The famous Porto Moniz pools aren’t the only lava pools on the island. Funchal also has its own lava pools complex called Doca do Cavacas.
I have already covered all Madeira’s lava pool complexes in our post about swimming complexes and public pools on Madeira. Today, I would like to tell you more about the Complexo Balnear Doca do Cavacas (also known as Poças do Gomes) in Funchal and show you our pictures taken on a sunny autumn day last year.
Where is Doca do Cavacas and how to get there?
Doca do Cavacas natural pools complex is located right by the Praia Formosa beach and the hotel district in Funchal. Horarios de Funchal bus line #2 and the Aerobus will take you directly there, however, if it is not a problem for you to walk a few minutes to the main street – Estrada Monumental – the number of possible lines will increase significantly.
Unfortunately, there is no elevator and no wheelchair ramp (fit parents with light strollers will probably handle it, but it won’t be easy). To get to the pools, you need to go down the pretty long stairs. Climbing the stairs up might be a challenge to some tourists.
What is Doca do Cavacas exactly?
Its other name is Poças do Gomes and is a swimming complex with natural lava pools created by nature and where comfortable platforms and stairs have been added for guests’ comfort. It is a small, but guarded complex with very affordable entry fees.
The swimming pool complex can actually be divided into three separate pools. Some parts are very shallow, while others are pretty deep, so you can lose ground under your feet pretty easily. You can also swim on the other side, in the open ocean, around the drifting platforms.
Snorkelling at the Doca do Cavacas
Should you bring your snorkelling set with you? You probably won’t see any amazing sea animals in the lava pools, but it was full of fish. Don’t be scared when some of them decide to give you a peeling 🙂
Doca do Cavacas – bar & restaurant
Within Doca do Cavacas you will also find a seafood restaurant and a small bar. For more info, please visit Doca do Cavacas & Cavacas Beach Bar.
Doca do Cavacas – final thoughts
The Doca do Cavacas pools complex surprised me that it is actually much smaller than how it looked from above. On a sunny summer day it can be difficult to find a place to sunbathe.
Still, it’s a cool place to enjoy a quick swim in the ocean when staying in Funchal, especially if you would like to experience swimming in natural lava pools.
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20 x BEST OF MADEIRA – 20 AWESOME IDEAS FOR FIRST TIME VISITORS