Jeep roads, levadas, and glass over the ocean. This full-day East Adventure tour is built for big viewpoints and real island backroads, with a small group size and a local guide who keeps the day moving. Pickup from Funchal and a route that mixes short walks with off-road driving make it a practical way to see the east without renting a car.

I especially like two things: the off-road East route that uses narrower, less busy roads between stops, and the way the day layers experiences—mountain viewpoints, a levada walk, traditional Santana, then an ocean cliff with the Guindaste glass platform. One consideration: it’s long (about 8 hours) and weather-dependent, and lunch isn’t included (though you’ll be guided to a local restaurant option).

Key points before you go on the East Jeep Tour

• Max 12 people keeps the day personal and the jeep ride comfortable
• Off-road driving on quieter roads between major sights cuts down on time stuck with crowds
• Levada walk at Ribeiro Frio adds a nature-and-water channel experience, not just scenery stops
• Guindaste glass platform at Faial gives you a dramatic ocean-overview moment on a short guided walk
• Lunch is arranged, typically €15–€20 per person with a 3-course meal and drink
• English guides and mobile ticket make it easy to fit into your Madeira schedule

East Coast Madeira by Jeep: why this route feels smart

If you want Madeira’s east side in one day, this jeep tour is built like a best-of sampler, but not the sloppy kind where you stop, snap, and rush on. You’ll start around Funchal, then work your way through high viewpoints and calmer rural areas, using narrow off-road roads to move between places.

The payoff is that the day feels varied. You get altitude views at Pico do Arieiro, a nature walk tied to Madeira’s levada water system at Ribeiro Frio, a cultural stop in Santana, then a sea-cliff moment at Guindaste before ending with a stroll at Porto da Cruz’s black sand beach.

Funchal pickup and staying on schedule without stress

This tour runs as a true day program, roughly 8 hours, with set stop times and driving legs in between. That matters, because Madeira roads are twisty and timing can get messy fast—so it helps that pickup and drop-off are handled.

Here’s how the day starts: in Funchal, you’re met in front of your accommodation entrance. Look for the guide’s logo stickers on the jeep. If you’re doing a port pickup, the guide meets you at the entrance holding a board with your name.

You’ll also get a mobile ticket, and the tour is offered in English. It’s a good fit if you want guided context without having to coordinate multiple taxis or buses.

Stop 1: Pico do Arieiro for mountain views that hit from both sides

Pico do Arieiro is the second-highest point on the island, and it’s the kind of place where you understand why people come to Madeira for scenery first. You’ll be there about 1 hour 15 minutes, with viewpoints that stretch out in more than one direction.

The driving to the next stop takes around 45 minutes, which tells you the tour isn’t just a sequence of short, close-together photo stops. You’re getting real travel time too, which usually means the guide is able to choose less crowded roads between sights.

Practical tip: this is a high place, so plan for the weather to shift. Bring a light layer and treat the first stop as your chance to lock in the day’s main views before the route moves into lower valleys and coastal areas.

Stop 2: Ribeiro Frio trout reserve plus a levada walk to Faial

After Pico do Arieiro, you head toward Ribeiro Frio with a less busy narrow off-road road segment of about 60 minutes. Ribeiro Frio is a great stop if you like nature that’s tied to how Madeira actually works day to day—especially through its water channels.

At this stop, you’ll get a chance to discover the trout reserve, then go on a guided levada walk. The route includes amazing views of Faial, so you’re not stuck watching one thing for the whole time—you’ll get the walk experience plus the payoff views.

This is also where the tour earns points for balance. You’re still on the clock, but the program gives you movement and fresh air, not just standing still at viewpoints.

One thing to note: you’ll want comfortable shoes for a guided walk, even if it’s not described as a long hike. If you’re packing for Madeira, treat this as a day where footwear matters.

Stop 3: Santana’s traditional houses and a lunch you don’t have to plan

Santana is where the tour shifts from pure nature to culture. You’ll spend about 2 hours here, and the focus is on the traditional Santana houses—the kind of architecture that makes this part of Madeira feel distinct.

The timing is helpful: the tour sets you up so lunch usually lands around this point. A local restaurant is arranged for the day, and lunch typically runs €15–€20 per person for a 3-course meal with a drink.

If you have food restrictions, add them during booking as a special request. That’s not a minor detail on a day this structured—having it handled up front prevents the awkward last-minute scramble.

Stop 4: Faial and the Guindaste glass platform above the ocean

Faial is next, and the big event is the Guindaste glass platform. You’ll take a walk that leads to it, with views described as amazing, and you’ll spend about 1 hour 25 minutes in this stop area.

