Azores: Shore Excursion Sete Cidades – Blue & Green Twin Crater Lakes

If you’re cruising into Ponta Delgada and considering a trip to see the iconic Sete Cidades lakes, this tour might be on your radar. It’s one of those experiences that promises a good dose of natural beauty, local charm, and easy logistics. We’ve gathered the details, reviews, and insights to help you decide if it’s the right fit for your Azores adventure.

What we like about this excursion is how it combines breathtaking scenery with educational moments—plus, the hassle-free pick-up and drop-off from the port make it a practical choice. The small-group setting feels more personal than those crowded bus tours, and the price point is quite competitive. That said, a possible snag is that the tour depends heavily on weather conditions, which can obscure views or cause cancellations.

This tour suits travelers who love nature, enjoy photography, and want a relaxed, informative day on São Miguel. If you’re after a well-organized, budget-friendly option that hits the highlights without rushing, this might be just what you’re looking for. Now, let’s go into the nitty-gritty so you know what to expect.

Key Points

• Beautiful Landscapes: Expect stunning views of lakes, volcanoes, and rugged coastlines.
• Educational & Local: Learn about pineapple cultivation, volcanic activity, and local geography.
• Small Group: Limited to 8 travelers, offering a more intimate experience.
• Hassle-Free: Includes port pickup and drop-off, saving you time and stress.
• Weather Dependency: Cloudy or rainy days might diminish the scenery or lead to cancellations.
• Value for Money: At around $68 per person, it offers a substantial experience for the price.

The Details of the Itinerary

The tour kicks off early in the morning, around 9:00 am, with pickup directly at your cruise ship or accommodation in Ponta Delgada. From there, the day is structured to show you some of the most photogenic and interesting spots on São Miguel, focusing on natural highlights and local culture.

Stop 1: Arruda Pineapple Plantation

We start with a visit to a pineapple plantation that’s quite unique—the farm uses a glass greenhouse to cultivate pineapples, a method not seen everywhere in the world. As one reviewer put it, “Gonçalo with Dream Tours did a wonderful job explaining how pineapples are grown in the Azores.” This is a chance to see the tropical fruit growing in a different setting and maybe sample some fresh or local products. Usually, this stop is about 20 minutes, and it’s free of charge. It’s a quick but insightful peek into local farming practices.

Stop 2: Pico Carvao

Next, you’ll get a panoramic view of half the island from Pico Carvao. It’s a brief 10-minute stop, but the views are quite spectacular—great for photos and soaking in the island’s rugged landscape. Some reviews mention how much they appreciated these “amazing views,” especially in good weather.

Stop 3: Miradouro da Boca do Inferno

Here, you get your first look inside the volcano crater. It’s a short stop, just 10 minutes, but the landscape is impressive. This viewpoint gives you a sense of the island’s volcanic origins, and it’s an authentic experience to stand right at the edge of a crater.

Stop 4: Vista do Rei Miradouro

Finally, you arrive at the most famous viewpoint, Vista do Rei. From here, you’ll see the blue and green lakes of Sete Cidades in all their glory. The views are often the highlight of the trip, offering a postcard-perfect scene. The lakes’ contrasting colors are what make this spot so photogenic, though weather can sometimes impact visibility. As one reviewer mentioned, “Even with some sprinkles, the views were great,” which speaks to the unpredictable nature of outdoor sightseeing.

What’s Included and How It Matters

The tour provides driver/guide and local guide services, meaning you’ll get some context and local insights—something many travelers find valuable. The round-trip transport from the port simplifies logistics, especially if you’re tight on time or unfamiliar with the area. It’s also limited to 8 travelers, ensuring a more relaxed atmosphere where questions are welcomed, and the experience feels tailored.

The cost, at around $68.23 per person, is quite reasonable compared to larger cruise-line excursions. You’re paying for transportation, guidance, and access to top viewpoints, which makes it a good deal if you’re after a value-conscious experience without sacrificing scenery or knowledge.

The Pros of This Tour

• Intimate experience with small groups
• Clear, well-organized itinerary focusing on top sights
• Informative guides who can answer questions and provide context
• Convenient pickup and drop-off, saving time and hassle
• Beautiful scenery that’s accessible even on a half-day trip
• Affordable price for the quality of experience

The Cons or Considerations

• Weather dependence can limit the views or cause cancellations
• Comfort of transportation might be basic (some reviews mention hot and stuffy conditions)
• Limited time at each stop might mean not enough for thorough exploration
• Guide variability—some reviews praise guides highly, while others note a quieter, less engaging experience

Authentic Traveler Insights

Many reviewers have pointed out how much they enjoyed the personalized nature of the tour. “Our guide Carlos was friendly, knowledgeable, and funny,” said one, highlighting how good guides can elevate the experience. Conversely, some experienced less engaging guides, which underscores the importance of a good guide—something to keep in mind.

Weather is a recurring theme. A few reviews mention that on cloudy or rainy days, the lakes’ colors weren’t as vivid, or some stops were less impressive. One person even noted that their trip was canceled due to weather, and they couldn’t get a refund, which is worth considering if your cruise timing is flexible.

The small group size is often praised, especially when compared to big bus tours that can feel rushed or crowded. Travelers appreciate being dropped off close to their ship afterward, giving extra leisure time. This flexibility is a significant plus.

Some reviews mention the quality of the vehicle—a basic mini-van with straight-back chairs, which might be uncomfortable for longer periods or on very hot days. It’s not a luxury ride, but it’s functional.

Food & Extras?

While the tour doesn’t include meals, some reviews mention enjoying local cafes and tasting local food, which adds a nice touch to the overall experience. The pineapple plantation visit also gives a taste of local agriculture.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This excursion is ideal if you’re looking for a relaxed, scenic half-day that hits the key natural sights of São Miguel. It’s especially suitable for travelers who value small-group experiences, want local insights, and appreciate good value for money. If weather turns bad, you should be prepared for potential cancellations or less impressive views.

If you’re a nature lover or photographer, the viewpoints and lakes are hard to beat—just keep in mind the weather can affect visibility. For families with children, it’s probably fine, as long as they’re comfortable with a few stops and some walking. It’s less suited for those seeking a more adventurous or physically demanding outing, given the relaxed pace.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 3 to 4 hours, starting at 9:00 am with pickup included.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, children can participate, but they should be comfortable with a few stops and the small vehicle ride.

What should I bring?
Bring your camera, some water, and maybe a light jacket depending on the weather. Weather can vary and impact the experience, so check the forecast.

Is there any extra cost?
The tour itself is all-inclusive in terms of highlights. The pineapple plantation visit is free, but if you want to buy local products, that’s on you.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour is weather-dependent. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Can I customize the stops?
The itinerary is fixed, but the small-group setup allows some flexibility depending on the guide and conditions.

This Sete Cidades shore excursion offers an accessible, scenic taste of São Miguel’s most famous lakes and volcanic landscapes. The combination of top viewpoints, local insights, and small-group comfort makes for a relaxing and visually rewarding outing. It’s especially suitable if you value personalized service and want to avoid the crowds that sometimes come with larger tours.

While weather can influence the experience, the overall value, friendly guides, and stunning scenery make this a solid choice for most travelers seeking a well-balanced, memorable trip. Just remember to keep expectations flexible—views are better on clear days, but even in clouds, the island’s rugged beauty shines through.

Would I recommend it? Absolutely, if you’re interested in nature and landscapes, and want a low-stress, well-organized way to see some of São Miguel’s best sights. Just check the weather forecast, and you’ll likely have a very enjoyable day.