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

Madeira’s northwest is the island at its wildest: high ridges, thick native forest, waterfalls, cliff roads, and black volcanic rock meeting the sea. This open-top 4×4 tour links many of those sights in one long day, including Fanal Forest, Porto Moniz, Seixal, and the Ribeira da Janela valley.

I like the mix of famous sights and quieter places such as Serra de Água and Ginjas. I also like the chance to swim in volcanic pools if weather allows. The main drawback is the pace: 15 stops in about eight hours means several visits are brief, and lunch is not included despite the tour summary suggesting otherwise, so confirm the meal plan before booking.

Key points to know before booking

• Open-top 4×4 travel: You ride in a vehicle designed for Madeira’s steep mountain roads, with views that are less restricted than from a standard coach.
• A full northwest circuit: The route includes Paul da Serra, Fanal, Ribeira da Janela, Porto Moniz, Seixal, and several viewpoints.
• Two possible swims: Porto Moniz and Poça das Lesmas offer volcanic pools, but swimming depends on the weather.
• Short levada walk: You get about 15 minutes on the Levada do Paul da Serra, enough for a taste rather than a full hike.
• Guide-led local insight: Guides named for this experience include Diogo, Spencer, and Valdemar, each praised for driving, explanations, and a fun approach.
• Cruise-friendly timing: Pickup and drop-off are offered at the cruise terminal, with an 8:30 a.m. start and a day lasting about eight hours.

Why this 4×4 route works well from Funchal

If you have only one day in Madeira, the northwest is a strong choice. Funchal sits on the island’s south coast, while the dramatic volcanic pools, high plateau, native forest, and northern villages require a long cross-island journey. A guided 4×4 trip saves you from arranging several separate drives.

The vehicle matters here. Madeira’s roads climb sharply from the coast to the mountains, and an open-top 4×4 gives you a better view of the surrounding terrain than a closed coach. You should expect wind, sun, and changing weather, though the supplied information does not specify whether the roof is fully open for the entire route.

The small-group description says up to eight people, while the activity information also gives a maximum of 24 participants. That difference is worth clarifying with Green Devil Safari before you pay. If your actual vehicle holds eight, the day should feel more personal. If the wider group limit applies across several vehicles, the experience may be less intimate.

The guides are an important part of the day. Diogo is described as an excellent driver who explains the route step by step. Spencer is noted for his knowledge of the island, including its people, nature, and animals. Valdemar is described as attentive, detailed, and amusing. Guide assignments can change, so treat these names as examples, not a promise.

Serra de Água and the climb toward Encumeada

The day begins at Serra de Água, a mountain valley on the route toward Madeira’s central ridges. There is no separate admission charge, and the stop helps set up the geography of the day: you leave Funchal’s urban edge and move into steep interior country.

Next comes the Caminho Real da Encumeada PR12 at Encumeada. The name points to one of Madeira’s old royal roads, but this tour does not promise a long walk here. Think of it as a mountain pass and scenic pause rather than a dedicated hiking section.

This part of the route is valuable because it shows how quickly Madeira changes. You move from settled areas into high mountain terrain, with roads that reveal why a local driver is useful. The description does not provide exact stop lengths, so keep your expectations flexible.

Ginjas, Bica da Cana, and the Paul da Serra plateau

The route continues through the São Vicente area, with a short 10-minute stop at Ginjas. This is one of the less polished parts of the day, which is a good thing if you want to see more than Madeira’s headline viewpoints. The tour specifically highlights non-touristic villages, and Ginjas fits that quieter side of the island.

At Bica da Cana, near Estanquinhos, the trip reaches another mountain setting. There is no admission fee listed. The stop gives you more time among Madeira’s high ridges before the route crosses Paul da Serra, the broad plateau that forms a sharp contrast to the island’s narrow valleys.

Pico Ruivo do Paul da Serra follows. Do not confuse this with a summit hike to Pico Ruivo, Madeira’s highest peak. The provided route places this stop on the Paul da Serra plateau and does not list a separate hike or entrance fee. You should expect a viewpoint or scenic pause, not a strenuous mountain walk.

The Levada do Paul da Serra includes about 15 minutes of walking. That is enough to see the basic idea of a levada, Madeira’s famous water-channel paths, without committing you to a full trail. I like this portion because it adds movement to a day that otherwise involves plenty of sitting.

Still, 15 minutes is short. If you want a serious levada walk, this tour is not designed around one. Wear shoes that can handle an uneven path, but do not book the excursion expecting a long trek.

Fanal Forest and Madeira’s old native trees

Vereda do Fanal takes you into one of the day’s most memorable settings. Fanal is part of Madeira’s UNESCO-listed native forest, and the stop lasts about 10 minutes according to the supplied schedule. The forest is known for its old, twisted trees and changing mountain weather, though the tour information does not promise a particular view or weather condition.

This is a case where timing affects your experience. Ten minutes lets you step out, take in the forest, and photograph it, but it does not allow much wandering. If mist or cloud settles over the area, the mood can be striking. If the weather is clear, you may get a better sense of the plateau and its unusual trees.

The short stop also shows the tradeoff of this itinerary. You cover a great deal of ground, but you rarely have unlimited time at any one place. I would bring a camera and keep your walking shoes on, since the stop is brief and the day continues quickly.

Ribeira da Janela’s valley and sea views

The route then heads to Ribeira da Janela, one of the north coast’s key scenic areas. The valley leads toward the ocean and is framed by steep volcanic slopes. You visit the valley itself, the Ilhéus da Ribeira da Janela, and the Miradouro Ribeira da Janela.

