Ribeira Grande may be a small town, but it punches well above its weight when it comes to exciting, authentic tours. The area’s rugged volcanic landscapes, lush valleys, and coastal charm offer a playground for adventure lovers and culture seekers alike. One standout is the Sete Cidades Quad / Buggy Tour—a four-hour adrenaline rush that takes you through mountain peaks and volcano craters, offering spectacular views and local secrets []. Whether you’re zooming on dirt trails or stopping for breathtaking panoramas, this is a must-do for thrill-seekers.
If you prefer a more laid-back approach, the Full Day: Furnas, Tea Plantations & More With Lunch combines natural geothermal wonders and scenic visits with the chance to taste the famous Cozido, cooked underground with volcanic heat []. For those wanting a taste of local culture, the Private Jeep 4×4 Tour lets you customize your day to explore hidden corners of the island, led by a guide who knows the terrain—and the best spots—inside out.
Below, you’ll find a detailed list of the top 15 tours in Ribeira Grande, each with its own flavor, so you can pick exactly what suits your interests and energy level.
1. Ribeira Grande: Sete Cidades Quad / Buggy Tour
Explore the Sete Cidades Crater on a thrilling quad/ATV tour that lasts about four hours. This adventure takes you along mountain peaks, dirt trails, and secondary paths, providing sweeping views of the famed lakes and volcanic landscapes. Your guide will show you viewpoints like Vista do Rei and Pico da Cruz, with plenty of photo stops along the way.
What makes this tour stand out is the combination of adrenaline and scenic beauty. Reviews highlight how much fun it is to feel the rush of off-road driving while discovering spots that only locals know. It’s perfect for travelers craving outdoor excitement and authentic access to the island’s volcanic heart.
The tour begins at Largo de S. José 4, with a brief safety briefing before heading into the mountains. You’ll see viewpoints, ride around the crater, and explore hidden trails. The route emphasizes scenic views and off-road adventure, making it a top pick for active travelers.
Bottom line: If you want a mix of adventure and island views, this quad tour offers an exhilarating way to see one of the Azores’ most iconic landscapes.
2. Azores: Exclusive Surf Lessons in S. Miguel
For those who’ve ever looked at the Atlantic and wondered if they could surf, this two-hour beginner lesson is a fantastic choice. The instructors are experienced and patient, making it easy for first-timers to catch their first wave. During the session, you’ll learn the basics of paddling, balance, and wave timing.
What makes this experience unique is the setting: stunning views from the sea and the chance to learn a new skill in a safe, friendly environment. Reviewers mention how helpful and clear the instructors are, with some even saying they were “riding waves” within just a couple of hours.
This tour is best suited for beginners, and the small group size ensures plenty of personalized attention. The lesson can be booked for different times throughout the day, so you can plan it around other activities.
Bottom line: If you’re interested in trying surfing for the first time amid breathtaking scenery, this is a friendly, well-rated option.
3. Full Day: Furnas, Tea Plantations & More With Lunch
This full-day tour is a well-rounded way to experience S. Miguel’s volcanic wonders and lush plantations. Starting at Furnas Lake, you’ll see bubbling fumaroles and thermal springs, then relax in natural hot pools. A highlight is the Cozido das Furnas, a hearty stew slow-cooked underground with volcanic heat, which you’ll enjoy as part of a traditional lunch.
You’ll also visit Europe’s only tea plantations at Gorreana, where you can tour the fields and sample teas. The tour includes visits to charming villages like Vila Franca do Campo, giving you a taste of local life.
Rated 5/5 by travelers, this tour offers a mix of natural beauty, culinary delights, and cultural insights in about seven hours. It’s perfect for those who want a comprehensive, relaxing day with a touch of adventure and history.
Bottom line: For a deep dive into Furnas’ geothermal magic, scenic tea plantations, and local cuisine, this tour delivers a memorable experience.
4. São Miguel: Boat Tour – Volcanic Wonders, Caves & History
This three-hour boat tour takes you along São Miguel’s coast, exploring caves, cliffs, and sea stacks that are inaccessible by land. You’ll pass interesting geological formations of Porto Formoso and enjoy explanations about the island’s volcanic activity and seabird nesting sites.
The itinerary includes stops at promontories like Ponta do Pico and Morro de Santana, with plenty of opportunities for wildlife spotting and photography. Reviewers praise the detailed commentary and the chance to see caves and coastal features up close from the water.
The tour begins at Rabo de Peixe, where safety briefings are followed by a scenic cruise. It’s ideal for nature lovers and those wanting a different perspective of the island’s geological richness.
