São Miguel: Private Romantic Cruise with Champagne offers couples an intimate way to explore the stunning coast of the Azores. Whether celebrating a special occasion or simply wanting a serene escape, this two-hour private boat trip promises scenic views, personalized touches, and a taste of luxury.
What we love about this experience is its flexibility—offering morning, afternoon, or sunset departures—so you can tailor your outing to your preferred mood. We also appreciate the thoughtful inclusions of champagne, chocolates, and flowers, which elevate the romantic atmosphere. Plus, the opportunity to customize your cruise ensures that each trip feels uniquely yours.
A potential consideration is the price, which at $687 for just two people, might seem steep for some travelers. However, when you weigh this against the private nature of the trip, personalized service, and the added touches, it can be seen as a worthwhile indulgence.
This tour is ideal for couples looking for a special, romantic experience that combines scenic beauty with a touch of luxury. If you’re after a private, memorable outing with ample opportunity for stunning photos and intimate moments, this cruise fits the bill perfectly.
Good To Know
- Private Experience: Exclusively for couples, ensuring intimacy and personalized service.
- Flexible Timing: Choose from morning, afternoon, or sunset to match your mood.
- Includes Luxuries: Champagne, chocolates, flowers, onboard music, and the chance to swim.
- Scenic Highlights: Stops at Rabo de Peixe, Santa Barbara Beach, Ribeira Grande, and Porto Formoso.
- Customizable: The experience can be tailored to your preferences for a truly unique trip.
- Cost-Effective for Privacy: For two, the price reflects exclusivity and added extras.
An In-Depth Look at the Romantic Cruise Experience
Enjoy boat trips? More Ribeira Grande water tours we've written about
Setting Sail from AG Expeditions
Your journey begins at the AG Expeditions meeting point, where you’ll be greeted and briefed about the cruise. The vessel is private, tailored just for your party of two, which instantly sets the tone for an exclusive outing. The crew, rated at 4.6 stars, are known for their professionalism and friendly demeanor—some reviews mention how guides like João or Maria make the experience even more memorable with their attentiveness and local knowledge.
The Itinerary and Scenic Stops
Rabo de Peixe marks the first sightseeing point. Known for its lively fishing port, this area offers a glimpse into local life and authentic maritime charm. We loved how the boat gently cruised past colorful boats and small harbors, providing perfect photo ops.
Next, you’ll pass Santa Barbara Beach, one of São Miguel’s most beautiful stretches of coastline. The views here are spectacular, with rugged cliffs and turquoise waters. It’s an ideal spot to soak in the scenery and perhaps snap some romantic pictures of each other against the backdrop of nature’s artistry.
Ribeira Grande offers a different perspective—its historic town and surrounding lush landscapes are visible from the water. The boat typically slows here for a brief sightseeing stop. Expect to appreciate the blend of natural beauty and local architecture.
A highlight for many is the stop at Port of Santa Iria. This scenic photo stop offers sweeping views, perfect for capturing memories of your trip. Some reviewers appreciated being able to get close to the coast for those memorable shots.
Praia dos Moinhos is another picturesque location, with its golden sands and rolling waves. While the cruise mainly stays at a distance, the sight of this beach from the water is stunning and offers a sense of tranquility.
Finally, the boat heads toward Porto Formoso, often praised for its dramatic cliffs and rugged beauty. Again, you’ll have opportunities for photos and simply soaking in the natural splendor before returning to the starting point.
The Personal Touches and Luxuries
What makes this cruise special are the luxury touches: a chilled bottle of champagne, a selection of chocolates, and fresh flowers arranged romantically on the boat. The onboard music adds to the ambiance, creating a relaxed, intimate atmosphere. Many reviews highlight how these small details turn an already beautiful cruise into an unforgettable experience.
For those feeling adventurous, there’s an option to swim in the open sea—a bonus for couples who enjoy a splash of spontaneity. The crew are attentive and ensure safety, making this activity accessible even for less experienced swimmers.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyPersonalization and Flexibility
One of the standout features is how easily the experience can be personalized. Whether you want to focus on photography, enjoy a quiet moment, or even celebrate a special occasion like a birthday or anniversary, the crew will help tailor the cruise to your wishes.
You can choose the timing to match your mood—morning cruises for a fresh start, afternoon trips basked in sunlight, or a sunset sail to wrap up your day with a magic hour view. The sunset cruise, in particular, is often regarded as “truly magical,” with the sky painted in warm hues over the Atlantic.
Prefer private tours? More Ribeira Grande exclusive experiences we've written about
Practical Details and Value
At $687 for a two-hour private cruise, this experience is priced for intimacy and luxury. For couples seeking privacy and a bespoke outing, the cost is justified, especially considering the inclusions of champagne, chocolates, flowers, and onboard music.
The group size is limited to just your party, ensuring personalized service, and the staff are known for their attentiveness. The experience includes insurance, providing peace of mind, although pick-up and drop-off are not included, so you’ll need to arrange your own transportation to the meeting point.
While the cruise lasts only two hours, many travelers find it a perfect balance—long enough to enjoy several scenic stops without feeling rushed. The availability depends on the time of day you select, and flexible cancellation up to 24 hours in advance offers some peace of mind.
Who Would Love This Experience?
This cruise is especially suited for couples celebrating a special moment or simply looking for a romantic escape. If you enjoy private, personalized experiences with scenic views, luxurious touches, and a touch of adventure, you’ll find this cruise rewarding.
It’s ideal for those who value intimacy over crowds and want to create lasting memories. However, it might not be suitable for pregnant women, non-swimmers, or travelers prone to seasickness. If you’re looking for a lively group activity or a budget-friendly outing, other options might be better.
FAQ

Do I need to bring anything? Yes, bring comfortable shoes, swimwear, a towel, camera, sunscreen, and any personal medications you might need.
Is this experience suitable for non-swimmers? The cruise offers the opportunity to swim, but non-swimmers should exercise caution and inform the crew beforehand.
Can I choose the time of day for my cruise? Yes, you can select from morning, afternoon, or sunset options, depending on your preference and availability.
Are there any age or health restrictions? The tour is not recommended for pregnant women, people with back or heart problems, or those sensitive to seasickness.
Does the experience include transportation? No, pick-up and drop-off are not included, so you’ll need to arrange your own transport to the meeting point.
What language is spoken during the tour? The tour is conducted in English, Spanish, and Portuguese.
Is this a private experience? Yes, the cruise is limited to your group, ensuring an exclusive, personalized outing.
Can I cancel this experience? Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your scheduled time for a full refund.
What makes this cruise stand out? Its combination of scenic stops, luxury touches, and the ability to personalize the experience make it a memorable choice for couples.
Final Thoughts
This private romantic cruise along São Miguel offers an elegant, intimate way to enjoy the island’s stunning coastline. With its flexible timing, luxurious extras, and personalized approach, it’s a fantastic choice for couples seeking a special escape. While the price might be a consideration, the exclusive nature and scenic beauty justify the expense for those wanting a memorable, tailor-made experience.
If you’re after a peaceful, scenic, and luxurious cruise that captures the essence of São Miguel’s charm, this experience is worth considering. It’s perfect for celebrating love, creating new memories, or simply indulging in a relaxing day on the Atlantic. Just be sure to book ahead, especially for sunset rides, which are particularly popular.
You can check if your dates are available here:More Private Tours in Ribeira Grande
More Boat Tours in Ribeira Grande
- São Miguel: Boat Tour Volcanic Wonders, Caves & History
- São Miguel: Private Bachelor Boat Tour with Drinks & Snacks
- Ribeira Grande: Coastline Boat Tour |Capelas
- CRUISE SHORE EXCURSION – FIRE LAKE, PINEAPPLE & TEA
- Ribeira Grande: Sunset Boat Tour |Cintrão Cape
- Ribeira Grande: Coastline Boat Tour |Porto Formoso
More Tour Reviews in Ribeira Grande
Looking for something different? Other Ribeira Grande activities we've written about
- São Miguel: North Coast Private Tour & Hike
- São Miguel: Santa Iria Bay Snorkeling Tour with Music
- São Miguel: Private Romantic Cruise with Champagne
- São Miguel: Private Bachelor Boat Tour with Drinks & Snacks
- São Miguel, Azores: Ultra AdventurePark Canyoning
- Ribeira Grande: Sete Cidades Buggy tour
- Private Tour Full Day Sete Cidades and Lagoa do Fogo
- Private Tour Half Day Fogo lake, ceramics and Ribeira Grande
- Full Day: Furnas, Tea Plantations & More With Lunch
- Fire Lake, Pineapple & Tea: Half-Day Jeep Tour
- Jeep Tour Full Day East (Geothermia and Furnas)
- Vale Das Lombadas: Ultra Adventurepark Canyoning
