Volcanic Pools and Northwest 4WD Full Day Tour

The best part of this Madeira outing is the change of scenery. In one day, you move from Serra de Água’s mountain roads to Fanal’s misty forest, then down to the black volcanic pools at Porto Moniz. I like the small group of eight or fewer, and I like that fuel, water, local taxes, guiding, and pickup are already covered. The one catch is that the day is busy, with several short stops rather than long walks or a slow visit in one place.

This is also a practical choice from Funchal if you want to see the northwest without arranging a car. Guides such as Hugo and Lino have earned strong praise for their island expertise and friendly manner. Still, you should confirm your preferred language at booking, since a multilingual guide may lead the tour and German-language guiding has not always been available.

Key points at a glance

• Port-friendly timing: The 8:30 a.m. start and port pickup make this useful for a day in Funchal.
• Four-wheel-drive access: You travel beyond the main roads to places such as Estrada das Ginjas, Estanquinhos, and Fanal.
• Madeira’s volcanic side: Porto Moniz brings natural lava pools, while Seixal adds dramatic coastal scenery.
• Small-group format: The vehicle holds no more than eight people, so the day feels more personal than a large coach trip.
• Active but not extreme: Expect views, short stops, and pool time rather than a demanding hike.
• Optional meal upgrade: You can add a 3-course meal with a drink and coffee, but pool admission is not included.

Why this 4WD route works for one day

Northwest Madeira is hard to see well if you are relying on buses or trying to fit several remote stops into a single day. Roads climb steeply, weather can shift quickly, and the points of interest are spread across the island’s western side. This tour handles the driving while you watch the scenery change.

The route lasts about eight hours and starts at 8:30 a.m. Pickup is offered from hotels and the port, which matters if you are staying in Funchal or arriving by cruise ship. Cruise passengers must provide the ship name, docking time, disembarkation time, and re-boarding time when booking. That information helps the operator judge if the schedule fits your time in port.

I see the 4WD as a useful middle ground. You are not confined to a large coach, but you also do not need to worry about narrow roads, steep bends, or finding parking near popular sites. The group limit of eight gives the guide a better chance to answer questions and adjust the pace, though the itinerary still covers a lot of ground.

Serra de Água begins the climb

The first stop is Serra de Água, a mountain valley known for its steep slopes and winding roads. The planned visit is brief, about five minutes, so think of this as a quick photo and orientation stop rather than a full visit.

That short pause still helps set up the rest of the day. Madeira’s interior is not flat or gently rolling. Roads cut through sharp mountain terrain, and the views change with every turn. If you are prone to motion sickness, the combination of bends and 4WD travel is worth considering before you book.

The guide is one of the main advantages here. A good local guide can explain how the route connects the south coast, central mountains, and northwest shore. Hugo has been singled out for his broad understanding of the island and for keeping the day on time. Lino has also been praised for making the route both funny and interesting.

Ginjas, Estanquinhos, and Fanal bring the wildest scenery

The stop at Estrada das Ginjas lasts around 15 minutes. This is one of the places where the 4WD format earns its keep, since the tour uses roads and viewpoints away from the standard sightseeing circuit. You should expect a scenic pause, not a long trek.

Estanquinhos follows as part of the inland section, with Fanal also included before the coast. Exact stop lengths are not given for these two places, so the time may depend on road conditions, weather, and the day’s pace. That flexibility can be useful, but it also means you should not expect equal time at every location.

Fanal is one of Madeira’s most atmospheric areas. The old trees, open hills, and possible mist give this part of the route a different mood from the sunny coast. On a clear day, you may get broad views. In cloud or fog, the trees become the main attraction. Either way, bring a light layer. One guest specifically advised carrying a thin vest because the open upper section of the vehicle can become windy.

The open-top or partly open 4WD setup is fun when the weather is kind. You get more air and a better sense of the mountain roads than you would through a coach window. It is less appealing in cool, wet, or windy conditions, so pack a light jacket even if Funchal feels warm when you leave.

Porto Moniz is the main event

Porto Moniz is the longest scheduled stop, at about 45 minutes. Its natural swimming pools were formed by volcanic lava, and seawater fills the dark rock basins along the coast. This is the moment to bring your swimsuit if you want to get in.

Pool admission is not included in the tour price. That detail is easy to miss, so budget for the separate entrance if you plan to swim. If you prefer not to enter, you can still enjoy the setting and watch the Atlantic wash through the volcanic formations, though 45 minutes may feel long if you are not interested in the pools.

I would wear the swimsuit under your clothes or keep it easy to reach. A towel and spare clothes are sensible additions, though they are not listed among the included items. Bottled water is supplied, but personal swimming items are your responsibility.

The pool stop is also where the tour’s active side becomes clear. This is not only a drive-by sightseeing trip. You have the chance to use one of Madeira’s signature natural bathing areas, so bring footwear and clothing that can handle wet rock. The tour details do not specify pool conditions, changing facilities, or water temperature, so do not build your whole decision around a guaranteed swim.

Seixal adds cliffs and coastal drama

After Porto Moniz, the route continues to Seixal for about 10 minutes. This is a short stop, but it gives you another view of Madeira’s north coast, with steep cliffs and the Atlantic shaping the scene.

