Jeep Safari Tour – Terceira Island FD

Explore the Best of Terceira on a Full-Day Jeep Safari

This Jeep Safari Tour on Terceira Island offers an engaging way to see the island’s most striking landscapes and cultural highlights. Priced at $183.42 per person, the tour lasts approximately 5 hours and includes round-trip transfers from your accommodation, making it easy to relax and enjoy the journey. The small group size—limited to 12 travelers—ensures personalized attention and a more intimate experience with the guides. It’s perfect for those seeking a mix of adventure, nature, and local flavor in one day.

What truly sets this tour apart is its well-curated itinerary, combining stunning viewpoints, historical stops, and visits to local artisans such as the oldest cheese factory. The tour is praised for its knowledgeable guides, engaging storytelling, and delicious food stops. While some walking is involved and certain sites may be temporarily closed due to ongoing construction, the overall experience remains highly recommended for curious travelers eager to uncover the island’s hidden corners.

Key Points

• Full-day adventure lasting around 5 hours with round-trip transfers included
• Limited to 12 guests for a personalized experience
• Visit volcanic sites, forests, and cultural landmarks
• Includes snacks, with an optional lunch for around €35
• Guides Bobby and Catarina receive high praise for their engaging and friendly approach
• Free cancellation available up to 24 hours before the tour

Starting Point: Convenient Pickup at Praça Velha in Angra do Heroísmo

The tour begins at the centrally located Praça Velha, with pickup provided from Hotel Angra. This ease of access makes it simple to join, whether you’re arriving by cruise or staying locally. The activity operates daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM and is suitable for most travelers, except those with mobility limitations, as it is not wheelchair accessible.

Discovering Monte Brasil’s Panoramic Views and History

The first stop takes you to Monte Brasil, an extinct volcano surrounded by a 4 km wall of the Fortaleza de São João Baptista. From this vantage point, visitors enjoy sweeping views of Angra do Heroísmo. The site is free to enter, and the 40-minute visit provides an excellent introduction to the island’s volcanic landscape. This spot offers perfect photo opportunities and a chance to appreciate Terceira’s natural defenses.

Savoring Coffee and Local Flavors at the Banana Eco Camp

Next, the tour heads to the Banana Eco Camp, where guests can enjoy freshly brewed coffee made from regional plantations. The aroma and flavor of this coffee reflect the island’s agricultural heritage. The 40-minute stop is a relaxing break amid lush surroundings, perfect for soaking in the peaceful atmosphere and learning about local farming practices.

Tasting the Oldest Cheese at Queijo Vaquinha

A highlight for many is the visit to Queijo Vaquinha, the oldest cheese producer on the island. Here, visitors experience cheese tastings that showcase the island’s dairy craftsmanship. The 30-minute stop includes an inside look at traditional cheese-making, with the opportunity to sample different varieties, making it an authentic taste of Terceira’s culinary traditions.

Stepping Back in Time at Doze Ribeiras

The tour also visits Doze Ribeiras, home to an ethnographic house and windmill. This stop transports visitors into the island’s past, demonstrating how local communities used windmills for flour production and other traditional activities. Free to enter, the site offers insights into everyday life on Terceira, with structures and utensils that have stood the test of time.

Optional Full Lunch at a Local Restaurant

For those wishing to extend the experience, a full local lunch can be enjoyed at a nearby restaurant for around €35 per adult. This meal provides a chance to taste authentic Azorean cuisine in a relaxed setting, though it is not included in the base tour price. The one-hour lunch break allows for a leisurely meal and a chance to reflect on the morning’s discoveries.

Exploring Lagoa das Patas and Its Forest Reserve

The Lagoa das Patas stop invites visitors into a tranquil forest reserve centered around a man-made lake fed by the Serra de Santa Bárbara range. Surrounded by azaleas, hydrangeas, and native trees, this peaceful area offers scenic views and a chance to appreciate the island’s varied vegetation. The 30-minute visit is an ideal spot for nature lovers and photographers.

Volcanic Wonders at Algar do Carvão

A key highlight is Algar do Carvão, a volcanic cavity with a descent of about 100 meters into the interior of a volcano. Visitors can explore this unique natural formation, observing the volcanic fauna and scenery. Note that the visitor center is currently closed due to construction, and entrance costs €8. The 30-minute visit is brief but packed with impressive natural architecture.

Witnessing Volcanic Activity at Furnas do Enxofre

The tour concludes with Furnas do Enxofre, a fumarolic field covering 14 hectares. This secondary volcanic site emits gases at high temperatures, with surface temperatures reaching about 95°C and depths of around 130°C. The site offers a fascinating glimpse into ongoing volcanic processes and takes about 25 minutes to explore. It remains free to visit, adding an elemental finale to the day.

Practical Details and Considerations

The tour includes all fees and taxes, along with waterproof jackets, walking sticks, a SOS kit, and an island map. It does not include the caves ticket or lunch, which are optional extras. The meeting point is easily accessible in Angra do Heroísmo, with daily departures available. The activity is suitable for most, but not accessible to wheelchair users, and service animals are permitted.

High Praise and Realistic Expectations

Reviews consistently highlight the friendly, knowledgeable guides—particularly Bobby and Catarina—who enhance the experience with engaging stories and local insights. Many mention the stunning views, delicious food, and the enjoyable off-road driving, especially in the jeep’s open canopy. Some minor issues like site closures due to construction are noted, but overall, the tour offers excellent value for those wanting an active, authentic exploration of Terceira.

Final Thoughts on the Jeep Safari Tour on Terceira Island

This full-day Jeep safari offers a well-rounded look at Terceira’s volcanic landscapes, forests, and cultural sites. Its small group size and expert guides create an engaging, personalized atmosphere. The combination of scenic stops, local tastings, and informative commentary makes it suitable for travelers who enjoy nature, history, and local traditions.

While some sites may be temporarily unavailable, the overall itinerary remains compelling and varied. The included snacks and optional lunch add extra enjoyment, and the flexibility of free cancellation provides peace of mind. This tour is particularly ideal for visitors craving an active, immersive day that highlights the island’s natural beauty and cultural roots.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included in the Jeep Safari Tour?
Yes, round-trip transfers from your accommodation in Angra do Heroísmo are included.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 5 hours, from start to finish.

What sites are visited during this tour?
Stops include Monte Brasil, Banana Eco Camp, Queijo Vaquinha, Doze Ribeiras, Lagoa das Patas, Algar do Carvão, and Furnas do Enxofre.

Are the sites accessible for everyone?
Most travelers can participate, but the tour is not accessible to wheelchair users.

Is food included in the tour?
Snacks are included, and an optional full lunch can be purchased for about €35.

What is the guide’s style like?
Guides Bobby and Catarina are praised for being engaging, knowledgeable, and friendly, making the experience more enjoyable.

Can I cancel the tour if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour start time.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and a camera to capture the views. The tour provides waterproof jackets and walking sticks.