If you’re looking for a blend of stunning scenery and a touch of the unexpected, the Seixal Black Sand Beach Pole Dance Photo & Drone Shooting tour might just be your cup of tea. Offered by Verolina Kintop, this four-hour experience takes you to one of Madeira’s most photogenic spots—Seixal Beach—and adds a creative twist: pole dancing in a postcard-perfect setting. While it isn’t your typical sightseeing tour, its combination of natural beauty and artistic expression makes it a memorable choice for those craving something different.
What we really love about this experience is the chance to capture dynamic photos and videos against the backdrop of Madeira’s iconic black sand, a rare sight that’s both dramatic and photogenic. Plus, the personal touch of a customized approach—with options for different skirts and a focus on natural beauty—adds a special flair. On the flip side, a potential consideration is the early start time (around 8 am), which is necessary for avoiding crowds but might not suit all travelers’ schedules.
This tour works best for adventurous dance lovers, anyone eager to try something outside the usual sightseeing routine, and those keen on professional-looking photos in a stunning setting. It’s not suitable for children under 15, pregnant women, or travelers with certain physical limitations, but if you meet the criteria, this could be a uniquely rewarding experience.
Key Points
- Unusual combination of pole dancing and drone photography on Madeira’s black sand beach
- Early morning start to avoid crowds and capture soft morning light
- Customized options available, including skirts (sizes S-M) and a focus on natural surroundings
- Ideal for those seeking a creative, Instagram-worthy experience in a scenic location
- Professional photos and videos are included, with additional edits available
- No transportation included, so plan your own transfer arrangements
A Closer Look at the Experience
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Madeira.
The Location: Seixal Black Sand Beach
Madeira’s Seixal Beach is a standout for its striking black sand, which creates a vivid contrast against the blue Atlantic and lush green mountains. Photographers love this spot for its postcard-quality scenery, and for good reason. Its flat terrain makes it easier to set up the pole and dance stage, which is not always the case at natural beaches. This stability is key for safety and for capturing sharp, professional-looking shots.
According to reviews, the early morning hours—around 8 am—are the best time to visit. During this time, you’re more likely to find the beach empty, with soft light perfect for photography. The tour operator emphasizes that, while they try to avoid crowds, they cannot guarantee the beach will be entirely free of travelers, especially during peak hours. Planning to arrive early is a smart strategy to maximize your photo opportunities.
The Setup: Pole Dance in a Natural Wonderland
Participants will find themselves on a single pole stage, which remains stable and spins smoothly. The setup is designed to be accessible for those with little or no pole dance experience, as the instructor offers a workshop on pole moves specifically for the photoshoot. The emphasis here is on artistic expression and capturing the natural beauty of your surroundings, so professional makeup isn’t considered necessary unless you want to go all out.
You can opt for photos only or include drone footage, which adds a cinematic feel to your collection. The drone shots are especially popular because they showcase the beach and your dance moves from an impressive aerial perspective.
What to Expect During the Session
Depending on the number of participants, the shooting session can range from 60 to 180 minutes. Whether you’re flying solo or with friends, there’s only one pole setup, so scheduling can be tight if more than a few people want to participate. The instructor guides you through various dance moves and poses, aiming to make everyone feel comfortable and photogenic.
The focus is on natural beauty and movement, with the backdrop of the Atlantic and Madeira’s mountains adding depth and drama to each shot. Afterward, you’ll receive at least four professionally edited photos, with options for more. If you’re interested in a more polished video with specific music or scripting, you’ll need to explore other options—they offer artistic editing but not fully customized videos.
More Great Tours NearbyWhat’s Included and What’s Not
The tour includes a pole dance workshop, skirt rentals (sizes S and M, with color options), and the edited photos. You won’t find included transfers or food, so planning your own transportation to and from Seixal Beach is essential.
No transfer service is provided, so you should organize your own transportation—either by rental car, taxi, or private transfer—especially since the experience starts early and takes place at a somewhat remote location.
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Practical Details
- Price: $398 per person—consider this as an investment in memorable, personalized photos and videos. When you weigh the cost against the stunning setting and the creative opportunity, it’s a fair price for a private, professional session.
- Duration: Four hours, with flexible starting times—check availability.
- Language: Guides are available in English, French, and Russian.
- Group size: Private, with a focus on individualized attention.
- Age and physical restrictions: Not suitable for children under 15, pregnant women, or those with certain health issues. The activity is also limited by weight (not for over 287 lbs/130 kg), height, and other physical conditions.
Why You Might Love This Experience
We loved the photogenic setting of Seixal Beach, which provides a striking contrast to the dance poses. The early morning light is perfect for capturing natural, flattering images. The personalized approach, with options to rent skirts and choose your shots, makes it feel like a bespoke experience. Plus, the opportunity to get aerial drone footage adds a cool, cinematic flair to your collection.
What You Should Consider
The main consideration is the early start—if you’re not a morning person, this might feel a little rushed. Also, since it’s an outdoor activity in nature, weather can influence your session, so having flexible plans is smart. Lastly, as only one pole setup is available, friends or larger groups might need to coordinate their schedules carefully if they want to participate together.
Who Will This Tour Suit Best?
This experience is perfect for adventure seekers who enjoy creative activities and are comfortable in front of a camera. It appeals to those wanting unique travel photos in a scenic setting, especially if you’re a dance enthusiast or simply looking to try something new. It’s also great for social media lovers eager to share stunning, professionally captured shots from Madeira.
This tour isn’t ideal for families with young children, pregnant travelers, or those with physical restrictions. If you prefer traditional sightseeing or are uncomfortable with heights or outdoor environments, you might want to pass on this.
The Sum Up
In essence, the Seixal Black Sand Beach Pole Dance Photo & Drone Shooting tour offers a rare blend of natural beauty and artistic expression. For about $400, you gain access to a private, professionally guided photo session in one of Madeira’s most photogenic spots. The combination of stunning scenery, expert guidance, and aerial footage makes it a worthwhile purchase for those looking to add a unique story to their travel album.
This experience shines brightest for creative souls, photography lovers, and adventure travelers eager to push their boundaries and capture something extraordinary. While it’s not a perfectly flexible, all-in-one tour, its exclusivity and the quality of the photos make up for the early start and physical limitations.
If you’re willing to invest in memorable, high-quality images against Madeira’s iconic backdrop—and enjoy a bit of dance—this tour could be a highlight of your trip.
FAQs
Is transportation included?
No, transportation is not provided. You will need to arrange your own transfer to Seixal Beach, especially since the activity starts early in the morning.
What should I bring?
Bring beachwear to stay comfortable during the shoot. Since the activity involves outdoor outdoor conditions, dress appropriately for the weather.
Can I choose my skirt color?
Yes, you can specify your preferred color when renting a skirt. Keep in mind that only sizes S and M are available, so plan accordingly.
How many photos will I receive?
You will receive a minimum of four professionally edited photos. Additional edits or images can be requested for an extra fee.
Is this suitable for children?
No, the activity is not suitable for children under 15, nor for pregnant women, or those with specific health or physical restrictions.
Can I do this if I am not experienced in pole dance?
Absolutely. The instructor offers a workshop on pole moves suitable for all levels, focusing on artistic poses rather than advanced tricks.
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