Ponta Delgada: Shore Excursion Sete Cidades and Furnas Volcano

Ponta Delgada: Shore Excursion to Sete Cidades and Furnas Volcano

Imagine stepping off your cruise ship in Ponta Delgada and within a few hours exploring some of the most iconic spots on São Miguel Island — all in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle with local guides sharing stories and insights. For around $103, you get a 5-hour tour that takes you from breathtaking crater lakes to geothermal wonders, perfect for travelers wanting a taste of the Azores without a full day commitment.

What we especially love about this tour is the small group size, which means more personalized attention and a relaxed vibe. The views from Vista do Rei at Sete Cidades are truly unforgettable, and the visit to Furnas offers a fascinating glimpse into the island’s volcanic activity, complemented by the option to relax in thermal pools.

One consideration is the weather — as reviews suggest, fog and rain can sometimes obscure the scenery, but even then, the guides do their best to make the best of the conditions. This tour suits travelers who appreciate authentic natural beauty, engaging storytelling, and a well-paced experience that fits into a cruise schedule.

If you love stunning landscapes, want expert local commentary, and prefer a small, intimate group, this tour is a smart pick. It balances sightseeing with comfort and provides enough flexibility to enjoy some local cuisine and enjoy the island’s natural charms.

Key Points

• Balanced Itinerary: Visits to both Sete Cidades and Furnas Volcano offer a diverse look at São Miguel’s landscapes.
• Expert Guides: Guides like John and Carlos are praised for their knowledge, friendliness, and storytelling.
• Flexible Experience: Options for thermal pools and tea tasting add local flavor and relaxation.
• Small Group Advantage: With a maximum of 16 travelers, expect a more personal, less rushed experience.
• Weather Variability: Be prepared for possible fog or rain, which can sometimes limit views but doesn’t necessarily spoil the experience.
• Value for Price: At just over $100, the tour offers a good mix of highlights, storytelling, and scenic views.

Exploring São Miguel: An In-Depth Look at the Tour

Starting Point and Timing

The tour kicks off promptly at 9:00 am from Ponta Delgada, giving you a morning glimpse of the island’s natural beauty. The vehicle is air-conditioned, which is a real plus, especially if the weather turns warm or if you’re traveling with children. The small group size — capped at 16 — allows for a more relaxed, interactive experience, and it’s clear from reviews that guides like John and Carlos enjoy sharing their love for the island.

First Stop: Sete Cidades and Vista do Rei

Your journey begins with a scenic drive to Sete Cidades, a volcanic caldera home to twin lakes famous for their contrasting colors — one blue, the other green. The Vista do Rei viewpoint is the star of this stop, offering panoramic views that make it easy to understand why this is one of the most photographed spots in the Azores.

We loved the way guides weave legends into the scenery — like the story of two lovers whose tragic tale gave the lakes their romantic names. The two hours here include time to enjoy the view, take photos, and soak in the peaceful atmosphere.

Reviewers like Betty and Yolanda highlight how knowledgeable guides enhance this experience. Betty mentions how her guide was not only friendly but also informative, making sure everyone understood the story behind the lakes, which adds depth to the visual beauty.

Second Stop: Furnas Volcano Caldera and Optional Thermal Bath

Next, you head toward Furnas, a volcanic crater famous for its geothermal activity. Here, you’ll visit the Caldeiras das Furnas, a natural park with bubbling fumaroles and hot springs. This part of the tour usually lasts three hours, providing plenty of time to explore or relax.

While the botanical gardens at Terra Nostra Park are a popular option, unfortunately, the thermal pools are temporarily unavailable until 2025. Still, the geothermal surroundings are impressive, and the scent of sulfur and steam gives an authentic volcanic feel. Linda notes she appreciated the chance to dip into the thermal pools and enjoyed her time there, although she wished the guide had provided more information in advance about what to bring.

The tour includes entry to the Caldeiras das Furnas, meaning you won’t have to worry about extra costs here. Many travelers enjoy the chance to see the steaming vents, learn about the island’s volcanic activity, and simply marvel at nature’s power.

Tea Tasting and Local Flavors

A highlight for food lovers is the visit to a natural tea plantation. The tour includes a tasting, which provides a tasty break and a chance to learn about how Azorean tea is grown and processed. Several reviews praised the guides’ storytelling about local flavors and the opportunity to sample fresh tea, adding a genuine local touch.

Wrapping Up

The tour concludes back in Ponta Delgada, usually around 2:00 pm, giving you the afternoon free to explore more on your own or relax. The flexibility offered is appreciated, especially by travelers who want a quick but thorough taste of São Miguel.

Authenticity and Value

This tour stands out for its local guides, whose enthusiasm and storytelling turn sightseeing into a richer experience. Many travelers emphasize how guides like John and Carlos made the landscapes come alive through their explanations, humor, and pride in their homeland.

For the price, you get a well-rounded experience that hits the island’s highlights — the stunning lakes, the volcanic geothermal activity, and local cultural touches like tea tasting. The inclusion of entry fees for Caldeiras das Furnas and the tea plantation visit adds value, while the small group size ensures you’re not just another face in a crowd.

However, weather can be a wildcard. Fog and rain are common in the Azores, and some reviews mention limited visibility, especially at the volcano caldera. Yet, guides do their best to make the most of whatever conditions Mother Nature throws at them. The overall consensus remains positive, with many valuing the personalized attention and the opportunity to see a lot in just five hours.

Who is This Tour Best Suited For?

If you’re a cruise traveler with limited time on São Miguel but want a taste of its most iconic natural sights, this tour offers excellent value. It’s ideal for those who appreciate stunning landscapes, local stories, and a small-group atmosphere. Active travelers who enjoy a bit of walking and sightseeing will find it manageable.

Families and groups prefer the relaxed pace and flexible options like tea tasting and thermal pools (when available). If weather is a concern, pack a raincoat and be ready for fog — it’s part of the Azores experience.

Those seeking an in-depth, guided overview of São Miguel’s volcanic and lake scenery will find this tour hits the spot, especially with guides who are proud to share their knowledge and stories.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for cruise travelers with limited time?
Absolutely. It’s designed to fit into a 5-hour window, making it perfect for cruise ship schedules while still offering memorable sights.

What’s included in the tour price?
The tour includes transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, a local guide, visits to Sete Cidades and Furnas, entrance to Caldeiras das Furnas, and a tea tasting.

Can I visit the thermal pools?
Currently, the thermal pools at Terra Nostra Park are unavailable until 2025, but the geothermal area at Furnas is still impressive to see.

How many people are in the group?
The maximum is 16 travelers, which helps keep the experience intimate and personalized.

What happens in case of bad weather?
The tour staff do their best to adapt, but since the Azores are known for unpredictable weather, some sights (like panoramic views) might be obscured. If the weather is too poor, the tour may be canceled or re-scheduled for another day.

Is the tour good for children or families?
Most travelers find it suitable, especially since the stops are not overly strenuous and include interesting sights and stories. Always consider your family’s pace and interest in outdoor activities.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the scheduled start, with a full refund.

To sum it up, this tour offers a thoughtfully curated window into São Miguel’s most beautiful and iconic natural spots. It’s especially suited for travelers who want a guided, small-group experience with stories and local flavor, all within a manageable time frame. Expect stunning views, friendly guides, and a behind-the-scenes look at volcanic life, making it a worthwhile addition to your Azores adventure.