Full day East Adventure Jeep Tour in Madeira Portugal

Exploring Madeira’s East Side with a Jeep Tour: An In-Depth Look

A full-day jeep tour on Madeira promises an adventure filled with sweeping views, off-road thrills, and a taste of local life. This particular tour, operated by Ricardo Off Road Madeira, has earned a perfect 5-star rating from 42 satisfied travelers. Priced at around $78, it offers a well-balanced mix of scenic stops, cultural insights, and fun driving experiences—all within approximately 8 hours.

What really catches our eye? The promise of visiting less crowded routes, which means you’ll escape the busier tourist trails and see more authentic corners of the island. Plus, with guides like Ricardo, Vitor, and Andre, you’re in experienced hands. However, since the tour involves several stops and off-road driving, those prone to motion sickness or looking for a more relaxed day might want to consider their personal comfort.

Designed for curious travelers who want more than just postcard pictures, this tour suits those craving a full-immersion experience—from nature walks and mountain vistas to traditional Madeira houses and local cuisine. If you’re after a day of adventure, learning, and genuine sights, this could be a perfect fit.

Key Points

• Authentic Exploration: Visits to Pico do Arieiro, Ribeiro Frio, Santana, Faial, and Porto da Cruz offer a mix of iconic and hidden gems.
• Expert Guides: Guides like Ricardo and Vitor are praised for their knowledge, friendliness, and personalized attention.
• Off-Road Adventure: Narrow, less crowded roads and off-road paths add excitement and access to lesser-visited locations.
• Cultural and Natural Highlights: Includes levada walks, traditional houses, and stunning ocean vistas.
• Includes Local Cuisine: A delicious, freshly cooked meal and traditional Poncha drink are part of the experience.
• Value for Money: At $78, you get a comprehensive, full-day tour with great reviews about the quality and authenticity.

A Complete Breakdown of the Madeira Full-Day Jeep Tour

Starting the Day at Pico do Arieiro

The tour kicks off early, with pickup offered from your accommodation in Funchal around 9:00 am. First stop: Pico do Arieiro, Madeira’s second-highest point. As you step out of the jeep, you’ll be greeted by panoramic views that stretch across both sides of the island—perfect for photos and just soaking in the scale of Madeira’s rugged landscape.

Traveling along less busy, narrow, off-road roads for about 45 minutes, the journey itself is part of the adventure. Reviewers like Rawan_K appreciated the off-road aspect, mentioning that their guide, Andre, was both cheerful and knowledgeable, making the long drive enjoyable.

Ribeiro Frio and Levada Walks

Next stop: Ribeiro Frio, known for its trout reserve and lush landscapes. Here, you’ll have the chance to explore a levada walk—Madeira’s famous irrigation channels that snake through the mountains. The views of Faial from this vantage point are truly stunning.

This part of the tour emphasizes natural beauty and peaceful walking paths—about 1 hour and 50 minutes including travel. Visitors have remarked on the guide’s expertise, with one saying Andre “knew the island as his back of his hand.” The free admission to the reserve means your main cost here is time and your camera.

The Charm of Santana and Traditional Houses

Moving on, the tour takes you to Santana, renowned for its iconic triangle-shaped houses with thatched roofs. These structures are emblematic of Madeira’s rural architecture. The guides usually introduce visitors to these charming homes, providing insights into local building traditions.

A highlight here is the opportunity to sample a local lunch at a nearby restaurant, often included in reviews. The 2-hour stop allows enough time to wander and enjoy local flavors, with many reviewers mentioning the delicious, freshly cooked meals.

Faial and Guindaste Viewpoint

After lunch, the journey continues to Faial, where a scenic walk leads to Guindaste, an impressive glass platform perched above the ocean. The view from here, according to reviewers, is breathtaking—an excellent place for photos and to appreciate Madeira’s dramatic coastline.

