Madeira: Porto Moniz 4x4 Jeep Safari & Natural Pools

An Open Jeep Through Madeira's Hidden Valleys, Ending in Natural Pools

You ride in an open jeep through Madeira's remote northwest, climbing to a mountain plateau at 1,500 meters with stops for photos and a levada walk if weather permits. Lunch and a swim happen in Porto Moniz's natural volcanic pools, then you descend the north coast past waterfalls and coastal villages before finishing with a homemade poncha. Hotel pickup and the private jeep are included. Lunch and the levada walk are optional.

Step-by-step itinerary

Northwest Madeira 4x4 Safari Tour

• Transfer from accommodation in UMM jeep
• Relaxed safari tour on old roads and off-road
• Explore Ribeira Brava village and take photos
• Cross Tabua and Lugar de Baixo with photo stops
• Stop for coffee at local bar
• Climb from sea level to Paul da Serra plateau
• Optional levada walk or Fanal Forest walk
• Cross Madeiran tundra plateau with photo stops
• Enjoy views of Seixal, São Vicente, and surroundings
• Stop for photos at scenic viewpoints
• Lunch and swim at Porto Moniz natural pools
• Return via north coast villages and waterfalls
• Stop to contemplate waterfalls
• Finish with homemade Poncha drink

The experience

There's something about climbing into an open-top UMM, an old Portuguese army jeep, that shifts how you see a place. You're not behind glass. You're in it. The driver knows the old roads, the ones that don't appear on most maps, and he's taking you northwest into the kind of landscape that makes you understand why people move to islands and never leave. Cliffs, waterfalls dropping straight into the sea, villages so small they feel like secrets. The jeep holds up to eight people, but the pace is unhurried: stops for photos, explanations about what you're seeing, a coffee break in a local bar where the owner knows the driver by name.

The morning unfolds along the southwestern coastline near Ribeira Brava and Ponta do Sol, then climbs. You're going from sea level to about 1,500 meters on Paul da Serra, the only plateau in Madeira, sometimes called the "Madeiran tundra." The road itself is part of the experience: old asphalt, then off-road, winding through remote valleys. If the weather holds, there's an optional 30- to 40-minute levada walk (a traditional irrigation channel walk) or a forest walk at Fanal, depending on conditions. The driver adapts. It's improvised by design, which means every trip is different. You'll see wildlife, cattle grazing quietly, views across volcanic valleys formed during the island's third phase of eruptions. The plateau crossing takes about 45 minutes, with several stops to take it in.

Around midday you reach Porto Moniz, where you stop for two hours. Lunch isn't included in the price, but it's highly recommended. There are restaurants in the village. The real draw is the natural volcanic swimming pools, fed by the ocean but sheltered by rock formations. You swim, or you explore the village on foot. Either way, it's a genuine pause. The afternoon route back doesn't retrace the mountain roads. Instead you travel the north coast, passing through villages like Ribeira da Janela, Seixal, and São Vicente, where waterfalls drop from the cliffs all the way to the sea. You'll stop to photograph them, maybe swim again if you want. The tour ends with a homemade poncha, a traditional Madeiran drink, which feels like the right punctuation mark.

Bring a bathing suit and towel. Bring a jacket too. The altitude means temperature shifts. The jeep has a cover for weather, so rain won't stop the tour, just change what you see. If you're staying in Funchal, Garajau, or Caniço, you can swap this northwest route for the southwest, northeast, or southeast instead. Hotel pickup is included. The driver collects you and returns you at the end of the day.

What’s included

• Private hotel pickup and return.
• full-day transportation in an open UMM jeep with a cover for weather.
• stops at viewpoints, villages, and photo opportunities along the northwest coast and Paul da Serra plateau.
• an optional 30- to 40-minute levada walk or Fanal Forest walk (weather permitting).
• two hours in Porto Moniz with access to natural volcanic swimming pools.
• a homemade poncha drink at the end of the tour. Lunch in Porto Moniz is optional and not included in the price.

Options for this experience

3 options

Full-day 4x4 tour of Porto MonizUp to 4 per booking · Guide in 4 languages · 09:00Rate for up to 4 people: special price for a maximum of 4 people, pickup is included

Private Full-Day Safari 4x4 in Porto MonizUp to 5 per booking · Guide in 4 languages · 09:00Rate for up to 5 people: special price for a maximum of 5 people, pickup is included

Full-day Safari 4x4 tour in Porto MonizUp to 6 per booking · Guide in 4 languages · 09:00Rate for up to 6 people: special price for a maximum of 6 people, pickup is included

You pick the guide language when booking.

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to1d before

GroupPrivate

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. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelInfant seats availablePets welcomeNot for back problems

Operated by Miguel Is Here

Is this one for you?Choose this if you want to see Madeira's remote valleys, plateaus, and waterfalls in one day without renting a car or planning the route yourself: the private jeep and driver handle navigation, timing, and the flexibility to stop whenever something catches your eye.

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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.

How long is the full tour?

The tour runs a full day. You spend about two hours in Porto Moniz for lunch and swimming, with the rest of the time split between driving, stops for photos and explanations, and optional walks.

What's included in the price?

Private transportation in the UMM jeep and hotel pickup are included. Lunch in Porto Moniz and the levada walk are optional extras.

Can I swim in the natural pools?

Yes. Porto Moniz has natural volcanic swimming pools. You'll have about two hours there, enough time to swim or explore the village. Bring a bathing suit and towel.

Is the levada walk difficult?

It's optional and lasts 30 to 40 minutes, depending on weather. The tour description notes it's suitable for all physical fitness levels, though the overall day involves altitude (up to 1,500 meters) and uneven terrain.

What if the weather is bad?

The jeep has a cover for rain, so the tour runs in most conditions. The levada walk or forest walk is flexible and depends on weather on the day.

Can children go on this tour?

Yes. The minimum age is 5 years, and children must be accompanied by an adult. Specialized infant seats are available.

What should I wear?

Bring a jacket. The altitude means it can be cooler at 1,500 meters. Dress in layers. You'll also need a bathing suit and beach towel for Porto Moniz.

How many people are on the tour?

It's a private tour. The jeep holds up to 8 people (7 clients plus the driver).

Can I change the route?

If you're staying in Funchal, Garajau, or Caniço, you can swap the northwest route for the southwest, northeast, or southeast instead.