Sete Cidades and Lagoa do Fogo Private Tour

Explore São Miguel in a Private, Personalized Setting

This Sete Cidades and Lagoa do Fogo Private Tour offers an exclusive way to experience the captivating landscapes of São Miguel, Portugal. Priced at $463.49 per group for up to 8 people, the tour lasts approximately 6 to 8 hours and includes hotel pickup and drop-off. Designed for those who want a flexible schedule, the tour allows customized pacing to suit your interests, making it a perfect fit for travelers seeking a private, intimate exploration of the island’s natural beauty.

What makes this tour stand out is its focus on iconic viewpoints such as Pico do Carvão, Boca do Inferno, and Vista do Rei, alongside unique experiences like bathing in a natural hot ocean pool. The tour begins at a convenient 9:00am start time and provides bottled water, an air-conditioned vehicle, and booster seats for families. While lunch is not included, the variety of stops offers plenty of opportunity for a scenic break and a meal in one of the local eateries.

Key Points

• Private tour for up to 8 people with hotel pickup/drop-off
• Flexible timing and customizable itinerary
• Visits to Sete Cidades viewpoints, Lagoa do Fogo, and hot ocean pools
• Stunning panoramic views from Pico do Carvão and Boca do Inferno
• Approximate duration of 6 to 8 hours
• Includes all fees, taxes, bottled water, and air-conditioned transport

Discover the Panoramic Views from Pico do Carvão

The tour kicks off at Miradouro do Pico do Carvão, where you enjoy sweeping vistas of São Miguel’s volcanic landscape. From this panoramic viewpoint, you can see both the north and south coasts at once, along with lush green hills and volcanic ridges. The 10-minute stop provides a great introduction to the island’s rugged terrain, with admission included.

This vantage point offers an ideal spot for photography and appreciating the vastness of São Miguel’s central region. Its elevation and openness make it perfect for getting a broad perspective right at the start of your day.

Marvel at the Stunning Breathtaking Views from Boca do Inferno

Next, the Miradouro da Boca do Inferno sits at about 700 meters altitude, giving a dramatic view of three lakes. Here, you’ll observe Lagoa Azul, Lagoa de Santiago, and Lagoa Verde, each with distinct colors and shapes. This 50-minute stop is one of the tour’s highlights, offering multiple photographic angles and an opportunity to truly take in the island’s volcanic craters.

The viewpoint is well-known for its striking scenery, where the lakes are framed by steep slopes, making it a favorite for visitors seeking the most memorable panoramas. Admission is included for this scenic location.

The Iconic Vista do Rei Viewpoint Over Sete Cidades

The Vista do Rei viewpoint is perhaps the most famous of the tour, offering an iconic vista of Sete Cidades Lake. Known for its dual-colored lakes, Lagoa Azul and Lagoa V, the view from this spot captures the essence of São Miguel’s volcanic beauty. It’s a brief 15-minute stop, but the sight is worth every second for its postcard-worthy scenery.

From this vantage point, travelers get a clear view of the Lagoa das Cores and the surrounding lush landscape. It’s an essential stop for anyone wanting to understand the scale and beauty of the Sete Cidades caldera.

Scenic View of Lagoa de Santiago from the Da Lagoa de Santiago Viewpoint

At the Miradouro da Lagoa de Santiago, a short 10-minute stop offers a different perspective on the area’s volcanic craters. Here, the Lagoa de Santiago appears as a deep, dark green crater lake with an almost perfect circular shape. The steep slopes surrounding it highlight the untouched natural environment that characterizes São Miguel.

This viewpoint provides an excellent photo opportunity and a sense of the island’s volcanic origins. The location’s tranquility and pristine scenery make it a quiet yet striking stop.

Lunch Break in the Sete Cidades Area

The tour includes a one-hour stop in Sete Cidades for lunch. This pause allows guests to enjoy a meal in a local restaurant or café, with the freedom to choose a place that suits their tastes. The lunch is not included in the cost, giving flexibility but requiring some planning or on-site decision-making.

This break also offers a chance to relax, recharge, and discuss the morning’s highlights before continuing to the island’s other natural wonders.

Experience the Warm Waters at Ponta da Ferraria

Ponta da Ferraria stands out as a unique geothermal spot on São Miguel, where hot springs meet the Atlantic Ocean. During this 40-minute stop, you can enjoy bathing in a natural warm pool, with water temperature that varies with the tide, often feeling comfortably warm for swimming.

This natural thermal experience is a highlight for many visitors, combining the invigorating sea air with soothing, warm waters. The location’s volcanic activity provides a rare opportunity to relax in a geothermal ocean pool, making it a memorable part of the tour.

Visit the Pristine Lagoa do Fogo

The tour’s final major stop is Lagoa do Fogo, a deep volcanic lake surrounded by high caldera slopes. With crystal-clear waters and untouched surroundings, this site exemplifies São Miguel’s most scenic and pristine landscapes. The 30-minute visit offers a chance to enjoy panoramic views from above and appreciate the calm, natural beauty of this high-altitude crater.

The landscape showcases a mix of volcanic geology and lush vegetation, making it a peaceful conclusion to the day’s exploration of volcanic lakes.

Practical Details and Included Amenities

This private tour is led by knowledgeable guides and includes bottled water, all fees and taxes, and an air-conditioned vehicle. For families, booster seats are provided, ensuring comfort and safety for younger guests. The pickup and drop-off service makes logistics simple, as the tour departs at 9:00am from your hotel or designated location.

While lunch is not included, the tour’s stops at key viewpoints and natural pools offer plenty of options to eat nearby or bring snacks. The tour is suitable for most travelers, and service animals are allowed.

Flexibility and Booking Policies

This private experience offers the advantage of customized timing and the ability to adapt the itinerary. You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making it a flexible option for those with changing plans. Changes less than 24 hours before the start are not accepted, so planning ahead helps ensure a smooth experience.

The small group size and private nature make this tour more intimate and tailored compared to larger group excursions.

Final Thoughts on the Sete Cidades and Lagoa do Fogo Tour

This private tour of São Miguel combines some of the island’s most famous viewpoints with unique experiences like bathing in a natural thermal ocean pool. Its flexible schedule, personalized approach, and focus on scenic highlights make it ideal for travelers who value comfort and customization.

The tour’s stunning viewpoints, especially the Vista do Rei and Boca do Inferno, are guaranteed to impress anyone seeking memorable vistas. While lunch is not included, the stop at Sete Cidades provides enough time to enjoy local cuisine or bring your own snacks.

This experience delivers a well-rounded exploration of São Miguel’s volcanic landscapes, with the added benefit of a private guide who adapts to your interests. It’s a solid choice for visitors wanting a comprehensive, flexible, and scenic day on the island.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour price?
The tour includes all fees and taxes, bottled water, air-conditioned transportation, and booster seats for families.

How long does the tour last?
The duration is approximately 6 to 8 hours, depending on your pace and interests.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch is not included, but there is a one-hour stop in Sete Cidades for dining.

What are the main stops on the tour?
Stops include Pico do Carvão, Boca do Inferno, Vista do Rei, Lagoa de Santiago, Ponta da Ferraria, and Lagoa do Fogo.

Can the tour be canceled?
Yes, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is this tour suitable for families?
Yes, booster seats are provided, and the private nature makes it suitable for families and small groups.

What makes this tour unique?
Its focus on stunning viewpoints, the natural hot ocean pool, and the personalized, flexible approach set it apart.

Can I customize the itinerary?
Yes, as a private tour, it can be tailored to your interests and pace.