Ponta Delgada: Sete Cidades Volcano Lakes Shore Excursion

Travelers considering a trip to São Miguel in the Azores often look for experiences that combine breathtaking scenery with local flavor. This Sete Cidades Shore Excursion offers exactly that—a carefully curated journey to one of the most iconic sights on the island, the volcanic crater of Sete Cidades and its famous Green and Blue Lakes.

What makes this tour appealing is its focus on small-group intimacy and local guides who bring the landscape and culture alive. Plus, it’s designed specifically for cruise travelers, which means you won’t be caught in the chaos of big bus lines or overcrowded viewpoints. However, the tour does depend on the ship’s schedule, so timing can sometimes be tight if your arrival is later than planned.

We love how this experience offers a balance of natural beauty and authentic local encounters—from panoramic viewpoints to quaint villages and pineapple tasting. On the flip side, if weather turns tricky, views may be obscured, which is something to be aware of, especially in unpredictable climates like the Azores. This tour tends to suit travelers who enjoy scenic drives, cultural insights, and good value for a half-day adventure.

Key Points

• Exclusive small-group experience with a dedicated guide
• Stunning viewpoints like Vista do Rei and Pico do Carvão
• Authentic local touches such as pineapple tasting and village walks
• Flexible timing to accommodate cruise schedules
• Beautiful scenery with minimal crowds
• Weather considerations may affect visibility but guides adapt accordingly

You can check availability for your dates here:

Discovering the Charms of Sete Cidades

When you’re visiting the Azores, no trip feels complete without seeing Sete Cidades—a volcanic caldera famed for its twin lakes, each with distinct colors. This tour is tailor-made for cruise travelers, starting right after your ship docks, and designed to maximize your time on land without the rush or chaos of large bus tours.

From the start, the tour’s intimate size ensures you’ll get personalized attention and the chance to ask questions. Our impressions, based on countless reviews, tell us this is a big plus. Tour groups tend to be smaller, allowing your guide to focus on your experience and stop at less crowded, more scenic spots.

Itinerary Breakdown

Starting Point and Scenic Drive

The journey begins at Multiusos Portas do Mar, where you’ll meet your guide. From there, you’ll pass by Ponta Delgada’s outskirts, admiring the transition from city streets to lush countryside in a quick 15-minute drive. This sets a relaxed tone for the day, easing you into the natural beauty ahead.

Pico do Carvão for Panoramic Views

Next, the route takes you to Pico do Carvão, a viewpoint offering sweeping views of the island’s mountainous landscape and coastlines. Here, expect a short stop to take photos and soak in the scenery—reviewers rave about the spectacular vistas and how this spot provides a great vantage point of the central island. It’s your first taste of the incredible diversity of landscapes the Azores offers.

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Vista do Rei: The Iconic Lookout

No doubt, the highlight for many is Vista do Rei—a viewpoint named after King Carlos I, who visited the island in 1892. It’s where the dramatic crater walls and lakes unfold before your eyes. With about 15 minutes allocated here, it’s enough to absorb the breathtaking views and snap plenty of photos. Several reviews mention how this stop is a perfect balance of time and scenery, an essential photo stop that doesn’t feel rushed.

Lagoa de Santiago: The Hidden Lagoon

On the way toward the lakes, you pass by Lagoa de Santiago, the deepest and most secluded of the lakes. It’s a quick 5-minute pass-by but worth mentioning because of its serene beauty. Some visitors enjoy catching glimpses of this lesser-known spot, adding a sense of discovery to the tour.

The Star of the Show: Lagoa das Sete Cidades

The heart of the excursion is the Sete Cidades crater, where you’ll stop for about 30 minutes. This is your chance to walk along the lakeshore, visit the charming village nearby, or simply soak in the scenery from various viewpoints. You might explore the church of São Nicolau or sip a coffee in the local village, as many reviews suggest.

Many rave about how less crowded and more relaxed this stop feels compared to larger tour groups. One review highlighted, “Our guide Denisa was very personable and knowledgeable about the lakes area and the Azores in general. I would definitely recommend this tour.”

Pico do Carvão Revisited

After the lakes, the route takes you back to Pico do Carvão for another 15-minute scenic stop, offering different angles of the landscape and allowing for more photos—something many travelers appreciate.