This is the moment that feels most like a “wow” postcard, but it’s earned because it’s not just a single viewpoint—you’re getting a guided walk first, then the ocean-outside-the-jeep feel at the glass platform.

If you dislike exposed heights or prefer steady ground, this is the one stop to think about. The platform is above the ocean, and the glass floor can feel intense. On the flip side, if you love dramatic views and you’ve got a good sense of humor for photos, this is likely the best stop for your camera roll.

After Faial, the drive to the next stop is about 40 minutes using quieter roads.

Stop 5: Porto da Cruz black sand beach for a calm finish

Porto da Cruz is where the tour slows down into something more relaxed. You’ll get about 1 hour 30 minutes for a stroll and to discover the gorgeous black sand beach.

This is a nice reset after the mountain and the glass platform. Even if you’re not a beach person, black sand in Madeira has a different look than the typical idea of a beach, and it’s a good place to wander at your own pace for a bit.

Then you’ll head back to your accommodation. The return driving time is about 60 minutes, so you can plan for a full, wrap-your-day routine rather than an early finish.

What the best guides do with a small group (and why it matters)

The jeep itself is fun, but the guides are what keep the day from feeling like a moving checklist. The program runs with up to 12 travelers, which is small enough that you can ask questions and actually hear the answers.

From the guide names and styles you’ll see in this operation—Filipe, Ricardo (and similar names like Philippe/Filip), Francesco, Vitor, and Andre—the common thread is clear: they bring passion for the island. People often talk about guides being upbeat and personable, and there’s also a recurring theme of sharing real details, including local nature and plants, plus practical info on island life.

A small note that shows how the day is run: there’s mention of the lunch being thoughtfully chosen, and of guides adjusting to different ages. One review highlighted how the guide understood the needs of an 85-year-old mother-in-law, which is a good sign if you’re traveling with someone who moves slower but still wants the experience.

Price and value: what $102.58 really covers

At $102.58 per person, you’re paying for a full-day east-side program with transportation, guiding, and a structured route. Pickup is offered, and the tour uses a jeep for off-road sections, which usually means the cost is doing more than just getting you from A to B.

A big value point here is that admission tickets are listed as free at the main stops (Pico do Arieiro, Ribeiro Frio, Santana, Faial, and Porto da Cruz). That matters because it reduces surprise fees and keeps your budget predictable.

The one clear extra is lunch. Lunch is arranged at local restaurants and typically €15–€20 per person for a 3-course meal with a drink. So think of the $102.58 as transportation + guiding + entry-covered stops, and then add lunch if you’re going with the included restaurant plan.

Who this East Adventure Jeep Tour suits best

This tour says most people can participate, and it’s also designed to be accessible in the common sense: service animals are allowed, and it’s near public transportation if you’re not using pickup.

This works particularly well if you’re:

• Short on time and want the east coast in one day
• Interested in a mix of views + short walks + a levada experience
• Traveling with teens or family members who want motion and variety, not a museum day
• People who appreciate local guidance that includes practical island context, not only geography trivia

If your idea of a perfect day is minimal walking, you’ll still get the mountain and beach, but the program includes a levada walk and a walk to the Guindaste glass platform. Pack for movement, keep expectations realistic, and you’ll enjoy it more.

Should you book the Ricardo Off Road Madeira East Tour?

I’d book this if you want a guided East Madeira day that feels active, scenic, and locally informed—and you don’t want to fight the island’s road timing on your own. The combination of Pico do Arieiro, Ribeiro Frio’s levada walk, Santana culture, and Faial’s Guindaste glass platform is a strong “one-day itinerary” blend.

I might skip it if you’re chasing a slow, early-morning-to-lazy-afternoon vibe. This is built as a full-day route, and weather matters. If conditions aren’t good, the tour may be offered on another date or refunded.

FAQ

How long is the Full Day East Adventure Jeep Tour?

It runs about 8 hours.

What is the tour price per person?

The price is $102.58 per person.

Is pickup included, and where do I meet the jeep?

Pickup is offered. In Funchal, meet in front of your accommodation entrance and look for the jeep with the logo stickers. For port pickup, the guide meets you at the entrance holding a board with your name.

What language is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

How many people are in the group?

The tour has a maximum of 12 travelers.

Is lunch included in the price?

Lunch is not included. Lunch is arranged at local restaurants during full day tours, and it typically costs €15–€20 per person for a 3-course meal with a drink.

What if the weather is bad or I need to cancel?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.