Morning jeep rides here are never dull. This East Madeira Peaks & Santana shore excursion mixes big-view stops with small-town breaks, all from an open-top 4×4 that’s built for photos. I love the way the route keeps changing—coast views, forest driving, then up to the high viewpoint at Pico do Arieiro. I also like that you’re in a small group (up to 8 in the vehicle) with real guided narration from drivers like Lino, Diogo, Spencer Thorpe, or Bruno. One thing to consider: some jeeps can have cramped seating and a few seats may be less comfortable than you’d expect, especially in the back rows.

You’ll start with coastal Machico, then swing through viewpoints like Miradouro da Portela and the Faial Fortress area before reaching Santana’s traditional houses and Ribeiro Frio. The day has a good rhythm of short photo stops (mostly 5–15 minutes) rather than long walks, which is great for a cruise-day tour. The main drawback is that lunch isn’t included, and the Santana Casas Tipicas ticket is also not included—so plan for extra spending if you want to go inside.

Key things to know before you go

• Open-top 4×4 driving through the eastern forests makes the views feel close, not distant
• Small-group setup (up to 8 passengers in the jeep) keeps the tour personal even though there’s a maximum of 24 travelers overall
• Santana tradition on the schedule, including time for the village’s iconic houses and an optional Casas Tipicas stop
• Pico do Arieiro is the high point, and timing matters if clouds roll in
• Guide personality matters—some guides like Lino (and others including Diogo and Spencer Thorpe) bring humor plus strong local know-how
• Seat comfort varies by jeep, so it’s worth thinking about where you sit

Open-top 4×4: why the east-Madeira drive feels special

This is one of those tours where the ride is half the fun. You’re not sitting in a sealed bus watching the island blur by. Instead, you’re in an open-top 4×4, so you feel the turns, the climbs, and the breeze. That matters on Madeira, where the east side can go from coastal air to cooler uplands pretty quickly.

The route is also designed for frequent “camera-ready” moments. You get multiple viewpoints—Miradouro da Portela, the Faial Fortress area, and then Pico do Arieiro—so your day isn’t just one long scenic drive. It’s more like a sequence of stops that let you stand, look, snap a few photos, and move on.

One practical tip: bring what you’d bring for a mountain ride, not just beach weather. Even in daytime, conditions can change fast—cooler air when you climb, wind when the jeeps are exposed. A light layer helps, and sunglasses plus sunscreen are smart even if the sky is partly cloudy.

Price and value: what you’re paying for (and what’s extra)

The tour price is $82.21 per person for about 8 hours. For that, you get a driver/guide and pickup and drop-off at the cruise terminal. You also get a small group format—up to 8 persons in the vehicle—rather than a huge crowd experience.

That’s the real value here. Madeira’s best views are spread out, so a small jeep gives you flexibility and a more human pace than you’d get on a big tour coach. Guides on this route also seem to make a difference. In the accounts you’ll see strong praise for drivers who combine island facts with personality, including Lino, Diogo, Spencer Thorpe, and Bruno.

Now the costs that may catch you by surprise:

• Lunch is not included. You’ll want cash/card for a meal stop.
• Casas Tipicas de Santana admission is not included. You can choose whether it’s worth paying for the inside experience.
• Pickup outside Funchal/Caniço may add an extra fee (more on that below).

If you’re trying to keep costs predictable, eat before you go or plan a budget for lunch. If you love architecture and want the full Santana experience, factor in the Casas Tipicas ticket.

Getting picked up in Funchal: timing and pickup fees you should check

Start time is 8:30 am. Because this is tied to cruise operations, you’ll receive confirmation at booking with the correct pickup time. Your pickup is outside the cruise terminal area.

One important detail: free pickup depends on where you’re starting.

