Ponta Delgada offers a fantastic jumping-off point for exploring São Miguel Island’s stunning landscapes. Unlike many cruise destinations, this port provides easy access to some of the most impressive natural sights in the Azores—think crater lakes, geothermal springs, and lush pineapple plantations. We especially love tours that combine scenic beauty with local flavor, like the Sete Cidades Volcano Lakes, which showcase the island’s iconic twin lakes, or the Furnas hot springs for their geothermal wonders and thermal baths. These excursions are perfect for travelers eager to get a taste of Azorean nature without a lengthy commitment.
For quick trips that maximize natural beauty, you’ll find a range of options, from scenic drives and viewpoint stops to immersive experiences at local farms and thermal springs. Whether you prefer relaxing in thermal pools or exploring volcanic craters, Ponta Delgada’s shore excursions deliver memorable experiences suited to different interests and schedules. Below, we’ve broken down the best five options to help you decide which adventure fits your cruise day best.
1. Ponta Delgada: Sete Cidades Volcano Lakes Shore Excursion
At number 1, we have the Sete Cidades Volcano Lakes Shore Excursion, which scores an impressive 4.7/5 from 138 reviews and costs around $51 per person. This tour is tailored for cruise travelers, with a dedicated local guide who brings the legend of the twin lakes and the volcanic history of the island alive. The itinerary includes stops at the Vista do Rei lookout, offering sweeping views over the famous blue and green lakes, and time for photos at Lagoa das Sete Cidades itself.
What makes this tour stand out is its combination of scenic stops, cultural insights, and local treats like pineapple tasting at St. Anthony’s farm. You’ll walk briefly through a rural village and enjoy a coffee break by the lakes—perfect for those who love to combine nature with authentic local flavors. The guide’s knowledge is highly praised; one reviewer called the guide “very knowledgeable and engaging,” making the experience enriching despite some misty weather. The tour’s value is excellent, given the included stops, scenic drives, and local food tastings.
Bottom Line: This half-day trip delivers breathtaking scenery, cultural insights, and a taste of Azorean pineapple—ideal for travelers wanting a comprehensive yet relaxed experience of São Miguel’s iconic lakes.
2. Azores: Shore Excursion Furnas – Crater volcano and hot springs
Next on our list is a tour of Furnas, rated 4.5/5 from 42 reviews and priced at about $79.10 per person. This tour offers a stress-free way to explore the volcanic interior of the island’s eastern side, focusing on geothermal activity and thermal baths. The tour begins with a visit to the Plantacoes de Cha Gorreana, the last natural tea plantation on the planet, where you can taste fresh green or black tea.
What makes this trip special is its personalized small-group approach and flexible itinerary, which can include a stop at the Parque Terra Nostra hot springs—an ideal spot for relaxing in naturally heated mineral waters. You’ll also see the Caldeira das Furnas, where locals cook traditional dishes using volcanic heat, a sight that captures the essence of Azorean geothermal power. The guide’s insights help decode the volcanic landscape, making the experience both fun and educational.
Some visitors mention how Pedro, the guide, adds a personal touch and shares detailed knowledge about the island’s volcanic features. It’s a good choice for those who want to combine nature, local culture, and relaxation without rushing. The tour is priced higher than some others, but the inclusion of thermal springs and a tea tasting makes it worthwhile.
Bottom Line: A relaxing, small-group experience perfect for travelers interested in volcanoes, geothermal activity, and local flavors with plenty of downtime to enjoy thermal pools.
3. Azores: Shore Excursion Sete Cidades – Blue & Green Twin Crater Lakes
Coming in at number 3, this Sete Cidades Lakes tour earns a 4.5/5 rating from 37 reviews and costs about $68.23. It offers a compact, scenic exploration of São Miguel’s most famous natural feature—the twin lakes inside the largest volcanic crater on the island. The tour includes stops at the Pineapple plantation (using a glass greenhouse to grow those sweet fruits) and several viewpoints like Pico Carvão and Vista do Rei, which offers an iconic panoramic view of the lakes.
