal make the tour especially useful for a port day. You do not need to arrange a taxi to a distant meeting point or work out Madeira’s bus network. The stated start time is 8:30 am, so check your ship’s port schedule carefully and allow enough time to return before all-aboard.

Serra de Água and the climb to Encumeada

The first part of the drive heads toward Serra de Água, a valley route that introduces Madeira’s steep interior. The stop itself has no admission fee, and its value comes from the setting rather than a formal attraction.

From there, the route continues toward Caminho Real da Encumeada PR12. This old path is part of Madeira’s network of mountain routes, and the stop gives you a taste of the island’s rugged uplands without committing to a long hike. The tour is not presented as a full-day trek, so you should expect sightseeing and short walks rather than a strenuous walking program.

This early section also shows why a local guide is useful. A good driver can explain how the roads connect the valleys and high ridges, while stopping safely for views. Diogo has been singled out for handling the vehicle confidently and explaining each part of the route. Spencer was also praised for explaining Madeira’s people, plants, and animals during the drive. Those details can turn a road transfer into part of the outing.

Sao Vicente, Bica da Cana, and Paul da Serra

The route then reaches the Sao Vicente area, including Ginjas. This is a ten-minute stop, so keep your expectations sensible. You are getting a quick look at a less commercial side of Madeira, not a long village visit with time to explore every lane.

Bica da Cana and the Paul da Serra section move you onto the island’s high plateau. Paul da Serra is a useful contrast to the deep valleys below. The scenery opens up, and the sense of space changes after the tight mountain roads.

Pico Ruivo do Paul da Serra follows, along with Levada do Paul da Serra. The levada portion is one of the most appealing parts of the day because it adds movement to an otherwise vehicle-based tour. The walk is about 15 minutes, making it suitable for people who want a taste of Madeira’s famous water channels without signing up for a long hike.

Still, this is not a walking tour. Wear shoes with a secure sole, but do not expect a major trail excursion. The short length is a benefit for a cruise schedule, though active hikers may wish for more time on foot.

Fanal forest and the value of a short stop

Vereda do Fanal is one of the day’s most memorable settings. Fanal is part of Madeira’s UNESCO-listed native forest, and the old trees give this stop a different mood from the open plateau and coastal cliffs.

The scheduled visit is only ten minutes. That is enough for a quick look and photographs, but it will feel brief if you want a quiet walk among the trees. Admission is not included, so check the exact arrangements with the operator if an entrance charge applies on the day.

Cloud and weather can change the character of Fanal quickly. Mist may make the forest feel mysterious, while clear conditions reveal more of the surrounding high ground. The tour cannot control that atmosphere, but its route gives you a fair chance to see the forest as part of a larger day.

Ribeira da Janela and the north coast

Ribeira da Janela brings you back toward the sea. The itinerary includes the river area, the Ilhéus da Ribeira da Janela, and the Miradouro Ribeira da Janela. The two named viewpoint stops are about five minutes each, so this is a photo-focused section.

You will not have much time to settle into one view. Instead, the 4×4 keeps moving through a series of quick coastal glimpses. That suits you if you want variety. It may frustrate you if you prefer long, quiet stops with time to sit, sketch, or walk.

The rock formations offshore give the coast a strong sense of place. From the viewpoints, you can see how the Atlantic has shaped the edge of the island. The route also includes waterfalls and sea cliffs in its wider program, though the exact time spent at each sight depends on the day’s road conditions and guide decisions.

Porto Moniz and the first chance to swim

Porto Moniz is the main coastal pause, with 45 minutes scheduled in the town and another 45 minutes at the natural swimming pools. The pools are formed by volcanic lava, and seawater flows into the black-rock basins from the Atlantic.

This is the point where the tour becomes more than a scenic drive. If the weather allows swimming, bring a swimsuit and a towel. If the sea is rough or conditions are poor, you may only see the pools and enjoy the coastal setting. Admission to the natural pools is not included, so budget for that separately.

The 45-minute swimming window is useful but not generous. You will need to change, enter the pool area, and be ready to leave on time. If swimming is a priority, keep your belongings simple and have your essentials easy to reach.

Porto Moniz also appears to be the most likely place for a meal break, but the supplied details conflict. The overview says lunch is included, while the inclusion list clearly says lunch is not included. Do not assume a restaurant meal is covered by the $71.72 price. Ask Green Devil Safari what meal arrangements apply before you book.

