night tour poça da beija 99.99 entries and dinner included

A Relaxing Night Tour with Thermal Baths and Dinner in São Miguel: What to Expect

If you’re considering a night excursion to Poça da Beija, this tour catches your eye. It offers a blend of soothing thermal baths, local cuisine, and scenic viewpoints—all wrapped into roughly four hours of laid-back fun. We haven’t done it ourselves, but based on honest reviews and the itinerary, it sounds like a lovely way to spend an evening after a day of exploring the island.

What really appeals are the access to thermal pools—which are said to be small, with pools of various depths—and the dinner included. Plus, the fact that transportation, entry tickets, and dinner are bundled makes it quite straightforward. One thing to keep in mind: it’s best suited for those who enjoy gentle activities, not wild nightlife or partying. If you’re after a relaxing, cultural experience with good food, this tour could work well for you.

A possible consideration is the language barrier—some reviews mention the guide’s limited English—which might affect your experience if you’re looking for detailed explanations. However, the friendly atmosphere and the scenic, tranquil setting tend to make up for that. This tour seems perfect for travelers wanting a calm evening, local flavors, and a chance to unwind in São Miguel’s thermal waters.

Key Points

• Relaxing evening activity that combines thermal pools with dining.
• Includes transportation, entry to Poça da Beija, and dinner, simplifying logistics.
• Small group size (up to 20 travelers), maintaining an intimate vibe.
• Great for those seeking a low-key, cultural experience with local food.
• Some language limitations noted, so prepare for a friendly but potentially non-English speaking guide.
• Good value — considering the thermal bath entry, dinner, and transport, it’s a convenient package.

What Is the Night Tour Poça da Beija About?

This tour offers a chance to enjoy Poça da Beija’s thermal pools at night, combined with a traditional dinner in São Miguel. The entire experience lasts about four hours, starting from hotel pickup at 6:00 pm, making it suitable for those wanting an evening activity after daytime adventures.

From the moment you’re picked up in Ponta Delgada, the trip feels relaxed. The driver will point out sights en route—possibly some viewpoints or local spots—adding a bit of context and scenic charm. Once at Poça da Beija, you’ll have a chance to soak in the small, warm pools of differing depths, which is especially peaceful under the evening sky.

After your soak, the tour includes a dinner at a local eatery, with options like traditional stew or tuna, and a variety of drinks—beer, wine, or water. Many reviews highlight that the food is generous and tasty, with some noting the portions are quite large. The dinner is a chance to sit back, chat with fellow travelers, and enjoy local flavors, making the experience more than just a soak.

The Poça da Beija Experience

Poça da Beija is famous among visitors for its small, inviting pools—not grand thermal spas but cozy, warm spots perfect for relaxing. The pools are often less crowded at night, and you might find it more tranquil than during the day. The pools are generally rated as spectacular for relaxation, with some reviewers mentioning that the experience is “relaxing,” especially after a long day exploring the island.

One of the highlights from reviews is the friendly guide who shares local traditions and offers insights about the area, even if English isn’t perfect. The small group size means it stays intimate, although some travelers noted the guide’s limited English — not a dealbreaker but worth considering if language is a priority.

Dinner and Local Cuisine

The included dinner is a real highlight for many. You can expect abundant portions of local dishes, with some reviews mentioning large servings of stew or tuna. Drinks are included, with options like beer, wine, or water. The setting is casual but cozy, giving you a taste of local hospitality and cuisine. It’s a good way to wind down and learn about the island’s flavors.

Overall Atmosphere and Group Size

This tour is geared toward small groups (max 20 people), creating an environment that’s friendly and unhurried. It’s not a wild party scene but rather a relaxed evening where you can enjoy the thermal waters and good food in a peaceful setting.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is well-suited for travelers who:

• Want a calm, restorative evening in São Miguel.
• Appreciate local cuisine and wine.
• Prefer a small group for a more personal experience.
• Are open to some language barriers but still enjoy friendly, informal guides.
• Are looking to unwind after daytime sightseeing with a soothing soak and good food.
• Don’t mind short durations (about 4 hours), fitting easily into an evening plan.

It’s less ideal for those seeking lively nightlife, large-scale thermal spa experiences, or detailed historical narration, given the review notes about some language limitations.

