Sao Vicente Caves
Sao Vicente Caves
4
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
About
This Place is Temporarily Closed.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
1,524 reviews
Excellent
445
Very good
598
Average
328
Poor
98
Terrible
55
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Ted 007
Bath, UK219 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
We visited the Sao Vicente caves in February after finding out about them on our last visit to Madeira. We had also seen an interesting film about the caves before we left for our trip. They are situated at the bottom of Sao Vicente town and there is a specified parking area which can be tricky to get a space in. The entrance cost is £8 euros each. Unfortunately the cave tour was underwhelming and probably lasts only around 30 minutes and then you are taken into a theatre type room to ‘experience’ what it would have been like in a volcanic eruption. A lot of the time we were waiting for our guide to explain in other languages, which in itself is ok, but this waiting around just added to the tediousness of the experience. On our visit part of the cave was also closed off for repairs meaning we had to return to the entrance we started at rather than going through the entire cave. They didn’t tell us that bit until we were half way through the cave!
One really concerning thing was that they did not pre warn at the start that there would be intense flashing lights in the theatre feature. For those suffering from epilepsy, this is definitely a real problem!
We were also herded into a makeshift lift (about 30 of us) in which the whole thing started to shake for about 60 seconds. Any one with clostraphobic tendencies could easily panic at this point!
Overall the experience was not fantastic and we were quite disappointed after having looked forward to our visit. We certainly wouldn’t go back again and wouldn’t recommend anyone to make a special trip there unless you just happen to be in Sao Vicente already. Not really value for money.
One really concerning thing was that they did not pre warn at the start that there would be intense flashing lights in the theatre feature. For those suffering from epilepsy, this is definitely a real problem!
We were also herded into a makeshift lift (about 30 of us) in which the whole thing started to shake for about 60 seconds. Any one with clostraphobic tendencies could easily panic at this point!
Overall the experience was not fantastic and we were quite disappointed after having looked forward to our visit. We certainly wouldn’t go back again and wouldn’t recommend anyone to make a special trip there unless you just happen to be in Sao Vicente already. Not really value for money.
Written February 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Donald L
35 contributions
Dec 2019
Was there in August 2019. Although well advertised, to me they were a disappointment. Volcanic air vents. Cement floor and they go in to the mountain a fair bit. Bit of a damp squid. Staff gave the appearance of bored students. Outside surroundings were picturesque. The restaurant was closed for staff lunch, at lunch-time. Sums it up really. If the whole tour was free I would not complain but at rip-off prices at about 18 Euros (if I remember correctly).
Written November 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Karhuvaari
Tuusula, Finland161 contributions
Mar 2020 • Friends
Trip is divided into two parts.
In 1st part you will see the actual caves how lava has made them. This is about 30min.
At 2nd there is theory part which show you how Madeira has created and how volcanic things work.
Caves was pretty nice, even some of them was under maintenance and not for public.
2nd part otherwise was awful. Videos from 80's with VHS quality.
8e for about an hour is not much so recommend, but still, stuff should provide better equipment for there.
In 1st part you will see the actual caves how lava has made them. This is about 30min.
At 2nd there is theory part which show you how Madeira has created and how volcanic things work.
Caves was pretty nice, even some of them was under maintenance and not for public.
2nd part otherwise was awful. Videos from 80's with VHS quality.
8e for about an hour is not much so recommend, but still, stuff should provide better equipment for there.
Written March 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Regina P
Hannover, Germany3,569 contributions
Apr 2024 • Couples
At the beginning of 2023 there was an earthquake, causing cracks in the walls, so the statics must first be tested by experts. Therefore, the caves are closed for safety reasons. Therefore, you will not find on the website any information about admission prices and times of the tour, as well as the note that is closed for maintenance work. Anyone who can read has a clear advantage.
Unfortunately, the technology of 3D film does not work at the moment, so the museum is also closed
Unfortunately, the technology of 3D film does not work at the moment, so the museum is also closed
Automatically translated
Written July 2, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rimas
Vilnius, Lithuania19 contributions
Apr 2022 • Couples
First of all: the caves are currently closed "for maintenance". This review is for the Center of Volcanism only.
Second: this is my impression from a visit with my wife and no kids. If you're planning a family visit, the experience might be different.
