Buggy Tours with lunch, Sete Cidades, Ponta Delgada, AZORES

Exploring São Miguel through a buggy adventure offers a unique perspective of the island’s diverse landscapes. For $173.64 per person, this 5.5-hour guided tour takes you along remote trails, volcanic craters, and stunning viewpoints that are often inaccessible by standard vehicles. With a maximum group size of just 8 travelers, the experience feels intimate and personalized, led by knowledgeable guides who highlight the island’s natural beauty at every turn.

This tour is designed for those seeking adventure combined with scenic discovery, especially for travelers who enjoy off-road driving and want to get off the beaten path. While the tour is not suitable for children under 8, it appeals to anyone with a sense of adventure and a curiosity for spectacular landscapes. The tour includes a lunch stop at São Vicente Ferreira, offering a relaxing break amidst nature.

Key Points

• Duration: Approximately 5 hours and 30 minutes of exploration
• Price: Around $173.64 per person, with bookings often made 193 days in advance
• Stops include: Rocha da Relva, Muro das Nove Janelas, Pico da Cruz, Sete Cidades, Lagoa das Sete Cidades, São Vicente Ferreira, Fenais da Luz, and Batalha Golf Course
• Highlights: Visiting remote viewpoints, volcano craters, and passing through scenic trails that are hard to reach otherwise
• Guide: Knowledgeable, personable guides, notably Pedro, who enhances the experience with insightful commentary
• Booking: Mobile tickets available; free cancellation up to 24 hours prior

Start at R. do Paim 155 in Arrifes, Portugal

The tour kicks off at 9:00am from the designated meeting point in Arrifes, near public transportation options, making it convenient to join. The small group size ensures personalized attention and a more engaging experience. After a quick safety briefing, the adventure begins with the excitement of hopping into the buggy and heading out onto rugged trails.

The tour’s structure allows for a relaxed pace, with frequent stops to appreciate the views and take photos. The lunch break at São Vicente Ferreira offers a chance to unwind while enjoying local food near the historic whale factory site. The tour concludes back at the starting point, leaving plenty of time for additional exploration or relaxation.

Exploring Rocha da Relva and the South Coast Viewpoint

The first stop is Rocha da Relva, a stunning viewpoint along the south coast. Here, travelers can admire sweeping vistas of the Atlantic Ocean and the rugged coastline. The viewpoint provides a perfect introduction to the scenic beauty of São Miguel before venturing inland.

Traveling along the coast, the guide points out notable features and shares insights into local geography. The 30-minute stop is free of charge and sets the tone for the rest of the day’s adventure, whetting appetites for more spectacular sights ahead.

Passing by the Muro das Nove Janelas Aqueduct

Next, the tour passes the Muro das Nove Janelas, an ancient aqueduct with nine distinctive arches. This historic structure offers a glimpse into the island’s engineering past and adds an element of cultural interest to the scenic drive. The pass-by nature of this stop allows for quick photos while continuing the journey into more remote areas.

This part of the route showcases São Miguel’s agricultural landscape, with views of lush fields and rolling hills. The aqueduct’s architecture contrasts beautifully with the natural surroundings, making it a memorable visual highlight.

Climbing Pico da Cruz for Volcano Views

A highlight of the tour is the ascent to Pico da Cruz, where a viewpoint provides an exceptional panorama of Sete Cidades volcano. The 30-minute stop allows travelers to take in the sweeping vistas of the crater lake and surrounding caldera.

The climb offers a chance to enjoy fresh mountain air and observe the volcanic landscape up close. From this vantage point, the Sete Cidades caldera appears as a massive, lush crater, giving a sense of the island’s volcanic origins.

Walking along the Summits of Sete Cidades Volcano

Following Pico da Cruz, the tour takes a walk along the summits of Sete Cidades volcano. This 30-minute activity includes a descent into the volcanic caldera, with views of Lagoa Verde and Lagoa Azul—the twin lakes that give the region its name.

Travelers can appreciate the volcanic geology and lush vegetation that adorns the crater walls. This stop balances light activity with stunning scenery, making it accessible for many participants and offering fantastic photo opportunities.

Visiting Lagoas das Sete Cidades at the Environmental Complex

The Complexo Ambiental da Lagoa das Sete Cidades provides a closer look at the twin lakes, with a 40-minute stop in the center of the parish. Passing by the lakes, this stop offers a peaceful moment to observe the calm waters and surrounding greenery.

