Shore Excursion – East Madeira Peaks & Santana

East Madeira peaks and Santana is interesting because you ride an open-top 4×4 through forest roads and up into lookout country, with short stops designed for photos. I love the views from places like Portela and Pico do Arieiro, and I also like how guides such as Lino, Diogo, and Spencer can keep the day moving with good energy and clear island talk. One possible drawback is comfort, since some rear seating setups can feel cramped and bouncy on mountain turns.

You’ll start with pickup tied to your cruise day and then spend the morning and early afternoon bouncing between viewpoints and small towns, ending with higher-altitude scenery. Lunch is not included, but vegan and vegetarian options are available when you stop to eat.

Key highlights before you go

• Open-top 4×4 thrills on forest tracks and mountain roads, with plenty of chances to photograph from outside
• Short, high-impact stops at viewpoints and photo corners, so you see a lot without long waits
• Small group size (up to 8 per group) with English service, capped at 24 travelers overall
• Santana traditional houses time plus an optional paid add-on at Casas Tipicas de Santana
• Lunch flexibility with vegan and vegetarian options, even though lunch itself isn’t included

Riding east Madeira in an open-top 4×4, what you’ll feel

This is one of those island days where the transport matters almost as much as the destination. In an open-top 4×4, you feel wind in your face and you notice the terrain changes fast, from coastal air up into cooler, higher air. It also means you’re not stuck staring out a window, so it’s easier to grab photos at the stops.

The day is paced around quick viewpoint moments. Expect short get-out-and-look breaks, then back in the vehicle for the next climb. It’s fun, but it’s also a reminder that you’re on mountain time, not city schedule, so you should plan on moving steadily for hours.

If you want a calm, sit-still excursion, this may not match your style. If you’re okay with bumpy roads and want the thrill of seeing Madeira from the outside, you’ll likely love the format.

Price and pickup fees from the cruise dock, is it good value

At $82.21 per person, this tour sits in the mid-range for a full day shore excursion. The value comes from a few concrete things: you get a driver/guide, cruise terminal pickup and drop-off, and a small group up to 8 persons, not a giant bus situation.

You also get a lot of “included” viewing time with free stops at Machico, Portela, the Faial viewpoint area, Santana, Ribeiro Frio, and Pico do Arieiro. The one clear paid add-on is Casas Tipicas de Santana, which is listed as not included.

One more practical value point is pickup. If you’re on a cruise day, pickup from the cruise dock is included in the tour price. If you’re staying outside Funchal or Caniço, pickup can cost extra, with fees listed by area (for example, €5 per person for places like Machico and Santa Cruz, and up to €20 per person for farther stops like Porto Moniz and parts of the Santana area). This matters because it can change the final “all-in” cost depending on where you meet.

Machico and Miradouro da Portela: your first viewpoint hits

Machico is your first quick stop, about 10 minutes, and the goal is simple: get your bearings and start appreciating the way the east coast sits against the water. It’s not a long hangout, so treat it as a photo-and-stretch moment, then get ready for the climbs that come next.

Next comes Miradouro da Portela, a viewpoint stop around 5 minutes. These short “peek and go” stops are where the open-top format shines. You don’t need to walk far to feel the altitude and see the wider angles over the terrain.

A possible drawback here is timing. Because the stops are brief, you’ll want to be ready to move as soon as the group is parked. If you’re the type who likes lingering and wandering, you may feel slightly rushed during the first hour.

Porto da Cruz and the Fortress of Faial viewpoint: rugged-looking turns

After your first coastal moments, the route shifts into more rugged scenery. You’ll pass through Porto da Cruz (listed as a stop but without a set time on the schedule you have), then continue to Fortress of Faial, another viewpoint stop around 5 minutes.

At a “fortress viewpoint” kind of spot, you’re usually going for angles and scale. Even if you spend only a few minutes outside, it tends to give you that Madeira feeling: cliffs and curves, and roads that seem to follow the contours rather than fight them.

The practical benefit of keeping these stops short is that you spend less time waiting and more time actually moving through the day’s highlights. The trade-off is you should come with a camera ready and comfortable with a quick in-and-out rhythm.

Santana traditional houses plus Casas Tipicas: what’s included and what costs extra

Santana is where the tour gets cultural, not just scenic. You’ll get time at Santana’s traditional houses for about 15 minutes, and that portion is listed as free.

Then comes Casas Tipicas de Santana for another 15 minutes, but that admission is listed as not included. This is the part to think about before you go. If you’re curious about how these houses are presented and interpreted, you can plan to pay the additional entrance fee. If you just want a look from the outside and a sense of the architecture style, the free traditional houses stop may be enough.

A good way to handle this is to decide your priority early. Do you want the optional ticketed experience, or do you prefer to keep spending contained? Either way, this is one of the clearer “you can see it right away” stops in the entire day.

Balcoes de Ribeiro Frio: the small village and natural park pause

Next is Balcoes de Ribeiro Frio, listed as a small village and natural park area, and it’s free. You don’t get a long time window here in the schedule you provided, but you’ll have enough of a pause to get out, breathe, and reset before the higher-altitude finale.

This kind of stop is useful because it breaks up the intense driving. After multiple viewpoint jumps, Ribeiro Frio offers a more grounded feel. It’s also a chance to slow down for a minute, even if you’re still on a tight excursion timeline.

The main limitation is that if weather is foggy or damp, a “viewpoint-heavy” day can feel flatter than expected. In that case, you’ll rely more on village atmosphere and the general sense of being in a natural area rather than dramatic distances.

Pico do Arieiro viewpoint: the day’s height and photo moment

The last big showpiece is Pico do Arieiro, a viewpoint stop around 15 minutes. This is the moment many people remember because it’s higher up and often where the air feels different. One review noted that the day can end with you rising above the clouds, and that fits with what you should plan for: conditions can change fast as you gain altitude.

Fifteen minutes is short, but it’s long enough for a few good shots if you pick a spot quickly and keep your camera settings ready. This is also the time to think about clothing. Even if Funchal felt warm, the mountains can cool you off.

One consideration: if you’re traveling in a group that’s eager to talk and take time, the guide might keep the schedule tight to reach everyone. If you care about getting your exact composition, be ready at the start of the stop, not five minutes later.

Lunch choices and vegan and vegetarian options, without assuming it’s included

Lunch is not included in the tour price. That means you should plan a bit of cash or a card option for food, and treat lunch as your flexible part of the day.

The good news is that vegan and vegetarian options are available for lunch, so you should not have to compromise your diet just because this is a cruise excursion. Still, because lunch details aren’t fixed in the provided info, don’t assume every place will have the exact dish you want.

If you’re the “I need a plan” type, I recommend you eat before the highest-altitude segment or at the scheduled lunch break, then keep water with you. Mountain roads plus a long day add up, and being slightly under-fueled makes the ride feel harsher than it needs to.

Guides like Lino, Diogo, and Spencer: why the storytelling matters

This tour often feels memorable because of the people behind the wheel. Multiple guides were singled out for making the day entertaining and informative, with names like Lino and Spencer coming up often, plus Diogo and Bruno in separate accounts.

What I like about this kind of guide-led jeep day is that it turns “we drove somewhere” into “I understand what I’m seeing.” A good guide helps you notice small clues: why roads twist this way, what makes an area feel distinct, and how the island’s geography shapes everyday life.

There’s also the humor factor. Lino, for example, was described as funny and playful, and that style can make the bumpy parts feel less annoying. If you’re lucky with your guide, you’ll get that mix of safety focus and island storytelling.

Comfort is worth checking, especially if you’re sensitive to seating

Here’s the honest balance: some riders have complained about seating comfort, especially in the rear of certain jeeps. One account described jump seats with limited views, and another mentioned hard benches and a cramped setup, with no secure restraints noted by that rider. I can’t generalize that to every jeep on every day, but it’s enough of a concern that you should plan for it.

Practical advice: if you book, ask where you’ll be seated and whether there are “proper seats” rather than bench-style seating. If you’re tall, you may not like tight rear positions. If you prefer feeling secure during off-road driving, prioritize seating near the front or in the more standard seat layouts.

Who this East Madeira jeep day is for, and who should rethink it

This tour fits best if you want a full-value sightseeing day with frequent viewpoint moments and a transport that adds excitement. If you like photos, short walks, and learning little facts as you go, this format tends to work well.

It’s also a good choice for celebrating something specific, since people have praised the guides for making the day feel special, not just scheduled. The small-group size helps with that, because you’re more likely to connect with the group you’re riding with.

On the other hand, if you hate bumpy rides, you’re very seat-sensitive, or you get motion discomfort, you should think twice. Bring realistic expectations about comfort. Even when the guide is excellent, the roads are still mountain roads.

Should you book Green Devil Safari for East Madeira Peaks and Santana?

I’d book it if you want an active shore excursion that combines viewpoints, a classic Santana stop, and the thrill of an open-top 4×4. The inclusion of cruise terminal pickup, a small group size, English service, and mostly free viewing stops makes it a solid deal at $82.21.

I would pause before booking if you know you’re uncomfortable with cramped seating or you strongly prefer stable, spacious seating. In that case, ask detailed questions about where you’ll sit. If you can secure a better seat setup, the day has a lot going for it: guides like Lino, Diogo, and Spencer can make the route feel lively, and the final look at Pico do Arieiro can be the kind of payoff you plan a trip around.

FAQ

How long is the East Madeira Peaks & Santana shore excursion?

It runs about 8 hours (approx.).

Is pickup and drop-off from the cruise terminal included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off at the cruise terminal are included.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is listed as 8:30 am.

Is there an extra fee if my pickup is outside Funchal or Caniço?

Yes. Pickup is free for Funchal and Caniço. Extra fees are listed by area, such as €5 per person for places including Machico and Santa Cruz, and higher fees for farther areas.

How many people are in the group?

The tour is listed as a small group up to 8 persons, and it has a maximum of 24 travelers.

Is lunch included, and are vegan or vegetarian options available?

Lunch is not included. Vegan and vegetarian options are available for lunch.

Are entrance fees included for the Santana houses?

Most listed stops are free, but admission to Casas Tipicas de Santana is not included.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, it is offered in English.

What is the cancellation policy?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid is not refunded.