Funchal to Porto Moniz Jeep Tour: Natural Pools & Glass Cliff

Seven hours from sea level to 1,640 meters and back: fishing boats, a glass cliff, laurel forest, and natural pools

A private jeep tour for up to three people from Funchal across Madeira's west coast, climbing from the fishing village of Câmara de Lobos through mountain passes to Paul da Serra plateau, then descending to Porto Moniz to swim in natural pools. The route passes Cabo Girão's suspended glass platform 580 meters above sea level, centuries-old laurel forest at Fanal, and volcanic beaches with waterfalls, with stops for lunch and swimming included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Cabo Girãopassing by
2. Paul da Serra Plateaupassing by
3. Porto Moniz2h

Jeep tour to natural pools and viewpoints

• Start Jeep tour in Funchal
• Visit fishing village Câmara de Lobos
• See viewpoint at Rancho on Câmara de Lobos
• Stop at Cabo Girão glass platform viewpoint
• Pass through Ponta do Sol Village
• Visit Cascatas Gémeas waterfall
• Pass Madalena do Mar village and volcanic beach
• Drive off-road up to Paul da Serra plateau
• Explore Fanal laurel forest
• View Ribeira da Janela village and coastline
• Stop at Porto Moniz for lunch and swim in natural pools
• Visit volcanic beach of Vila do Seixal and waterfall
• Take photos at mountain waterfall viewpoint
• End Jeep tour in Funchal

The experience

The tour starts in Funchal and heads to Câmara de Lobos, a fishing village where colorful boats line the bay and the local drink poncha is served in waterfront bars. From there you climb to Cabo Girão, Europe's highest sea cliff at 580 meters, where a glass platform lets you stand over the drop and see the volcanic rock and ocean below. The route then turns inland, following old paths through banana terraces and forest to reach Paul da Serra, a plateau at 1,640 meters formed by ancient volcanic eruption: on clear days you can see both the north and south coasts from here.

The descent takes you through Fanal's centuries-old laurel forest, a protected rest-and-silence reserve where the trees predate the island's discovery, then down to Ribeira da Janela where a river meets the sea and rock formations frame the coastline. Porto Moniz is where you stop to swim in the natural pools carved into the volcanic rock and eat lunch. The tour also passes Seixal's black sand beach with views of waterfalls and mountain terraces, and Cascatas Gémeas waterfall overlooking the ocean. The route is flexible: the guide adjusts for weather and road conditions to find the best light and access.

A live guide speaks English, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian and one additional language throughout. Hotel pickup is included, and the jeep holds up to three passengers comfortably. People over 190 cm or 100 kg should let the operator know in advance so the vehicle can be arranged.

What’s included

• Pickup from your hotel.
• a live guide in English, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian and one additional language.
• stops at Câmara de Lobos fishing village, Cabo Girão glass platform, Paul da Serra plateau, Fanal laurel forest, Ribeira da Janela coastal viewpoint, Porto Moniz natural pools, and Seixal black sand beach.
• lunch and swimming time at Porto Moniz.
• views of waterfalls and mountain terraces throughout the route.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:00 and 17:30

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French, Italian and Portuguese

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortInfant seats availablePublic transport nearby

Operated by Just Go Tours

Is this one for you?This is a private jeep tour for up to three passengers, so you travel without strangers and the guide adjusts the pace and stops to suit your group. Choose it if you want to see the full west coast in one day (from sea level to mountain plateau to natural pools) without renting a car or navigating the roads yourself.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

1 verified traveler review

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, French, Italian 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 is Câmara de Lobos and why does the tour stop there?

Câmara de Lobos is Madeira's most famous fishing village, known for its colorful boats, traditional fish restaurants, and the local drink poncha. The name comes from the monk seals that lived in the cove when the island was discovered. They still inhabit the same waters today. The village also holds 15th- and 16th-century monuments including the chapel of Nossa Senhora da Conceição and the church of São Sebastião.

Can I actually swim in the natural pools at Porto Moniz, or just look at them?

You stop at Porto Moniz specifically to swim in the natural pools, which are carved into the volcanic rock. Lunch is also included at this stop, so you have time to get in the water and eat before continuing.

What is the glass platform at Cabo Girão like?

Cabo Girão's glass platform, called a skywalk, is suspended from the cliff edge at 580 meters above sea level: the height of Europe's highest sea cliff. From the platform you can see the volcanic rock colors and the deep blue of the sea directly below you.

How high does the tour climb, and what will I see at the top?

The tour climbs to Paul da Serra plateau at approximately 1,640 meters, the only plateau on Madeira Island. On clear days you can see the coastline of both the north and south coasts. The landscape is dominated by green tones and offers views of mountain peaks and deep valleys.

What is Fanal and why is it special?

Fanal is a forested area home to centuries-old laurel trees that are part of the indigenous Laurissilva forest, some dating back before the island's discovery. The area is classified as a Rest and Silence Reserve by the Madeira Natural Park and is known for its mystical landscape and natural corners where you can walk or relax.