Bottom line: If you enjoy maritime scenery and want to explore hidden caves, this short boat trip combines geology, wildlife, and stunning views.
5. São Miguel: Ultra AdventurePark Canyoning
For the adrenaline junkies, this canyoning experience features a jaw-dropping 50-meter waterfall rappel. Over four hours, you’ll navigate through lush valleys, slide down rocky descents, and jump into crystal-clear pools—an adventure for those in good shape and ready for action.
Guide Kelly, with her 25 years of birding experience, adds a personal touch to the trip, sharing details about the natural surroundings and ensuring safety. Guests describe the route as “gorgeous” and the waterfall as the highlight, with many saying they’d do it again.
This tour is best suited for active travelers comfortable with physical activity and heights. All necessary safety equipment is provided, and the experience is designed to be accessible for most.
Bottom line: If you’re after a physically challenging yet breathtaking activity, the canyoning tour offers a perfect mix of natural beauty and adrenaline.
6. Fire Lake, Pineapple & Tea: Half-Day Jeep Tour
This four-hour jeep tour showcases the island’s natural and agricultural richness. Starting in Capelas, it passes through scenic lakes like Lagoa do Fogo and visits the Gorreana Tea Factory for a tour and tasting. You’ll explore off-road paths and panoramic viewpoints like Miradouro Caldeiras de Ribeira Grande.
Reviews highlight how knowledgeable guide Louis is about island history and culture. The tour offers a relaxed pace mixed with stops at the island’s top sights, making it suitable for those who want a rundown without strenuous activity.
It’s perfect for travelers interested in landscapes, farming, and local industries, with the added benefit of exploring areas that are hard to access otherwise.
Bottom line: For an all-encompassing, scenic, and cultural snapshot of São Miguel, this jeep tour balances comfort and discovery.
7. Private Jeep 4×4 Tour
This customizable, seven-hour private tour offers the chance to explore São Miguel’s most remote and beautiful corners. Led by a knowledgeable guide, you choose your destinations—from lagoons to waterfalls—making each trip unique.
Guests mention Andr é’s friendly attitude and local expertise, including visits to lagoons and charming villages. The vehicle’s 4×4 capability unlocks access to spots off the usual tourist trail, providing (almost) complete freedom to craft your perfect day.
Ideal for couples or small groups wanting an exclusive, tailored experience, this tour can be adapted to your interests and fitness level.
Bottom line: For a personalized, in-depth exploration of São Miguel, the private Jeep tour offers flexibility and expert guidance.
8. Half Day Fire Lake, Pineapple & Tea by SUV
A shorter, more immersive version of the jeep tour, this four-hour SUV experience takes you to key highlights like Lagoa do Fogo and the Gorreana Tea Factory. Using off-road paths, the guide offers panoramic views and insights into local farming and geology.
Reviewers point out the vehicle’s comfort and the guide’s knowledge, with some noting the tour’s relaxed pace and excellent stops. It’s perfect for travelers who want a taste of São Miguel’s natural beauty without a full day commitment.
This tour suits those with limited time or those who prefer a more private, comfortable experience while still exploring the island’s best spots.
Bottom line: If you want a quick yet high-quality overview of key sites, this SUV tour hits the mark.
9. High Canyoning: Medium-High Level Canyoning Tour
This four-hour adventure pushes your limits with rappels over 40 meters, technical slides, and challenging terrain. Designed for experienced canyoners or those eager for a serious adrenaline rush, it takes you through dramatic waterfalls and natural pools.
Guests describe it as “hands down the most challenging activity” and praise the safety measures and guide’s expertise. Photos capture the epic waterfall descents, making it clear why this is a top choice for thrill-seekers.
Suitable for physically fit travelers with some canyoning experience, this tour isn’t for the faint of heart but guarantees unforgettable natural scenery.
Bottom line: For experienced adventurers craving a demanding, breathtaking canyoning experience, this tour delivers.
$164 per person
10. Private Tour Half Day Fogo Lake, Ceramics and Ribeira Grande
This personalized half-day trip blends natural beauty and local craftsmanship. Visiting Fogo Lake, the ceramic factory, and Ribeira Grande, you get a mix of scenic viewpoints and hands-on cultural experiences.
Guests especially enjoy Flavio’s attentive guidance and the chance to see the island’s artisans at work. The tour includes visiting the Natural Park of Caldeira Velha, with its steaming waters and lush surroundings.
Perfect for those who want a tailored experience, this tour balances nature, culture, and relaxation in just four hours.
Bottom line: For a customized, intimate look at São Miguel’s landscape and local art, this private tour is a strong choice.
