Cruise Travellers: Sete Cidades Volcano, The Blue & Green Lake

The Cruise Travellers: Sete Cidades Volcano, The Blue & Green Lake tour offers a well-rounded look at one of the most iconic sights in the Azores. Priced at $58.22 per person and lasting approximately 3 to 4 hours, this experience provides a compact yet comprehensive exploration of São Miguel’s volcanic landscapes. Starting from Ponta Delgada, the tour combines natural beauty, local culture, and expert guiding, making it an excellent choice for cruise passengers wanting to maximize their time on the island.

This tour shines with its focus on outdoor scenery and geological highlights, including a visit to a pineapple plantation, stunning viewpoints, and the interior of the Sete Cidades volcano. While the overall pace suits those comfortable with walking and outdoor exploration, some stops—like the Caldeira das Sete Cidades—offer free time for personal discovery. Guides are praised for their local knowledge and storytelling, enhancing the experience with engaging facts and tips.

Key Points

• Affordable and well-rated at 4.5/5 from 36 reviews, with many booked repeatedly.
• Includes a visit to a pineapple plantation, unique to glass greenhouses.
• Viewpoints like Vista do Rei provide iconic views of the blue and green lakes.
• Inside the volcano, travelers explore the parish of Sete Cidades and surrounding scenery.
• Guides are described as knowledgeable, passionate, and local, enhancing the storytelling.
• Tour is suitable for those seeking outdoor adventures and scenic landscapes, but involves walking and some vehicle stops.

The Tour Starts with a Visit to a Pineapple Plantation in Arruda

The tour kicks off with a 15-minute stop at the Arruda Pineapple Plantation, the only one on the island cultivated in glass greenhouses. Here, you learn about how native Azorean pineapples are grown, gaining insight into local agriculture. This stop provides a glimpse of rural life in São Miguel and adds a touch of local flavor to the journey.

While the visit is brief, it’s a great introduction to the island’s farming traditions. The admission is free, making it a cost-effective way to see how these prized pineapples are cultivated. Visitors appreciate the informative guide, who shares details about the cultivation process and local produce.

Admiring the Vista do Rei Miradouro: Portugal’s Natural Wonder

Next, the tour proceeds to the Vista do Rei Miradouro, a 15-minute viewpoint celebrated as one of Portugal’s seven wonders. From this vantage point, travelers are treated to a breathtaking panorama of the blue and green lakes within the Sete Cidades caldera. The crisp views and vivid colors of the lakes are often described as magical.

This stop offers one of the tour’s most iconic photo opportunities. The free access to this viewpoint allows visitors ample time to take photos, absorb the scenery, and learn about the geological formation of the caldera from the guide. The viewpoint’s reputation as a must-see makes it a highlight for many.

Exploring the Interior of the Sete Cidades Volcano

The 30-minute visit to Caldeira das Sete Cidades provides a chance to walk around within the volcano’s interior. Visitors can explore the parish of Sete Cidades, visit the São Nicolau church, or stroll along the edge of the blue lagoon. The scenery here remains picturesque, with lush greenery and tranquil waters.

This stop is ideal for those wanting a close-up look at the volcanic landscape. The tour offers free time to explore, which many find valuable for taking photos or just soaking in the views. The informative guidance helps make sense of the volcanic activity that shaped this landscape.

Ponta do Escalvado: Cliffs and Islets in Focus

The Miradouro da Ponta do Escalvado, the 10-minute final viewpoint, overlooks the coastal cliffs and the black rocks of the Mosteiros islets. This scenic stop showcases the dramatic coastal geology of São Miguel, offering views of towering cliffs and rugged coastline.

Many appreciate this as a peaceful yet striking ending to the tour, with opportunities for photos of the cliffs and rocks. The viewpoint’s altitude provides a different perspective on the island’s varied landscapes, rounding out the scenic journey.

Return to Ponta Delgada with Drop-Off Options

The tour concludes with a 30-minute return drive to Ponta Delgada, where travelers can choose their drop-off location: either back at the cruise terminal or in the city center. This flexibility is appreciated, allowing for convenient access to accommodations or further exploration.

The entire experience is designed to maximize sightseeing within a half-day. The use of bottled water and local storytelling from guides contribute to a comfortable and informative outing.

Logistics: Group Size, Pickup, and Timing

This tour is limited to a maximum of 33 travelers, ensuring a personalized atmosphere. It departs daily at 9:00 am, with pickup offered from various locations, enhancing convenience for cruise passengers. The mobile ticket system allows for easy access, and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance provides peace of mind.

Most participants can join, and service animals are allowed. The tour is suited to those comfortable with outdoor walking and vehicle stops, but involves some physical activity at viewpoints and within the volcano.

The Role of the Local Guide and Customer Feedback

Guides are consistently praised for their local knowledge, friendly demeanor, and storytelling skills. Many reviews highlight the engaging narration about geology, history, and legends, which enriches the experience. Guides like Diogo and Joao stand out for their enthusiasm and professionalism.

Some criticisms mention guides speaking Portuguese, or less informative experiences, but overall, most reviews note the guides’ passion and expertise. The small group size and personalized guidance make this tour a comfortable way to see the island’s highlights.

The Value of This Tour in Context

Priced at $58.22, this tour offers good value considering the multiple stops, scenic viewpoints, and guided commentary. It includes insurances and a bottled water, enhancing comfort. The free stops at key viewpoints and attractions make it a cost-effective choice for a half-day exploration.

While some reviews note disappointments due to weather or external port issues, the majority find the experience worthwhile, especially for first-time visitors or those with limited time on the island.

Who Would Enjoy This Tour Most?

This Sete Cidades Volcano tour is perfect for cruise passengers seeking a scenic outdoor experience with easy logistics. Nature lovers will appreciate the dramatic landscapes and viewpoints, and those interested in local culture benefit from the pineapple plantation visit and guide-led storytelling.

The tour suits active participants comfortable with some walking and outdoor exposure. It provides a well-rounded snapshot of São Miguel’s volcanic beauty without requiring a full day’s commitment.

Final Thoughts on the Sete Cidades Volcano Tour

This tour delivers stunning views and informative guidance at a reasonable price, with highlights like the Vista do Rei Miradouro and the interior of the volcano. The inclusion of a pineapple plantation adds a unique local touch, enriching the overall experience.

Most travelers praise the guides’ knowledge and friendly attitude, which makes the exploration more engaging. The scenic stops, paired with small-group comfort, create a valuable and enjoyable half-day outing.

While weather can influence the lakes’ appearance, the overall variety of viewpoints and stops ensures a memorable visit. This tour is especially suited for those wanting a compact, scenic, and educational experience in São Miguel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for cruise ship passengers?
Yes, the tour departs from Ponta Delgada, offers pickup, and has flexible drop-off options, making it ideal for cruise travelers.

How long does the tour last?
The experience lasts approximately 3 to 4 hours, covering several scenic stops and sightseeing points.

What should I bring?
Participants should wear comfortable clothing suitable for outdoor walking and bring water. The tour provides bottled water, but additional snacks or sun protection may be helpful.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the scheduled start time, offering flexibility in case of changes or weather issues.

Are guides knowledgeable about local geology and legends?
Absolutely, guides are praised for their local expertise, storytelling, and passion for sharing the island’s history and natural features.

What are the main highlights of this tour?
The blue and green lakes, Vista do Rei viewpoint, inside the Sete Cidades volcano, and the pineapple plantation stand out as key highlights.