Seixal is a standout spot on Madeira’s west coast, especially if you’re after authentic nature experiences and a taste of local life. Its lush landscapes, striking volcanic pools, and black-sand beaches make it a natural choice for outdoor tours. We particularly love the Madeira: Seixal Canyoning Level 3 Adventure for adrenaline seekers and the Madeira: Fanal Forest, Seixal Beach & Porto Moniz Jeep Tour for a comprehensive exploration of the area’s highlights. These tours are well-designed to showcase Madeira’s rugged beauty, and they include memorable moments like swimming in volcanic pools or walking through ancient forests. For a family-friendly splash, the Group Surfing Lesson with Equipment offers a fun introduction to catching waves with a professional instructor — a great way to enjoy Madeira’s coastline.
This guide features a mix of adventure, scenic drives, and cultural exploration. Whether you want a private day tour to see the north coast, a lively surfing lesson, or an off-road Jeep adventure, we’ve included options that suit different interests and energy levels. Each offers a unique view of Seixal and Madeira’s stunning landscapes. Now, let’s dive into the details of each top-rated tour.
1. Funchal: Private Madeira North Coast Tour with Pickup
At number 1, this private tour takes you along Madeira’s north coast, where rugged cliffs, lush forests, and charming villages await. It’s perfect for travelers seeking a flexible and personalized experience. The tour includes stops where you can swim in volcanic pools, explore quaint villages, and enjoy panoramic views of the Laurissilva forest — a UNESCO World Heritage site. The guide, a passionate local, shares stories that bring Madeira’s culture and history to life, making it more than just sightseeing.
What sets this tour apart is its blend of comfort, authenticity, and adventure. You’ll travel in a private vehicle, which means you can customize the itinerary based on your interests and pace. It’s ideal for those who want a deep, memorable experience of Madeira rather than a cookie-cutter group tour. The tour lasts about a day, allowing plenty of time for exploring, swimming, and relaxing in scenic spots. The reviews tend to praise the knowledgeable guides and the seamless, personalized service.
Bottom line: If you’re after a tailored, authentic experience that combines scenic beauty with cultural insights, this private north coast tour is a fantastic choice.
2. Madeira: Achadas Cruz, Porto Moniz, Seixal for Cruise Ship
Number 2 on our list is a well-reviewed half-day adventure designed specifically for cruise passengers wanting to maximize their time in Madeira. For just $57 per person, this tour provides visits to key coastal highlights: the cable car ride at Achadas da Cruz, the natural pools of Porto Moniz, and the striking black-sand beach at Seixal. It’s perfect for those who want a quick yet comprehensive taste of Madeira’s rugged coastline.
This tour’s standout feature is the electric car ride that takes you from the cruise terminal to Achadas da Cruz, offering a scenic and eco-friendly way to explore. The itinerary includes a guided walk at Achadas da Cruz, time to relax in Porto Moniz’s natural pools, and a photo stop at Seixal’s distinctive black sand beach. The timing is flexible, with about 1-hour stops at each location, making it suitable for travelers with limited time but a desire for variety.
Rated 5/5 by travelers, this tour’s strength is its efficient itinerary and knowledgeable guides who share insights about Madeira’s geological formations and local customs. The tour is straightforward but packed with memorable moments like soaking in volcanic pools and snapping photos of Seixal’s dramatic coastline.
Bottom line: For cruise visitors or travelers with limited time, this tour offers a well-rounded and affordable way to see Madeira’s west coast highlights.
3. Madeira: Group Surfing Lesson with Equipment
At number 3, this two-hour group surfing lesson is perfect for beginners eager to get a taste of Portugal’s famous surf scene. Held at Praia do Porto do Seixal, the tour combines safety, instruction, and fun. A professional instructor leads the class, offering land-based explanations before you hit the water, making it suitable even for first-timers.
What makes this surfing lesson stand out is its inclusive approach — all equipment, including wetsuits and surfboards, is provided, and the instructor’s half-century of experience ensures safety and guidance. The focus is on learning basic techniques and catching your first waves, rather than technical mastery. It’s ideal for families, couples, or solo travelers who want an active break and an introduction to Madeira’s coastline. The reviews highlight the instructor’s friendliness and patience, as well as how much fun everyone has on the water.
This experience offers great value at $74 per person, considering all equipment and instruction are included. The natural setting of Seixal Beach, with its calm waters, makes it a safe choice for beginners. Plus, the small-group atmosphere ensures personalized attention.
Bottom line: If you’re looking for a lively, beginner-friendly activity that gets you into the water, this guided surf lesson is a fantastic, cost-effective option.
