Jeep Tour Full Day Sete Cidades & Lagoa do Fogo with lunch and drinks included.

Explore Sao Miguel’s Natural Wonders with a Full-Day Jeep Tour

This full-day Jeep tour on Sao Miguel Island offers a convenient and engaging way to see some of the island’s most iconic sights. For $98.48 per person, the journey lasts approximately 8 hours, starting at 9:00 am with hotel pickup included. The tour is praised for its knowledgeable guides, stunning viewpoints, and off-the-beaten-path locations, making it a top choice for visitors eager to enjoy Azores’ natural beauty.

A significant strength of this excursion is the combination of sightseeing, local cuisine, and local wines, all delivered with excellent value for money. The tour accommodates most travelers, with most participants able to join and options for vegetarian meals. One consideration is weather, as the experience is weather-dependent, but the tour provider offers flexible rescheduling or full refunds if needed.

Key Points

• Full-day adventure covering Sao Miguel’s top sights in 8 hours
• Includes hotel pickup and a delicious lunch with local wines, beers, and soft drinks
• Visit Sete Cidades Volcano, Lagoa do Fogo crater, and hidden Salto do Cabrito waterfall
• Traverse rugged terrain in a Jeep with a skilled guide leading the way
• Ideal for those who want comfortable, guided access to remote or difficult-to-reach spots
• Highly rated with a perfect 5.0/5 from 578 reviews and 99% recommendation rate

Starting Point and Tour Logistics

The tour departs from Hotel Marina Atlântico in Ponta Delgada at 9:00 am. The pickup service ensures a smooth start to the day, and the activity concludes back at the meeting point. The group size is limited to 50 travelers, providing a personal yet lively atmosphere.

Booking is recommended 51 days in advance on average, reflecting high demand for this popular experience. For cruise ship passengers, the tour requires disclosure of ship name, docking, disembarkation, and re-boarding times for seamless coordination.

Visiting Lagoa do Fogo Crater

The first stop takes visitors to the Lagoa do Fogo Crater, one of the most striking volcanic lakes on Sao Miguel. The 15-minute visit involves no extra admission fee and offers a chance to view the lake’s serene waters surrounded by volcanic terrain. Despite the short duration, this stop makes a significant visual impact, highlighted by the stunning natural scenery.

The crater lake is a highlight for those interested in volcanic landscapes, along with the opportunity to photograph the tranquil waters and lush surroundings. It’s a perfect introduction to the island’s geological features.

Driving Along the Rim of Sete Cidades

Next, the tour takes you along the rim of the Sete Cidades Caldeira for about 45 minutes. This drive offers panoramic views of the famous twin lakes—the Blue and Green Lakes—within one of Portugal’s seven natural wonders. The drive on the volcanic crater rim provides multiple viewpoints, allowing visitors to appreciate the vast crater landscape from different angles.

This stop is especially appealing to photography enthusiasts and those eager to see the most iconic views of Sao Miguel. The free admission ensures no extra costs, and the slow, scenic drive makes for a relaxed, memorable experience.

Discovering the Hidden Salto do Cabrito Waterfall

A true hidden gem on this tour is the Salto do Cabrito, a secluded waterfall that adds an element of discovery. The 20-minute visit introduces travelers to an off-the-beaten-path natural spot that few visitors get to see. The free admission makes this a special addition, as it emphasizes the tour’s focus on remote and pristine locations.

This waterfall offers a peaceful setting for photos and reflection, away from crowds. The rugged terrain and natural surroundings showcase the island’s untouched beauty.

Exploring Ribeira Grande Through the Jeep

The tour includes a drive through Ribeira Grande, the island’s second-largest city. This part of the journey provides a glimpse into local life, with views of historic buildings and the coastal landscape. While not a formal stop, the drive allows for a moment to appreciate the town’s charm and regional character.

This segment adds balance to the day, contrasting the volcanic landscapes with the more developed urban scenery of Ribeira Grande.

The Western Crater of Sete Cidades for Three Hours

The main highlight is the three-hour exploration of the western crater of Sete Cidades. As a must-see, this area offers the most comprehensive experience of the caldera. Visitors have time to walk around and enjoy the breathtaking views from various vantage points.

This expansive stop is free of charge and provides ample opportunity for photography, sightseeing, and relaxation. The terrain is accessible, and guides are known for sharing fascinating insights into the volcanic formation and history of the caldera.

Lunch and Drinks at a Local Restaurant

A standout feature of this tour is the included lunch, served at a local restaurant. The meal features traditional Azorean dishes paired with local wines, beers, or soft drinks, depending on preferences. Many reviews highlight the quality and generosity of the buffet-style lunch, which enhances the overall value of the experience.

Vegetarian options are available, and guests are advised to request this when booking. The lunch break offers a chance to relax and enjoy authentic flavors after a morning of sightseeing.

Traversing Rugged Terrain in a Jeep

This tour’s Jeep transportation is designed to access areas that would be difficult with a regular vehicle. It allows the guide to take less accessible routes, leading to remote villages and spectacular viewpoints. The off-road capability ensures that scenic spots, often unreachable by standard cars, are part of the itinerary.

Travelers report smooth driving and appreciation for the guides’ expertise in navigating challenging terrain. The small group size ensures comfort and flexibility throughout the day.

Guides Known for Knowledge and Friendliness

Guides like Eduardo, Marceo, Antonio, and Daniel receive praise for their knowledge, friendliness, and ability to avoid crowds. Reviewers appreciate how guides share fascinating stories, local tips, and personal insights, making the experience more engaging.

Many reviews mention guides going above and beyond, whether by adapting to weather changes or taking time for photos and additional stops. Their passion for the island shines through, creating a warm atmosphere even on challenging weather days.

The Experience in All Conditions

While most travelers enjoy the tour regardless of weather, some reviews note that fog or rain can affect visibility from certain viewpoints. However, guides like Eduardo and Daniel compensate by showing alternative locations, ensuring that the day remains full of beautiful sights.

This flexibility is a key strength of the tour, especially as the weather can change quickly on Sao Miguel. Properly prepared travelers find that the scenery still impresses, and the lunch and guided commentary keep everyone engaged.

Final Thoughts on the Full-Day Jeep Tour

This full-day Jeep adventure on Sao Miguel offers a well-rounded experience of volcanoes, crater lakes, waterfalls, and local towns. The value for money is evident, with a delicious included lunch, drinks, and flexible guided access to hidden spots. The expert guides and comfortable transportation make it suitable for most visitors, especially those wishing to see remote landscapes that are otherwise difficult to reach.

While weather can influence some views, the tour’s adaptability and global praise for the guides’ knowledge and friendliness make it a top-rated choice. It’s ideal for travelers wanting an immersive, convenient, and informative way to explore the spectacular scenery of Sao Miguel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour offers hotel pickup at the designated meeting point in Ponta Delgada.

What is the price of the tour?
The cost is $98.48 per person, including lunch, drinks, and all listed stops.

How long does the tour last?
The full-day experience runs for approximately 8 hours, starting at 9:00 am.

Are vegetarian options available?
Yes, vegetarian meals are offered if advised at the time of booking.

What are the main sites visited on the tour?
Visitors explore Lagoa do Fogo crater, drive along the rim of Sete Cidades, visit the Salto do Cabrito waterfall, and explore the western crater of Sete Cidades.

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

Is this tour suitable for cruise ship passengers?
Yes, but they must provide details like ship name, docking, disembarkation, and re-boarding times when booking.

What makes this tour stand out?
Its expert guides, access to remote spots, delicious local lunch, and high rating of 5.0/5 from 578 reviews make it a top recommendation for exploring Sao Miguel.