Full-Day Jeep Tour: Sete Cidades and Ferraria

Explore São Miguel’s Top Natural Wonders in a Small-Group Jeep Tour

This full-day Jeep tour from Ponta Delgada offers an exciting way to see some of São Miguel Island’s most iconic natural sights. Priced at $87.13 per person, the tour lasts approximately 7 hours and is ideal for those seeking a mix of adventure, scenic views, and cultural insights. The tour is limited to 12 participants, ensuring a personal and relaxed experience with a knowledgeable guide.

You’re picked up directly from your hotel in Ponta Delgada, and transportation is included in a comfortable 8-seater Land Cruiser. The tour combines off-road exploration, stunning viewpoints, and the chance to swim in thermal pools, making it a well-rounded day that balances active sightseeing with moments of calm. A highlight is the visit to Sete Cidades, a volcanic crater with lakes and lush forests, along with stops at spectacular viewpoints and the famous Ferraria thermal pools.

Key Points

• Includes hotel pickup and drop-off, making logistics easy
• Small-group experience capped at 12 travelers for intimacy
• Visit to Sete Cidades, one of the island’s most striking volcanic lakes
• Swim in Ferraria’s thermal pools (extra entrance fee applies)
• A traditional Azorean lunch is included, with options for fish or meat
• Multiple viewpoints such as Pico do Carvão and Santiago viewpoint

Pickup and Transportation in a Comfortable Land Cruiser

The tour begins at 9:00 am with a direct hotel pickup in Ponta Delgada, eliminating the need to navigate unfamiliar roads. The group travels in a fully equipped 8-seater jeep, fitted with safety gear like fire extinguishers and first aid kits. The round-trip transfer allows you to relax and enjoy the scenery without worrying about driving.

The small-group setting ensures personalized attention from the guide and a more intimate atmosphere, ideal for those who prefer a less crowded experience. The pick-up and drop-off service makes exploring the island hassle-free, especially for visitors unfamiliar with local transportation options.

Discovering the Volcanic Crater of Sete Cidades

The highlight of the tour is the visit to the Sete Cidades volcanic crater, a vast area with forested slopes and scattered lakes. The tour explores this 3-mile wide crater, where the off-road experience allows travelers to see areas often inaccessible by regular vehicles. The guide shares insights into the island’s geological past, including the eruption over 1500 years ago that created this stunning landscape.

At the various viewpoints within the crater, such as Pico do Carvão and Santiago, you get breathtaking vistas of the lakes and surrounding greenery. Each stop is brief, generally lasting around 10 minutes, but packed with photo opportunities and panoramic views.

Visiting Ponta da Ferraria’s Natural Thermal Pools

A unique aspect of this tour is the stop at Ponta da Ferraria, where geothermal activity heats tide pools to inviting temperatures. The natural pools offer a chance to swim in warm waters while watching the waves crash on rugged rocky headlands. Entry to the pools is a separate expense, costing around €6, but the experience of bathing in geothermally heated seawater is a highlight for many.

Visitors have the option to take a dip or simply enjoy the scenery and snap photos of the dramatic coastline. The pools are naturally heated by volcanic activity, making this a memorable and relaxing stop during the tour.

Tasting Traditional Azorean Cuisine at a Local Restaurant

Midday, the tour takes you to a locally loved restaurant where Azorean dishes are served. The menu typically features fish, meat, stews, and grilled options, reflecting the Mediterranean influence on local cuisine. The lunch is included in the tour price and offers a chance to replenish energy after the morning’s adventures.

Vegetarian options are available if requested in advance, ensuring dietary needs are accommodated. The restaurant’s casual setting provides an authentic taste of Azorean hospitality and local flavors.

Scenic Stops at Viewpoints Including Canary Lake and Cumieiras

Throughout the day, several scenic stops enhance the experience. These include Canary Lake, known for its crystal-clear waters, and the peninsula areas offering sweeping views of the coastline. The tunnels and twin lakes margins provide picturesque landscapes perfect for photography.

Each viewpoint offers a brief window of around 10 minutes, but these stops are packed with spectacular scenery. The guide’s stories add context, explaining the geological and cultural significance of each location.

The Off-Road Adventure and Easy Pacing

The off-road segments in the 4×4 Jeep are designed to give a more immersive experience of São Miguel’s landscape. Winding along dusty, unpaved roads, the vehicle reaches remote viewpoints and hidden spots not accessible by standard vehicles.

The overall pacing of the tour balances adventure and relaxation, with short stops allowing travelers to enjoy each location without feeling rushed. The 7-hour duration from pickup to drop-off provides a comprehensive look at the island’s diverse scenery.

Visiting the Rugged Coastline of Ponta da Ferraria

The rocky shoreline at Ponta da Ferraria displays the island’s geothermal activity in action, with bubbling pools and steaming vents visible nearby. The crashing waves and rock formations create a dramatic setting perfect for photos or a quick walk along the coast.

This stop also offers a chance to appreciate the power of volcanic activity shaping the island’s landscape. It’s a visual highlight that makes the trip feel both dynamic and memorable.

Practical Details and What’s Included

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a driver/guide, and lunch at a local restaurant. Entrance fees to the thermal pools are not included and are an optional €6 expense. The tour operates daily, with a minimum of 2 people required to book and a maximum of 12 travelers.

Most travelers will find the walking involved manageable, primarily at viewpoints, with some short walks required to access certain scenic spots. WiFi on the vehicle can be requested in advance, adding convenience during the day.

Final Thoughts on the Full-Day Jeep Tour of São Miguel

This 7-hour small-group tour offers a comprehensive glimpse of São Miguel’s natural beauty. The combination of off-road exploration, breathtaking viewpoints, and the opportunity to bathe in geothermal pools makes it a strong choice for those wanting a balanced day of adventure and relaxation.

The knowledgeable guide and personalized experience stand out, especially in the small-group setting. The lunch adds value, and the scenic stops ensure plenty of photo-worthy moments. While the thermal pools have a small extra cost, the overall value for the price remains solid.

This tour is particularly well-suited for active travelers who enjoy off-road driving and natural scenery but can be adapted for those with small walking distances. It provides a rich, well-rounded day in São Miguel’s most stunning landscapes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour price?
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, driver/guide, and lunch. Entrance fees to the thermal pools are not included and cost approximately €6.

How long does the tour last?
The full-day tour lasts about 7 hours, starting at 9:00 am and concluding around 4:00 pm.

Is the tour suitable for everyone?
Most travelers can participate, though some walking at viewpoints might be involved. The vehicle is fully equipped for safety, and service animals are allowed.

Can I request vegetarian food?
Yes, vegetarian options are available if advised at the time of booking.

What are the main stops during the tour?
Stops include Sete Cidades village, Pico do Carvão view, Santiago viewpoint, Canary Lake, Empadadas lakes, and the peninsula areas. The Ferraria pools are a highlight for swimming and photos.

How do I book this tour?
Booking can be made in advance, with average booking times around 63 days prior. Confirmation is received immediately upon booking.

Is WiFi available during the tour?
Yes, WiFi can be requested during the reservation, subject to availability.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund.

Who operates this tour?
The experience is provided by T4W, a reputable local operator specializing in guided excursions around São Miguel.

Where does the tour start?
The tour begins with hotel pickup in Ponta Delgada at 9:00 am.