Volcanic Pools and Northwest 4WD Full Day Tour

If you’re visiting Madeira and only have one day to explore its rugged, scenic northwest, a guided tour like this Volcanic Pools and Northwest 4WD Full Day Tour might just be your best bet. While we haven’t personally taken it, the reviews and detailed itinerary paint a vivid picture of an adventure packed with natural wonders, fun off-road driving, and authentic Madeira experiences.

What makes this tour appealing? First, it’s a great way to see top natural attractions in a single day, especially if your time on the island is limited. Second, the small-group format—capped at just eight travelers—means you’ll likely get a more personalized, engaging experience. Third, the expert guides seem to make all the difference, sharing local insights and keeping the journey lively.

A point to consider is that since the tour involves a fair amount of driving and several stops, it might be less suitable for those prone to motion sickness or seeking a more relaxed, scenic-only day. Overall, if you’re active, curious, and want to discover Madeira’s hidden corners with a knowledgeable guide, this tour offers a well-rounded, value-packed option.

This adventure is perfect for adventurous travelers, first-time visitors eager to cover a lot of ground, or families wanting a fun, educational day out. If you love discovering natural landscapes through engaging tours, keep reading to see what you can expect.

Contents show

Key Points

Small group size offers personalized attention and a more intimate experience.
Diverse stops include volcanic pools, waterfalls, cliffs, and scenic villages—ideal for nature lovers.
Expert guides enhance the experience with local knowledge, making each stop more meaningful.
Comfort and convenience are prioritized with hotel pickup, bottled water, and clear communication.
Value for money is strong at around $77, considering the full day, multiple stops, and inclusions.
Some stops like Porto Moniz are not included in the ticket price but are still worth the visit.

A Deep Dive into the Itinerary

Here are more experiences we've reviewed in Madeira

Starting Off: Serra de Agua and Estrada das Ginjas

The tour kicks off at 8:30 am with hotel pickup, which is convenient if your accommodation is centrally located in Funchal. The first stops are Serra de Agua and Estrada das Ginjas, quick 5-15 minute stops that set the tone with lush views and fresh mountain air. These spots don’t require an entrance fee, making them perfect for photo ops and stretching your legs. A review mentions that counting tunnels during the drive is an amusing challenge, highlighting the scenic, tunnel-filled roads that Madeira is famous for.

Scenic Highlights: Estanquinhos and Fanal

Next, you’ll make your way to Estanquinhos, a charming village with traditional stone houses and stunning mountain vistas, and Fanal, known for its ancient cork oak forests and misty, mystical ambiance. The reviews note that guides like Hugo and Lino are quite knowledgeable, sharing tidbits about flora, fauna, and local history, which makes these stops more than just pretty scenery—they’re educational too.

Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools

The highlight for many is Porto Moniz, home to the island’s famous volcanic lava pools. With around 45 minutes here, you can take a refreshing dip, although the admission fee isn’t included in the ticket price. Travelers rave about these natural pools, describing them as “amazing” and perfect for cooling off after a morning of sightseeing. Several reviewers mention bringing a bathing suit and enjoying the water’s clarity and warmth. One reviewer even noted that the pools are a must-see, and the stop offers the chance to relax and take in spectacular ocean views.

Off the Beaten Path: Seixal and São Vicente

Following Porto Moniz, the tour stops in Seixal, a quiet village with black sand beaches and scenic waterfalls, and São Vicente, a charming volcanic town known for its caves and volcanic formations. These brief, 10-minute stops are ideal for photo opportunities and soaking up local atmosphere. Reviewers mention that these spots allow for a quick but meaningful glimpse into Madeira’s diverse landscape.

There's plenty more to explore in Madeira

Practicalities and Value

The entire day lasts approximately 8 hours, balancing travel time with sightseeing and breaks. The inclusion of hotel pickup and drop-off means you won’t have to worry about finding the meeting point, a big plus for visitors unfamiliar with Funchal. The tour’s price of $77.79 per person is reasonable considering the length, the multiple stops, and the experience level of the guides.

