THE AMAZING OFF ROAD BBQ PICNIC CABLE CAB TOUR

Madeira from a jeep is a fun way to see the island fast. This day mixes off-road driving, big viewpoint stops, and an included espitada BBQ picnic that feels like a local gathering, not just lunch.

I like that you get real variety in seven hours, from rugged roads to scenic pauses with mountain air and Atlantic views. I also like the small-group feel, limited to 7 people, so the guide can keep things moving without treating you like cargo.

One thing to consider: this is a physically bumpy off-road experience. If you have back problems, it is not suitable, so it’s best to choose a calmer option.

Key highlights you should care about

• Traditional espetada BBQ picnic is included: steak, bolo do caco, salad, milho, and a drink of your choice
• Jeep off-road adventure: around an hour of off-road driving plus scenic drives between stops
• Viewpoint rhythm: photo stops and break times built into the route, not just one long slog
• Cable cars are part of the fun: an optional ride at Rocha do Navio, plus a planned ride at Faja dos Padres
• Small group size, limited to 7: easier conversations with your guide and less crowding at stops
• Multiple pickup options in Madeira: Ribeira Brava, Sao Vicente, Câmara De Lobos, or Funchal

Off-road jeep plus espetada BBQ: the day’s winning recipe

This tour works because it hits three Madeira “musts” in one stretch. You get the thrill and motion of a jeep, the pay-off of viewpoint breaks, and then a proper BBQ meal that’s tied to how Madeira locals actually hang out.

The star is the traditional espetada setup. You’ll have steak beef for your lunch, served with Madeira fresh bread (bolo do caco), salad, and milho, plus a drink of your choice. For a $100 price point, that matters, because you are not paying separately for food after you’ve spent the day in motion.

The other part I appreciate is the social vibe. BBQ on Madeira is not just something you eat and move on from. It’s about sharing time with other people while you enjoy the setting and the view.

Starting points around Funchal: convenient pickups and smooth pacing

Your day begins with pickup from one of four areas: Ribeira Brava, Sao Vicente, Câmara De Lobos, or Funchal. That flexibility is useful, because Madeira’s roads can be awkward if you are trying to self-transfer, especially when you’re bouncing between ocean-side towns.

The tour runs for 7 hours, and the pacing is built around short segments with breaks. You’ll have planned photo stops and sightseeing time, then you’ll move again. That rhythm is ideal if you want variety, but you do not want to burn a whole day doing only one type of activity.

The group stays small, limited to 7 participants. In practice, that usually means fewer delays at each stop and more attention from the guide when you have a question.

Caniçal, Canical: off-road adventure with the ocean in the background

The first main drive segment includes a break, a photo stop, and sightseeing, then about an hour of off-road adventure and scenic driving. Caniçal and this section of the coast are a great match for jeep travel, because the route naturally brings you through steep, changeable terrain.

What you should expect here is not just speed. It’s the sense of being on an active part of the island, with viewpoints popping up when the road allows it. If you like photos, this is where you start stacking them quickly, because the views build as you climb and curve.

A small drawback to plan for: off-road time can be tiring in your body, even if the driving itself is fun. Bring a jacket, because Madeira weather can shift quickly at elevation.

Santana and Boaventura: photo stops, visits, and breathing room

Next you’ll reach Santana, Madeira for about 1.5 hours. This portion includes a photo stop, a visit, and sightseeing, with scenic views along the way. Santana is a classic stop for people exploring Madeira because it’s tied to the island’s recognizable character, and your guide can help you connect what you see with how people live there.

After that, you’ll head toward Boaventura for about 1 hour. Expect a photo stop, a visit, and some free time, plus sightseeing and scenic views during the drive. The free time here is valuable, because it gives you a chance to slow down after the driving and take in the area without being rushed.

If you’re the type who likes to walk a bit and look around, this is a good place in the day to do it. If you prefer staying mostly with the group, you still get enough time to grab a couple of photos and reset.

Cristo Rei stop: a quick walk that pays off with views

Later you’ll reach Cristo Rei for a photo stop and a visit, plus a walk and scenic views on the way. This is the kind of stop that works because it breaks the day into “driving segments” followed by a viewpoint moment.

The walk is included, so it’s not purely a drive-by. The good part is that it helps you get oriented and stretch your legs after sitting on a jeep. The caution is simple: if walking is hard for you, plan to take it at your pace.

What I like about this stop is that it’s not just about a single photo. It’s about stepping out, looking around, and letting the island’s scale sink in before you move on again.

Faja dos Padres beach: cable car time plus real free moments

The day’s next big moment is at Faja dos Padres beach. You’ll have a photo stop, a visit, and free time, then a planned cable car ride for about 1 hour.

This is one of those sections where the pacing makes sense. Off-road driving and viewpoint stops keep you engaged, but the beach time gives you something calmer to balance it out. You can cool down, take photos at sea level, and enjoy the change in perspective before the next ride.

Cable cars are not just transport on Madeira, they are a built-in viewpoint experience. If you like taking photos from above, this portion is a treat.

