Ponta Delgada: Shore Excursion Sete Cidades and Furnas Volcano

Exploring São Miguel Island through the Ponta Delgada: Shore Excursion Sete Cidades and Furnas Volcano offers an engaging mix of natural beauty and local insights. Priced at $103.03 per person and lasting approximately 5 hours, this tour is designed for cruise travelers looking to see the island’s most iconic sights without sacrificing comfort or personal attention. With a small group size capped at 16, the experience feels intimate, with plenty of opportunities for authentic stories from local guides.

The tour highlights legendary crater lakes, geothermal parks, and a natural tea plantation, making it a well-rounded glimpse into São Miguel’s unique landscape. It’s especially recommended for those who want a balanced mix of scenic views, cultural stories, and optional leisurely activities. While the weather in the Azores can be unpredictable, most reviews praise the knowledgeable guides and the variety of sights, ensuring a worthwhile day for curious travelers.

Key Points

• Price and Duration: At $103.03, this 5-hour tour delivers a compact yet comprehensive experience of São Miguel’s top sights.
• Small Group Experience: Limited to 16 participants, ensuring personalized attention and flexible scheduling.
• Highlights Include: Sete Cidades crater lakes, the Furnas geothermal caldera, and a local tea plantation with tea tasting.
• Expert Guides: Guides are knowledgeable, speak good English, and are praised for their storytelling and friendly approach.
• Weather Flexibility: The tour operates in most weather conditions, but heavy fog or rain could limit visibility at the volcano caldera.
• Includes Entrance Fees: The Natural Park Caldeiras das Furnas is included, but thermal pools are not available until 2025.

The Scenic Drive to Sete Cidades and Its Legendary Lakes

The tour kicks off with a scenic drive to the Sete Cidades area, a highlight for its breathtaking views from the Vista do Rei viewpoint. This vantage point offers stunning vistas of blue and green crater lakes and is accompanied by stories about their fascinating origins. The lakes’ vivid colors and volcanic backdrop make this stop a favorite for photos and awe. The admission is free, and the time allotted allows for ample sightseeing and photo opportunities.

This part of the tour emphasizes the natural beauty of São Miguel’s volcanic landscape. Guides often share local legends, adding a cultural layer to the visual spectacle. Expect about 2 hours at this stop, giving you enough time to enjoy the views without feeling rushed.

Visiting the Furnas Volcano Caldera and Geothermal Wonders

Next, the tour heads to Furnas, famous for its geothermal activity and lush surroundings. Furnas is known for the caldera, a volcanic crater filled with steaming fumaroles and bubbling hot springs. The Natural Park Caldeiras das Furnas is included with the tour, letting visitors see the geothermal features up close.

Optional visits include Terra Nostra Park—a botanical garden renowned for its natural thermal pools, although the pools are temporarily unavailable until 2025. The tour offers about 3 hours here, which may include exploring the park or enjoying the geothermal landscape at your own pace. The admission fee to the park is included, but the thermal pools are not presently open.

Visiting the Last Natural Tea Plantation and Tea Tasting

A unique feature of this tour is a visit to the last 100% natural tea plantation on the island. This stop offers a chance to learn about local tea production and taste freshly brewed tea. The tea tasting experience is included, giving a taste of the island’s agricultural traditions. This stop provides insight into São Miguel’s agriculture and craftsmanship.

This visit adds a cultural touch to the natural scenery, and guides often share stories about the history and cultivation of tea on the island. Expect this segment to be brief but informative, enhancing your overall understanding of São Miguel’s diverse landscape.

The Personalized Experience with Local Storytelling

A key strength of this tour is the local storyteller guide who leads the group. Many reviews praise guides like John, Andrea, Diego, and Carlos for their knowledge, friendliness, and storytelling ability. They often speak very good English, making explanations clear and engaging.

The guides’ approach is flexible, especially since the small group size allows for personalized attention. Some guides are praised for going above and beyond, such as dropping off a guest with a bathing suit for thermal pool access or adjusting timing for optimal views.

Timing, Pacing, and Weather Considerations

The tour departs from Ponta Delgada at 9:00 am, with most stops lasting between 2 and 3 hours. The pacing is designed to balance sightseeing with some leisure, ensuring time at each highlight without feeling rushed.

Weather can influence the experience, especially at the Furnas volcano caldera. Visible fog and steam may limit views, but most guides adapt by focusing on geothermal features and local stories. The tour is generally active but not physically demanding, suitable for most travelers, although accessibility in foggy or rainy weather may be limited.

Transport and Group Size

Transportation is provided via air-conditioned vehicles, ensuring comfort during the approximately 5-hour journey. The group remains small, with a maximum of 16 travelers, fostering a more intimate atmosphere and allowing guides to personalize the experience.

This setup also facilitates smooth transitions between stops and more flexible touring, as opposed to larger bus tours.

What’s Included and What’s Not

Price includes entrance to the Natural Park Caldeiras das Furnas, along with a local storyteller guide, transport, and tea tasting. However, lunch and personal expenses are not included, giving the flexibility to explore local eateries on your own or bring snacks.

The Terra Nostra botanical garden is not part of this tour, and the thermal pools are temporarily closed until 2025, which is a notable consideration for those specifically looking for thermal bathing.

The Booking Process and Flexibility

Most bookings are made 74 days in advance, reflecting high interest. The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure, providing reassurance in case of schedule changes or bad weather.

The activity is suitable for most travelers, with most participants able to join, and the departure point being central in Ponta Delgada. The tour’s small group size allows for a more relaxed, personal experience.

Summary of Strengths and Limitations

This Sete Cidades and Furnas volcano tour stands out for its expert guides and beautiful stops. The small group size enhances the experience, and the inclusion of local stories adds cultural depth. The tea plantation visit offers a special touch, and the free park entrance is a nice perk.

One limitation is the weather dependency, as fog or rain can restrict visibility at the volcano caldera. Also, thermal pools are temporarily unavailable, which could be a disappointment for some seeking that experience.

Visiting São Miguel with this Shore Excursion

This tour offers a well-balanced introduction to São Miguel’s most iconic sights, perfect for cruise passengers who want a comprehensive yet relaxed experience. The expert guides, personalized approach, and beautiful scenery make it a strong choice.

It’s especially suitable for those interested in natural landscapes, volcanic activity, and local culture. Travelers should be prepared for variable weather, and those wanting to relax in thermal pools should check availability for future visits.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 5 hours, including travel, sightseeing, and optional activities.

What is included in the price?
The price covers transportation, entrance to the Furnas natural park, a local storyteller guide, and tea tasting.

Are thermal pools available during the tour?
No, thermal pools are not available until 2025, but guests can still enjoy the geothermal sights of Furnas.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, most travelers can participate, though the tour involves some walking and exposure to weather conditions.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the scheduled start.

What should I bring?
It’s advisable to bring comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and a bathing suit if you want to visit the thermal pools once they reopen.

This Sete Cidades and Furnas Volcano tour offers a genuine look into São Miguel’s spectacular natural features and local culture, making it a worthwhile choice for cruise visitors eager to explore the island’s highlights with expert guidance.