Exorbitant West Tour

Cliffs and pools on Madeira’s west in one day. I really like the hassle-free pickup and I love the long stretch of time at Porto Moniz natural seawater pools. The tradeoff is a full day of mountain roads, and the mini bus can feel a bit tight if you have long legs.

This is an English-speaking, small-group tour (max 15 people) that runs about 8 hours starting at 9:00 am. You get a mobile ticket, service animals are allowed, and you are doing a smart mix of viewpoints plus seaside breaks on Madeira’s west and north coasts, without having to plan routes and parking.

One more thing to know up front: the exact route can shift. Some departures have skipped the Encumeada area due to safety notices about rockfall risk from road authorities, so don’t assume every stop will match the description word-for-word on every date. Weather also matters on the day, especially for cliff views.

Key Things I’d Plan For

• Small group, more guide attention: Fewer people means your driver-guide can actually answer questions and keep the day moving smoothly.
• Cabo Girão is the wow stop: Expect the iconic cliff views and the 580 m free fall experience, with entry cost not included.
• Porto Moniz time is the point: You get a generous window to swim and enjoy the natural seawater pools area.
• Short village stops, big photo payoff: Ribeira Brava, São Vicente, and Câmara de Lobos are brief, but they hit the local vibe fast.
• Route changes can happen: Encumeada may be dropped for safety reasons on some dates.
• The bus can be cramped: Some passengers found legroom and comfort to be a limiting factor.

Price and Logistics: Is $42.24 Good Value?

At $42.24 per person for about 8 hours, the math mostly works because the tour includes a lot that costs extra if you do it on your own: transportation from Funchal, a guide-driver to connect the stops, and multiple scenic locations spread across the west and north. Also, most of the timed stops are listed as free, so you are not paying admission at every turn.

The one obvious splurge on your mental budget is Cabo Girão. The cliff attraction time is short (about 25 minutes) and the admission ticket is not included. If you want the full “skywalk” moment, you should be ready to pay that entry fee.

My bottom line on value: this is a good buy if you want variety in one day and you dislike the stress of bus routes and parking. If you prefer long, slow sightseeing where every place gets a deep lecture, the short stop pattern may feel less satisfying.

Morning Pickup in Funchal, and What That Really Changes

Your day starts with pickup in the Funchal city center and the main tourist areas. If your lodging is outside those zones, you will be directed to the nearest meeting point in Funchal. That matters more than it sounds, because Madeira’s west coast driving is not the kind of thing you want to figure out with a rental car your first day.

The tour maxes out at 15 people, which helps with pacing and questions. In the best moments, you feel like you are riding with a friendly local who knows where the good photo angles are and when to stop for them.

A few practical watch-outs showed up in feedback. One person had trouble hearing commentary due to a sound system issue. Another mentioned air conditioning not working well on their day. And yes, one reviewer also said the mini bus felt cramped if you had long legs. None of that kills the tour, but it’s worth knowing so you can plan for it.

Cabo Girão Skywalk: Europe’s 580 m Cliff Moment

Cabo Girão is the headline act for many people, and it has the numbers to back it up. This is the biggest cliff in Europe, and it drops a dramatic 580 meters, with views you can see from land and sea.

You get about 25 minutes here. That is enough time to take photos, find the best angles, and do the viewpoint experience without burning the whole morning. But it’s also short, so you should keep your time tight once you arrive. If you want fewer rushed pictures, the key is to arrive ready: phone charged, shoes comfortable, and your group already moving.

Admission for the cliff experience is not included, so factor that in. Also, the cliff is weather-dependent. If clouds wrap in, you may get “mood lighting” instead of crisp horizons, which is pretty, but not the postcard version.

Ribeira Brava and Caminho Real da Encumeada (PR12): Rural Madeira in Quick Shots

Next up are two different flavors of “Madeira beyond Funchal.”

Ribeira Brava Beach is tied to a river story. Ribeira Brava translates as Wild River, and the river looks most powerful toward the end of autumn and in winter. In other seasons, the river’s quieter, calmer presence can hide what it does when the water is up. Your stop is about 30 minutes and is listed as free, so it’s mostly for atmosphere, a quick walk, and a coffee break if you find something that looks good.

Then comes Caminho Real da Encumeada PR12, a shorter stop focused on views to the north and south. The time here is about 20 minutes and also listed as free. The walk itself is not described in detail, but the reason people do it is simple: you want the high-road vantage without committing to a bigger hike.

One caution based on real-world operations: some departures have skipped Encumeada due to safety concerns related to rockfall risk and road authority notices. If Encumeada is a must for you, treat it as a possibility, not a promise. Your best bet is to stay flexible and enjoy whatever viewpoint replacement happens on your date.

Porto Moniz Natural Seawater Pools: The Real Win

If you care about swimming, this tour is built around Porto Moniz. You get about 2 hours here, and the natural swimming pools area is listed as free in the tour description.

The pools themselves are basically seawater, with sections enlarged to include warmer marine-water areas. Translation: you can cool off and still have a more comfortable swim than you’d get by jumping straight into open ocean.

Porto Moniz is also more than just the pools. There’s a Centro de Ciência Viva and an aquarium in the area if you feel like staying on land for a bit. And once you leave the town center, the road rises with zigzags and viewpoints that offer strong sightlines over the coastal setting.