Seixal, Poça das Lesmas, and Veu da Noiva

The afternoon continues along the north coast to Seixal. This area is known for dramatic coastal views, and the stop at Poça das Lesmas offers another chance to swim in volcanic lava pools if conditions are suitable.

A second 45-minute swimming stop gives you more flexibility. If you skipped Porto Moniz because the water was cold or the weather poor, you may prefer the later pool. If you are not swimming, the time can feel long unless you enjoy taking photographs or sitting by the shore.

The final viewpoint is Miradouro do Veu da Noiva, a five-minute stop near Seixal. The name refers to the waterfall dropping toward the sea, and the viewpoint is designed for a quick look rather than a long visit. Bring your camera out before the vehicle stops, since the pause is short.

The day’s coast section is a good reminder that Madeira is not only about mountain roads and levadas. You get dark volcanic rock, open Atlantic views, waterfalls, and small coastal settlements in one sweep.

What the $71.72 price really buys

At $71.72 per person, this is a good-value outing if you want a broad introduction to northwest Madeira in a single port call. The price covers a driver and guide, the 4×4 transport, pickup, and the route itself. You are also paying for local driving skill on roads that may be unfamiliar and uncomfortable to manage on your own.

The strongest value comes from the number of places covered. A taxi could take you to one or two major sights, but it would not automatically provide the same sequence of highland, forest, river, coastal, and swimming stops. Renting a car would give you more control, but you would need to drive mountain roads, watch the clock, and arrange parking.

The price does not cover every cost. Pool admission is listed as extra, and lunch must be confirmed because the information is contradictory. The tour also has a maximum of 24 people overall, while the 4×4 format is described as a small group of up to eight. Ask how many people will be in your vehicle, since that affects comfort and the personal feel of the day.

The guide can make or break the ride

A route this long depends heavily on the person behind the wheel. You are spending much of the day in a vehicle, so safe driving, clear timing, and good explanations matter as much as the views.

Diogo is praised for mastering the vehicle and explaining each stage of the journey. Spencer is noted for his understanding of Madeira and for talking about people, nature, and wildlife. Valdemar is described as attentive, entertaining, and careful in his descriptions of the places along the way.

Those comments point to the tour’s strongest human quality: the guide can connect the scattered stops into one story. You are not simply being dropped at viewpoints. You are moving through Madeira with someone who can add local context as the road climbs and falls.

Who should book this 4×4 shore excursion?

I would choose this tour if you want to see a lot of Madeira without planning several separate transfers. It suits cruise passengers, families, and anyone who prefers a guided day to a rental car. One direct account describes it as fun for both children and parents, although children must be accompanied by an adult.

It also works well for you if short walks are preferable to a demanding hike. The levada walk is only about 15 minutes, and many stops last between five and ten minutes. You will get plenty of fresh air and movement, but the day remains mostly vehicle-based.

I would hesitate if you dislike winding roads, need long visits at each attraction, or want guaranteed swimming time. Weather may prevent swimming, and the schedule is too full to linger. The open-top vehicle is fun, but it may feel exposed in cool or wet mountain conditions.

Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations made later are not accepted for a refund, so keep that deadline in mind when your ship’s schedule is uncertain.

Should you book it?

Book this excursion if your priority is coverage: mountain roads, Paul da Serra, Fanal, Ribeira da Janela, Porto Moniz, Seixal, and possible lava-pool swims in one day. At $71.72, the transport and guide make the price attractive, especially for a cruise stop.

Before booking, confirm three things: the actual lunch arrangement, the expected number of people in your 4×4, and whether the pool admission fee is extra on your date. If you are comfortable with a fast pace and changeable weather, this is one of the more efficient ways to see Madeira’s northwest. If you want a slow beach day or a serious hike, choose something less ambitious.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

The tour starts at 8:30 am, with pickup offered at hotels in central Funchal. Cruise-terminal pickup and drop-off are also stated for this shore excursion.

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts approximately eight hours.

Is lunch included?

The information is inconsistent. The tour overview says lunch is included, but the inclusion list says lunch is not included. Confirm the meal arrangement with Green Devil Safari before booking.

How many people can join the tour?

The 4×4 vehicle is described as a small group of up to eight people. The overall activity has a maximum of 24 people, so confirm your vehicle size when booking.

Can you swim during the tour?

Swimming may be possible at the Porto Moniz natural pools and Poça das Lesmas if weather conditions allow. Pool admission is not included.

Is the levada walk long?

The levada walk at Levada do Paul da Serra is approximately 15 minutes.

Can children join the tour?

Yes. Children can participate, but they must be accompanied by an adult.