4. Madeira Northern Express, Private tour 4×4
Number 4 takes you on a private 4×4 journey exploring Madeira’s rugged northwestern coast. This tour is ideal for those who want the flexibility to customize their itinerary and enjoy off-road adventures. The tour lasts around five hours and includes stops at scenic viewpoints, Fanal Forest, Seixal, Porto Moniz, and other highlights — with the option to spend more or less time at each.
What makes this tour stand out is the personalized control over the schedule and the private vehicle, which allows for spontaneous side trips or extra time at places you love. The guide, Mike, is highly rated for his knowledge and flexibility, tailoring the day to your preferences. The itinerary includes spectacular scenery, waterfalls, and ancient forests, making it a top choice for nature lovers.
With reviews praising the guide’s extensive knowledge and willingness to adapt, this tour offers excellent value for travelers wanting an intimate, flexible experience. It suits active travelers comfortable with some driving and uneven terrain, as well as those eager to explore Madeira’s wild side.
Bottom line: For a customized, off-road adventure with a knowledgeable guide, this private 4×4 tour is hard to beat.
5. Madeira: Seixal Canyoning Level 3 Adventure
Number 5 on our list is Madeira’s Level 3 Canyoning adventure in Seixal, designed for thrill-seekers ready to tackle more challenging terrain. This 4.5-hour experience offers rappelling down a 60-meter rock face, ziplining over 26 meters, and jumping into crystal-clear pools from heights of up to 7 meters.
This tour is not for the faint of heart; it involves navigating waterfalls, rock formations, and natural pools, making it ideal for experienced adventurers or active travelers looking for a real adrenaline rush. The guide’s expertise ensures safety while maximizing fun. The combination of rappelling, ziplining, and swimming makes it a comprehensive canyoning experience immersed in Madeira’s stunning natural environment.
Reviews are limited but highly positive regarding the safety standards and the breathtaking scenery. The activity is best suited for those physically fit and prepared for a physically demanding day. The potential downside is the intensity — it’s not suitable for young children or less active travelers.
Bottom line: For adrenaline junkies who want a serious canyoning challenge in a beautiful setting, this Level 3 adventure is a top-tier option.
6. Madeira: Fanal Forest, Seixal Beach & Porto Moniz Jeep Tour
Rounding out our list is an 8-hour off-road jeep tour that takes you across Madeira’s dramatic west coast. Starting from Funchal, this tour includes visits to Fanal Forest, a UNESCO site with ancient laurel trees, as well as Seixal’s black-sand beach and Porto Moniz’s volcanic pools. It’s a comprehensive way to see the island’s diverse landscapes in a single day.
The tour’s main appeal is its off-road capability in a rugged Jeep Rubicon, allowing access to areas inaccessible by regular vehicles. The guide provides insights into Madeira’s geology, flora, and local stories. Stops at scenic viewpoints and waterfalls add to the adventure, and you’ll have time to swim in Porto Moniz’s pools or walk through Fanal’s haunting forest.
Rated highly for the off-road excitement and scenic variety, this tour is perfect for active travelers who want an in-depth, full-day exploration. It’s both fun and educational, ideal for families and groups who enjoy a bit of adventure.
Bottom line: If you’re eager to explore Madeira’s wild landscapes with an off-road vehicle, this jeep tour delivers a memorable, all-encompassing experience.
How to Choose the Right Tour
When selecting among these options, consider your budget, available time, fitness level, and specific interests. For a tailored experience, the private north coast tour (see details) offers flexibility and depth. Active travelers craving adventure might prefer the canyoning or surf lessons, while those wanting a mix of scenery and off-road exploration should look at the Jeep tour (more info). Cruise passengers or short-stay visitors will find the Achadas Cruz and Porto Moniz tour (see here) a quick yet satisfying experience.
Booking early is advisable, especially in peak seasons, to secure your preferred dates and times. Keep in mind that some tours, like canyoning or private excursions, may require a bit more physical fitness, so choose accordingly.
Final Thoughts
Seixal and Madeira offer a diverse range of tours that cater to different tastes. For a relaxing yet authentic experience, the private north coast tour is excellent. For thrill-seekers, canyoning or surfing lessons provide adrenaline and fun. If off-road exploration interests you, the comprehensive Jeep tour covers everything in one day.
No matter which you choose, Madeira’s stunning landscapes, volcanic pools, and lush forests are guaranteed to leave a lasting impression. Booking early, assessing your activity level, and matching your interests with the right tour will ensure your Madeira visit is memorable.
