Shore Excursion – East Madeira Peaks & Santana

Exploring the captivating natural beauty and cultural heritage of East Madeira is an opportunity not to be missed. This small-group adventure takes travelers on a scenic 2-hour drive through lush forests in an open-top 4×4, where they’ll visit the picturesque Santana village and savor a delicious lunch. With convenient pickup options and a range of inclusions, this shore excursion promises an enriching experience for cruise ship passengers and nature enthusiasts alike. What’s more, the tour’s impressive ratings suggest it’s a must-do activity for anyone seeking to uncover the hidden gems of this enchanting region.

Key Points

• Small-group tour exploring the eastern peaks and Santana village of Madeira, with an overall rating of 4.0/5 from 8 reviews.
• Tour includes a 2-hour drive through the forest in an open-top 4×4, a 1-hour visit to Santana, and a 1-hour lunch break with vegetarian and vegan options.
• Pickup is free in Funchal and Canico, with additional fees for other locations ranging from €5 to €20.
• Tour is not recommended for those with back problems, heart conditions, or pregnant travelers, and is not wheelchair accessible.
• Ideal for cruise ship passengers, with the tour starting at 8:30 AM and including the driver/guide, lunch, and gratuities.

Tour Overview

The Shore Excursion: East Madeira Peaks & Santana offers travelers a chance to explore the natural beauty of Madeira Island.

This small-group tour takes visitors to the island’s eastern peaks and the charming village of Santana. With an overall rating of 4.0/5 from 8 reviews, the tour provides a great value, starting from $71.77 per person.

Travelers will ride in an open-top 4×4 through the forest and enjoy a provided lunch with vegetarian and vegan options.

Pickup and drop-off services are available, with free pickup in Funchal and Canico, and additional fees for other locations.

The tour runs on a set schedule, starting at 8:30 AM, and has a maximum group size of 24 travelers.

Itinerary Highlights

Visitors can explore Madeira Island’s beauty with a stop at Santana to see traditional thatched houses and the Fortress of Faial. The tour also takes guests through the forest in an open-top 4×4. Lunch is provided, with vegetarian and vegan options available.

Activity	Duration
Visit to Santana	1 hour
Driving through the forest in an open-top 4×4	2 hours
Lunch	1 hour
Fortress of Faial	30 minutes

The itinerary highlights the unique cultural and natural attractions of East Madeira, allowing travelers to enjoy the island’s rich heritage and stunning landscapes.

Pickup and Dropoff Locations

Pickup and drop-off locations for the East Madeira Peaks & Santana shore excursion vary depending on the starting point.

Free pickup is available at Funchal and Caniço. For other locations, there’s a fee –

€5 per person for Machico, Santa Cruz, Câmara de Lobos, Estreito Câmara de Lobos, and Ponta do Sol;

€10 per person for Camacha, Santo da Serra, Jardim da Serra, Calheta, Caniçal, and São Vicente;

€15 per person for Ponta Delgada, Faial, and Porto da Cruz;

and €20 per person for Porto Moniz, Prazeres, Jardim do Mar, Paul do Mar, Fajã da Ovelha, and Santana.

The tour starts at 8:30 am.

Pickup and Dropoff Fees

A complimentary pickup is available from Funchal and Caniço.

For other locations, there’s a fee-based pickup service. It’s €5.00 per person from Machico, Santa Cruz, Câmara de Lobos, Estreito Câmara de Lobos, and Ponta do Sol (center).

The fee is €10.00 per person for Camacha, Santo da Serra, Jardim da Serra, Calheta, Caniçal, and São Vicente.

It’s €15.00 per person for Ponta Delgada, Faial, and Porto da Cruz.

The highest fee is €20.00 per person for Porto Moniz, Prazeres, Jardim do Mar, Paul do Mar, Fajã da Ovelha, and Santana.

The tour starts at 8:30 am.

Tour Inclusions

The tour package covers the driver/guide, a provided lunch with vegetarian and vegan options, and gratuities. This ensures a hassle-free experience for travelers. The inclusions are summarized in the table below:

Inclusion	Details
Driver/Guide	Provided
Lunch	Vegetarian and vegan options available
Gratuities	Included

The tour’s comprehensive inclusions allow guests to focus on exploring Madeira’s stunning landscapes and traditional villages without worrying about additional costs. This makes the excursion a convenient and value-added option for cruise ship passengers.

Tour Logistics

Cruise ship passengers can conveniently access the tour’s pickup locations, with free pickup available in Funchal and Canico.

For an additional fee, pickup is offered in other areas like Machico, Santa Cruz, and Calheta.

The tour starts at 8:30 am, and the pickup/drop-off points are the cruise terminal or nearby areas.

Infants must sit on laps, and infant seats are available.

The tour isn’t recommended for those with certain medical conditions, but most travelers can participate.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the experience, and a reserve now, pay later option is available.

Additional Information

Confirmation is received at the time of booking.

The tour isn’t recommended for travelers with back problems, heart conditions, or pregnant travelers. Most travelers can participate, but the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

The tour offers the following additional information:

1. Infants must sit on laps, but infant seats are available.
2. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time).
3. A reserve now and pay later option is available.
4. Gratuities are included in the price.

Tour Ratings and Reviews

Travelers have rated this East Madeira Peaks & Santana shore excursion quite highly, with an overall score of 4.0 out of 5 from reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor.

Guests praise the tour’s exploration of Madeira’s natural beauty, including stops at the traditional thatched houses of Santana and the Fortress of Faial. They also appreciate the 4×4 drive through the island’s lush forests.

Reviewers find the included lunch and transportation to be convenient, though a few note the extra fees for pickups outside of Funchal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary or Activities?

The tour itinerary and activities cannot be customized. The tour is offered as a pre-set package, and the inclusions and logistics are fixed. Travelers must follow the provided itinerary and schedule during the experience.

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t have a strict dress code, but participants are advised to wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy shoes. Bringing a light jacket or rain gear is recommended, as the weather in the mountains can be unpredictable.

Are There Any Restroom or Refreshment Stops During the Tour?

The tour includes restroom and refreshment stops. Travelers can use the facilities and purchase snacks or drinks at various points throughout the day. The itinerary allows sufficient time for these breaks.

How Physically Demanding Is the Tour and What Is the Activity Level?

The tour has a moderate activity level, with driving through forests in an open-top 4×4. It’s not recommended for those with back problems or heart conditions, but most travelers can participate. Infants must sit on laps during the tour.

Can I Book This Tour in a Language Other Than English?

According to the tour overview, the tour can be booked in languages other than English, but the specific available languages are not mentioned. Customers should inquire with the tour provider about their language options when booking the tour.

The Sum Up

The "Shore Excursion – East Madeira Peaks & Santana" offers an immersive adventure that showcases the natural wonders and cultural heritage of East Madeira. Guests will enjoy a scenic 4×4 drive, visit the charming Santana village, and savor a delicious lunch. With convenient pickups and tour inclusions, this small-group excursion promises an enriching experience for cruise ship passengers and nature enthusiasts.