Fuel, taxes, bottled water, and guide services are included, which adds to the transparency and simplicity of the price. While the Porto Moniz pools aren’t included in the ticket cost, the combination of scenic stops and natural wonders offers excellent value overall.

The Guides and Group Size

From reviews, guides like Hugo and Lino receive praise for their knowledge and friendliness, making the tour informative and fun. The small group size (up to 8 travelers) ensures that you won’t feel lost in a crowd and can ask questions freely. Several reviewers mention that guides shared interesting facts about flora, fauna, and local history, enriching the experience beyond just sightseeing.

Comfort and Experience

The vehicle is a 4×4, perfect for tackling Madeira’s rugged terrain. Reviewers note that the drive can be bumpy but enjoyable, especially with guides who keep the mood lively. One reviewer suggested bringing a thin jacket, as it can get windy when windows are open. The tour is suitable for most travelers, including children (with adult supervision), though those prone to motion sickness might want to prepare accordingly.

Authentic Touches and Reviewer Insights

Reviews provide some helpful tips: one traveler mentions that counting tunnels is fun, hinting at the scenic, tunnel-heavy roads. Another reviewer appreciated the knowledgeable guides, highlighting Hugo’s promptness and local expertise.

Some guests wished for better English communication, noting that guides like Juan had strong flora and fauna knowledge but limited English skills, which made understanding more challenging. This highlights the importance of small-group tours with attentive guides.

A German-speaking traveler praised the tour’s interest and humor, noting guide Lino’s friendliness and knowledge, and suggesting to bring a light jacket for the drive.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour suits adventurous families, first-time visitors, or anyone wanting a comprehensive snapshot of Madeira’s natural beauty. If you’re looking for a fast-paced, activity-rich day, this fits the bill. It’s particularly appealing if you enjoy off-road adventures, scenic drives, and natural swimming pools. Travelers who appreciate local insights and guide interaction will likely find this experience engaging and worthwhile.

On the flip side, those seeking a relaxed, leisurely day with minimal movement or who are sensitive to rough rides might prefer other options. Also, if you’re a dedicated beach lover, the pools are a highlight but not the only reason to choose this tour.

The Sum Up

In essence, the Volcanic Pools and Northwest 4WD Full Day Tour offers a compelling way to see Madeira’s rugged western coastline and its volcanic marvels. With expert guides, a small group format, and a carefully curated itinerary, it balances adventure with education, making it well worth its price tag for active, curious travelers.

The stops at Porto Moniz, Seixal, and São Vicente showcase the island’s geological wonders and picturesque villages, while the off-road drive adds a fun, thrill-seeking element that most visitors will enjoy. The inclusion of hotel pickup makes it convenient, and the honest reviews suggest that guides like Hugo and Lino really enhance the experience with their local knowledge and friendly approach.

All in all, this tour is best for those wanting a full day of exploring Madeira’s wild, natural side with a dash of adrenaline and plenty of photo-worthy moments.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, making it easy to start and end your day comfortably.

What is the tour duration?
It lasts approximately 8 hours, allowing enough time to enjoy each stop without feeling rushed.

Can children join this tour?
Yes, children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult. It’s suitable for most travelers, but those sensitive to bumpy rides might want to consider.

Are entrance fees included?
Some stops, like Porto Moniz, require an admission fee that is not included in the ticket price. You might find it worth paying for a swim or just to enjoy the scenery.

Is the tour suitable for people with limited mobility?
Since the tour involves off-road driving and walking at multiple stops, it may not be ideal for those with mobility issues.

How many people are in the group?
The tour is limited to 8 travelers, ensuring a more personal experience and greater guide interaction.

What should I bring?
Pack a bathing suit if you plan to swim, a jacket for the drive, and plenty of water. Comfortable shoes and camera gear are also recommended.

What language are the guides speaking?
Most guides are multi-lingual, but reviews suggest that English-speaking guides are available and knowledgeable.

This Madeira tour promises an active, visually stunning day that highlights the island’s volcanic origins and natural beauty. Whether you’re an adventure lover or simply eager to see Madeira’s wild side, it’s a trip worth considering.