In-Depth Breakdown of the Tour & What to Expect

Starting Point and Pickup

Your adventure begins with the hotel pickup in Ponta Delgada at 6:00 pm, which is convenient if you’re staying nearby. The driver is friendly, and you’ll get some initial commentary on the sights en route, setting a relaxed tone. The transport is included, simplifying your evening and avoiding the hassle of planning separate trips.

The Drive and Viewpoints

While not overly elaborate, the drive itself offers glimpses of the island’s landscape. Reviewers appreciated the viewpoints along the way, which added a scenic element to the journey. The driver also pointed out local sights, making the trip educational as well as relaxing.

Arrival at Poça da Beija

Once at Poça da Beija, you’ll find small, inviting pools of thermal waters. These pools are well-maintained, with varying depths to suit different preferences, and most visitors agree they are spectacular for relaxing. Particularly at night, it’s a peaceful environment—perfect for unwinding without crowds.

One traveler described the pools as “no partying, just tranquility,” which fits the overall vibe here. The pools are open for about an hour and a half, giving enough time to soak and enjoy the atmosphere.

The Dinner Experience

After your thermal dip, it’s time for dinner. The venue offers local dishes like stew or tuna, which are hearty and flavorful. Many reviews praise the generous portions, with some noting that the meal alone makes the tour worth the price. Drinks are included, adding to the relaxed, convivial vibe.

The dinner is typically served in a cozy setting, often with a casual, friendly atmosphere. This is a great chance to relax, chat with fellow travelers, and enjoy the local cuisine.

Returning and Final Thoughts

By around 10 or 11 pm, the tour wraps up with a comfortable drive back to Ponta Delgada. Reviewers have appreciated the timeliness and friendly service, making it a smooth end to the evening.

Price and Value Analysis

At $114.63 per person, this tour offers a convenient package that includes transportation, entry to Poça da Beija, and dinner. Considering the cost of individual entries, meals, and transport separately, it’s a decent deal, especially for those who want a hassle-free, guided experience.

The value lies in the combination of relaxing thermal pools, local food, and personal service. It’s not a luxury spa experience, but the cost covers a nice evening of unwinding with authentic flavors and scenic views—a good deal for a 4-hour outing.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Right for You?

If you’re looking for a laid-back evening activity, enjoy thermal baths, and want to indulge in local cuisine, this tour fits the bill. The small size of the group keeps it intimate and manageable, and the included dinner plus thermal experience offers a good balance of relaxation and culture.

However, if you prefer more adventurous or lively nightlife activities, or are sensitive to language barriers, you might want to consider other options or prepare for some potential communication hiccups. The experience seems best suited for those who want a peaceful, enjoyable evening rather than high-energy entertainment.

Overall, it’s a great way to unwind after a day of sightseeing, especially if you value good food, thermal waters, and a relaxed atmosphere. The positive reviews reflect how many travelers find this a memorable, worthwhile part of their São Miguel trip.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
This tour is mainly focused on relaxing thermal baths and dinner, so it could suit children who enjoy gentle activities. However, it’s not explicitly designed as a family experience, so consider your children’s comfort with pools and dinner settings.

What’s included in the price?
Your fee covers transportation from your hotel, the thermal bath entry at Poça da Beija, and dinner. Drinks during dinner are also included, but snorkeling equipment use is not.

How long does the thermal bath experience last?
You’ll have about 1 ½ hours in the pools, which is enough to relax and take in the peaceful atmosphere.

What food options are available?
Expect local dishes like stew or tuna, with generous portions. Drinks like beer, wine, or water are included with your meal.

Is there a dress code or special attire?
Casual, comfortable clothing is fine—bring swimwear for the pools and perhaps a towel or cover-up for after.

Are there any language barriers?
Some reviews mention the guide’s limited English, so don’t expect detailed narration. However, the friendly atmosphere and scenic environment make up for this.

What is the maximum group size?
The tour is limited to 20 travelers, keeping it intimate and manageable.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The experience requires good weather. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll get a full refund or a reschedule.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start. Last-minute cancellations won’t be refunded.

When should I book?
Most travelers book about 34 days in advance, so it’s wise to reserve early to secure your spot.

If you’re after a relaxing, culturally rich evening on São Miguel, this tour balances thermal waters, good food, and scenic views in a friendly, small-group setting. It’s a simple, enjoyable way to end your day—particularly if you’re seeking peace and local flavors.