11. Azores: Janela do Inferno, Caldeira Velha Guided Hiking Tour
This full-day hike combines the volcanic tunnels of Janela do Inferno with a soak in Caldeira Velha’s thermal pools. Traversing waterfalls, lush flora, and volcanic tunnels, it offers an active way to see São Miguel’s geological features.
Many reviews mention the guide’s deep knowledge of the island’s geology and the stunning scenery. The hike ends with a relaxing dip in the hot springs, making it ideal for active travelers seeking natural thermal comforts.
Suitable for fit hikers, this tour takes about eight hours and involves some walking and exploration of volcanic tunnels.
Bottom line: For a full-day active adventure with a thermal reward, this guided hike hits the spot.
$89 per person
12. Azores: Salto do Cabrito Canyoning Adventure
Hidden in the island’s wild landscapes, this canyoning tour lets you rappel, slide, and jump through waterfalls and pools, exploring one of São Miguel’s lesser-known spots. The route offers stunning scenery and plenty of natural water features.
Reviewers describe this as a “scenic, fun, and challenging” experience suitable for those comfortable with heights and physical activity. It’s a great way to see the island’s rugged beauty from a different perspective.
Ideal for adventure lovers looking for a half-day of action and spectacular scenery, this tour shows off some of the island’s best natural features.
Bottom line: For a scenic, challenging canyoning outing, this adventure offers memorable landscapes and physical thrills.
13. Ponta Delgada: Lagoa do Fogo and Fenais da Luz Full-Day Trip
This full-day tour is perfect for those wanting a mix of nature and local flavor. Starting at Lagoa do Fogo, you’ll see the crater lake’s pristine beauty, then visit the Buraco de São Pedro and enjoy a walking trail.
Tasting local produce and exploring the charming Fenais da Luz village rounds out the experience. The 7-hour itinerary offers a laid-back but comprehensive view of the island’s land and culture.
Reviewers mention the well-organized trip and the chance to enjoy seasonal products, making it great for foodies and explorers alike.
Bottom line: For a relaxed day focused on natural beauty and local culture, this trip is a top pick.
$112 per person
14. Private Tour Full Day Sete Cidades and Lagoa do Fogo
Ideal for small groups, this private 8-hour tour takes you around the island’s most iconic lakes. You’ll visit Sete Cidades and Lagoa do Fogo, with stops at viewpoints like Vista do Rei and other scenic spots. The tour also includes a visit to a pineapple greenhouse and a ceramic factory dating back to 1863.
Guests praise the flexibility and personal attention, noting how the guide tailored the day to their interests. It’s perfect for travelers who want an intimate, in-depth experience with prime photo opportunities.
Bottom line: For a private, customizable exploration of São Miguel’s top lakes and local crafts, this tour offers personalized service and flexible scheduling.
$199 per group up to 3
15. Private Tour Ribeira Grande: Salto do Cabrito Hike
This full-day private hike combines adventure and culture. Over about two hours, you’ll walk to Salto do Cabrito, the island’s famed waterfall, then enjoy a traditional geothermal stew at Caldeiras Restaurant. The tour continues with visits to Ribeira Grande’s historic streets, Lombadas Valley, and Santa Bárbara Beach for some relaxing time by the Atlantic.
Reviewers emphasize the local knowledge and flexibility of the guide, making this a great choice for those who want a personalized, active day. It’s suitable for travelers comfortable with walking and interested in both nature and local life.
Bottom line: For a tailored, active day that combines hiking with cultural stops, this full-day tour is a top option.
$235 per group up to 2
How to Choose the Right Tour in Ribeira Grande
When deciding between these options, consider your budget, interests, and fitness level. For adrenaline and scenery, the Quad / Buggy Tour (#1) and Canyoning (#5, #12) stand out. If you prefer culture and relaxation, the Furnas & Tea Plantations (#3) and Private Jeep (#7) offer personalized experiences. Budget travelers might focus on shorter tours like the Half-Day Jeep (#6) or SUV (#8), while active adventurers should explore canyoning or hiking options.
Booking early is wise, especially for popular activities like canyoning or private tours. Consider the season—summer offers more consistent weather for outdoor adventures, while spring and fall are quieter and often just as beautiful.
Ribeira Grande offers a diverse array of tours tailored to every type of traveler—from adrenaline junkies to culture lovers. Whether you decide on a high-octane quad ride, a relaxing thermal bath experience, or a private exploration of hidden spots, you’re sure to find something memorable. For best results, book in advance and plan around your interests and fitness level—these experiences can truly make your trip to the Azores unforgettable.