Madeira Jeep Safari: Porto Moniz, Seixal & Cabo Girão Day Trip

Summary

Jeep adventure to Porto Moniz pools, Seixal beach and Cabo Girão skywalk with local stories

You’ll ride through Madeira’s wildest corners by jeep—standing over cliffs at Cabo Girão, swimming in Porto Moniz’s lava pools, wandering Seixal’s black sands. With a local guide sharing stories (and maybe poncha), every stop feels personal. Expect laughter, sea air, bumpy roads—and moments that stick with you long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

I still remember the first jolt as our jeep left Funchal—one minute we were winding past pastel houses, the next we were bumping along some track that didn’t look like a road at all. Our guide, Rui, grinned in the rearview and said something about “real Madeira,” then cranked up the local radio. I could smell eucalyptus and something sweet from a roadside stall. It was early but already warm enough that I had to roll my window down. You know when you realize you’re properly away from your usual life? That hit me right then.

First stop was Câmara de Lobos. Fishermen were already out mending nets by the bay and there was this salty tang in the air mixed with coffee from a tiny café where Rui insisted we try poncha (I wasn’t sure about booze before noon but he laughed and said it was “vitamin C”). After that, Cabo Girão loomed ahead—honestly, I thought I’d be fine with heights but standing on that glass platform made my knees wobble. A kid next to me pressed his nose right up against it, fearless. Rui pointed out the patchwork fields way below and told us about some daredevil who’d ridden a motorbike off here. Still can’t imagine it.

Seixal was quieter than I expected—black sand soft underfoot, Atlantic spray on my face. We watched an old man skipping stones while his dog barked at the waves. Lunch came later in Porto Moniz; grilled limpets and fresh bread by those volcanic pools (I did swim, though the water was colder than I let on). There’s something about eating with wet hair and salt on your skin that just makes food taste better. The drive after lunch got rougher—lots of bouncing through Paul da Serra’s misty plateau—and honestly I lost track of time for a bit, lulled by engine noise and Rui’s stories about island legends.

The last stop was this little snack bar in Canhas where everyone seemed to know each other—even us by now. Someone handed around bolo do caco and I tried to say thank you in Portuguese; got it wrong but they smiled anyway. The sun was lower when we finally headed back toward Funchal, dust streaking the jeep windows and all of us quiet for once. Sometimes you don’t realize how much you needed a day like that until it’s almost over.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Full-day Jeep Safari and sightseeing

• Start Jeep 4x4 safari tour
• Explore Câmara de Lobos fishing bay
• Visit Cabo Girão viewpoint and skywalk
• Explore Seixal village and dark sand beach
• Lunch and swim in Porto Moniz lava pools
• Drive off-road through Paul da Serra plateau
• Stop at snack bar O Rochão in Canhas

Top questions

How long is the Madeira jeep safari day trip?

The tour lasts a full day with multiple stops including Porto Moniz, Seixal, Câmara de Lobos and Cabo Girão.

Is hotel pickup included for this 4x4 tour?

Yes, hotel pickup is included for guests staying in Funchal or nearby areas.

Can you swim in Porto Moniz lava pools during this tour?

Yes, there is time scheduled for swimming in the natural lava pools at Porto Moniz.

Is lunch provided on this Madeira jeep safari?

No, lunch is not included—you’ll have free time to choose your own meal in Porto Moniz.

What are the main attractions visited on this day trip?

The main stops are Câmara de Lobos bay, Cabo Girão skywalk, Seixal village (with black sand beach), Porto Moniz (lava pools), Paul da Serra plateau and Canhas snack bar.

Are infant seats available for families?

Yes, specialized infant seats are available upon request.

Is this tour suitable for pregnant travelers?

No, it is not recommended for pregnant travelers due to bumpy off-road sections.

How difficult is the physical activity level on this tour?

A moderate level of fitness is required due to uneven terrain and walking at some stops.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup from Funchal or nearby areas and live commentary from an experienced local guide throughout the journey; you’ll travel by 4x4 jeep across scenic routes with plenty of stops—including time for swimming at Porto Moniz’s natural pools—before returning in the evening after one last snack bar visit together.