Northeast Madeira by 4×4 changes your whole viewpoint. This Green Devil Safari shore excursion is built for small-group comfort, with pickup from the cruise area and a local guide who helps you make sense of what you’re seeing. One thing to plan for: the ride can get bumpy and sometimes intense on rougher tracks, and there’s no lunch included in the price.

What I really like is how the day mixes classic north-coast stops with time in Santana for the traditional area and its details. You also get a strong chance at scenic photo moments at viewpoints like Arco de São Jorge and Ponta de São Lourenço, without the long, slow bus feel.

Key things to know before you go

• Small group up to 8 with a local guide, not a big-coach shuffle
• Built-in Santana time (about 45 minutes) plus an extra stop for Casas Típicas de Santana (admission not included)
• Off-road driving experience that can feel scary at times, even if it’s part of the fun
• Photo-stop pacing with short stops (some around 5–15 minutes) so you can see a lot in a cruise window
• Pickup cost depends on your location outside Funchal/Caniço (fees range from free to €20 per person)
• English is available and the day is designed for visitors on a single shore visit

Why this Northeast Madeira 4×4 route feels different from big buses

This is the kind of Madeira day that helps you understand the island’s “why” fast. Instead of only sticking to main roads, the 4×4 route puts you closer to the north and east side views that most cruise excursions skip.

I also like the value mix: you’re paying for transportation, guided context, and the small-group format. The $78.10 price makes more sense when you remember that big buses usually can’t reach the same off-road viewpoints, and you don’t have to rent a vehicle yourself.

The other plus is the time structure. You get a long enough day (about 7 to 8 hours) to do real sightseeing, but the stops are short enough that you’re not stuck watching the same road turn into the same road.

Getting picked up at 8:30am and back for your cruise day

The tour starts at 8:30am. You’ll be told your correct pickup time after confirmation, and you’ll be picked up outside the cruise terminal area and returned there at the end.

Pickup is included for Funchal and Caniço. If your cruise terminal pickup spot is outside those areas, there are set extra fees per person, including:

• Free pickup in Funchal, Caniço
• €5 per person: Machico, Santa Cruz, Câmara de Lobos, Estreito Câmara de Lobos, Ponta do Sol (center), cruise dock/harbour
• €10 per person: Camacha, Santo da Serra, Jardim da Serra, Calheta, Caniçal, São Vicente
• €15 per person: Ponta Delgada, Faial, Porto da Cruz
• €20 per person: Porto Moniz, Prazeres, Jardim do Mar, Paul do Mar, Fajã da Ovelha, Santana

That fee structure matters. If your ship’s dock makes your pickup effectively “farther out,” you’ll want to confirm the pickup zone early so you can plan your total day cost.

Also, this is a shore excursion with a tight schedule, so be ready at the meeting point. If you’re even a little late, the whole day’s timing can get stressed because you’re not building in buffer time.

São Vicente, Ponta Delgada, and Boaventura: north-coast stops with quick payoff

This stretch is about getting your bearings on Madeira’s north side. You’ll make a stop in São Vicente, where the admission is free and the time is short (about 10 minutes). It’s not built for a long walk, so think of it as a reset: fresh air, quick photos, and a chance to take in the coastline before the road starts climbing again.

Then you’ll move through other north/east stops such as Ponta Delgada and Boaventura. Even without long stays, these are the kind of places that work well on a guided 4×4 day because the guide can explain what you’re looking at while you’re there.

The main drawback here is also the timing style. If you love spending 45 minutes to an hour somewhere, these quick stops can feel short. If you’re more into “see it, understand it, move on,” the pacing fits the cruise format well.

Arco de São Jorge and São Jorge viewpoints from the 4×4

Arco de São Jorge is one of those stops you’ll remember because it’s all about perspective. On this tour, you’re arriving in a way most visitors can’t—by following the island’s roads and tracks that lead to viewpoints that feel tucked into the terrain.

From there, you’ll continue to São Jorge for another free-admission stop. Again, the time isn’t described as a long linger, but that’s the point: these are viewpoint breaks where you step out, look, and let the guide point out what matters.

One practical thought: this part of the day is likely to include uneven ground and changing wind exposure. Wear shoes that grip. Bring something light for mist or breeze if your cruise day starts foggy.

Also, if you get motion sick, consider sitting in a spot that feels most stable in the vehicle. The ride can be very rough at moments, and the off-road nature is part of what you’re paying for.

Santana: the main event with traditional houses and Madeira flavors

Santana is where the day shifts from “look at the island” to “experience Madeira culture.” You’ll have around 45 minutes there, and admission for that first Santana segment is free.