• Free pick up: Funchal and Caniço
• €5.00 per person: Machico, Santa Cruz, Camara de Lobos, Estreito Camara de Lobos, Ponta do Sol (center), and the cruise dock/harbour
• €10.00 per person: Camacha, Santo da Serra, Jardim da Serra, Calheta, Caniçal, São Vicente
• €15.00 per person: Ponta Delgada, Faial, Porto da Cruz
• €20.00 per person: Porto Moniz, Prazeres, Jardim do Mar, Paul do Mar, Fajã da Ovelha, Santana

If you’re not staying in Funchal or Caniço, double-check the pickup location fee early. It’s an easy way to avoid a last-minute surprise.

Stop 1: Machico for quick coastal grounding

The day starts with a first stop at Machico (about 10 minutes). There’s no admission ticket needed for this stop.

Machico is a good “get your bearings” town. It gives you a quick feel for the coast before the drive pushes inland. Think of this as the calm warm-up before the viewpoints start stacking up.

Because the stop is short, don’t plan to wander far. Use the time to:

• take a couple photos,
• scan the area for landmarks,
• and be ready when the jeeps roll again.

Stop 2: Miradouro da Portela viewpoint (photo time, minimal walking)

Next comes Miradouro da Portela, a viewpoint stop of about 5 minutes, also listed as free. This is exactly the kind of stop you want on a shore excursion: quick, scenic, and low-stress.

You’ll get a perspective that makes the east side feel “layered”—the island dropping away toward the coast, with curves and ridges visible from above. This is where you’ll realize why Madeira is famous for vertical variety: you can see multiple levels from one pull-off.

Porto da Cruz and the Faial Fortress area: viewpoints with that off-road edge

After the Portela viewpoint, the route includes Porto da Cruz, followed by a stop at the Fortress of Faial viewpoint (about 5 minutes, free).

Two things make these stops worth your attention:

1. They break up the day so it doesn’t feel like the jeep is only transporting you between “samey” overlooks.
2. They match Madeira’s character: strong coastal towns paired with high vantage points where you can see how the terrain shapes everything.

If you’re prone to motion sickness, this is also a good place to settle in mentally. The jeeps can bounce a bit on mountainous roads, and your body will thank you if you take a steady breath and keep your eyes on the horizon when possible.

Santana: traditional houses and what to do with your time

The tour then reaches Santana (about 15 minutes, no admission ticket required for the main traditional houses stop). Santana is one of Madeira’s most photo-focused areas, known for its traditional house style and strong local identity.

A key detail here: there’s a second stop called Casas Tipicas de Santana. Admission is not included for this specific attraction.

So you have a simple decision:

• If you mostly want the look from outside and quick photos, you may not need to pay extra.
• If you want a more complete experience inside the traditional house setting, you’ll want to budget for the ticket.

Either way, 15 minutes goes fast. I’d treat this stop like a sprint:

• get the classic exterior shots first,
• then decide if the Casas Tipicas ticket is worth your time that day.

Balcões de Ribeiro Frio: a village break with fresh air vibes

Next is Balcoes de Ribeiro Frio, described as a small village / natural park area, and listed as free.

This stop is less about one single photo and more about atmosphere. It gives you a break from the coast-to-summit rhythm and a chance to slow down for a few minutes. If you’ve been watching the same type of coastline views, this is where the scenery shifts.

Use this time to reset:

• check your camera battery,
• refill water if you brought a bottle,
• and grab a small snack if your lunch plans are later.

Pico do Arieiro: the day’s biggest viewpoint payoff

Your final major highlight is Pico do Arieiro (about 15 minutes, free admission). This is the kind of stop where timing and weather matter. When conditions cooperate, you get that dramatic “above it” feeling people chase on Madeira.

One of the best parts of this stop is that it often feels like the tour climbs into a different world. You’re higher, the air is sharper, and the island can look like it’s stretching under the clouds rather than just beside them.

Because the stop is 15 minutes, don’t expect a long stroll. Plan for:

• a short walk to a good viewpoint angle,
• a few photos,
• then back to the jeep before the light shifts too much.

Lunch isn’t included: how to plan for food (and vegan/vegetarian needs)

Lunch is not included. The good news: vegan and vegetarian options are available for lunch.

