Ponta Delgada, on São Miguel Island in the Azores, is an ideal base for boat tours and cruises thanks to its stunning coastline, abundant marine life, and breathtaking volcanic scenery. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful sunset sail, an adrenaline-filled whale watching trip, or an off-road adventure exploring lagoons and volcanoes, the waters surrounding Ponta Delgada offer something for every type of traveler. We especially enjoy the Private Sailing Sunset Tour for its intimate, relaxing atmosphere and spectacular views, or the Azores Whale Watching & Islet Boat Tour for the chance to see wild marine animals in their natural habitat. For a more adventurous ride, the Jeep – CRUISE – FIRE LAKE tour combines land and sea for a unique perspective on the island’s diverse landscapes.
If you’re trying to decide which boat experience suits your trip, this guide compares the top options, highlighting what makes each special and helping you find the best fit—whether your priority is wildlife, scenery, or a leisurely sunset.
Quick Overview
This list features five standout boat tours and cruises in Ponta Delgada, each with its own personality and appeal. We’ve included options for those wanting a peaceful sunset sail, family-friendly whale watching adventures, exhilarating off-road cruises, and activities like kayaking and snorkeling. To see these options in detail, check out the links below:
– Private Sailing Sunset Tour PDL
– Cruise Travellers: Sete Cidades Volcano, The Blue & Green Lake
– JEEP – CRUISE – FIRE LAKE
– Azores Whale Watching & Islet Boat Tour
– Boat Fun Activities
1. Private Sailing Sunset Tour PDL
At number 1, the Private Sailing Sunset Tour offers an intimate way to enjoy São Miguel’s southern coast. For around $273 per group (up to 8 people), you get three hours of sailing, usually at sunset, making it a perfect choice for couples, small families, or friends wanting a peaceful, scenic escape. You start at Av. Infante Dom Henrique 33 and cruise along the coast, experiencing the calm of the sea as the sky changes colors.
What sets this tour apart is its focus on comfort and personal experience. It’s not a crowded group activity but a relaxed journey at your own pace. The itinerary includes stops for swimming, snorkeling, and stand-up paddleboarding—ideal for those who want a bit of water fun. The sunset views are truly memorable, casting a golden glow over the cliffs and ocean, creating perfect photo moments. Many reviews mention how the crew is accommodating, with guests praising the captain’s expertise and friendly attitude. One reviewer said, “Our crew was so accommodating and wonderful—might even get to see some dolphins while you’re out there.”
Bottom Line: If you prioritize a quiet, customizable, and scenic experience with the chance for water activities and sunset views, this tour is hard to beat.
2. Cruise Travellers: Sete Cidades Volcano, The Blue & Green Lake
Next on our list, the Sete Cidades tour is a fantastic choice for travelers eager to explore São Miguel’s volcanic wonders. Priced at about $58 per person, this 3 to 4-hour trip kicks off with a visit to the Arruda pineapple plantation, where you’ll learn about the island’s unique pineapple farming in glass greenhouses. You then head to the Vista do Rei, a viewpoint considered one of Portugal’s seven wonders, where the blue and green lakes of Sete Cidades sit in a caldera—a landscape so striking it’s often called “the most photographed scene in the Azores.”
From there, you descend into the volcano’s interior, walking along the lakeside paths, exploring the local parish, or stopping at the São Nicolau church—a highlight for those interested in local culture. The tour concludes with a panoramic view from Miradouro da Ponta do Escalvado, overlooking the dramatic cliffs and islets of Mosteiros, before returning to Ponta Delgada. The reviews emphasize how much local insight the guide provides—”Our guide shared legends and tips on where to eat,” one reviewer says—making it both an educational and scenic experience.
Bottom Line: This tour offers a well-rounded mix of geology, scenery, and local flavor for those who want to see the island’s iconic lakes and volcanoes without strenuous activity.
3. JEEP – CRUISE – FIRE LAKE (Lagoa do Fogo)
For travelers seeking a more rugged, off-road adventure, the JEEP – CRUISE – FIRE LAKE tour is a top pick. Priced at $116 per person, it’s a 3-hour journey that combines the excitement of a jeep or SUV ride with breathtaking views of the island’s interior. You’ll start from one of two pickup points—either Forte de São Brás or the Multiusos Portas do Mar—and ascend to the Pico da Barrosa Viewpoint for sweeping vistas.