This stop is a smart use of your limited shore time. You can eat, browse quickly, and take photos without feeling like you’re rushing at the end. Since lunch isn’t included, this is where you’ll likely want to plan for buying something—either a meal or at least snacks and water.

There’s also a second Santana stop for Casas Típicas de Santana (about 15 minutes), and the important detail is that admission there is not included. So if you want to go inside, budget for that extra cost.

One standout from the experience is a more “Madeira” style stop connected to rum. The day includes a stop at a rum-related place where you can taste Madeira’s rum. It’s the kind of tasting that feels worth the detour because it ties the island’s story to something you can actually take home in your memory—plus the flavors are a nice break from constant driving and viewing.

Porto da Cruz, Caniçal, and Ponta de São Lourenço photos in the final stretch

As you head toward the east end of the route, Porto da Cruz becomes another quick but satisfying stop (about 15 minutes). Admission is listed as free here, which keeps the day’s costs more predictable.

Then you pass through Caniçal, and you’ll end with Ponta de São Lourenço for a very short photo window (about 5 minutes). That last stop is short on purpose. It’s designed for quick “wow” moments, especially if you’re seeing this coast for the first time.

This ending is also a good sign of pacing. You’re not spending all day on one side of the island. You’re getting a finish that feels like a payoff: ocean-facing views and dramatic coastline angles right before you head back.

If you’re the type who takes lots of photos, arrive ready to move fast. In this final stretch, the time window is tight, so phones and cameras should be easy to grab.

Price, group size, and what you get for your $78.10 ticket

At $78.10 per person, you’re buying more than a ride. The ticket includes local taxes, pickup and drop-off at the cruise terminal area, and a small group size of up to 8 persons, plus a local guide.

That “small group” part is a big value driver. It usually means fewer delays, less waiting, and more flexibility for the guide to pause for explanations or photos. It also tends to make off-road touring more comfortable because you’re not squeezed into a packed vehicle.

You should also compare this price to what you’d pay for two separate things:

1) a guided tour, and

2) a way to reach places bigger vehicles can’t reach easily.

This tour folds both ideas into one day. You still have to handle food on your own since lunch isn’t included, but the rest of the day’s core costs are covered.

Another value point: most stops have free-admission notes listed, so you’re not constantly checking entrance fees. The one main exception called out is the Casas Típicas de Santana admission, which isn’t included. If that house-area visit matters to you, treat it as your main “extra” expense.

Finally, there’s a practical ceiling: the activity lists a maximum of 24 travelers. In practice, with the smaller-group setup, you won’t feel like you’re part of a huge crowd, but it’s still good to know the tour isn’t one-on-one.

Who this shore excursion is best for (and who should skip it)

This tour fits best if you want:

• a north/east Madeira snapshot without renting a car
• a guide who explains what you’re seeing (especially at viewpoints)
• a more adventurous driving style than standard sightseeing tours
• a day that stays within cruise limits but still covers multiple highlights

It may be a mismatch if you:

• dislike rougher roads or feel nervous on uneven terrain
• need long, unhurried stops at every location
• expect lunch and paid admissions to be fully included

If you’re traveling with kids, note that children must be accompanied by an adult, and the ride experience may be intense at moments. If your group includes someone who gets motion sick, plan seating thoughtfully and bring what you need.

Should you book this Santana Northeast 4×4 tour?

If your goal is to see more of northeast Madeira than the typical cruise loop, I’d book it. The combo of pickup at the cruise area, a small-group guide-led format, and off-road access to viewpoints like Arco de São Jorge and Ponta de São Lourenço is exactly the kind of cruise-day win you want.

Also, Santana is used well here. You get enough time to eat and walk around, plus an optional add-on style stop for Casas Típicas de Santana. Add the rum tasting possibility and you’ve got more than just scenery.

Just go in with realistic expectations: it’s a fast-moving 7 to 8 hours, and the ride can be a bit intense. If that doesn’t scare you off, this is a strong value way to experience Madeira’s north and east in one day.

FAQ

What time does the Santana Northeast 4×4 shore excursion start?

The tour starts at 8:30am.

How long is the tour?

Plan on about 7 to 8 hours.

Is pickup and drop-off included?

Yes. Pickup/drop-off at the cruise terminal area is included.

Where do they offer free pickup?

Free pickup is listed for Funchal and Caniço. Other areas have extra pickup fees.

How much extra is pickup if you’re outside Funchal/Caniço?

Extra fees range from €5 to €20 per person depending on the pickup area.

How big is the group?

The experience is described as small group up to 8 persons, with a maximum of 24 travelers for the activity.

What language is the tour guide?

The tour is offered in English.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included.

Are admission tickets included for all stops?

Most stops list free admission tickets, but Casas Típicas de Santana admission is not included.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

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