Private Waterfalls and Fanal Forest Tour
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September 2026
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Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
4.8/5
Based on 12 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Private Waterfalls and Fanal Forest Tour worth booking?
Private Waterfalls and Fanal Forest Tour is a 8-hour experience in Funchal, Portugal, from $98 per person. It scores 66 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 12 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 66 / 100
- Rating
- 4.8/5 (12)
- Duration
- 8 hours
- From
- $98 per person
The West Tour - Waterfalls and Fanal Forest the first stop is a small fishing village, “Câmara de Lobos”,where the port is a small creek, with a beach and a harbour and with the houses heaped up around the bay, the tour
What you get
About this experience
The West Tour - Waterfalls and Fanal Forest the first stop is a small fishing village, “Câmara de Lobos”,where the port is a small creek, with a beach and a harbour and with the houses heaped up around the bay, the tour continues up to the worlds second highest sea cliff and Europe’s highest (580m) The town reflects the personality of the stream, from where it gets its name. Ribeira (river) Brava (wild).After leaving Ribeira Brava, 5 minutes later you arrive at Ponta do Sol. Ponta do Sol is the sunniest spot on the island, and that’s where it gets its name, sunny point. Climbing to the mountain plateau of Madeira, we will find the Fanal forest, Fanal Forest is a magical forest on the Island Porto MonizThe main attractions are its beautiful natural pools. We drive through Seixal, a picturesque village, where the vineyards are surrounded by heather broom. Its spectacular coastline is towered by mountain,sao Vicente is a charming little town with narrow picturesque streets, old houses.
What's included
Included
- Personal tour just for you at your own Pace
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Hotel/port pickup and drop-off ( Free for hotels in Funchal , Canico)
Not included
- Does not include pickup from the Cruise Ship Port (requires extra fee of €20 per Vehicle)
- Food and drinks
- Tours may be Cancelled Due to Weather Conditions or Events Beyond our Control.
- Entrance at Cabo Girao View point extra 3 euros entrance fee
- Gratuities
- entrance at the nature pools extra 3 to 5 euros entrance fee
What you'll see and do
Camara De Lobos
Madeira West Tour, Peaks & Waterfalls Tour- the first stop is a small fishing village, “Câmara de Lobos”,which is located west of Funchal where the port is a small creek, with a beach and a harbour and with the houses heaped up around the bay. It was named by João Gonçalves Zarco due to thousands of monk seals living in the bay. In 1949 Winston Churchill chose this place to paint its picturesque surroundings. Poncha is a locale drink made of honey, lemon and sugarcane rum, available in the local taverns
20 minutes here
Cabo Girao
After visiting Camara de Lobos, the tour continues up to the worlds second highest sea cliff and Europe’s highest (580m) – (1775 ft). Here you can enjoy the beautiful views of Camara de Lobos and Funchal. Due to sea erosion, caves and terraces were formed along the coastline. The locals made little plots, for crops, forming an incredible watercolour landscape..
25 minutes here
Ribeira Brava
Ribeira Brava is the next stop on this journey. The town reflects the personality of the stream, from where it gets its name. Ribeira (river) Brava (wild). The mother church is its main point of interest. Build in the 16th Century it has undergone several alterations throughout time. It has a Flemish work of art and a valuable Manuel style baptism fountain. But its chandeliers are its main attraction. On the sea promenade the fort of São Bento is this town’s landmark .Here you can enjoy a cup of coffee
30 minutes here
Ponta Do Sol
After leaving Ribeira Brava, 5 minutes later you arrive at Ponta do Sol. Ponta do Sol is the sunniest spot on the island, and that’s where it gets its name, sunny point. The town, with its old recovered buildings, in a maze of streets and cosy retreats has a touch of romanticism .A quiet and pretty little village shoe- horned into the folds of a steep valley overhung with dense banana plantation, with a relaxed and lively air.
15 minutes here
Vereda do Fanal
we will find the Fanal forest, Fanal Forest is a magical forest on the Island. Often, but not always, there is mysterious fog in the forest amongst the 600 year old trees with there twisted branches, Once at Fanal WEATHER PERMITTING you will be able to do a 20 minutes walk in Laurel tree Forest (Optional)
30 minutes here
Porto Moniz
Porto Moniz is Madeira’s most north-western valley. From Above, this dramatic village at the foot of the mountain is quite flat. The terraced slopes, lined with dry stone walls and fences, made of heather broom, shelter the crops from the northerly winds. Driving through a zigzag road we reach Porto Moniz. The main attractions are its beautiful natural pools. Porto Moniz is an important fishing village on the north coast .On the promenade which stretches from the naturals pools to the pier; you will find pleasant restaurants were you can try the local sea food or other delicious local dishes, or why not look at the aquarium, housed by the fort of Sao Joao Batista.
140 minutes here
Miradouro da Encumeada
The tour then climbs 1.007mts (3.303 ft), passing through a forest to reach Encumeada pass which is your last stop on these Madeira West Tour. It is actually the islands most beautiful mountain pass. From the view point at the top, in good weather it is possible to view the North and South Coasts simultaneously. After leaving Encumeada pass, heading home, going down a scenic route through the pretty village of Serra de Água..
15 minutes here
Sao Vicente
Located on the North Coast between two rows of basaltic lava, Sao Vicente is a charming little town with narrow picturesque streets, old houses, immaculately white. The mother church, dates to the 17th century. At the edge of the main road lies a park with coastal plants, endemic to Madeira. The volcanic caves can be found here. But, that is a tour on its own.
20 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 5 minutes before departure.
Options you can book
8 pax
Private Tour Pickup included
Private Waterfalls and Peaks Tour
Pickup included
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- pt, en, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
- Group size
- Up to 8 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Madeira Island Tours
Know before you go
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 12 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
9 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
4 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
3 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Small groups
3 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Traveler reviews
12 verified traveler reviews for Private Waterfalls and Fanal Forest Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
While the driver was...
While the driver was friendly, he spoke with such a thick accent that he was very hard to understand. We spent most of the day driving, with a few stops along the way to take pictures. We would have liked to see more of the local culture and cities.
Response from the operator: That is the classic double-edged sword of booking a standard driving tour. You get the breathtaking scenery and a friendly face behind the wheel, but if the language barrier cuts off the conversation, you miss out on the local stories and context that bring a place to life.
via Viator
A lovely day that offers...
A lovely day that offers the chance to visit a huge variety of interesting and beautiful places. Well paced and not too tiring. Our driver Luca was very accommodating and nothing was too much trouble for him. We swapped phone numbers at the start of the day and we were able to spend as long as we chose at each stop.
Response from the operator: Luca sounds like absolute gold, That kind of flexible, "on your own schedule" pacing makes a trip feel so much more relaxing, especially when you can just text your driver whenever you're ready to move on. It completely removes that frantic "we have to be back at the bus in 10 minutes" anxiety. Madeira has so many microclimates and hidden corners that being able to linger where you want is a huge bonus.
via Viator
A superb trip out
5 of us booked a private trip in an 8 seater van, 160 euro to Gabo Girao, Fanal forest and Porto Moniz. João was our guide and he was excellent. A very steady driver with lots of info but he didn't talk incessantly! The sun shone and we were thrilled with every single bit of the trip. At Fanal forest, João knew the best place to stop far away from the masses of cars and we saw some very ancient trees. Porto Moniz was looking it's best, the cafe was expensive but good. To have a tailor made trip for 10 euros more than we would have paid separately was an added bonus. Loved this trip.
Response from the operator: It is wonderful to hear that your private trip with Joao was such a success. We are glad you enjoyed the steady driving and the quiet spots he found in Fanal forest away from the crowds. It is great that the tailor made experience provided such good value for your group. Thank you for the feedback regarding the cafe and the overall itinerary. We hope to welcome you back for another tour soon.
via Tripadvisor
Fabulous full day private tour
We were picked up from our hotel by Manuel, our guide for the day. Manuel was excellent and knowledgeable. He was very accommodating taking us to places that we wanted to visit, plus other places that he suggested. The vehicle was clean and comfortable and we felt safe with Manuel's driving. Visited Riberia Brava, Ponto do Sol, Port Moniz, Fanal forest, Seixal & St Vincente. I would definitely recommend this company . A fabulous day tour.
Response from the operator: Thank you for the wonderful review. We’re so glad Manuel could tailor the day to your interests while sharing his own favorite spots. It’s great to hear you felt safe and comfortable throughout your journey across the West. We’ll be sure to pass your thanks to Manuel for his excellent work. We hope the memories of Fanal and Seixal stay with you
via Tripadvisor
Nice ride through west Madeira
We had a full day private tour to west Madeira. Our driver Alex was a really good and helpfull guide. We got a lot of information, god hints and enjoided the whole trip. Felt like we got a special treat.
Response from the operator: We're delighted to hear you enjoyed your private West Madeira tour and that Alex made the day special with his knowledge and care. We're thrilled the experience felt truly unique for you.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 8 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
- Price range
- $98 to $165
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 4
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 66
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Private Waterfalls and Fanal Forest Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Funchal.
How much does Private Waterfalls and Fanal Forest Tour cost?
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Prices start at $98 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Funchal usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Private Waterfalls and Fanal Forest Tour take?
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Plan for about 8 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Funchal is not rushed.
Is Private Waterfalls and Fanal Forest Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 66 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 12 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in Funchal, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Private Waterfalls and Fanal Forest Tour?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Private Waterfalls and Fanal Forest Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 8-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Private Waterfalls and Fanal Forest Tour?
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Around 4 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Funchal can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Funchal and add a light layer if any part of the 8-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Private Waterfalls and Fanal Forest Tour start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Funchal within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Funchal?
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On Outty we rank every Funchal experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Jeep Tour Amazing West to Natural Pools -Full-Day, Porto Moniz, Seixal, Fanal Forest, Cliff Skywalk in Open Roof 4X4, West Tour-Fanal Forest & Porto Moniz Natural Pools Small Groups. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Funchal?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Funchal?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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