Quad Biking – Sete Cidades from North Coast (Half Day)

Explore São Miguel’s Stunning Landscapes with a Guided Quad Bike Tour

The Quad Biking – Sete Cidades from North Coast tour offers an exhilarating adventure through some of São Miguel Island’s most breathtaking scenery. Priced at $81.10 per person, this half-day experience lasts approximately 3 to 4 hours and is designed for those seeking a mix of adventure and scenic sightseeing. Starting from Ponta Delgada, the tour takes you on a journey to explore rugged terrains, mountain peaks, and tranquil lakes.

What makes this tour stand out is the expert guidance ensuring safety and a smooth ride, combined with the chance to reach high-altitude viewpoints and venture onto off-road trails used in the Azores Airlines Rallye. While the ride is suitable for those with moderate physical fitness, it requires a driving license (+18) and a basic ability to operate an ATV, making it ideal for adventure lovers who enjoy a little challenge.

This tour balances adventure, scenic views, and cultural highlights, delivering a comprehensive experience of São Miguel’s volcanic beauty. It’s recommended to book 34 days in advance and is perfect for travelers who want to see remote viewpoints, drive through off-road trails, and enjoy panoramic vistas of lakes and the ocean.

Key Points

• Price and Duration: At $81.10, this half-day tour lasts 3 to 4 hours.
• Starting Point: Begins in Fenais da Luz, on São Miguel’s north coast.
• Includes: Helmet, insurance, fuel, and a guided experience.
• Stops: Key locations include Pico da Cruz, Miradouro Das Cumeeiras, and Cerrado das Freiras.
• Physical Requirements: Moderate fitness level needed; drivers must be +18 with a license.
• Weather Considerations: Dress in layers, bring raincoats and gloves for comfort and safety.

Starting Point and Meeting Logistics at Fenais da Luz

The tour begins in Fenais da Luz, a parish on São Miguel’s north coast, offering scenic views of the coastline and countryside. The meeting point is R. Nossa Sra. das Candeias 1D, in Ponta Delgada. The tour ends back at the same location, allowing for convenient logistics.

Participants start by riding paved roads along the seafront before transitioning onto dirt roads to explore the surrounding landscapes. The route is designed to gradually introduce riders to off-road experiences, making it accessible for those with some driving experience of ATVs or similar vehicles.

Navigating the Muro das Nove Janelas Aqueduct

One of the early stops is Muro das Nove Janelas, near Serra Devassa. This heritage site is an aqueduct considered of historical value, providing a glimpse into the island’s past infrastructure. The stop lasts about 5 minutes, offering a quick chance to appreciate the engineering feat and take photos of the surroundings.

This stop is more about adding cultural context to the scenic route than a lengthy visit. It’s ideal for those interested in the island’s history while enjoying the outdoor adventure.

Reaching the Panoramic Heights at Pico da Cruz

Pico da Cruz is a key highlight, situated at 845 meters (2,772 feet) above sea level. From this vantage point, the views are spectacular, offering a panoramic sight of Lagoa Rasa, Lagoa de Santiago, Lagoa Verde, Lagoa Azul, and the entire crater of the Sete Cidades Volcano.

This viewpoint is accessible via dirt trails and is considered one of the most impressive spots on the tour if weather conditions are good. The ascent is part of the off-road thrill, and the high-altitude perspective makes it well worth the short 10-minute stop for photographs and admiring the scenery.

Contemplating the View from Miradouro Das Cumeeiras

Another notable viewpoint is Miradouro Das Cumeeiras, offering a stunning view of the Lagoa das Sete Cidades and surrounding landscapes. Located at about 540 meters, this stop allows visitors to see the lakes from a different angle, sometimes opposite the crater, depending on weather and road conditions.

The stop lasts approximately 10 minutes, giving enough time to take in the view and capture photos of the lush landscape and lakes. The spot is ideal for those wanting to experience the diverse perspectives of the volcanic caldera.

Off-Road Paths Around the Blue Lagoon

The Cerrado das Freiras is where the quad bike truly shines, with dirt paths that circle the Blue Lagoon in Sete Cidades. This part of the ride lasts about 30 minutes, during which you can enjoy incredible views over the lakes and the surrounding green landscape.

Traveling along these rugged trails provides a real sense of adventure, with some sections potentially muddy or dusty, adding to the fun. The off-road paths are designed for safety, with guides ensuring everyone stays secure while exploring the less accessible parts of the volcanic landscape.

