Ponta Delgada: São Miguel Buggy Tour Around Sete Cidades

Exploring São Miguel with a Buggy Tour Around Sete Cidades

If you’re considering an adventure on São Miguel, this buggy tour around Sete Cidades from Ponta Delgada offers a compelling way to see some of the island’s most breathtaking sights. While we haven’t personally taken this specific tour, the glowing reviews and detailed itineraries suggest it’s a well-loved experience for many travelers.

Two things we love about this tour are its small group size, which ensures a more personal experience, and the expert guidance that makes navigating the rugged terrain both safe and enjoyable. The chance to explore remote areas that are hard to reach by standard vehicle is another big plus, giving you access to unique viewpoints and hidden gems.

One potential caveat is the weather dependency. Since the entire experience involves off-road driving and scenic stops, weather conditions could impact views and comfort. Plus, the lack of a windshield on the buggy means dust and wind are part of the adventure, so packing appropriately is key.

This tour is a fantastic choice for active travelers who appreciate nature, scenic drives, and a bit of adrenaline. It might not be ideal if you have mobility issues or are pregnant, but overall, it’s suited for those looking for a lively, memorable way to see São Miguel’s wild side.

Key Points

• Small group size makes for a more personal, flexible experience.
• Expert guides enrich the tour with interesting stories and safety oversight.
• Breathtaking views of volcanoes, lakes, and coastlines are a highlight.
• Accessible stops for photos and short walks allow you to soak in scenery.
• Adventure and off-road driving add an exciting element, but dust and wind are to be expected.
• Flexible booking options with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

This buggy tour offers a mix of adventure, scenic beauty, and local insight you won’t get from a typical sightseeing bus. The 4-hour format is long enough to cover a good chunk of the island’s highlights, but not so lengthy that it becomes tiring. For many, it strikes an excellent balance between exploration and relaxation.

The tour departs from a well-known starting point in Ponta Delgada, right next to a John Deere dealership, making it easy to find. From there, you’ll receive a safety briefing that prepares you for the off-road driving ahead. The small group setting—limited to 8 participants—means you won’t be lost in a crowd, and your guide can pay close attention to your needs.

The Itinerary and Stops

The route, called the Green Route, takes you around the Sete Cidades volcano, one of the most iconic sights on the island. The journey begins on the south coast, passing by interesting landmarks like the Muro das Nove Janelas—a natural rock formation with nine openings that frame the ocean—and the Pico da Cruz, which offers scenic views on the way.

A highlight is the off-road adventure at Miradouro das Cumeeiras, where you’ll get a sense of the island’s rugged terrain. The off-road sections are especially loved by visitors, with many reviews describing the exhilarating feel of navigating dirt tracks while surrounded by lush greenery and volcanic landscapes.

The Sete Cidades Experience

The highlight, of course, is reaching the Sete Cidades lagoon, a vast volcanic crater filled with twin lakes. You’ll get a quick 15-minute break here to absorb the view, snap photos, and enjoy the tranquility. Later, you pass by the lakes again, giving you multiple vantage points to appreciate their beauty.

Reviewers mention that even in less-than-ideal weather, guides like Pedro make the experience enjoyable. Shane notes, “The weather wasn’t ideal, but Pedro made it extremely fun and enjoyable!” This adaptability is key when dealing with unpredictable Atlantic weather.

The Practical Details: What to Expect

The tour lasts approximately 4 hours, balancing sightseeing with adventure. It begins at Rua do Paim 155 in Ponta Delgada, where you’ll meet your guide and receive a brief safety instruction—important if you’re new to driving a buggy or ATV.

You’ll be provided with insurance and fuel, so the price of $114 per person covers a lot of ground, both figuratively and literally. The group size is capped at 8, which means you’ll get more personalized attention and fewer crowds.