From there, the tour takes you to the Lagoa do Fogo, a pristine crater lake surrounded by volcanic peaks. You’ll explore the area with an experienced guide, enjoying panoramic sights that are difficult to access by regular vehicle. Additional stops include Areal de Santa Bárbara Beach and viewpoints over the Mosteiros islets. The guided nature of this tour ensures you learn about the island’s geology and volcanic activity firsthand. It’s well-suited for those who want a sense of adventure and a taste of São Miguel’s diverse terrain.
One review mentions the “alternative roads & places making this a unique experience,” which highlights how this tour offers more than just a standard sightseeing trip. The comfort of the jeep and the panoramic views make it worthwhile for fans of off-road exploration.
Bottom Line: This is the best choice if you want a private, flexible, and exhilarating way to see São Miguel’s volcanic heart.
$116 per person
4. Azores Whale Watching & Islet Boat Tour
Number 4 on our list, the Whale Watching & Islet Boat Tour, is arguably the most popular activity in Ponta Delgada, with over 1,000 reviews averaging 4.5 stars. For about $72 per person, you’ll spend roughly three hours setting sail around the Princess Ring Islet of Vila Franca do Campo. This tour is famous for its year-round whale sightings, including sperm whales, pilot whales, dolphins, and even sea turtles.
What makes this outing special is the combination of wildlife and scenery. Marine biologist guides help you identify animals and share stories about the Atlantic’s marine ecosystem. Many reviewers mention how knowledgeable guides and the chance to see whales and dolphins in their natural habitat made this a highlight of their trip. One customer says, “We saw sperm whales and striped dolphins! Guides were so clear about what we were seeing.”
The boat itself is an RIB (rigid inflatable boat), providing speed and maneuverability for close-up wildlife encounters. The departure times are flexible, so you can choose the most suitable part of the day. Keep in mind that weather conditions can affect sightings, but even cloudy days often bring surprises.
Bottom Line: If wildlife viewing excites you, this tour provides excellent value, memorable encounters, and the chance to appreciate Atlantic marine life.
$71.83 per person
5. Boat Fun Activities
Finally, for those who want to combine a boat ride with active water fun, the Boat Fun Activities tour offers a flexible 3-hour experience. Priced at $44 per person, it starts at ANC Azores Holidays and includes options like jet skiing, paddleboarding, canoeing, and snorkeling around the Vila Franca do Campo islet.
This tour stands out for its variety—if you’re looking for a hands-on, interactive experience with the water, it’s ideal. Guests can choose their preferred activity during the cruise, making it suitable for families, groups, or solo travelers wanting a bit of adventure. Reviews mention the “ocean activities” and “guided tour” aspects, emphasizing the fun and safe environment. It’s particularly good for travelers who aren’t interested in a structured sightseeing but want to enjoy the water on their own terms.
The flexibility in start times and the range of activities make this a versatile choice. However, because it’s more activity-oriented, it’s less about scenery and more about fun on the water.
Bottom Line: Perfect for active travelers or families seeking a mix of boat ride and ocean sports in a casual setting.
$44 per person
How to Choose the Best Boat Tour in Ponta Delgada
When picking the right boat experience, consider your budget, interests, and physical activity level. For a romantic, scenic sunset, the Private Sailing Sunset Tour is unmatched. If wildlife watching excites you, the Whale Watching & Islet Tour is a must. For those eager to explore São Miguel’s volcanic landscapes, the Jeep – Cruise – Fire Lake combines land and sea for a comprehensive adventure. And if you want a lively, hands-on water experience, the Boat Fun Activities offer options to kayak, paddleboard, or snorkel.
Booking early is recommended, especially in peak season (summer months), to secure your preferred date and time. Check availability and consider weather conditions, as marine activities depend heavily on favorable seas.
Final Thoughts
Ponta Delgada offers a range of boat tours and cruises that cater to different tastes—from tranquil sunsets and whale sightings to rugged volcanic excursions and ocean sports. If you’re after a peaceful, intimate experience, the Private Sailing Sunset Tour provides stunning views and water activities without the crowds. Wildlife lovers should not miss the Whale Watching & Islet Boat Tour for its impressive marine encounters. For those seeking adventure and landscape, the Jeep – Cruise – Fire Lake delivers a memorable mix of land and sea.
Whatever your choice, each of these tours promises an authentic way to experience the diverse marine and volcanic environment of São Miguel. Be sure to book early, especially during high season, and prepare for some incredible seaside memories.