Also, the tour description includes another cable car option at Rocha do Navio. Going on that ride there is optional, so you can still enjoy the place by looking from the top if you prefer.

Miradouro do Guindaste: the last viewpoint before you head back

Near the end of the tour you’ll stop at Miradouro do Guindaste. This includes a break, a photo stop, a visit, and scenic views while you’re there.

This stop is a smart way to end the day because it lets you finish with a viewpoint that feels like a grand finale. If you are trying to decide whether to buy this tour mainly for the scenery or mainly for the BBQ, this is a big part of why it works either way.

You’ll still have energy at this point because the day is structured with breaks and shifting activities. After a jeep and beach cable car segment, this last lookout gives you a final moment to capture the island in one frame.

Lunch is not an add-on here, it is the anchor

A lot of tours treat lunch as an afterthought. Here, lunch is a central part of the experience, and it’s included in the price.

At lunch time, you’ll be served traditional espetada steak with Madeira fresh, traditional bread (bolo do caco), salad, and milho. You also get a drink of your choice. That is a solid meal that matches Madeira’s BBQ identity, not a generic sandwich situation.

Why that matters for value is simple. When you’re touring around a steep island, you often end up spending extra money and time hunting for food. This day handles the food for you and keeps you focused on the drive and the sights.

And because BBQ is also social, the meal ties the day together emotionally. You’re not just consuming calories between photos. You’re taking a pause and sharing the moment with the group, which helps the whole day feel less like a checklist.

Price and value: is $100 worth it for a 7-hour day?

$100 per person for a 7-hour jeep tour with an included BBQ picnic and guide time can be good value, especially if you want both driving thrills and a meal that feels like Madeira.

Here’s why I think it’s a fair deal based on what’s included:

You get pickup and drop-off in nearby areas around Funchal, which saves time and effort.
You’re not paying extra for the picnic lunch, and the menu is specific, not vague.

• You get a real small group experience with a live guide.

The main “trade-off” is that you are committing to one full half day in a physically active format. If you want mostly resting, this is not the right match. But if you enjoy road time plus scenery plus an authentic meal, it compares well with what you’d likely pay for separately arranged transport, food, and guided stops.

Guides and languages: what to expect from communication

This tour runs with a live tour guide, and languages offered include English, Polish, Portuguese, and Spanish. That coverage matters if you want to understand what you’re seeing, especially during photo stops and visits.

You also get the benefit of a guide managing timing. With off-road travel, cable cars, and viewpoints, timing is everything. A good guide keeps you from feeling rushed at the wrong moments and from waiting too long at the wrong ones.

From the feedback themes I noticed, people often highlight the guide and how the day flows from start to finish. That’s the kind of detail you want, because the best views still feel disappointing if the timing is off.

What to pack, and who should sit this one out

Bring a jacket. That’s the only item the tour specifically calls out, but it’s a sensible one on Madeira, especially when you are moving between coast and higher viewpoints.

As for who should avoid it, this one is not suitable for people with back problems, and it is not for babies under 1 year. Since you’re on a jeep and you’ll be doing walks at stops, your comfort matters.

If you are generally healthy and you enjoy off-road driving and viewpoint time, this tour fits well. It’s also a good choice if you want an activity-heavy day without giving up the chance for a real meal.

Should you book this off-road BBQ and cable car tour?

I’d book it if you want Madeira in motion. The mix of jeep driving, viewpoint stops like Cristo Rei and Miradouro do Guindaste, plus the included espetada BBQ picnic makes the day feel full without being chaotic.

You should skip it if you want a low-impact day or if your back is sensitive to bumpy travel. In that case, you’ll likely feel the off-road parts more than the viewpoints, and this tour is built around that driving.

If you’re deciding based on value, the included meal is the big reason to lean yes. $100 for a guided, small-group jeep day with a structured meal plan is a lot easier to justify than paying for food and transport separately.

Finally, if you care about photos, this itinerary gives you multiple chances to stop, look, and shoot from different angles, including time with cable cars. It’s the kind of day that gives you more than one good view, and that makes it memorable.

FAQ

How long is The Amazing Off Road BBQ Picnic Cable Cab Tour?

The tour lasts 7 hours.

What is included in the BBQ picnic lunch?

Lunch includes traditional espetada steak with Madeira fresh bread (bolo do caco), salad, milho, and a drink of your choice.

Are cable cars included, and are there any optional rides?

Yes. You’ll have a cable car ride at Faja dos Padres beach (about 1 hour). There is also an optional opportunity to go on the cable cars in Rocha do Navio, with the chance to enjoy the view from the top if you prefer not to ride.

Where are the pickup and drop-off locations?

Pickup can be from Ribeira Brava, Sao Vicente, Câmara De Lobos, or Funchal. Drop-off can be in Câmara De Lobos, Funchal, Ribeira Brava, or Sao Vicente.

What languages does the live guide speak?

The live guide speaks English, Polish, Portuguese, and Spanish.

What should I bring, and is the tour suitable for everyone?

Bring a jacket. The tour is not suitable for people with back problems, and it is not suitable for babies under 1 year.