Ponta Delgada: Shore Excursion Sete Cidades and Furnas Volcano

If you’re planning a cruise to Ponta Delgada and considering a tour to see the island’s most iconic sights, this Sete Cidades and Furnas Volcano trip might be just what you’re after. While we haven’t personally taken it, a lot of travelers seem to love this experience. It promises a gentle blend of breathtaking landscapes, interesting stories, and a touch of relaxation — all packed into around five hours on the island.

What really catches our eye about this tour? First, the small group size (max 16 travelers) means you’re more likely to get a personal experience and genuine interaction with your guide. Second, the focus on natural beauty, from crater lakes to geothermal wonders, offers a chance to really see what makes São Miguel special. That said, a potential hiccup is the weather — like many outdoor adventures in the Azores, fog or rain can sometimes obscure the views, but the guides generally do their best to make the most of it.

This tour suits travelers who want a well-rounded, scenic day with knowledgeable guides and a comfortable pace. If you’re someone who appreciates stories about the places you visit and enjoys a mix of sightseeing and light adventure, you’ll likely find this trip rewarding. It’s especially good for those who prefer small groups over crowded buses, and who want to experience some of the island’s best sights without an overly rushed schedule.

Key Points

• Small group size enhances personalization and interaction with guides.
• Beautiful landscapes, including crater lakes and geothermal sites, make for memorable photos.
• Knowledgeable local guides enrich the experience with stories and insights.
• Relaxing options like the thermal pools at Furnas add a soothing touch.
• Weather can be unpredictable, so flexibility is key.
• Cost of around $103 per person offers good value for a half-day tour, considering transportation, guide, and entry fees.

What to Expect from This Tour

This excursion is designed for cruise travelers looking to get a snapshot of São Miguel’s most photogenic spots without dedicating an entire day. It’s a compact, thoughtfully curated experience that balances sightseeing and comfort. You’ll be picked up and transported in an air-conditioned vehicle, making the trip easier and more enjoyable, especially if you’re tired after a morning of travel.

Setting the Scene at Sete Cidades

The journey begins with a scenic drive to Sete Cidades, a highlight of the island. Here, you’ll stop at the famous Vista do Rei viewpoint, often praised for its stunning vistas. Think lush green hills framing two contrasting lakes — one blue and one green — set within a volcanic caldera. The views are so striking they’ve become a must-photograph spot.

Many travelers, like Betty_M, have raved about their guides, mentioning how knowledgeable and friendly guides like John make all the difference. She noted that small group sizes allowed for extra sightseeing, which extended her time exploring — an advantage of this tour’s setup. The legend of the lakes’ creation adds a layer of charm, making the scenery even more captivating once you hear the story.

Exploring the Furnas Caldera and Thermal Wonders

After taking in the lakes, the tour heads to Furnas, an area known for its geothermal activity. The trip includes an option to visit Terra Nostra Park (though the thermal pool itself isn’t available until 2025) or simply enjoy walking through the botanical gardens. The park is a lush, peaceful spot, with lots of vibrant plant life and the chance to learn about the volcanic activity that shapes the landscape.

Some travelers, like Linda F, appreciated the flexibility to visit the thermal pools if they brought a bathing suit — a wonderful way to relax after a busy morning. She also mentioned that an email about what to bring could improve the experience, especially since thermal pools aren’t always obvious to first-timers. The entrance fee to the Natural Park is included, adding extra value.

Additional Highlights: Tea Plantation Visit

Another highlight included in the tour is a visit to a natural tea plantation, where you can see the process and enjoy a tasting. It’s a peaceful spot, perfect for a quick refreshment and to learn how local tea is made — a small but meaningful insight into local life.

The Pros and Cons

While this tour offers many memorable moments, it’s worth noting a few considerations. The price of about $103 seems reasonable, given the transportation, guide, and park fees. The intimate group size naturally means a more personalized experience, and the guides often impress with their knowledge, as reviews have highlighted.

However, weather plays a significant role in this experience. Several reviews mention fog and rain as potential obstacles. Notably, some travelers felt disappointed when fog obscured the views and limited what they could see or do, and one reviewer even felt the experience was marred by weather conditions. Our advice? Be prepared for the possibility that some sights may be less visible if the weather turns foggy or rainy.

