Buggy Tours with lunch, Sete Cidades, Ponta Delgada, AZORES

Exploring São Miguel with a Buggy Tour and Lunch

Imagine cruising along rugged coastal roads, bouncing over dirt trails, and stopping at some of the most breathtaking spots on São Miguel Island — all in a snappy, open-air buggy. This 5.5-hour adventure priced at $173.64 per person offers a fantastic way to see remote landscapes many travelers never reach by car. Tour guides like Pedro bring a wealth of knowledge, making the journey as informative as it is exhilarating.

What we especially love about this experience is how it combines adventure with authenticity. You’ll get close to the island’s volcanic craters, panoramas, and hidden beaches, all while enjoying the fresh air and freedom only a buggy can provide. Plus, the included lunch at Poços de São Vicente Ferreira offers a relaxing break with local flavors.

A possible consideration is the group size — with a maximum of 8 travelers, it’s a cozy, personalized trip, but those seeking a more social or larger group setting might find it intimate. Also, because the tour involves off-road driving, it’s best suited for those comfortable with bouncing around a bit and who are at least 8 years old.

This tour is ideal for adventure lovers, nature enthusiasts, and anyone eager to explore São Miguel beyond the usual tourist spots. If you want a day packed with scenic views and a touch of thrill, this experience might just be your perfect island highlight.

Key Points

• Unique Off-Road Experience: Travel in a small, open-air buggy to access remote parts of the island.
• Stunning Scenic Stops: Visit viewpoints like Rocha da Relva, Pico da Cruz, and Batalha Golf Course for breathtaking views.
• Authentic Local Flavors: Enjoy a leisurely lunch in a tranquil, seaside setting at Poços de São Vicente Ferreira.
• Knowledgeable Guides: Guides like Pedro enhance the trip with local insights and safety tips.
• Flexible and Personal: Small group size ensures a more personalized and relaxed adventure.
• Good for Adventure Seekers: Suitable for ages 8 and up, but not ideal for very young children or those uncomfortable with off-road driving.

An In-Depth Look at the São Miguel Buggy Tour

Starting Off: A Brief Introduction to the Adventure

Our day begins early at R. do Paim 155 in Arrifes, where a small group of passionate travelers gather, ready for what promises to be an exciting exploration of São Miguel. The tour kicks off at 9:00 am, giving us plenty of time to make the most of the island’s highlights.

From the start, it’s clear that this isn’t your typical bus tour. Instead, we’re handed the keys to robust, open-air buggies — perfect for navigating both paved roads and rugged trails. The small group size (up to 8) makes the experience intimate, allowing everyone to enjoy the scenery and ask questions.

First Stop: Rocha da Relva Viewpoint

Our first stop is at Rocha da Relva, where we get a quick but stunning panoramic view of the south coast of São Miguel. It’s a perfect introduction to the natural beauty of the island. The viewpoint offers sweeping vistas of the Atlantic Ocean and lush, rolling hills. It’s an ideal spot to appreciate the island’s volcanic origins and the way agriculture and natural landscape intertwine.

We loved how accessible yet striking this viewpoint was — it’s a quick stop, but the clarity of the scenery leaves a lasting impression. It’s free to enter, which adds to the value of the tour.

Passing the Muro das Nove Janelas Aqueduct

Next, we pass by the Muro das Nove Janelas, an iconic aqueduct with nine arched openings. Though just a drive-by, the structure’s history and design are worth noting, especially if you’re interested in the island’s engineering heritage.

This moment offers a glimpse into how past infrastructures shaped the island’s development. It’s a brief stop, but it underscores the blend of natural and human-made marvels on São Miguel.

Climbing Pico da Cruz for Viewpoints of the Volcano

Our third stop takes us up to Pico da Cruz, where we make a short climb to a viewpoint overlooking the Sete Cidades volcano. From here, the views stretch across the massive crater, with lush green slopes descending into the twin lakes below.

The guide points out details about the volcanic activity that formed the island, making the scenery both beautiful and educational. This stop lasts about 30 minutes and provides incredible photo opportunities. It’s a highlight for many, with the chance to really grasp the scale and volcanic origins of the landscape.

Walking along the Sete Cidades Volcano Summits

Next, we walk along the summits of the Sete Cidades volcano, experiencing the landscape from a different perspective. The descent toward the village offers a sense of the volcanic basin’s vastness, with vibrant greenery and the twin lakes visible in the distance.

Our guide emphasizes the ecological importance of this area, and many travelers comment that this blend of activity and scenic beauty is a perfect way to engage with the environment.