A couple of practical notes from feedback. In out-of-season periods, the “main pools” can be closed while the older natural pools stay open. One reviewer also mentioned a small fee at the pools and a queue, so I’d plan time for entry and do not count on finishing everything instantly. If you want a smoother day, wear swim shoes or footwear you can handle around wet areas, and keep an eye on where you need to pay or line up.

For food, Porto Moniz can get busy. One reviewer specifically advised packing your lunch because cafes and restaurants can be crowded and expensive when you arrive. Even if you don’t pack, try to bring at least a snack so you are not forced into your least favorite option after swimming.

Seixal, Véu da Noiva, and That Dockside Coastal Walk

From Porto Moniz, you head toward Seixal, which is the stop used for Miradouro do Véu da Noiva. You get about 20 minutes and it’s listed as free.

This is a classic “short, sweet, see a lot” coast stop. Seixal is between Porto Moniz and São Vicente, and it’s a good place to pause if you’re traveling along the northern coast highway. The idea here is rocky coastline and cliffs with waterfalls, plus a walk along the dock where you can admire the dramatic edges of the coast on both sides of town.

If the clouds are heavy, this stop can still be satisfying because sea mist changes the texture of cliffs and water. But for maximum wow, give yourself a few extra minutes at the best overlook, even if you feel like you’re already late.

São Vicente: Church Above the Rock and a Real Village Feel

São Vicente is tucked into the mouth of Ribeira Grande, described as almost hidden in the hole of a cliff. The houses are centered around the church, and the area has cafes, hotels, and shops, so it’s not just a viewpoint stop.

You get about 20 minutes here, listed as free. That time is usually for a quick walk around the town center and a few photos, plus the highlight mentioned in the tour: the Chapel of St. Vincent sits on top of a rock at the mouth of the river.

This is one of those stops where you don’t need a big plan. Just slow down slightly, pick a direction, and take in the way the town clings to the cliffside setting.

Câmara de Lobos Promenade: Fishing Boats, Small-Town Pace

Your last stretch is the Câmara de Lobos promenade. This is a small fishing village on the west side of Madeira, and the charm comes from the little fleet of fishing boats, painted in bright colors that you can spot on the beach much of the day.

You get about 30 minutes here, listed as free, which is a nice amount of time for wandering. If you want the local taste of the area, keep an eye out for poncha. One reviewer mentioned ending their day with poncha in Câmara de Lobos, which feels very “Madeira” after a day of cliffs and seawater pools.

The practical side: this is also where you can breathe after a lot of driving. If your legs are tired, this stop is friendly. You can do it at a relaxed pace and still feel like you saw something real.

Guides, Driving, and the Pace: Why People Rate This So Highly

A lot of the glowing feedback in the day’s reviews comes down to the human factor: guides and drivers. Names that came up repeatedly include Alex, Renato, Alberto, Charlotte, Rodriguez, and Denis. The praise wasn’t vague. People talked about informative commentary and a friendly, humorous style, plus safe, confident driving on Madeira’s roads.

The pacing also seems to hit a sweet spot for many people. There’s enough time at the pools to swim and enjoy the area, and the short stops elsewhere are not so long that the day drags. One reviewer said they never felt pushed for time, and another praised how the day balanced information with an easy rhythm.

That said, there are some common friction points you should know. If your guide’s sound system has issues, it can make the commentary frustrating. If you are hoping for deep history at every single stop, some guides may focus more on plants or general roadside explanations, and that can feel repetitive if you are not into that topic. And, of course, this is a driving-heavy day. If you dislike long road stretches, choose your expectations carefully.

Who Should Book This West Tour, and Who Might Want Something Else

This tour is a smart pick for:

• First-time visitors who want west and north highlights without building an itinerary
• People who care most about Porto Moniz pools and want a real window to swim
• Travelers who like viewpoints and village stops more than museums

It might not be your best match if:

• You hate cramped seats or long driving days
• You want more time at each place rather than quick stops for photos and walks
• You are very sensitive to audio or commentary, since a sound system problem has happened on at least one departure

The best approach is simple: do this if you want a full-day “greatest hits” sampler with a small-group feel. If you want a slow, detailed, history-heavy trip, you may prefer a different style of tour.

Should You Book the Exorbitant West Tour?

Yes, if your goal is an efficient, scenic west Madeira day with a standout swimming stop. The combination of pickup from Funchal, a small group size, and a well-timed Porto Moniz visit makes this feel like good value for many people.

I’d still book with eyes open. Cabo Girão has extra admission, Encumeada can be skipped on some dates for safety reasons, and your comfort will depend on the mini bus seating and the day’s onboard equipment.

If you want my practical final tip: prioritize Porto Moniz in your mind, and treat the other stops as bonus wins for photos, local atmosphere, and coastal viewpoints. That mindset makes the short stops feel worth it.

FAQ

How long is the Exorbitant West Tour?

It runs about 8 hours.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 9:00 am.

Where does pickup happen?

Pickup is available from Funchal city centre and the main tourist area. If your accommodation is outside those areas, you will be directed to the nearest meeting point in Funchal.

Is the Cabo Girão admission included?

No. The Cape Girão stop lists an admission ticket as not included.

Are the other stops free?

The tour description lists admission as free at most other stops, including Ribeira Brava Beach, Caminho Real da Encumeada PR12, Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools, Miradouro do Véu da Noiva, São Vicente, and Câmara de Lobos.

How big is the group?

The tour has a maximum of 15 travelers.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.