Timing is another factor — the tour is about 5 hours, starting at 9:00 am, which makes it a good half-day option. You should plan your day accordingly, especially if you’re on a tight cruise schedule.

The Real Experience: What Travelers Say

Many reviews are glowing, praising the knowledge and friendliness of guides like John and Andrea. One reviewer appreciated how a small group allowed for more flexible sightseeing, and another loved how the guide went above and beyond to ensure everyone had a good time.

A frequent theme in reviews is the stunning scenery. Yolanda_K called it a “very nice tour,” highlighting how the guide’s local knowledge made everything more enjoyable. Elizabeth_T mentioned how perfectly timed the tour was, with great weather and scenic views making the experience enjoyable.

The tour’s flexibility is a big plus. Linda F mentioned being able to dip in the thermal pools, adding a relaxing element to her day. Meanwhile, others appreciated the opportunity to learn about local legends and enjoy the lush plant life.

Highlights from the Reviews:

• Knowledgeable guides who speak good English.
• Beautiful viewpoints and lakes that leave lasting impressions.
• Flexibility to enjoy thermal pools if you bring a swimsuit.
• Good timing and weather can make a big difference.
• Small groups provide a more personal and engaging experience.

The Challenges: Weather and Visibility

Not all reviews were perfect. One reviewer, James B, shared that fog and steam on the windows limited their views during the volcano visit. They felt it was a shame, especially since weather in the Azores can change abruptly. The response from the provider acknowledged this challenge and clarified that most excursions do go ahead despite weather, but that’s always a bit of luck when it comes to outdoor sightseeing.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Right for You?

If you love stunning landscapes, interesting stories, and small-group tours, this experience is worth considering. The price reflects the value of a guided half-day trip with included entrance fees and a comfortable vehicle. It’s especially suitable for travelers wanting a relaxed pace and insightful commentary from local guides.

However, if your trip coincides with poor weather, be prepared for some views to be obscured — and remember that weather isn’t within the tour operator’s control. It’s a good idea to keep your expectations flexible and enjoy the experience for the natural beauty and stories, regardless of the clouds.

This tour is ideal for those who appreciate a mix of sightseeing and cultural insights, and who value personal attention in a small group. If you’re traveling with a group or family, the intimate size makes it a friendly choice. For solo travelers or couples, it offers a chance to meet like-minded explorers while enjoying the best of São Miguel.

FAQs

What is the duration of this tour?
The tour lasts approximately 5 hours, starting at 9:00 am and ending back at the meeting point.

How many people are in each group?
Maximum group size is 16 travelers, which helps ensure a more personal experience.

Are entry fees included?
Yes, entrance to the Natural Park Caldeiras das Furnas is included, as well as the visit to the tea plantation.

Can I visit the thermal pools?
Yes, you can relax in the thermal pools at Furnas if you bring a bathing suit, although the pools themselves are not available until 2025.

What should I bring?
While not explicitly listed, it’s advisable to bring a hat, sunscreen, water, and a camera. Also, if you plan to use the thermal pools, pack a swimsuit.

Is this tour suitable for children?
The data doesn’t specify age restrictions, but given the nature of the stops, it’s likely suitable for most ages, especially if your family enjoys outdoor scenery.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour can be canceled or rescheduled in case of poor weather conditions. You’ll be offered a different date or full refund if canceled.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch is not included in the tour price.

Will I see the blue and green lakes at Sete Cidades?
Yes, the views from Vista do Rei are famous for their vibrant lakes, and many reviews praise the scenery.

How do I book this tour?
You can book through the provider, I go Azores, with confirmation received within 48 hours, subject to availability.

In the end, this Sete Cidades and Furnas Volcano tour offers a solid way to explore São Miguel’s natural beauty with the guidance of local storytellers. It’s a good pick if you’re after a relaxed, scenic experience that balances views, stories, and some quiet time in nature. Just remember to keep an eye on the weather — and enjoy the magic of the Azores whenever you visit.