The location is ideal for capturing the natural beauty of this iconic site. The stop emphasizes the tranquil atmosphere and scenic diversity of São Miguel’s volcanic lakes.

Lunch and Relaxation at São Vicente Ferreira

The tour’s lunch stop in São Vicente Ferreira lasts 1 hour and 30 minutes, giving ample time to enjoy a meal near Poços de São Vicente Ferreira. This area is known for its bathing spots and proximity to the old whale factory facilities.

It’s a perfect break for relaxing, taking in the coastal views, and re-energizing for the next leg of the journey. The setting adds a touch of local history and maritime scenery to the experience.

Passing Fenais da Luz and Coastal Trails

After lunch, the route takes travelers through the coastal area of São Vicente Ferreira and onto Fenais da Luz. This 20-minute passage offers scenic views of the Atlantic coast and the lush landscape surrounding the villages.

The drive along these coastal roads reveals the island’s verdant flora and the rugged shoreline. It’s a brief but beautiful segment that maintains the tour’s focus on Scenic drives and natural beauty**.

Overlooking Batalha Golf Course and Aflitos Viewpoint

Next, the group visits the Batalha Golf Course, where a 30-minute stop at the Aflitos viewpoint provides a different perspective of the island’s greenery and rolling hills. This spot offers great photo opportunities and a peaceful atmosphere away from busy tourist spots.

The combination of golf course scenery and panoramic views underscores the diversity of São Miguel’s landscapes, blending leisure and nature effortlessly.

Final Moments and Return to Meeting Point

The tour concludes after passing through the scenic landscapes near Batalha Golf Course, returning to the starting point in Arrifes. This full circle ensures that travelers leave with a comprehensive impression of São Miguel’s volcanic features, coastal beauty, and lush valleys.

The small group size and guided commentary make for a comfortable and enriching experience, ideal for those who want to see remote and difficult-to-access areas of the island in a single day.

Why This Buggy Tour Stands Out in São Miguel

The buggy adventure combines off-road excitement with scenic exploration, making it perfect for travelers eager to see island landscapes that are otherwise hard to reach. The route’s variety—covering viewpoints, volcanic craters, lakes, and coastal areas—ensures a well-rounded overview of São Miguel’s natural wonders.

The guides, especially Pedro, are praised for their knowledge and friendly demeanor, enriching the experience with insightful commentary. The lunch stop adds a leisurely touch, balancing adventure with comfort. With a maximum of 8 participants, the tour offers a personalized feel that larger tours often lack.

Potential travelers should note that children under 8 are not recommended, and good weather is essential for the best experience. The free cancellation policy provides worry-free booking, allowing flexibility in planning.

Who Should Consider This Tour

This buggy tour is ideal for adventure seekers, nature lovers, and those wanting an active day out exploring São Miguel’s volcanic landscapes and coastal scenery. It suits families with older children, small groups, and travelers who appreciate guided insights and off-road driving.

If you prefer comfortable bus tours, this might not be the best fit, but for a hands-on, lively experience, it offers unmatched access to the island’s most picturesque spots.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 5 hours and 30 minutes.

What is included in the price?
The ticket price covers the guided off-road buggy experience and a lunch stop at São Vicente Ferreira. It does not specify additional inclusions beyond that.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Children under 8 are not recommended due to the nature of the activity.

What stops are included during the tour?
Stops include Rocha da Relva, Muro das Nove Janelas, Pico da Cruz, Sete Cidades, Lagoa das Sete Cidades, São Vicente Ferreira, Fenais da Luz, and Batalha Golf Course.

What should I wear or bring?
While not specified, it’s advisable to wear comfortable clothing suitable for outdoor activities and bring protection from the sun.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, full cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the scheduled start, with a full refund.

How many people are in each group?
The maximum group size is 8 travelers, ensuring a personalized experience.

Who is the tour provider?
The experience is offered by Azores Off Road, with contact details available for further inquiries.

Are the viewpoints accessible for everyone?
Stops are designed to be accessible, but the activity involves some walking and climbing, so consider mobility needs.

Is there any additional fee for stops?
All stops are free of charge; no additional admission fees are required during the tour.

What is the main appeal of this tour?
The tour’s off-road driving through remote, scenic, and volcanic landscapes makes it a must-do for adventure enthusiasts looking for a comprehensive view of São Miguel’s natural beauty.