So if you have a dietary preference, you’re not stuck. Still, you’ll want to be practical:

• decide in advance whether you’ll eat on-site,
• and bring a backup snack if you’re the type who gets hungry before a meal.

Because the schedule is built around short sightseeing windows, eating takes up time you can’t “flex” too much. If you arrive hungry at lunch, you’ll feel it later when you’re trying to absorb the higher viewpoint at Pico do Arieiro.

Guide personality: Lino, Diogo, Spencer Thorpe, and Bruno make the day

This is the kind of tour where you can feel the difference between a guide who reads notes and a guide who actually knows the island.

You’ll see repeated praise for guides such as Lino (including the nickname Crazy Driver), Diogo, Spencer Thorpe, and Bruno. The pattern: humor, good driving, and clear explanations that help you understand what you’re looking at—rather than just being dropped at viewpoints.

One caveat based on negative feedback: on some days, communication can be weaker, and you may not remember the route as clearly if the guide doesn’t explain much along the way. The best move is to ask simple questions at the start:

• what the “must-see” moment is today,
• and where to focus your photos on each stop.

Guides are the difference between a fun drive and a truly satisfying day.

The big caution: seating comfort on open-top jeeps

I have to flag this. One of the most negative points you’ll see is about comfort and seat setup. Some jeeps use arrangements like jump seats or hard benches, and the back can feel cramped—especially with passengers sitting facing each other. In at least one account, there were no seatbelts noted.

That doesn’t mean every jeep is like that. It means you should take seat comfort seriously when booking this kind of off-road tour.

What you can do:

• If you have a preference, ask about which jeep/which seats you’ll get.
• If you’re tall, plan for less legroom than you’d have in a standard van.
• If you’re sensitive to bouncing, bring something that helps (layers, and a position that lets you see forward can make a difference).

If you’re coming from the cruise and want a super-relaxing day, this might not be it. If you can handle uneven roads and you’re prioritizing views, it can be a great trade.

Who should book East Madeira Peaks & Santana?

This tour fits best if you want:

• many viewpoints in one day,
• an off-road feel without long hikes,
• a small-group jeep experience from Funchal,
• and the classic Madeira mix of coast towns, Santana tradition, and high-altitude scenery.

It might be less ideal if you:

• need very roomy seating for comfort,
• have difficulty with cramped vehicle layouts,
• or are very sensitive to vibration and mountain driving.

Also, it’s a good match for people who enjoy a guide-led day. When the guide brings humor and good explanations, you’ll remember the places more than just the photos.

Should you book this shore excursion?

Yes—with one smart condition. Book it if you’re excited about the open-top jeep format and you want a packed east-Madeira day with stops like Machico, Miradouro da Portela, Santana, Ribeiro Frio, and Pico do Arieiro. The small-group size and the chance to get great viewpoint photos are the main reasons it’s worth the money.

But before you commit, consider seat comfort. If you know you’re prone to discomfort on bumpy rides, message the operator and ask about the specific seating arrangement, and try to request a better seat if possible. If the day is mainly about views and you can handle tight spacing, this tour can deliver a memorable Madeira day without needing a car.

FAQ

FAQ

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

It’s listed at about 8 hours (approximately).

Is lunch included in the price?

No, lunch is not included. Vegan and vegetarian options are available for lunch.

What’s included in the tour price?

The included items are the driver/guide, pickup and drop-off at the cruise terminal, and a small group setup (up to 8 persons). The tour is offered in English.

Where are pickup points, and do I pay extra outside Funchal?

Pickup is free in Funchal and Caniço. There are extra fees for other areas, such as €5 per person for Machico/Santa Cruz/etc., €10 for Camacha/Santo da Serra/Jardim da Serra/etc., €15 for Faial/Porto da Cruz, and €20 for Porto Moniz and several other west/southwest areas.

Are admission tickets included at Santana?

Casas Tipicas de Santana admission is not included. Other listed viewpoint/town stops in the route are shown as free admission.

How big is the group on the jeep?

The tour lists small group size up to 8 persons in the vehicle, with a maximum of 24 travelers for the overall activity.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 8:30 am.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.