Flores Island: Full-Day Guided Tour

Discover the Beauty of Flores Island with a Guided Tour for $95

The Flores Island: Full-Day Guided Tour offers an immersive experience of the Azores’ most captivating landscapes. Priced at $95 per person and lasting 7 hours, this tour is perfect for those eager to explore Flores’s natural wonders through the eyes of a certified local guide. The tour departs from Santa Cruz and includes comfortable transportation, with the flexibility to visit seven lagoons, waterfalls, viewpoints, and lakes.

What makes this tour stand out is the comprehensive coverage of Flores Island’s highlights, from viewpoints like Ponta Ruiva to the iconic Rocha dos Bordões. The small group setting, limited to 8 participants, ensures personalized attention and a relaxed pace. While food and drinks are not included, the tour’s well-planned itinerary and multilingual service make it a practical choice for travelers seeking an authentic island experience.

This tour is especially suited for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers who value expert guides, scenic stops, and flexible plans that can adapt to weather conditions. Keep in mind, the tour involves some short hikes, with the longest trail being just 1.5 kilometers, taking around 20 minutes. It’s best for those comfortable on their feet and prepared for variable weather.

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Key Points

• Price and Duration: $95 per person for a 7-hour full-day exploration of Flores.
• Expert Guides: Led by certified local guides speaking English, Portuguese, Spanish, and French.
• Scenic Stops: Includes 7 Lagoons, waterfalls like Poço do Bacalhau, and famous Rocha dos Bordões.
• Transport: Comfortable air-conditioned van, with hotel pickup and drop-off in Santa Cruz.
• Additional Perks: Small group size, multilingual service, and flexible rebooking policy in case of fog or low visibility.
• What’s Not Included: Food and drinks, so plan to bring cash for meals or snacks.

Starting Point and Itinerary Highlights in Flores

The tour begins with hotel pickup in Santa Cruz, with up to 18 pickup options including locations like Casa do Rossio and Flores Museum. From there, the journey takes you through villages such as Fazenda de Santa Cruz, Cedros, and Ponta Ruiva, where you’ll enjoy breathtaking viewpoints of the island’s coastline and lush landscapes.

The itinerary then heads towards the central part of Flores, where the Branca and Seca Lakes await, offering tranquil waters and scenic surroundings. After a lunch stop (not included), the focus shifts to impressive waterfalls like Poço do Bacalhau and the walk to Poço da Ribeira do Ferreiro, a site renowned for its incomparable natural beauty.

The tour culminates at Rocha dos Bordões, a towering rock formation often deemed Flores’s signature landmark. The order of stops can vary, especially if starting from Fajã Grande, where the sequence is reversed, but each site is equally captivating.

Exploring Flores’s Waterfalls and Lagoons

One of the key attractions on this tour is Poço do Bacalhau, a waterfall with a natural pool where visitors can admire the powerful flow of water amid lush surroundings. The walk to Poço da Ribeira do Ferreiro offers an up-close look at the island’s verdant landscape and is described as a place of incomparable beauty.

The 7 Lagoons are a series of crystal-clear waters located in the island’s interior, providing stunning views and photo opportunities. The guide explains the geology and history of these lakes, enriching the appreciation of this natural spectacle.

The stops at Ponta Ruiva Viewpoint and Alagoa give panoramic views of coastal cliffs and the Atlantic Ocean, perfect for photography and soaking in the island’s rugged beauty.

The Iconic Rocha dos Bordões and Other Viewpoints

Rocha dos Bordões is a towering rock formation often regarded as the main symbol of Flores. Its stratified basalt columns stretch upward, creating an impressive geological landmark. The tour includes a visit to the Portal Viewpoint, where visitors get a spectacular vista of the cliffs and formations.

Other viewpoints like Craveiro Lopes and Fajã Grande provide panoramic vistas of the coastline and the lush valleys. These stops are ideal for photography and to gain a sense of the island’s diverse terrain.

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Waterfalls and Lakes in the Heart of Flores

After lunch, the focus shifts to waterfalls like Poço do Bacalhau and the walk to Poço da Ribeira do Ferreiro, where water plunges into serene pools amid green surroundings. These sites are easily accessible and provide excellent opportunities for photos, short walks, and appreciating Flores’s untouched natural environment.

The lakes in the island’s center are another focal point. Their calm waters and scenic backgrounds make them ideal spots for relaxation and photography. The guide shares insights into the geological formations that created these lakes, adding depth to the experience.

Visiting the Famous Fajã Grande and Poço do Bacalhau

The tour’s route may include a visit to Fajã Grande, a charming village with scenic views of the coast and access to Poço do Bacalhau, a waterfall with a natural pool. The location offers a mix of cultural and natural sights, making it a great spot for photos and enjoying the tranquil village atmosphere.

Poço do Bacalhau is a highlight for its powerful waterfall and the opportunity to witness the island’s volcanic activity firsthand. The site also offers a walk to see the rushing water up close.

Practical Details and Booking Information

This tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off from nearby locations in Santa Cruz, making it convenient for travelers staying in the area. The small group size limits participants to 8 people, promoting a more personalized experience.

The multilingual guides can communicate in English, Portuguese, Spanish, and French, ensuring clear explanations of each site’s geology, history, and natural features. The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users due to the nature of the activities and terrain.

For physical readiness, the tour involves three short hikes, with the longest being about 1.5 km, or roughly 20 minutes of slow walking. Travelers are advised to bring hats, cameras, hiking shoes, sunscreen, water, a jacket, and cash for additional expenses.

The Experience Provider and Similar Tours

The experience is offered by Experience OC, known for providing well-organized, engaging tours on Flores Island. The full-day format allows travelers to see the island’s most significant sites in one visit.

Similar experiences include boat trips, snorkeling, canyoning, and whale watching, all of which can be found through linked tours for those wanting to extend their island exploration.

Why Choose This Tour on Flores?

This full-day guided tour offers comprehensive coverage of Flores’s natural highlights with the added benefit of local expertise. The cost-effective price of $95 provides access to breathtaking viewpoints, waterfalls, lakes, and geological formations.

The small group size and multilingual guides ensure a personalized, informative experience. The flexibility to reschedule in case of weather issues adds to the tour’s practicality. While food is not included, travelers can enjoy stunning scenery and informative commentary throughout the day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation provided?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included in the tour, with comfortable air-conditioned vans.

What sites are included in the itinerary?
Stops include Ponta Ruiva Viewpoint, 7 Lagoons, Rocha dos Bordões, Poço do Bacalhau, and waterfalls like Poço da Ribeira do Ferreiro.

How physically demanding is the tour?
It involves three short hikes, with the longest being 1.5 km or about 20 minutes of walk, suitable for most travelers in good health.

Are food and drinks included?
No, food and drinks are not included, so plan to bring cash for meals or snacks during the break.

What languages do guides speak?
Guides speak English, Portuguese, Spanish, and French to accommodate diverse travelers.

Can I reschedule if the weather is foggy?
Yes, the tour offers a free rescheduling attempt in case of fog or low visibility.

Who is this tour best suited for?
This experience is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, nature lovers, and those who appreciate guided local insight and scenic vistas.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
No, it is not suitable for wheelchair users due to terrain and activity requirements.

How do I book?
Bookings can be made through the provider Experience OC, with options to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Can I customize the itinerary?
The sequence of stops depends on the starting point, but the core sites are generally included. Specific customization isn’t mentioned.

What makes this tour special compared to other Flores options?
The combination of comprehensive sites, small group size, multilingual guides, and flexibility makes this tour a reliable choice for a full-day exploration of Flores Island.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby