Ponta Delgada: Shore Excursion, Sete Cidades, Blue & Green Lake

Exploring the Azores: A Detailed Look at the Ponta Delgada Shore Excursion to Sete Cidades

If you’re stopping in Ponta Delgada and looking for a way to experience some of the most iconic sights on São Miguel Island, this shore excursion to Sete Cidades might just be worth considering. While we haven’t been on this tour ourselves, the glowing reviews and detailed itinerary paint a pretty compelling picture for travelers eager to see the island’s natural wonders without the hassle of planning everything independently.

What we love about this experience is its focus on stunning vistas—the views of the twin lakes are truly something special—and the fact that it’s guided by local storytellers who add personality and insider knowledge. Plus, the tour’s flexible timing to match your ship’s disembarkation and its compact group size make it feel intimate and personalized.

Of course, it’s worth mentioning that at around $56.68 per person, you’re paying for a half-day trip that covers a lot but doesn’t include extra activities like dining or entry fees, which are optional. It’s best suited for those who want a straightforward, scenic overview of the island’s highlights with a knowledgeable guide. If you’re after a relaxed, well-organized trip with plenty of photo opportunities, this could work well.

Key Points

• Perfect for cruise passengers: Adjustable start time and pickup/drop-off make scheduling easy.
• Stunning panoramic views: The highlight is the breathtaking scenery of Sete Cidades and its lakes.
• Local guides with stories: Guides add depth with insider insights about the island’s history and legends.
• Limited group size: Max 8 travelers, ensuring a personal experience.
• Value for the price: At around $56, it’s a solid option for a quick, scenic overview.
• Includes insurance and flexible cancellation: Adds peace of mind when booking.

What the Tour Looks Like: An In-Depth Breakdown

Starting Point and Flexibility

The tour kicks off around 9:00 am from the Ponta Delgada cruise port, with a crucial detail that’s often overlooked: the start time is adjustable based on your disembarkation. This means you won’t have to rush or wait around if your ship docks later than planned. The tour includes pickup and drop-off for all passengers, which is a huge plus—no need to worry about transportation logistics once you arrive.

The First Stop: Ananas Santo Antonio

Your adventure begins at a pineapple plantation, where you’ll get a peek inside the glass greenhouses and learn about how these unique crops are cultivated on the island. For many, this is a pleasant surprise—something a bit different than just the usual scenic stops. The admission here is free, and while the visit is brief—about 20 minutes—it sets the tone for a day of exploring authentic Azorean scenery and culture.

The Iconic Vista do Rei Miradouro

Next up is the Vista do Rei viewpoint—considered as one of Portugal’s seven wonders, according to the tour info. Here, you’ll get sweeping views of the famous twin lakes, with their contrasting blue and green hues. As one reviewer put it, this is a “magical place” that truly captures the essence of what makes the Azores special. The viewpoint is a prime spot for photos, so don’t forget your camera. This stop is about 20 minutes long and free of charge, making it a highlight without extra cost.

Discovering Sete Cidades

The next stop takes you down into the spectacular Sete Cidades caldera, a volcanic crater filled with lakes that stirred legends about a princess and a shepherd. Here, you can stroll around the picturesque parish, visit the main church, or simply take in the views. The landscape is dramatic—craggy cliffs, lush greenery, and the twin lakes nestled within the volcano. This stop is also about 20 minutes, and it offers a relaxed atmosphere to soak it all in.

Final Scenic View: Miradouro da Ponta do Escalvado

On the way back, you’ll visit the Ponta do Escalvado viewpoint, perched high above the coast. Expect views of steep cliffs and the Mosteiros islets, which add to the wild beauty of the coast. It’s a fitting final stop to admire the raw power of the Atlantic and the island’s rugged coastline.

Return to Ponta Delgada

After these scenic stops, the tour wraps up back at the cruise port, making it easy to return for your ship’s departure. The entire trip lasts roughly 3 to 4 hours, giving you a taste of São Miguel’s highlights without feeling rushed.

The Experience: What Do Travelers Say?

Guides seem to make all the difference here. Multiple reviewers praise Joao Correira and Andrea, describing them as friendly, knowledgeable, and engaging storytellers. One reviewer mentioned that Andrea’s enthusiasm made the overview of the island “great,” and another highlighted Joao’s ability to answer all questions with ease.

The scenery gets unanimous praise. Several reviews mention that the views of the lakes and cliffs are incredible and that the guides’ insights added a layer of depth that made the experience richer. One person said, “The sights were incredible! Really impressed,” which captures the overall sentiment.

Pros of the Tour

• The personalized attention with a small group (maximum 8 travelers) means you’re not just another face in a crowd.
• The scenic stops are well-chosen, offering both natural beauty and cultural interest.
• The local storyteller guides bring the island’s legends and history alive.
• The flexibility in timing reduces stress for cruise travelers.

Possible Downsides

• The tour is quite short—around four hours—so if you’re looking for an in-depth exploration, you might find it a bit rushed.
• It’s mostly focused on scenic viewpoints and overview—there’s little time to explore the villages or do activities beyond the stops listed.
• Since admission is free at the stops, you’ll need to budget separately if you want to visit churches, purchase souvenirs, or have a coffee break.

Price and Value

For roughly $57 per person, this tour offers a solid value for a half-day guided experience. You get well-organized logistics, scenic stops, and expert guidance—significant benefits for a group of this size. Compared to independent plans, which could involve renting a car, paying for parking, and navigating unfamiliar roads, this guided tour simplifies the process while still delivering impressive views.

Reviewers consistently mention the good value for the experience. One described Joao as “an excellent driver,” highlighting the importance of smooth transportation, especially when time is limited.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for cruise travelers wanting a stress-free way to see São Miguel’s best sights without the hassle of organizing transport or multiple bookings. It’s also good for those who prefer guided insights and a small group setting, ensuring personalized attention and storytelling.

If you’re someone who wants a quick, scenic overview and values local expertise, this trip checks those boxes. It’s probably not suited for travelers seeking full-day adventures or detailed cultural explorations, but for a snapshot of the island’s highlights, it’s a dependable choice.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, most travelers can participate. It’s a relaxed sightseeing experience with stops that are not physically demanding.

How flexible is the start time?
The tour start time is adjustable based on your cruise ship’s disembarkation, which makes it very convenient for cruise passengers.

Are meals or additional activities included?
No, the tour doesn’t include meals or extra activities beyond sightseeing stops. You might find opportunities to buy coffee or visit the church, but those are optional.

What’s the group size?
A maximum of 8 travelers, which helps keep the experience intimate and personalized.

What’s included in the price?
Guided narration by a local storyteller, scenic stops, insurance, and pickup/drop-off from the port are included.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the tour, with a full refund. Cancellations less than 24 hours before are not refunded.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, camera, and possibly a light jacket—especially if it’s windy or cooler on the viewpoints.

Is there any entrance fee I need to pay?
No, the stops listed are free of admission. However, optional visits or purchases are on your own.

Final Thoughts

This guided tour to Sete Cidades offers a balanced mix of nature, legend, and local flavor, all wrapped into a manageable 3-4 hours. The small group size and knowledgeable guides create an experience that feels personal and engaging, perfect for cruise passengers or short-stay visitors wanting to see the island’s highlights without hassle.

While it’s not a deep dive into the island’s culture or history, the scenic views alone make it a worthwhile outing. If you want a reliable, well-organized way to witness São Miguel’s most iconic sights with friendly guides by your side, this tour fits the bill.

For those who crave a taste of Azores’ natural beauty, topped with stories and spectacular viewpoints, this trip could be just what you need for a memorable stop. If you prefer to explore more independently or seek longer, more immersive experiences, you might look elsewhere, but for a straightforward scenic overview, it’s a solid choice.

Happy travels, and I hope your Azores adventure is as beautiful as it sounds.