This excursion is ideal for travelers who want a focused, visually stunning experience that covers multiple viewpoints and natural highlights in about 3 to 4 hours. The guide, Miguel, is praised for being friendly and knowledgeable, making the entire trip both informative and enjoyable. Guests mention how they appreciated the opportunity to walk on lava and learn about the geological forces shaping the landscape.
The tour’s value lies in its quick pace, clear itinerary, and emphasis on photo-worthy sights. It’s perfect if your cruise time is limited but you still want to take in the most iconic natural scenery of the island.
Bottom Line: A well-rounded, scenic tour emphasizing the iconic twin lakes, with options for pineapple tasting and panoramic views—great for a half-day adventure.
4. Seven Citys Tour: Sete Cidades Crater Lake Shore Excursion
Number 4 on our list is the Seven Citys Tour, rated 4.5/5 from 33 reviews and priced at $84. This tour emphasizes inside the crater, with visits to the most iconic and recognizable natural monument—the Sete Cidades. You’ll explore the largest crater on the island, see the Church of Sao Nicolau, and enjoy viewpoints like Ponta do Escalvado, offering sweeping views over the lakes and craters.
The tour includes a series of scenic drives from four pickup locations, with stops at Cerrado das Freiras and Lagoa de Santiago for panoramic views. The detailed itinerary covers pineapple farm visits (not just tasting but also understanding the cultivation process), guided stops inside the crater, and scenic viewpoints that capture the true essence of São Miguel’s volcanic landscape.
Guests appreciate the comprehensive nature of this tour, which combines cultural sites, natural wonders, and local agriculture. The $84 price point reflects its detailed itinerary and multiple stops, making it a good value considering the scope.
Bottom Line: For travelers wanting an in-depth look at the largest crater and the island’s iconic scenery, this tour provides a full, engaging experience with plenty of photo opportunities.
5. Ponta Delgada: Sete Cidades and Furnas Volcano
Finally, the Sete Cidades and Furnas Volcano tour offers a longer, more comprehensive exploration at about 5 hours for roughly $103. It combines the best of both worlds—the twin lakes and the geothermal marvels of Furnas. Starting with the scenic drive to Vista do Rei, you’ll enjoy magnificent views and learn about the legends surrounding the lakes.
The second part takes you to Furnas, famous for its geothermal activity, bubbling hot springs, and thermal pools. You can opt to visit Terra Nostra Park for a relaxing soak in the naturally heated waters, providing a perfect way to unwind after sightseeing. The guide’s detailed explanations and flexible itinerary make this a popular choice for those who want a full-day experience.
Reviews highlight how well this tour balances natural beauty with cultural insights. One traveler noted how their guide, John, was “fabulous” and proud of his island, making the experience engaging. The price includes multiple stops and a chance for a thermal bath, offering good value for a more extensive tour.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers with limited time who want to see both lakes and volcanic hot springs, combining sightseeing with relaxation.
How to Choose the Right Shore Excursion
When selecting the best tour in Ponta Delgada, consider your interests, time constraints, and budget. If you want the most iconic scenery and a shorter trip, the Sete Cidades Lakes or the Blue & Green Lakes tours are excellent options. For those interested in geothermal activity and thermal baths, the Furnas hot springs offers a relaxing experience with the bonus of visiting a tea plantation.
Travelers seeking a more in-depth adventure should consider the Seven Citys Tour, which explores the largest crater and cultural sites in detail. Finally, if you want the full experience combining lakes and volcanic hot springs, the Sete Cidades & Furnas Volcano** tour provides a longer, more comprehensive itinerary.
Booking early is highly recommended, especially during peak months when tours fill quickly. Check the availability for your cruise dates and consider your fitness level—some tours involve walking and scenic drives, but most are quite accessible.
To sum it up, Ponta Delgada offers a variety of shore excursions suited to different interests. Whether you’re drawn to the spectacular volcanic lakes, thermal springs, or cultural sites, there’s an option that will enhance your visit. For a quick, scenic escape, tours like the Sete Cidades Lakes are hard to beat. For a more relaxing experience, the Furnas hot springs provide geothermal pampering. And if you want a full-day adventure, the combined Sete Cidades and Furnas tour is perfect. Book early, and enjoy discovering the natural beauty of São Miguel Island.