Exploring São Vicente Ferreira and the Return Route

On the return journey, the tour passes through São Vicente Ferreira, a quiet parish on the north coast. Here, the route takes you past Poços, a bathing area, and the site of an old whale factory, now disused since the 1970s.

A dirt path connects São Vicente Ferreira back to Fenais da Luz, offering more scenic views and a final thrill before heading back to the starting point. The total stop here lasts about 10 minutes, providing a relaxed moment to absorb the island’s coastal charm.

Concluding the Adventure Back at Fenais da Luz

The tour wraps up with a final stretch along seafront dirt roads in Fenais da Luz. This 20-minute segment allows riders to enjoy the last moments of the ride and take in the coastal scenery, completing a comprehensive circuit of São Miguel’s northern landscapes.

This final leg is a chance to feel the adrenaline as you wind down, knowing you’ve experienced a mix of mountain peaks, crater views, and off-road trails.

Practical Details and What’s Included

The tour package includes a professional guide, helmet, insurance, and fuel, ensuring a hassle-free experience. It’s suitable for those with moderate physical fitness and a driving license (+18), as operating an ATV requires some skill and confidence.

It’s recommended to dress in layers and bring raincoats and gloves due to variable weather, especially in higher elevations. The tour is capped at 18 participants, maintaining a comfortable group size for safety and personalized guidance.

Safety and Guide Expertise

Based on reviews, guides are praised for their friendliness, knowledge, and safety consciousness. One standout feature is the attention to safety, with guides explaining how to operate the ATVs and stopping at scenic points to take pictures and share insights about the landscape and history.

Many reviewers note the guides’ patience and helpfulness, making even first-time drivers feel secure. This focus on safety is critical for a smooth and enjoyable experience, especially when navigating mountain roads and off-road trails.

Weather Considerations and Recommendations

Weather can be unpredictable on São Miguel, especially at higher elevations like Pico da Cruz. Travelers are advised to dress in layers, including warm coats and gloves, and bring raincoats to handle sudden showers. While most trips proceed as scheduled, poor weather may cause cancellations with options to reschedule or receive a full refund.

Bookings and Cancellation Policy

This tour enjoys a high booking rate, typically reserved 34 days in advance. It offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the scheduled time, providing flexibility for uncertain weather or changing plans. Refunds are issued if canceled more than a day in advance, making it a risk-free option for adventure seekers.

Final Thoughts on the Quad Biking Sete Cidades Tour

The Quad Biking – Sete Cidades from North Coast offers an exciting way to see São Miguel’s volcanic landscapes, lakes, and mountains. Its well-reviewed guides, stunning viewpoints, and off-road trails make it a compelling choice for adventure lovers and those interested in exploring beyond the typical tourist spots.

While it requires some physical effort and basic driving skills, the safety measures, scenic diversity, and the chance to reach high-altitude viewpoints set this tour apart. It’s especially suited for travelers who appreciate nature, thrill-seeking, and panoramic vistas.

Overall, this tour provides a balanced mix of adventure and sightseeing, with enough flexibility to adapt to weather conditions. It’s a worthwhile experience for anyone wanting to see São Miguel from a different perspective and enjoy an active day immersed in the island’s volcanic beauty.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is prior experience required to join the quad biking tour?
A basic ability to operate ATVs is recommended, and a driving license (+18) is required. Guides provide instructions before starting.

What should I wear for the tour?
Dressing in layers is advised, along with warm coats, gloves, and raincoats depending on the weather. Closed shoes suitable for muddy or dusty conditions are recommended.

How long does the tour last?
The tour takes approximately 3 to 4 hours, including stops at key viewpoints and off-road sections.

What are the main stops during the tour?
Stops include Fenais da Luz, Muro das Nove Janelas, Pico da Cruz, Miradouro Das Cumeeiras, Cerrado das Freiras, and São Vicente Ferreira.

Is the tour suitable for families?
While suitable for those with moderate fitness and driving experience, families with teenagers and those comfortable on ATVs typically enjoy this adventure.

Can I cancel the tour if the weather is bad?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours prior if the weather causes cancellation, with options to reschedule or get a full refund.

Are food and drinks included?
No, lunch or other food and drinks are not included. It’s best to bring water and wear appropriate clothing.

Is insurance included?
Yes, the tour includes insurance, along with the necessary safety equipment.