Exploring the Lagoa das Sete Cidades

This stop takes us to the Complexo Ambiental da Lagoa das Sete Cidades, where we get a leisurely look around the village and pass close to the Lagoas das Sete Cidades — the iconic twin lakes. The peaceful surroundings are ideal for a short walk or simply soaking in the view.

Guests often note that this is a serene, almost otherworldly spot, well worth the visit for its natural beauty. It’s a free stop, adding to the tour’s overall value.

Lunch at Poços de São Vicente Ferreira

The highlight for many is the lunch break at Poços de São Vicente Ferreira, a seaside bathing area with facilities near the site of an old whale factory. Here, we relax for about an hour and a half, enjoying local cuisine in a tranquil setting.

We loved how this gives a genuine taste of island life — simple, fresh, and unpretentious. Plus, the outdoor setting with views of the ocean makes it a memorable part of the tour. The calm, scenic environment provides a perfect balance after several active stops.

Passing Fenais da Luz and Visiting Batalha Golf Course

Post-lunch, we pass through Fenais da Luz, a peaceful coastal area, and then head up to the Batalha Golf Course for a final viewpoint at Aflitos. From here, you’ll see rolling greens and coastal views that round out the day.

This part of the tour offers a mix of leisure and scenic beauty, reinforcing the variety of landscapes on São Miguel.

End of the Day: Returning to the Starting Point

The tour wraps up back at the meeting point around 3:30 pm, giving you a full but comfortable day of exploration. The small group format means you can chat with your guide and fellow travelers, making it both informative and relaxed.

Why this Tour Stands Out

The combination of off-road driving, stunning volcanic scenery, and personal touches from guides like Pedro makes this experience memorable. The scenic stops are carefully chosen, each offering a different perspective on São Miguel’s volcanic origins and lush landscapes.

Authentic and adventurous, this tour is a fantastic way to see parts of the island that are hard to access by regular vehicle. The lunch at the seaside adds a touch of local flavor and relaxation, rounding out a day filled with natural beauty.

Many travelers rave about the knowledgeable guides, with quotes like “Pedro made an already unforgettable experience even better” and “showed us the most beautiful scenic places.” The stunning views are repeatedly highlighted as a major highlight, making this tour great for photographers and nature lovers alike.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is best suited for adventure seekers, families with children over 8, and anyone eager to explore São Miguel’s less accessible natural wonders. If you enjoy small-group tours, off-road fun, and scenic sightseeing with expert guidance, you’ll find it hard to beat.

Travelers who appreciate authentic local experiences and comfortable, well-paced excursions will also find this tour rewarding. It’s particularly suited for those who want a balance of activity and relaxation, with a focus on natural scenery.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

This buggy tour offers exceptional value for those wanting a full day of off-road adventure, scenic vistas, and local flavor. While it’s a bit pricey, the small group size, personalized attention, and the chance to explore hidden corners of São Miguel justify the cost.

It’s a fantastic choice for those who value authentic, immersive experiences over generic sightseeing. If you’re looking for a mix of adventure, nature, and local culture, this tour ticks all those boxes in a relaxed, approachable way.

In summary: If you’re after a fun, scenic, and personalized way to see São Miguel’s volcanic landscapes, this tour promises a memorable day with plenty of breathtaking views and insider knowledge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, but it’s not recommended for kids under 8 years old. The off-road aspect and the small group setting are best suited for older children and teenagers who feel comfortable in an open vehicle.

What’s included in the price?
The price covers the buggy adventure, guided visits to viewpoints and volcanic sites, and a lunch at Poços de São Vicente Ferreira. It does not specify any additional fees for stops, so most activities are included.

How long does the tour last?
The tour runs approximately 5 hours and 30 minutes, starting at 9:00 am and ending back at the meeting point around 3:30 pm.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start. Refunds are processed if canceled in time.

Is prior driving experience necessary?
While not explicitly stated, the tour involves off-road driving, so a comfortable level of driving skill and willingness to bounce around is recommended.

What kind of vehicle is used?
An open-air buggy, perfect for feeling the island’s breeze and enjoying unobstructed views as you traverse various terrains.

Will I get to see volcano craters?
Absolutely. Stops include Pico da Cruz and the walking along the Sete Cidades crater, providing excellent perspectives to appreciate the volcanic landscape.

What is the group size?
A maximum of 8 travelers, which ensures a more personal and relaxed experience.

How does the guide enhance the experience?
Guides like Pedro bring their knowledge and personable approach, making the trip both educational and enjoyable, as many reviews highlight.

This thorough, authentic review aims to help you decide if this buggy adventure on São Miguel is right for your travel style. With its blend of scenic beauty, adventure, and local charm, it’s a memorable way to experience the island beyond the usual tourist trail.