The appeal of Seixal is contrast. Porto Moniz focuses on volcanic bathing pools, while Seixal gives you a quick look at the broader coast. You may want to save phone battery for this section because the road views between stops are part of the experience, not just empty travel time.

Do keep your expectations realistic. Ten minutes is enough for a look and a few photographs, not for a beach visit, a long walk, or a relaxed coastal lunch. If you prefer slow travel with generous time at each stop, this route may feel too brisk.

São Vicente closes the loop

The final listed stop is São Vicente, with about 10 minutes to look around. Like Seixal, this is a short introduction rather than a full town visit. It rounds out the northwest route before the return to Funchal.

São Vicente is useful as a final coastal and village perspective after the mountain roads and lava pools. By this point, you will have seen several sides of Madeira in one day: high interior roads, forest, volcanic rock, cliffs, and settled coastal areas.

The tour’s strength is variety. Its weakness is that each stop is tightly timed. You will get a broad sense of the northwest, but not the freedom to linger at a favorite viewpoint or explore São Vicente on foot.

What the 4WD ride is really like

The vehicle is part of the attraction, but it is also the part most likely to divide opinion. The route can be bumpy, and one harsh assessment described the ride as uncomfortable. If you have back or neck problems, ask the operator about the vehicle and road conditions before booking.

There may also be wind when the upper section is open. That is enjoyable in warm weather and less pleasant in cool mountain air. A light jacket is the simplest fix.

Sound can be another practical issue. One guide received criticism because English explanations were hard to follow, and the vehicle did not have a public-address system. This matters when the engine is running or the road is rough. Green Devil Safari uses multilingual guides, but language ability can vary, so state your preferred language clearly when you reserve.

On the positive side, individual guides can make a large difference. Hugo has been praised for being prompt, friendly, and exceptionally informed about the island. Lino has been described as warm, humorous, and well informed. The operator’s overall score is 4.7 from 46 ratings, with 93 percent recommending the experience, but those figures should not hide the occasional issue with language or ride comfort.

Food, water, and the real price

The listed price is $77.79 per person. For about eight hours, a small group, a professional driver-guide, bottled water, fuel surcharge, local taxes, and hotel or port pickup, that is a reasonable price for someone who wants to cover a wide area without renting a car.

The value is strongest for cruise passengers and first-time visitors. You get transport to several remote points, and you avoid paying separately for fuel, parking, and navigation. You also gain local commentary, which can make the mountain roads more than just a transfer between attractions.

The price does not include admission to the Porto Moniz pools. There is also an upgrade for a 3-course meal with a drink and coffee. If you want a simple, organized day, that upgrade may be handy. If you prefer choosing your own meal or need to control the timing, keep the standard option.

A lunch stop is part of the general flow of the day, but the supplied details do not name the restaurant or specify the exact meal schedule. If food matters to you, ask what is included before adding the upgrade.

Who should book this Madeira day tour

I would recommend this tour if you want a broad introduction to northwest Madeira and do not want to drive. It suits cruise passengers, couples, families with older children, and anyone who prefers a guide to handle the roads.

It is especially good for you if these points matter:

• You have only one day in Funchal.
• You want both mountain and coastal scenery.
• You like short scenic stops and a little adventure.
• You want a small group instead of a large coach.
• You are interested in swimming at volcanic pools.
• You are comfortable with a full day and a potentially bumpy ride.

I would hesitate if you need long visits, a quiet vehicle, guaranteed language-specific guiding, or a smooth ride. This is not a dedicated hiking trip, either. You see Fanal and several scenic areas, but the provided schedule does not promise long walks.

Children must be accompanied by an adult. The activity is suitable for most people, but the rough ride and mountain roads are worth weighing carefully if anyone in your group has mobility or comfort concerns.

Booking details that matter

Confirmation is provided at booking. Pickup is available from hotels and the port, with an 8:30 a.m. start. Cruise passengers need to submit ship and port timing details when making the reservation.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start are not accepted for a refund, and the cut-off uses Madeira local time.

Bring a swimsuit for Porto Moniz, a light jacket for the open vehicle and cooler mountain areas, and comfortable clothing for a full day on the road. Bottled water is included, but the pool entrance is separate.

Should you book the Green Devil Safari tour?

Book it if your goal is to see a lot of northwest Madeira in one well-organized day. The combination of Fanal, Porto Moniz, Seixal, São Vicente, and the mountain roads gives you a strong first look at the island’s wilder side. The small group, port pickup, and local guiding make the $77.79 price feel fair.

Skip it if you want to linger, hike, or control every stop. Also think twice if a bumpy ride or uncertain guide language would spoil the day. For the right person, though, this is a lively and efficient way to turn a single day in Funchal into a real taste of Madeira.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts approximately eight hours.

What time does the tour start?

The scheduled start time is 8:30 a.m.

Is hotel pickup available?

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

Is pickup from the cruise port available?

Yes. Port pickup and drop-off are included. Cruise ship passengers must provide their ship name, docking time, disembarkation time, and re-boarding time when booking.

How many people can join the tour?

The maximum group size is eight people.

Is the Porto Moniz pool entrance included?

No. Admission to the Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools is not included in the tour price.

Can I add a meal?

Yes. You can upgrade to include a 3-course meal with a drink and coffee.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the experience starts for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not accepted for a refund.