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The Stops

• Mirador do Cascalho: A quick photo stop that offers a chance to snap pictures of the volcanic landscape.
• Aqueduto do Carvão: A walk with photo opportunities and a chance to stretch your legs.
• Muro das Nove Janelas: A stunning natural rock formation that makes for memorable photos.
• Pico da Cruz: Scenic views to admire over the landscape.
• Miradouro das Cumeeiras: An off-road section with panoramic vistas, perfect for photos and experiencing the terrain.
• Sete Cidades: Multiple stops for breathtaking views and brief breaks to enjoy the peaceful lakes.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

While it’s ideal for adventure lovers and photographers, it’s not suitable for everyone. You’ll need a valid driver’s license, comfortable clothes, and shoes. It’s best suited for those who are physically able to handle some dust and wind, as the buggy is open.

It’s a good choice for travelers who enjoy guided experiences, want to cover a lot of ground, and appreciate local insights. Families with older children might find it fun, but it’s not recommended for very young kids or pregnant women due to the off-road nature and safety considerations.

The Value of This Experience

At $114, this tour offers a lot of value—covering scenic highlights, off-road excitement, and expert guiding in just four hours. Many reviews praise the guides, especially Pedro, for their friendly, informative approach that makes the experience memorable.

Visitors consistently mention the stunning scenery—from volcanic craters to lakes and coastlines—and the thrill of driving in a buggy as key reasons they’d recommend this tour. The small group size makes it more intimate, and the flexibility to stop, take photos, and enjoy the surroundings adds to the overall appeal.

The Reviews Speak Volumes

The reviews paint a picture of consistent satisfaction. Melissa says, “Pedro made our day fantastic! We got to experience the gorgeous island, while also learning about its history.” Shane echoes that sentiment, calling it “the most incredible experience,” despite less-than-ideal weather. Linda loved the attentiveness of her guide, noting how he shared “stunning views of the volcano and lakes.”

Many travelers appreciate the safety and organization, with Nicholas mentioning, “Great fun, great guide. Free use of glasses and anoraks—excellent.” The majority of reviews are glowing, emphasizing the scenic beauty, knowledgeable guides, and fun off-road driving.

Final Thoughts

This buggy tour around Sete Cidades offers a great way to see São Miguel’s natural highlights while adding a bit of adventure. It’s best suited for those who want a personalized, scenic experience with knowledgeable guides and aren’t afraid of some dust and wind. The price is reasonable for the quality and length of the tour, especially considering the multiple viewpoints and off-road sections.

If you’re looking for an active way to explore, enjoy stunning landscapes, and learn about the island from locals, this experience can make your trip truly memorable. It’s an adventure that balances fun and scenery, making it a highlight of any São Miguel itinerary.

FAQs

Is the buggy tour suitable for children?
This tour isn’t recommended for children under 2 years or for pregnant women. It’s more suited to active travelers comfortable with off-road driving and outdoor conditions.

What should I bring?
Bring your driver’s license, comfortable clothes, and shoes. Wearing layers is advised, especially if it’s chilly or windy. Some reviews suggest bringing a face shield or something similar to protect against dust.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience takes about 4 hours, including stops for photos, sightseeing, and breaks.

What is included in the price?
The fee covers the guide, insurance, and fuel. You’ll also have access to goggles and rain ponchos if needed.

Where does the tour start and end?
It starts at Rua do Paim 155, next to a John Deere dealership, and ends at the same location.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund.

Is there a minimum group size?
The tour is limited to 8 participants, ensuring a more personalized experience.

What languages are guides available in?
Guides speak Portuguese, English, and Spanish.

Will I get scenic views during the tour?
Absolutely. Stops include viewpoints like Pico da Cruz and Miradouro das Cumeeiras, with spectacular views of the volcano, lakes, and coast.

Can I drive the buggy myself?
Yes, you need a valid driver’s license to operate the buggy, and you’ll be briefed on safety beforehand.

In the end, this buggy tour around Sete Cidades combines scenic beauty, adventure, and expert guidance into a memorable four hours. Whether you’re craving a rush of fresh air and dirt roads or simply want to see the island’s highlights with a local, it’s a trip that’s worth considering.

You can check availability for your dates here: