Ponta Delgada on São Miguel Island in the Azores is a prime destination for cruise travelers seeking natural beauty and unique volcanic landscapes. Its proximity to some of the most remarkable sights makes it an ideal place for shore excursions that balance adventure, relaxation, and cultural insights. We especially love tours that focus on Furnas’ geothermal wonders or the Spectacular Sete Cidades lakes, as they offer authentic experiences that go beyond the typical postcard views. Whether you want to soak in thermal waters or walk along volcanic craters, the options here help you make the most of your limited time.
The best shore excursions in Ponta Delgada include a variety of experiences, from small-group guided tours to more comprehensive explorations. You can choose based on your interests, budget, and time constraints. Below, we highlight three top options—each with its own charm and focus—so you can pick the best fit for your trip.
1. Azores: Shore Excursion Furnas – Crater volcano and hot springs
At number one, this tour takes you into the heart of Furnas, one of the most famous geothermal sites on São Miguel. For about $79.10 per person, you get a 4 to 5-hour adventure that balances sightseeing with relaxation, all in a small-group setting. This tour is perfect if you want a personalized experience and the chance to customize your stops, such as visiting a botanical garden or soaking in natural thermal springs.
What makes this tour stand out is the focus on Furnas’ volcanic activity—walking through boiling boilers and hot springs, and learning how locals cook dishes underground using volcanic heat. Highlights include the Miradouro Pico Do Ferro, which offers stunning views of the crater lake, and the Caldeira das Furnas, where you can see the geothermal activity up close. Guests frequently comment on the knowledgeable guides and the intimate atmosphere that allows for questions and flexible stops. You might even sample traditional liquors and mineral waters, feeling the raw power of the island’s volcanic forces.
The thermal pool at Parque Terra Nostra is optional but highly recommended if you want to unwind after touring the geothermal sites. This tour delivers excellent value for its price, especially considering the personalized attention and flexibility. It’s ideal for travelers who want a deep dive into Furnas’ volcanic landscape without feeling rushed.
Bottom Line: A highly personalized, relaxed way to experience the volcanic wonders of Furnas, perfect for nature lovers and those seeking thermal relaxation.
2. Azores: Shore Excursion Sete Cidades – Blue & Green Twin Crater Lakes
Coming in second, this 3 to 4-hour tour offers a visual feast of São Miguel’s most iconic natural scenery for around $68.23 per person. If your time is limited but you want to see the island’s most famous lakes, this is a perfect choice. The tour explores the rugged coastline, scenic viewpoints, and the impressive Sete Cidades crater lakes—a highlight for many visitors.
The trip includes visits to the Pineapple Plantation, where you can see how these tropical fruits are grown in glass greenhouses—an unusual sight in the Atlantic. The Miradouro da Boca do Inferno provides a spectacular first glimpse inside the volcano’s caldera, while Vista do Rei offers panoramic views of the blue and green lakes—a sight that often leaves visitors speechless. During the drive, guides share stories about the legend of the lakes’ formation, adding a local flavor to the scenery.
Guests praise the ease of logistics, with round-trip port pickup and drop-off included, and enjoy the diversity of sights packed into a short tour. Compared to longer excursions, it offers a good balance between scenery and travel time, making it suitable for travelers who want a quick yet thorough taste of São Miguel’s natural wonders.
Bottom Line: A compact, scenic tour emphasizing the lakes and volcanic landscapes, ideal for travelers with limited time but high on visual impact.
3. Ponta Delgada: Shore Excursion Sete Cidades and Furnas Volcano
Third on our list, this 5-hour tour balances the best of both worlds—covering Sete Cidades and Furnas—for about $103.03 per person. It’s tailored for those who want a comprehensive experience in a single day, perfect if your cruise schedule allows a bit more time on land.
This tour begins with the stunning vistas at the Vista do Rei viewpoint, where you’ll see the twin lakes from above and hear the legend behind their colors. Afterward, you’ll explore Furnas, famous for its geothermal activity and botanical richness. An optional stop at Terra Nostra Park allows you to relax in natural thermal pools—an experience highly rated by past travelers. The guide’s expertise shines as they share insights about the island’s volcanic features and local culture, making the experience more engaging.
Guests consistently note the guide’s pride in their homeland and the careful pacing of the tour, accommodating different interests. This tour is best suited for travelers keen to see multiple highlights and willing to spend a bit more time exploring. It’s a good value for the depth of experience and the chance to enjoy both lakes and geothermal wonders.
Bottom Line: A thorough, balanced tour perfect for those wanting to see São Miguel’s top volcanic sights in one go, with flexibility and personal touches.
How to Choose Your Best Shore Excursion
When choosing among these options, consider how much time you have and what you most want to experience. If relaxing in thermal hot springs and learning about volcanic activity appeals, the Furnas tour offers personalized attention and immersive sights. For a quick but breathtaking view of the lakes, the Sete Cidades tour is ideal. If you want a longer day covering multiple highlights, the Sete Cidades & Furnas combines both worlds.
Think about your pace, interests, and whether you prefer a relaxed soak, scenic drive, or comprehensive exploration. Booking early is wise, especially in peak seasons, to secure your spot on these popular tours.
Ponta Delgada offers a range of shore excursions that suit different tastes and schedules. From geothermal hot springs to crater lakes, each tour provides a unique window into the island’s volcanic identity. For travelers who want a personalized, in-depth experience, the Furnas tour is hard to beat. If time is tight but you still want unforgettable scenery, the Sete Cidades trip shines. And for those seeking a full day with multiple highlights, the combined tour offers a balanced adventure.
No matter which you choose, these excursions will leave you with lasting impressions of São Miguel’s natural beauty—and plenty of stories to tell back home. Be sure to book early and prepare for a memorable trip on this volcanic island.
