Sao Miguel, the largest island in the Azores, offers an incredible variety of shore excursions that showcase its volcanic landscapes, lush greenery, and thermal wonders. Unlike many cruise destinations, Sao Miguel rewards travelers with genuine outdoor adventures and scenic vistas that are often tricky to access without local guides. We especially love tours that combine stunning natural sights—like Sete Cidades‘ twin lakes or Furnas‘ hot springs—with insightful commentary on the island’s geology and legends. For example, the Sete Cidades, Furnas or Lagoa do Fogo from Ponta Delgada offers a hassle-free way to see some of the most iconic sites with ease and comfort.
If you’re pressed for time but still want a taste of Sao Miguel’s best, the excursions listed below provide a variety of options—covering everything from panoramic viewpoints to geothermal hotspots—so you can tailor your adventure to your interests and schedule.
1. Shore Excursion: Sete Cidades, Furnas or Lagoa do Fogo from Ponta Delgada
This tour offers a 4-hour exploration of three of the Azores’ most stunning natural sites, with the convenience of round-trip transportation directly from Ponta Delgada. You choose your destination: the famous twin lakes of Sete Cidades, the bubbling hot springs of Furnas, or the pristine Lagoa do Fogo. The flexibility to pick your favorite makes this a good option if you’re short on time but eager to see the island’s highlights.
What makes this tour stand out is the ease of reaching these remote sites without the hassle of navigating alone—local guides know the best spots for photos and stories. Reviews emphasize the quality of guides like Telmo and Luis, who are praised for being informative, friendly, and flexible. For around $55, it’s an excellent value for a quick yet enriching experience. It’s especially perfect if you want a straightforward, well-organized introduction to Sao Miguel’s volcanic scenery. Bottom line: a reliable choice for travelers who want a concise, scenic taste of the island with personalized attention.
2. Ponta Delgada: Seven Cities & Furnas Volcano Shore Excursion Tour
For travelers looking for a longer, more comprehensive tour, this 5.5-hour excursion combines the famous viewpoints and volcanic landscapes of Sao Miguel, including the legendary Vista do Rei and Gorreana Tea Plantation. Priced at about $105, it’s a bit more investment, but what you get is a well-rounded experience. Highlights include the viewpoints of Santa Iria—a perfect spot for sweeping photos of the coastline—and an exploration of the Gorreana Tea Plantation, which is the only tea farm still producing in Europe.
This tour is notable for its rich itinerary and the knowledgeable guide Diogo, who is praised for making the island’s volcanic activity and legends come alive. Visitors love the opportunity to walk through fumaroles and hot springs, and tasting the natural tea adds a unique flavor to the trip. The small group size ensures personalized attention, and the varied stops suit those interested in geology, scenery, and local agriculture.
Bottom line: this tour suits travelers wanting an in-depth look at Sao Miguel’s natural beauty and cultural quirks, with a comfortable pace and insightful guide.
3. Ponta Delgada: Shore Excursion, Sete Cidades, Blue & Green Lake
If your cruise schedule favors a shorter morning adventure, this 3-4 hour tour hits the highlights of Sete Cidades, including the famous Vista do Rei viewpoint. Starting early allows you to enjoy some of the most iconic views before the cruise crowds arrive. The tour includes stops at pineapple plantations, the picturesque parish of Sete Cidades, and the Mosteiros islets from the Ponta do Escalvado viewpoint.
Priced around $57, it’s a solid choice for travelers who want a quick but memorable taste of the island’s volcanic lakes and lush landscapes. The reviews highlight enthusiastic guides like Andrea and Joao, who go out of their way to provide insider knowledge and engaging storytelling. The tour’s efficiency and focus on photo-worthy spots make it ideal for travelers with limited time but high expectations for scenery.
Bottom line: a good fit for cruise passengers seeking a scenic, well-organized overview of the most famous crater lakes and surrounding sights.
How to Choose the Right Sao Miguel Shore Excursion
When deciding which tour fits best, consider your budget, time available, and what aspects of the island you most want to experience. For a quick taste or if you’re on a tight schedule, the Sete Cidades, Furnas or Lagoa do Fogo offers a compact, scenic snapshot. Want a more in-depth exploration of volcanic landscapes and local culture? The Seven Cities & Furnas Volcano tour provides a longer, richer experience. For a shorter, scenic overview focusing on Sete Cidades, the third option delivers iconic views with fewer stops.
Booking early is advisable, especially if you want to ensure your preferred destination or guide. All tours are designed to be accessible for most fitness levels, but check specific stops if you have mobility concerns. Also, take note of the duration—a 4-hour tour might be perfect for a quick burst of scenery, while a longer one allows deeper insight into the island’s geology and culture.
Final Thoughts
Sao Miguel offers an excellent selection of shore excursions that balance scenery, culture, and ease of access. For those wanting a powerful snapshot of the island’s volcanic scenery, the Sete Cidades, Furnas or Lagoa do Fogo is hard to beat. If you prefer a more detailed, guided experience with cultural stops like the tea plantation, the Seven Cities & Furnas Volcano tour is an excellent choice.
For travelers with limited time or those who simply want a beautiful overview of Sao Miguel’s most famous sites, the third option offers a quick, scenic trip that won’t disappoint. Whichever you choose, booking ahead ensures you’ll secure a spot for this captivating island. Enjoy your time exploring the volcanic landscapes and thermal springs of Sao Miguel—it’s a trip you’ll remember long after your cruise departs.