São Jorge Island: Full-Day Tour with Vehicle and Boat Trip

Explore São Jorge Island in the Azores with an engaging full-day tour that combines vehicle sightseeing with a relaxing boat trip along the coast. Priced at $250 per person and lasting 8 hours, this experience offers a well-rounded look at the island’s natural beauty and historic sites, guided by a local certified expert. The tour begins in the morning with a scenic drive, followed by stops at key viewpoints, churches, and the renowned São Jorge Cheese Factory. In the afternoon, the boat trip provides a chance to see coastal caves, the remains of a WWII shipwreck, and the Urzelina Caves.

This tour is ideal for those who want a structured yet flexible way to explore São Jorge’s highlights with a small group of up to 8 participants—ensuring personalized attention from the guide. While the lunch is not included and snorkeling gear must be brought along if interested, the overall experience offers a comprehensive taste of the island’s natural and cultural treasures.

Key Points

• Full-day experience combining land and sea exploration of São Jorge Island
• Price: $250 per person for 8 hours of guided touring
• Morning vehicle tour covers viewpoints, churches, and historic sites
• Afternoon boat trip includes coastal caves, shipwreck remains, and caves
• Visit the São Jorge Cheese Factory to taste different maturations of local cheese
• Small group size limits participants to 8, promoting a personalized experience

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Starting Point and Tour Duration

The tour departs from Velas, with four pickup locations: Hotel São Jorge Garden, Aeroporto da Ilha de São Jorge, Velas, and Calheta. The entire experience lasts 8 hours, with the tour starting at 9:30 am. The boat trip begins around 2:00 pm but can also be arranged with the guide at a different time, offering some flexibility.

Vehicle Tour of São Jorge’s Top Viewpoints and Historic Sites

The morning part of the tour takes travelers on a scenic drive across the island, starting from Velas and passing through several remarkable spots. Visitors stop at viewpoints like Fajã dos Cubres and Fajã do Ouvidor, which showcase the dramatic coastline and lush landscapes.

The guide leads you through the town of Urzelina, where the church tower survived the volcanic eruption of 1808, giving insight into the island’s resilience. Continuing to Manadas, travelers visit Santa Bárbara Church, one of the oldest on the island, and then stop at Miradouro da Calheta for panoramic views.

Next, the tour crosses to the north side of São Jorge, where the Fajãs are abundant. These floodplains and coastal terraces are a signature feature of São Jorge, offering stunning photo opportunities at Fajã dos Cubres and Fajã do Ouvidor.

Visiting the São Jorge Cheese Factory for Tasting

A highlight of the morning is stopping at a local cheese factory, where visitors sample São Jorge Cheese—famous for its distinct flavors that vary with maturation periods (3, 7, 12, 24, and 36 months). This visit provides an authentic taste of the island’s dairy craftsmanship and a chance to purchase local products.

Exploring Urzelina’s Church Tower and Historic Sites

In Urzelina, the guide explains how the church tower was spared from the 1808 volcanic eruption, making it a notable landmark. This site offers a tangible connection to the island’s history of volcanic activity and resilience. The visit helps deepen understanding of São Jorge’s geological past and cultural continuity.

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Coastal Boat Trip Along São Jorge’s Cliffs and Caves

After lunch, the tour shifts to a boat cruise starting around 2:00 pm. Onboard, travelers see the Urzelina Caves, scenic coastal caves, and the remains of the World War II shipwreck Irisky. The boat trip provides a relaxing way to experience the island’s rugged coastline from a different perspective.

The boat trip also offers views of rock formations and the opportunity to spot marine life. Since snorkeling is available, participants can bring their own gear to explore beneath the surface, with the boat cruise including stops at caves and the sunken boat.

Additional Stops and Scenic Lookouts

The tour includes a small detour for visits to Miradouro da Fajã de João Dias and the Parque Florestal das 7 Fontes—a forest park offering lush nature scenes. These stops add variety and extra scenic views, rounding out the day’s exploration.

Practical Tips for Participants

Travelers should bring hat, swimwear, camera, snacks, sunscreen, water, and comfortable clothing suitable for walking and boat travel. Since snorkeling gear is not provided, it’s recommended to pack your own if interested. The tour does not allow smoking, to respect the natural environment.

Unique Features of This Tour

This experience stands out for its combination of land and sea activities, guided by a certified local guide. The small group size ensures personalized attention, while the cheese tasting adds a flavorful local touch. The flexibility of the boat trip timing is another advantage, allowing some customization.

Limitations and Considerations

While the lunch is not included, the tour’s comprehensive itinerary offers plenty of opportunities to explore and enjoy local sights. Travelers should be prepared for physical activity during stops and ensure they have snorkeling gear if they wish to explore underwater sites.

Final Thoughts on the São Jorge Island Full-Day Tour

This tour offers a well-rounded experience of São Jorge Island, blending scenic viewpoints, historic sites, and coastal exploration all in one day. The guided approach makes it suitable for those who prefer a structured itinerary with informative commentary from a local expert.

The $250 price includes vehicle transportation, boat trip, cheese tasting, and guided commentary, making it a good value for a full-day adventure. Its focus on natural beauty and local culture makes it a strong choice for travelers seeking an authentic São Jorge experience.

While the tour doesn’t include lunch or snorkeling equipment, it provides enough activities and highlights to satisfy most visitors looking for a comprehensive exploration of the island’s highlights in just one day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children or families?
The tour’s moderate physical activity, scenic stops, and boat trip make it a good option for families, but travelers should consider children’s comfort with boat travel and walking.

Are the boat trips safe for non-swimmers?
Yes, the boat trip is generally safe, but snorkeling requires bringing your own gear if you want to explore underwater spots.

Can I customize the timing of the boat trip?
Yes, the boat trip starting at 2:00 pm can be arranged with the guide for flexibility.

Is lunch included in the tour price?
No, lunch is not included; travelers should plan to bring snacks or purchase food during the day.

What should I bring for the boat trip?
Bring sunscreen, water, swimwear, and a camera; snorkeling gear is not provided but can be brought along if desired.

How many people are in each tour group?
The tour is limited to 8 participants to ensure a more personalized experience.

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