We visited the Center on a Friday. One of its staff ladies informed us that the caves were closed (which we already knew) and suggested that we can visit only the Center itself if we want for 5€ per person. IncIdentally, there was a guided tour coming up, so we quickly bought the tickets and went down the path to the center.
Let me tell you this: the "guided tour" was a letdown. All the guide did was press some buttons for some "effects" (such as an eruption demo, or a movie) to start and showed us the way from one attraction to the other. To us, a tour like that just seemed awkward. And the attractions like designed and made in the nineties.
1. The volcano eruption demo: ok, but no explanation of what is happening followed. There are informational posters on the first room, which probably explain all that, but I didn't have enough time to read them all, and my wife was unwilling to come back after the tour so I could finish reading them.
2. About Madeira movie: okay, but it felt pretty much like a VHS being played on an old TV. Also, reading the English subtitles and watching the film felt rather difficult sometimes.
3. The "earth core" room was okay, but again, not much explanation of why we're supposed to stare at it for a few minutes. Well, at least the mirrored mirrors was somewhat fun.
4. The 3D movie was... I don't know... Crap? One of the reasons: my glasses were apparently working the wrong way and I had to put them upside down for the 3D view to normalize. The film itself looked like an intermission in a nineties TV show for kids. It was supposed to explain earth's layers, but with the glasses working bad, and the film itself being so badly rendered, that purpose was lost, at least to me.
I don't mind having donated my 10€ to the Center, but that's all I consider my payment for the tour being: a donation.
Second: this is my impression from a visit with my wife and no kids. If you're planning a family visit, the experience might be different.
We visited the Center on a Friday. One of its staff ladies informed us that the caves were closed (which we already knew) and suggested that we can visit only the Center itself if we want for 5€ per person. IncIdentally, there was a guided tour coming up, so we quickly bought the tickets and went down the path to the center.
Let me tell you this: the "guided tour" was a letdown. All the guide did was press some buttons for some "effects" (such as an eruption demo, or a movie) to start and showed us the way from one attraction to the other. To us, a tour like that just seemed awkward. And the attractions like designed and made in the nineties.
1. The volcano eruption demo: ok, but no explanation of what is happening followed. There are informational posters on the first room, which probably explain all that, but I didn't have enough time to read them all, and my wife was unwilling to come back after the tour so I could finish reading them.
2. About Madeira movie: okay, but it felt pretty much like a VHS being played on an old TV. Also, reading the English subtitles and watching the film felt rather difficult sometimes.
3. The "earth core" room was okay, but again, not much explanation of why we're supposed to stare at it for a few minutes. Well, at least the mirrored mirrors was somewhat fun.
4. The 3D movie was... I don't know... Crap? One of the reasons: my glasses were apparently working the wrong way and I had to put them upside down for the 3D view to normalize. The film itself looked like an intermission in a nineties TV show for kids. It was supposed to explain earth's layers, but with the glasses working bad, and the film itself being so badly rendered, that purpose was lost, at least to me.
I don't mind having donated my 10€ to the Center, but that's all I consider my payment for the tour being: a donation.
Written April 1, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
EandG_13
Plymouth, UK6 contributions
Mar 2020
Currently the caves are closed however this company believes that rushing through a laughable journey to the centre the world tourist experience, with a guide that really couldn't care less, is enough to justify being considered open. This means if you are booked on a tour you have no option but to go along because technically the centre is open.
OK I except Funchal did suffer a 5.1 earthquake on Saturday. Minimal damage to was seen in the form of rock slides on a few high roads on the south side of the island on Sunday, but safety is important. However please warn people especially tour operators that you are closed.
So as you guess this is about the 3D movie and journey to the centre of the world experience rather than the caves. So for you get the idea think of a B rate 1970s SciFi production and you may be close (except here you can see the mirrors). Add several groups being herded into several small spaces, starting the show before all the guests are inplace, no time given to read the information and the worse 3D production I have ever seen and you will be closer.
Thanks for the enjoyable visit.
OK I except Funchal did suffer a 5.1 earthquake on Saturday. Minimal damage to was seen in the form of rock slides on a few high roads on the south side of the island on Sunday, but safety is important. However please warn people especially tour operators that you are closed.
So as you guess this is about the 3D movie and journey to the centre of the world experience rather than the caves. So for you get the idea think of a B rate 1970s SciFi production and you may be close (except here you can see the mirrors). Add several groups being herded into several small spaces, starting the show before all the guests are inplace, no time given to read the information and the worse 3D production I have ever seen and you will be closer.