This section, including travel on less busy, narrow roads, lasts about 1 hour and 25 minutes, giving you plenty of time to soak in the scenery. Many travelers, like Katherine_L, highlighted how Ricardo’s knowledge about flora and fauna enhanced the experience.

Porto da Cruz and the Black Sand Beach

The final stop on the tour is Porto da Cruz, famous for its gorgeous black sand beach. It’s a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll, dipping your toes in the Atlantic, or simply enjoying the rugged coast.

The last leg of the journey back to Funchal takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes, providing a relaxed end to a full day of exploration. Reviewers appreciated the balance of activity and downtime, with many noting the peaceful coastal views as a highlight.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

Knowledgeable Guides: From the reviews, guides like Ricardo, Vitor, and Andre are praised for their friendliness, professionalism, and depth of local knowledge. Andre, in particular, seems to shine—being cheerful, engaging, and well-informed about the island’s flora and fauna.

Authentic Experiences: The tour’s focus on less crowded routes means you’ll enjoy quieter vistas and more genuine interactions with local culture, especially at Santana and Porto da Cruz.

Scenic Variety: From mountain peaks to botanical reserves, traditional houses, and ocean views, the itinerary offers a well-rounded look at Madeira’s diverse landscapes.

Food and Drink: The included lunch, typically 15-20 euros, provides authentic local flavors—often praised for its freshness—and the traditional Poncha, a sugarcane spirit mixed with lemon juice, adds a cultural touch.

Value for Price: For $78, the full-day experience includes transportation, guided commentary, cultural insights, and food, making it a good deal for travelers seeking a comprehensive Madeira adventure.

Practical Considerations

While most travelers find the tour well worth the price, it’s a long day—roughly 8 hours—so be prepared for a full schedule. Bringing snacks, tissues, and essentials is recommended, especially since the trip involves a lot of walking and off-road driving.

The tour is suitable for most travelers, with a maximum group size of 12, which helps maintain a personal touch. It’s also accessible for those with service animals and is near public transportation. However, those with mobility issues or difficulty in long walks might want to consider their stamina.

Weather can impact the experience—it’s weather-dependent, and if canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered an alternative date or full refund.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This full-day Jeep adventure is perfect for travelers who want more than just sightseeing—those who delight in getting off the beaten path, learning about local culture, and enjoying natural beauty without the crowds. It’s ideal for curious explorers, families, and those seeking a mix of adventure and relaxation.

If you’re after a personalized experience with knowledgeable guides, stunning vistas, and authentic touches, then this tour checks all the boxes. It’s especially suited for those who appreciate good value and want to capture unforgettable photos along the way.

FAQ

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes transport in classic jeeps, guided commentary, visits to key scenic spots, and a traditional lunch.

Is pickup offered?
Yes, pickup from your accommodation is available, making the start seamless.

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 8 hours, from 9:00 am start to return in the late afternoon.

Are meals included?
Lunch is arranged at local restaurants for around 15-20 euros, and a traditional Poncha drink is also part of the experience.

Can I bring snacks or special dietary requests?
Yes, bringing snacks and tissues is recommended; if you have dietary restrictions, mention them when booking.

What type of roads will we travel on?
Most of the journey involves narrow, less busy roads, with some off-road driving for added adventure.

Is the tour suitable for children or elderly travelers?
Most travelers can participate; however, those with mobility issues should consider their comfort with walking and uneven terrain.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour is weather-dependent; if canceled due to poor weather, a full refund or alternative date will be offered.

How many people are in each group?
Maximum group size is 12, ensuring a personalized experience.

What is the price per person?
The tour costs about $78.36 per person, offering good value given the full-day itinerary and inclusions.

In summary, this Madeira East Adventure Jeep Tour offers an engaging, authentic, and visually stunning way to see the island’s less-visited areas. With expert guides and a balanced itinerary, it’s a fantastic choice for those looking to combine adventure, culture, and natural beauty—perfect for curious travelers eager to explore Madeira’s hidden treasures.