4x4 Jeep Safari Porto Moniz: Swim natural pools

Drive the island's old roads and offroads to swim in Porto Moniz's natural pools

A full-day 4x4 Jeep safari from Funchal to Porto Moniz with a small group, local guide and hotel pickup. The route crosses the Paul da Serra Plateau on old roads and offroads, stops for lunch and swimming in Porto Moniz's natural sea pools, and includes a 30-minute walk on a levada stretch near a northern fishing village.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Paul da Serra Plateaupass by
2. Porto Moniz2h

Full day 4x4 jeep safari tour

• Drive to top of the island
• Cross Paul da Serra Plateau
• Stop in Porto Moniz for lunch
• Swim in natural sea pools
• Walk 30 minutes on levada
• Pass small northern fishing village

The experience

The UMM open-top Jeep seats a small group and leaves Funchal heading to the top of the island, crossing the Paul da Serra Plateau on a mix of established routes and offroad tracks. The guide drives and narrates in English, Spanish, Portuguese or French, pointing out the landscape as the terrain changes. The plateau crossing is the spine of the day. From there, the route descends toward Porto Moniz on the north coast.

Porto Moniz is the main stop, where you have time for lunch and the chance to swim in the natural sea pools formed by volcanic rock. These pools sit at the water's edge and fill with the ocean. They're the reason many travelers book this tour. After Porto Moniz, the group walks for about 30 minutes on a levada (one of the island's narrow irrigation channels), before passing through a small northern fishing village on the way back to Funchal.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included within the free areas of Funchal and Caniço. The tour runs in all weather, so bring layers and waterproof gear if you plan to swim. Children must be at least 5 years old and accompanied by an adult. If you're arriving by cruise ship, provide your ship name, docking time, disembarkation time and re-boarding time at booking so the guide can time the return.

What’s included

• Local guide in your choice of English, Spanish, Portuguese or French.
• hotel pickup and drop-off within the free areas of Funchal and Caniço.
• professional driver and live commentary on board.
• port pickup and drop-off or a nearby meeting point available on request.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (10 and older) · Under 10: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 8

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French and Portuguese

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48h

Prices and times updated 5 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for back problems

Operated by Up Mountain Madeira

Is this one for you?The 7 to 8 hour commitment means you'll spend most of the day on the road and at Porto Moniz, leaving little room for other activities that day. Book this if the plateau crossing and the natural pools are your main focus for the day, and you're comfortable with a full morning and afternoon in the Jeep.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, French and Portuguese.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What are the natural pools at Porto Moniz like?

Porto Moniz's natural sea pools are formed by volcanic rock formations at the water's edge and fill directly with ocean water. They're a main feature of the tour and offer the chance to swim in a setting shaped by the island's geology rather than a built facility.

How much of the day is spent driving versus stopping?

The tour is 7 to 8 hours total. Most of that is the drive across the plateau and to Porto Moniz, with the main break at Porto Moniz for lunch and swimming, plus a 30-minute levada walk and a pass through a fishing village on the return.

Can I book this tour if I'm arriving by cruise ship?

Yes. At booking, provide your ship name, docking time, disembarkation time and re-boarding time so the guide can time the return to the port. Port pickup and drop-off or a meeting point close by are available on request.

What's the Paul da Serra Plateau like?

The Paul da Serra Plateau sits at the top of the island and is crossed as the main route to Porto Moniz. The drive takes you across this high plateau terrain on old roads and offroads, offering views of the island's interior landscape.

Is swimming gear included, or do I need to bring my own?

Bring your own swimwear and towel. The tour includes the stop at Porto Moniz and access to the natural pools, but food, drinks and personal gear are not included.