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Lajes Do Pico is a fantastic base for exploring Pico Island, thanks to its convenient location and access to some of the most unique experiences the Azores have to offer. Whether you're passionate about marine life, eager to climb Portugal’s highest peak, or curious about local wines, this small town is packed with opportunities. We especially love the whale and dolphin watching excursions, which open a window to the sea’s incredible biodiversity, and the mountain camping, which offers a rare chance to sleep in a volcanic crater. If you’re drawn to local culture and stunning scenery, the full-day island highlights tour with wine tasting nicely combines natural beauty with culinary delights. For more details, check out these experiences: Whale & Dolphin Watching, Camping on Mount Pico, and Wine & Highlights Tour.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through three top tours in Lajes Do Pico. Each offers a different way to experience the island’s natural beauty and local culture, so you can choose what suits your style and interests best.
1. Pico Island: Azores Whale & Dolphin Watching on Zodiac Boat
Sea lovers will find this whale and dolphin watching tour an absolute highlight. Starting from Lajes Do Pico at Aqua Açores, this excursion spans about 2.5 hours and uses a Zodiac boat to bring you close to the marine wildlife. With a solid 4.7 out of 5 stars from over 400 reviews, it’s clear that visitors find this trip memorable and worth the price.
What makes this tour stand out is the chance to see more than 25 cetacean species in their natural habitat. Your guide, with their expert knowledge, will point out whales, dolphins, turtles, and birds. The Zodiac boat’s speed and maneuverability allow for a more intimate experience, creating opportunities for stunning photos of the coastline and wildlife. The trip begins in Lajes do Pico harbor, where a safety briefing is followed by the actual sea adventure. After a 3-hour tour, you’ll return to the harbor for light refreshments. This experience appeals to travelers eager to combine wildlife observation with a sense of adventure.
Bottom line: This tour is perfect for anyone wanting a quick, exciting, and educational sea trip. It’s lively, small-group friendly, and highly rated for its authenticity and wildlife sightings.
2. Pico Island: Gear Rental for Overnight Camping on Mount Pico
For the adventurous traveler, spending a night in Portugal’s highest volcanic peak is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. This gear rental service makes it easier to tackle the climb to Mount Pico with all the necessary camping equipment, so you don’t have to lug gear from home. Climbing Pico isn’t just about reaching the summit; it’s about the entire experience of sleeping in a volcanic crater and watching the sunrise over the Atlantic.
During this overnight trip, you’ll get to enjoy spectacular sunrise and sunset views, and spend a night amidst the lunar landscape of Pico’s crater. The climb itself is demanding but rewarding, offering panoramic vistas and a feeling of being on top of the world. The gear rental includes everything needed for a comfortable night—sleeping bags, tents, and cooking supplies—allowing you to focus on the climb and the views. The tour is ideal for seasoned hikers, outdoor enthusiasts, or anyone wanting to turn a day hike into a memorable overnight adventure.
Bottom line: This experience is best suited for fit travelers prepared for a mountain climb and those eager to sleep inside a volcanic caldera, making it a unique highlight of your trip.
3. Pico Island: Highlights, Wine Tasting, and Local Gastronomy
For those wanting a well-rounded day exploring Pico, this full-day guided tour covers the island’s top sights along with a taste of its culinary and viticultural culture. With a 4.9-star rating from reviews, this tour impresses with its rich itinerary and local flavor. It starts at R. Manuel Vieira Soares and takes you across landmarks like the Captain’s Lagoon, scenic viewpoints, and secret stops that reveal the island’s natural and historical treasures.
A standout feature is tasting Pico’s renowned wines. You’ll visit UNESCO-listed vineyards and enjoy a regional picnic lunch that highlights locally sourced ingredients. The tour also includes a visit to a lava tunnel, offering insight into Pico’s volcanic past, and a stop in Madalena for wine tasting. The day is carefully paced for comfort and immersion, with opportunities to photograph the dramatic landscapes and sample regional delicacies. The experience is ideal if you love blending sightseeing with culinary experiences, particularly wine tasting in one of the Azores’ most celebrated vineyards.
Bottom line: This tour is perfect for travelers who want a comprehensive taste of Pico’s natural beauty, cultural richness, and local wines—all in one day.
How to Choose the Right Tour for You
When planning your trip to Lajes Do Pico, consider your interests, fitness level, and how much time you want to dedicate. If you’re passionate about marine wildlife, the whale watching experience offers a lively, educational outing. For those craving a challenge and a night under the stars, the Mount Pico camping trip is unbeatable. If culture, scenery, and food are your priorities, the full-day highlights and wine tasting tour provides a deep dive into the island’s best.
Booking early is advisable, especially in peak season, as these tours tend to fill up quickly. Think about the weather, too—whale watching and mountain climbs are best in good conditions, so plan accordingly.
Final Thoughts
Lajes Do Pico offers an excellent range of tours that cater to various interests and energy levels. For an unforgettable sea adventure, the whale and dolphin watching tour is hard to beat. If you’re eager to explore Portugal’s tallest volcano overnight, the Mount Pico camping experience delivers a once-in-a-lifetime challenge. And if you want to combine sightseeing, culture, and wine, the full-day island highlights tour is a fantastic choice.
No matter your preference, these experiences highlight the best of Pico Island—so don’t wait too long to book your favorite. With a bit of planning, you’ll have a memorable trip filled with natural beauty, exciting adventures, and authentic local flavor.
