Buggy Off-road Excursion w/ lunch Coast to Coast (Shared)

Exploring São Miguel through a buggy off-road excursion offers a dynamic way to see the island’s volcanic landscapes, lush scenery, and local farms. For $129.51 per person, this 7 to 8-hour shared adventure provides a combination of exhilarating driving, stunning views, and a taste of local cuisine. The tour departs from the ANC Guided Tours office in Valados at 8:30 am, making it an ideal choice for travelers seeking an active day with a mixture of nature and culture.

While the tour is generally praised for its spectacular vistas and friendly guides, it’s worth noting that the experience involves getting quite dusty — so goggles or glasses are recommended. This tour suits those who enjoy off-road driving, scenic stops, and are prepared for an adventurous day exploring the coast to coast of São Miguel.

Key Points

• Price of $129.51 per person for a full-day off-road adventure
• 7 to 8 hours duration, starting at 8:30 am
• Shared tour with a maximum of 15 travelers
• Includes a delicious Azorean lunch at Caloura
• Guided by knowledgeable guides with safety equipment provided
• Several scenic stops, including views of lakes, landscapes, and coastlines

Start at the ANC Guided Tours Office in Valados

The adventure begins at the ANC Buggy/Quad Tours office in Valados, where a friendly guide welcomes the group. The tour kicks off with a 15-minute drive, setting the tone for a day filled with exploration and excitement. Travelers should arrive prepared to hop into their shared buggy, equipped with helmets, safety gear, and a spirit for adventure.

This initial departure provides an easy start to the day, with the group heading out to explore the scenic points of the island. The small group size, limited to 15 travelers, ensures a personalized experience and plenty of interaction with the guide.

Scenic Drives and Stops at Miradouro dos Aflitos and Batalha Golf Course

The first few stops include the Miradouro dos Aflitos, where panoramic views open up over the surrounding landscape, and the Batalha Golf Course, which offers a peaceful stretch amid lush greenery. Both stops are brief but rewarding, with 10 to 30-minute visits that allow time to soak in the scenery.

The stops are designed to give travelers a taste of São Miguel’s diverse terrain — from rugged coastlines to cultivated fields. The passing through and stopping nature of these points means you’ll enjoy a mix of scenic drives and moments for photos.

Coastal Pathways on Caminho da Beira Mar and Caminho Do Lameiro

Next, the tour passes along the Caminho da Beira Mar and Caminho Do Lameiro, offering views of the coast and the chance to experience the island’s rugged terrain up close. These routes are particularly notable for their breathtaking coastal scenery, where the open-air buggy exposes you to the wind and fresh air.

These stretches are ideal for those who enjoy off-road driving and want to feel connected to the landscape. The stops here are brief but give a good sense of the island’s coastal beauty.

Miradouro da Coroa da Mata and the Scenic Overlook

A highlight of the tour is the stop at Miradouro da Coroa da Mata, a viewpoint offering sweeping vistas of the island’s interior. Here, the group takes a moment to appreciate the lush greenery and volcanic features that define São Miguel’s landscape.

This stop is ideal for photo opportunities and to understand the scale of the island’s natural features. The guide often shares insights about the landscape, enriching the experience.

Lunch Break at Caloura

The tour’s most anticipated moment is the one-hour lunch break at Caloura, a charming coastal area known for its local restaurant serving traditional Azorean cuisine. This meal provides a restful pause after the off-road driving, allowing travelers to enjoy regional flavors in a scenic setting.

The lunch included is a key part of the experience, offering a taste of the island’s culinary traditions. It also provides a chance to relax and chat with fellow travelers before continuing the adventure.

Miradouro Caldeiras de Ribeira Grande and Nearby Stops

Post-lunch, the tour continues with visits to the Miradouro Caldeiras de Ribeira Grande, a viewpoint overlooking volcanic calderas, and the nearby Ribeira Grande area. These stops highlight São Miguel’s volcanic activity and lush landscapes.

At Piscinas Municipais de Ribeira Grande and Santa Barbara, the group briefly passes through, enjoying the scenery and taking in the island’s natural beauty. These points emphasize the island’s geothermal features and fertile lands.

Final Scenic Stops and Return to Ponta Delgada

The last stops include a quick visit to the Lagoa area, known for its stunning lake views, and a final pass through Ponta Delgada before returning to the start point. The 15-minute drive back wraps up the day, leaving travelers with a comprehensive sense of São Miguel’s diverse scenery.

The tour concludes back at the ANC Guided Tours office, typically around 4 pm, ending a full day of exploration.

Practicalities: What’s Included and What to Prepare

The tour price covers a guide, gasoline, personal insurance, and helmets, making safety a priority. The lunch at Caloura is included, giving travelers a chance to enjoy local cuisine without extra expense.

Participants need a valid driving license to operate or accompany the buggy, as driving is required for this tour. The tour is suitable for most travelers, with most people able to participate, though those who are sensitive to dust should bring goggles or glasses, as the experience can be quite dusty.

The activity offers a mobile ticket for ease of access and convenience, with the possibility to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

The Experience Guide and Group Size

The guiding team is praised for their knowledgeable and friendly approach, making the journey more engaging. One review mentions a guide named Philippine, who is appreciated for her storytelling. The small group size of 15 travelers ensures plenty of attention and a more personalized experience.

Potential Drawbacks and Considerations

One notable limitation is the dusty nature of the buggy ride — travelers should plan accordingly by bringing goggles or glasses and covering their mouths with a bandana. While the tour offers stunning views and scenic stops, some may wish for longer visits at certain points or more iconic landmarks, as one review suggests.

Weather conditions can affect the tour schedule or route, but the operator offers flexibility to change the date at no extra cost.

Why Choose This Tour?

This buggy off-road excursion shines for its combination of adventure, scenic beauty, and local cuisine. The mix of rugged terrain, coastline, volcanic landscapes, and a delicious lunch makes for a well-rounded day. The guides’ expertise and small group size ensure a safe, engaging experience.

However, travelers should be prepared for dust and wind, and those seeking a more relaxed sightseeing experience might find the off-road aspect a bit intense. Nonetheless, for those craving outdoor activity and authentic scenery, this tour delivers plenty of highlights.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is driving a buggy required on this tour?
Yes, driving is required, and participants need a valid driving license to operate or accompany the vehicle.

What’s included in the price?
The price covers a guide, gasoline, personal insurance, helmets, and a lunch at Caloura.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 7 to 8 hours, starting at 8:30 am and returning to Ponta Delgada around 4 pm.

Are there any physical requirements?
Most travelers can participate, but dusty conditions mean goggles or glasses are recommended. The activity involves off-road driving, so a reasonable level of mobility is advised.

Can the tour be canceled if weather is bad?
Yes, the tour date can be changed at no extra cost depending on weather conditions.

How many people are in each group?
The maximum group size is 15 travelers, ensuring a more intimate experience.

This buggy off-road tour from Ponta Delgada offers an active, scenic day across São Miguel’s diverse landscapes, with the added bonus of local cuisine. While dusty, it provides a genuine taste of the island’s volcanic beauty, making it a compelling option for those seeking adventure and authentic sights.