Reviews here say it's great (and it is!) but not sure any of them mention you can also go outside these pools and snorkel in the sea quite safely as there are rocks mostly enclosing where you go. People are jumping off here lots and there is a ladder for you to go down. The snorkelling here was the best we have experienced on Madeira - deep, very clear sea and a good number of different fish species. Loved it.

It was way better than we expected.. The little fishes swimming together with ypu, little and big crabs around, the views were amazing. Although, the water was a little cold, you get used to it. To swim in a pool formed in a volcanic rocks is beyond words! Just be very careful, at one moment the sea waves got crazy big and just washed strongly away all of the spectators swimming by the edge, that scared all of the people.. Also, the rocks underwater are very slippery, people were painfully falling and they are very sharp, we cut our fingers and feet by accident. Plus, there was a restaurant. I tried espada with grilled bananas for the first time and I loved it! Delicious food, tasty coffee, good prices. The pools are free, just enjoy and be careful.

Sunday 10th September and we visited the coastal village of Porto Moniz on the northwestern corner of the Island The parking here is a nightmare so we parked up on a street on the outskirts of the village and walked in. Starting at Aquário da Madeira and heliporto de Porto Moniz we walked along the coastal pathway up to Piscinas Naturais do Aquário. Walking along the promenade was an opportunity to see the stunning rugged coastline where the lava pools are. It is a magnificent sight along the coast and across to Ilheu Mole. People were clambering over the rocks to swim and snorkle in the sea-filled pools. There is no admission fee here. What a contrast of colours, the light blue sky with it's white fluffy white clouds with darker blue of the sea and the white surf of the waves against the black lava coastline, stunning. Piscinas Naturais do Aquário is a man-made swimming pools, lidos, with sunloungers umbrellas and restaurant. There is a small entrance fee here.

The natural swimming pools at Porto Moniz are beautiful. The water is crystal clear and you can see plenty of fish and some crabs if you remember to take your snorkel - in fact take your snorkel, you won't regret it. This one is free . There is a second pool area here too that has an entry fee - very cheap. It is worth going especially if you have children, as we do, as the access in to the water is easier and there is a gradient entry so that they can just paddle if they wish to.

The rock pools are a must see, it is absolutely stunning. The sea was quite rough during our visit so the pools were closed some days and on other days only open from 10am-12pm (for good reason, would be very easy to get pulled out to sea). We heard stories of this happening to other people, but it is completely safe if you follow the precautions. A benefit of the paid section is that there is a lifeguard which is very reassuring. The water was surprisingly warm for February and the views were amazing.

This is a beautiful tranquil place and very much worth a visit. We didn’t bother with the trips we hired a car and glad we did. The roads are amazing to drive on and you can stop at many places along the way.

A very interesting spot for a swim set in natural rock formations with added walls to retain water, about 30-40 feet above sea level with great views of the waves rolling in below. Excellent cafe/restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating with very reasonable prices for the location. Plenty of (paid) parking nearby.

We loved the fact that we could get into the water easily as there are steps in. Water very cold but we soon got used to it! Lockers and changing rooms available. Changing rooms are included in the €3 entry. There is quite a lot of building noise currently while they finish the work. Eventually we understand there will be a sunbed area with snack bar etc but this was not yet ready. However we enjoyed our afternoon here. Free parking was available nearby at the cachalote end.

Lovely natural pools with very good and organised place to lay down and catch some sun tan . Perfect place to spend a day out , lot of places to eat around , but to be honest for awesome meal better to go to Seixal . Cheap entrance (3€) for all day , changing rooms and toilets clean and lot of spaces . Waves and views just amazing

Two sets of pools , one charges €3 and has facilities, the other is free and appealed more to us as it is very natural and rugged looking . Although we didn’t have time to swim we ate at the cafe and had incredible views . It is possible to walk round the various inlets and watch the swimmers . Memorable unique place