The offshore rock formations are given about five minutes, as is the viewpoint. Those short pauses work well for quick photographs and a first look at the coast. They are less suitable if you prefer to sit quietly, sketch, or wait for the best light.

Ribeira da Janela is one of the places where the open-top vehicle earns its keep. You can look outward as the road and valley open up, rather than seeing everything through a bus window. Just keep in mind that exact visibility depends on the weather, and mountain conditions can change during the day.

Porto Moniz and its volcanic swimming pools

Porto Moniz is the main coastal stop, with about 45 minutes in the town and another 45 minutes at the natural swimming pools. This is likely the busiest and most recognizable part of the excursion.

The pools were formed by volcanic lava and fill with seawater. If conditions allow, you can swim. Admission to the pools is not included, so bring money for the entry fee if you want to use them. The tour data does not provide the current admission price, so check before departure if swimming is a priority.

The weather rule matters. Madeira’s north coast can be rough, and the itinerary only offers swimming if conditions permit. You may have a beautiful pool setting but no safe swim. That uncertainty is normal for an outdoor shore excursion, and the trip still includes Porto Moniz as a scenic and town stop.

A 45-minute pool visit gives you enough time to change, enter, and enjoy a short swim if everything lines up. It is not an all-day beach stop. You should bring a swimsuit, towel, and a way to keep wet clothing separate, but the tour does not state whether changing facilities or lockers are included.

Lunch is the practical gap here. The overview says lunch is included, but the detailed included section says it is not, and the not-included section specifically lists lunch. I would plan to pay for your own meal and confirm the arrangement with the operator before sailing.

Seixal, Poça das Lesmas, and Veu da Noiva

After Porto Moniz, the route reaches Seixal and Poça das Lesmas. This section brings you to more black volcanic rock, ocean views, and another possible swimming stop. Poça das Lesmas is listed for about 45 minutes, with swimming again dependent on the weather and admission not included.

Having two pool options is useful. If one location is too rough or unsuitable, the day still gives you another chance to see Madeira’s volcanic coast. On the other hand, the stops can feel repetitive if you are not interested in swimming or coastal geology.

The final viewpoint is Miradouro do Véu da Noiva, with about five minutes scheduled. The name means Bride’s Veil, a reference to the waterfall dropping toward the sea. Five minutes is enough for a quick look and photograph, but not a long pause.

The coastal sequence is a strong finish because it brings together the island’s main visual themes: cliffs, water, volcanic rock, and waterfalls. You may find the end of the day tiring, though, especially after the early start and the mountain roads.

What the $71.72 price really covers

At $71.72 per person, the tour offers a full eight-hour route, a driver-guide, local guiding, and pickup service. The value is strongest if you want to see several parts of Madeira without renting a vehicle or working out the roads yourself.

You are paying for coverage as much as for individual attractions. The route connects inland valleys, high plateaus, native forest, villages, viewpoints, and the north coast in one day. Most listed stops have no separate admission charge, but the two volcanic pool visits do not include entry.

The price looks less attractive if you mainly want a relaxed beach day or a long walk. You may spend more time in the vehicle than expected, and lunch is extra. Still, for a cruise passenger with one day ashore, the combination of transport and guiding can make the cost reasonable.

The experience is booked, on average, 120 days ahead. That suggests you should reserve early if your sailing date is fixed, especially if the small-group format matters to you.

Who should book this Madeira shore excursion

I would choose this tour if you want variety and do not mind a busy schedule. It suits cruise passengers, families, and couples who want a guided day rather than a difficult hike or a self-drive adventure.

The experience also suits children who can manage a long day in a vehicle. The supplied conditions say children must be accompanied by an adult, and most people can participate. No age limits or special mobility details are provided, so ask the operator directly if anyone in your party has specific needs.

You should think twice if you dislike winding roads, quick photo stops, or changing weather. The 4×4 format adds fun and access, but it does not turn an eight-hour island tour into a slow, restful outing.

Pickup and drop-off at the cruise terminal are listed, with an 8:30 a.m. start. Be ready early and allow enough time to return to the ship. The tour is designed for a full day, not a short hop around Funchal.

My booking verdict

I would book the Northwest Terraces and Volcanic Pools 4×4 tour if my priority were seeing Madeira’s northwest in one day. Fanal Forest, the Paul da Serra plateau, Ribeira da Janela, Porto Moniz, Seixal, and the volcanic pools give you a broad look at the island’s natural character.

Before booking, I would confirm three things: the real group size, the lunch arrangement, and the current pool admission fees. If you are happy with a quick-moving schedule and weather-dependent swimming, the tour offers strong sightseeing value for a cruise stop. If you want a long levada walk or an unhurried swim, choose a more focused excursion instead.

FAQ

Where does the tour take place?

The tour operates from Funchal and explores the northwest side of Madeira, including Serra de Água, Encumeada, Paul da Serra, Fanal, Ribeira da Janela, Porto Moniz, and Seixal.

How long does the experience last?

The tour lasts approximately eight hours.

What time does the tour start?

The listed start time is 8:30 a.m.

Is pickup available at the cruise terminal?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off at the cruise terminal are listed for this shore excursion. Free pickup at hotels in central Funchal is also included.

What kind of vehicle is used?

You travel in a 4×4 vehicle with an open-top roof.

Is lunch included?

The detailed inclusion information says lunch is not included. The tour summary gives conflicting information, so confirm the meal arrangement with Green Devil Safari before booking.

Can I swim in the volcanic pools?

You can swim at the Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools and Poça das Lesmas if weather conditions allow. Admission to the pools is not included.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not accepted for a refund.