Madeira: Jeep Safari to Cabo Girão & Boca dos Namorados Views

Summary

Half-day jeep adventure from Funchal with glass skywalks, fishing boats and wild mountain air

You’ll ride through Madeira’s wild hills by open-roof jeep with a local guide, pausing at Câmara de Lobos Bay and stepping out onto Cabo Girão’s dizzying glass skywalk before climbing up to Boca dos Namorados for silent valley views you might not expect. Includes pickup and drop-off so you don’t have to worry about logistics — just bring your nerves for heights.

What’s the experience like?

I thought I knew what “high up” meant until we rolled out of Funchal in that open-roof jeep, wind tangling my hair and the smell of eucalyptus sneaking in every time we rounded a bend. Our guide, Miguel, pointed at the fishing boats bobbing in Câmara de Lobos Bay — he said Churchill used to paint here. The colors looked almost too bright for real life. We stopped for a minute just to watch an old man untangle his nets. He waved, didn’t say anything. That felt kind of perfect.

Cabo Girão was next, and honestly, I hesitated before stepping onto that glass floor. Six hundred meters straight down to the Atlantic — my knees weren’t thrilled about it. Miguel grinned and told me not to look down (so of course I did). The sea looked impossibly far away, like a different world entirely. There was this salty tang in the air mixed with something sweet from the wildflowers clinging to the cliffside. Someone’s kid squealed behind me — braver than I was.

The road got rougher as we climbed toward Boca dos Namorados. The jeep rattled so much I nearly lost my water bottle under the seat. Up there, above Curral das Freiras valley, everything went quiet except for distant goat bells and a crow somewhere below us. You could see tiny houses tucked deep in the ravine — it made me feel small in a good way. Miguel handed out ponchas (I probably butchered “obrigado”) and laughed when I tried anyway.

On the way back through Jardim da Serra, clouds started rolling over the peaks and sunlight flickered between them — like someone kept flipping a switch on the whole island. I still think about that view sometimes when things get noisy at home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Half-day Madeira village safari

• Visit Câmara de Lobos Bay
• Stop at Cabo Girão viewpoint
• Explore Boca dos Namorados viewpoint

Top questions

How long does this Madeira jeep safari last?

This is a half-day tour starting from Funchal.

Is hotel pickup included for this Madeira day trip?

Yes, hotel or port pickup and drop-off are included.

What do you see at Cabo Girão?

You visit the famous sea cliff with its glass floor viewpoint 600 meters above the ocean.

Are infant seats available on this tour?

Yes, specialized infant seats are available upon request.

Is lunch included on this Madeira safari?

No lunch is included; food is not mentioned as part of the tour.

Can children join this day trip from Funchal?

Yes, children can join if accompanied by an adult; child rates apply with two paying adults.

Is this tour suitable for pregnant travelers?

No, it’s not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal injuries.

Does this tour operate in bad weather?

Yes, it operates in all weather conditions; dress appropriately.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel or port pickup and drop-off in Funchal, all activities along the route such as stops at Câmara de Lobos Bay, Cabo Girão viewpoint with its glass skywalk, Boca dos Namorados lookout over Nun’s Valley, plus guidance from a friendly local driver throughout your journey.