Thanks for the enjoyable visit.
Written March 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Martina1971
Rotselaar, Belgium82 contributions
Aug 2021 • Family
Thé caves are closed, so don't go there. It's a nice village.
On thé website it is not mentioned. It van je Nice In think. Thé lady at thé restaurant thought they would open in 2022
On thé website it is not mentioned. It van je Nice In think. Thé lady at thé restaurant thought they would open in 2022
Written August 14, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
rrrruuummm
Halifax, Canada3 contributions
Feb 2020
I can not believe this many people found this interesting. This was just awful ! We wasted 1:30mins here ... and paid for it. You walk though a cave , as a group. Then exit and head into the worst interpretation/ exhibition centre , as a group - no time to read through because the rest of the group wants you to keep moving. The guide then starts the hokey volcano - just weird. Then she guides you to this glowing ball - to a fake (so bad) elevator. Then there’s the really really really bad 3D movie.
This was built 20 years ago. The exhibit / movie has to be updated
The whole structure, gardens, buildings ... are so well done. But a total fail on delivering one of the greatest stories this island has to tell
This was built 20 years ago. The exhibit / movie has to be updated
The whole structure, gardens, buildings ... are so well done. But a total fail on delivering one of the greatest stories this island has to tell
Written February 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sharifa K
5 contributions
May 2022 • Friends
Beautiful garden around the Grotas. Unfortunately the caves are closed till the end of the year because of maintance. You can see the 3D movie and a little video about the Island, but we chose not to. If you are close by it is worth it to take a little walk around the garden
Written May 10, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kyle_Heron
Edinburgh, UK14 contributions
Jan 2020
This tour has two parts, the trip into the lava tubes (caves), and the information/3D experience afterwards. The trip into the caves is interesting, and not your normal caves due to them being a series of long lava tubes in a volcanic mountain, so worth the visit for something different. The exhibition afterwards is good with plentiful information, but there was not enough time to read much of it before being moved on to the 3D movies, which could do with being updated. They didn't take away from the fact that the caves are worth a visit in themselves though.
Written February 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We are considering going with someone who has a bad back and worried if there are low ceilings that require a lot of bending. Will that be an issue?
Written October 23, 2019
There is no bending, just 30 minutes tour, slow walking but possible slippery surface as the caves can be wet so suggest trainers or walking shoes (although I always do it in flip flops) ;) but to be safe from slipping I would suggest something with grip. There is good parking so maybe keep walking shoes or trainers in the car to change into unless you are on a coach tour. You will all love the caves.
Written October 23, 2019
What is the cost of entering the caves
Written May 8, 2019
Are there parts of the tour with limited headroom. We use a rucksack baby carrier, and my husband is pretty tall so I’m not sure how easy it will be to get around with our toddler. Thanks!
Written July 13, 2018
I think it should ve OK. There are a few tight spots but it isn't too bad.
Written July 14, 2018
We visited for the first time last year. The whole tour takes about an hour as at the end you are taken down to a small theatre for about 15minutes with a screened summary of how it all came about. We enjoyed it. Quite a bit of rugged walking with dim lighting so take care and wear suitable footwear.
Written May 21, 2018
katiadsouza
Vargem Grande Paulista, SP
Alguém sabe se há acessibilidade para pessoas com mobilidade reduzida lá?
Written May 7, 2018
A visita à gruta por pessoa com mobilidade reduzida não é possível.
Written May 8, 2018
Anyone know the opening days? Are they open Sunday or Monday?
Written February 7, 2017
Every day I believe
Written February 8, 2017
Could you please tell me roughly how much this is please and how often the tours happen? Thanks
Written April 8, 2016
It's roughly 10 Euro each, tours take place every 45 minutes but there is a coffee shop so you can grab a drink while you wait.
Written April 9, 2016
I am really confused now. Please, someone, tell me: how to get to the caves (which buses from what stop)? :(
Written March 1, 2016
ere can I buy ticket? it is possible to buy it in advance on line or only in Madeira?
Written May 8, 2015
I do not know if you can buy tickets on line, when it arrives at Funchal, can buy them without a problem, or directly at the entrance of the caves.
best regards, and good luck, it's really a beautiful island.
Written May 9, 2015
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