Pineapple Tasting and Local Culture

A unique aspect of this tour is the visit to a pineapple greenhouse where you can learn about how Azoreans grow pineapples in a specialized way. Here, you’ll taste the local fruit and hear about its history and cultivation. Several reviews mention how delicious the pineapple is (“the pineapples were delicious”) and how this adds a genuine local flavor to the trip.

This stop not only provides a taste of local produce but also offers insight into the island’s agriculture and traditions—imagine chatting with farmers who have been growing these fruits for generations.

The Value of the Experience

For roughly 4 hours, this tour packs a lot of scenic beauty, cultural insights, and local flavors. The price point, especially given the smaller group size and personalized attention, makes it an excellent value. Many reviewers mention that it’s better and more affordable than larger ship excursions, with the added benefit of avoiding the crowds and getting more time at each stop.

The tour’s focus on quality over quantity is apparent in the reviews praising the knowledgeable guides, comfortable vehicles, and well-organized itinerary. The guides are often described as passionate about their island, which makes the experience more engaging. For instance, “Mario was an excellent guide. He made it all so interesting and tried his very best to get us views of the lakes despite the clouds.”

Weather and Visibility Considerations

One thing to keep in mind, as many reviews note, the Azores’ weather can change quickly. Cloud cover and rain might obscure some of the scenic views, particularly from viewpoints like Vista do Rei. Our research shows guides are adept at adjusting plans to ensure you see the best possible sights—sometimes favoring the Pineapple farm or village walk if the weather isn’t cooperating.

Many travelers mention that even in less-than-perfect weather, the guides make the most of the day, sharing informative commentary and local stories that enhance the experience. So, don’t be discouraged if the clouds roll in—they still get to enjoy incredible landscapes, and the guide’s local knowledge is invaluable.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for cruise travelers who want a personalized, well-paced tour with stunning views and cultural insights. It’s perfect if you’re keen on photography, as the stops offer prime vantage points, and if you enjoy learning about local traditions like pineapple farming.

Those who prefer small-group tours with guides who focus on quality rather than large crowds will find this a great fit. However, if you have mobility issues or prefer longer, more leisurely explorations, you might find the 4-hour duration a bit brisk, especially if the weather is poor.

Final Thoughts

This Sete Cidades Shore Excursion from Ponta Delgada offers an excellent balance of natural beauty, cultural bites, and expert guiding. The small-group format ensures a more personal experience, and the scenic stops are truly highlights of São Miguel. Whether you’re snapping photos at Vista do Rei, enjoying a quiet walk in the village, or tasting the local pineapples, you’ll leave with memories that feel authentic and special.

If you value expert local guides, beautiful vistas, and a more intimate experience than large bus tours, this trip is worth considering. It’s also a fantastic choice for those who want to see the best of the crater lakes without feeling rushed, all while enjoying some local flavors.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
No, it’s not recommended for those with mobility impairments or wheelchair users, as the tour involves walking in the village and at viewpoints which may have uneven terrain.

What should I bring for the tour?
Comfortable shoes, sunglasses, and a camera are advisable. Since the weather can change quickly, packing a light raincoat or a jacket isn’t a bad idea.

How long is the tour?
The tour runs for approximately 4 hours, with a flexible start time depending on your cruise schedule.

Where do I meet the guide?
Meet at Multiusos Portas do Mar, just outside the cruise terminal. Look for a sign with the operator’s logo. If arriving at the Commercial Harbour, take the shuttle to the old fort and look for the sign there.

Can I be dropped off in the city instead of the port?
Yes, many reviews mention that guides offer options for drop-off either at the port or downtown Ponta Delgada, making it convenient for exploring further or heading straight back to the ship.

What if my ship arrives late?
The tour is adjusted to start after your ship’s arrival and disembarkation. If your timing changes unexpectedly, contact the tour operator via WhatsApp for assistance.

Will the views be clear?
Weather can affect visibility, especially at viewpoints like Vista do Rei. Guides do their best to adapt and will prioritize the best seeing conditions available.

Is this tour a good value?
Absolutely. With knowledgeable guides, scenic stops, and local tastings, many travelers find it to be a highly worthwhile experience for the price.

In the end, this tour strikes a thoughtful balance between nature, culture, and comfort. It’s a great way to get an authentic taste of São Miguel’s most iconic sights, especially if you’re after a personalized experience that steers clear of the bus crowds. Whether it’s your first visit or a repeat trip, the views, stories, and flavors will leave a lasting impression.

You can check availability for your dates here: