Ponta Delgada: Sete Cidades Volcano Lakes Shore Excursion

Travelers visiting the Azores often find themselves captivated by the island’s volcanic landscapes and lush scenery. The Sete Cidades Volcano Lakes Shore Excursion offers a compact yet comprehensive glimpse into one of the region’s most iconic sights—the twin lakes nestled within a dormant volcano crater. It’s tailored specifically for cruise passengers eager to experience the best of São Miguel in a few hours, and it consistently earns high praise for its stunning views, knowledgeable guides, and authentic local stops.

In this review, we’ll explore what makes this tour a standout choice, from the scenic viewpoints to the cultural stops, while also acknowledging a few practical considerations. Whether you’re after picture-perfect vistas, learning about local agriculture, or just a peaceful lakeside walk, this tour packs a lot into a manageable four hours. Perfect for those with limited time but a big appetite for beauty and local flavor.

Three things we love about this experience:

• The expert guidance of a native local who makes the history and landscape come alive
• The breathtaking viewpoints like Vista do Rei, offering panoramic views of the volcanic caldera
• The chance to taste fresh Azorean pineapple right at the plantation, adding a tasty local touch

One possible drawback: The weather on São Miguel can be unpredictable—sometimes cloudy or rainy—so views may occasionally be obscured. Bringing a raincoat and patience is advisable.

This tour is ideal for cruise travelers who want a well-rounded experience of São Miguel’s natural wonders, with enough local flavor and insider knowledge to make it memorable without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.

Good To Know

• Expert Local Guides: Knowledgeable guides who truly know their island make the experience engaging and informative.
• Stunning Scenic Stops: Expect breathtaking viewpoints like Vista do Rei and Lagoa das Sete Cidades, with ample photo opportunities.
• Authentic Local Experience: Walking through a rural village, visiting a pineappple plantation, and enjoying a coffee break by the lake give a taste of island life.
• Value for Money: At $51 per person, the tour offers a lot of highlights, including a pineapple tasting and scenic drives, making it a great budget-friendly option.
• Comfort and Convenience: Includes port pickup and drop-off, with small-group intimacy that enhances the experience.
• Potential for Weather-Related Disruptions: Cloudy or rainy weather can limit visibility, but guides are prepared to make the best of it.

You can check if your dates are available here:

A Deep Dive into the Setting and Highlights

The Sete Cidades volcanic crater is arguably the most photographed site on São Miguel—and for good reason. Its twin lakes, one vibrant green and the other striking blue, sit within a caldera formed by a dormant volcano. The tour’s journey begins at the Multiusos Portas do Mar, where you’ll meet your guide, often a local who shares insights beyond just the basic facts. From there, the bus heads towards the scenic west coast, with Pico do Carvão offering sweeping views of the island’s central massif and the coastlines on both sides.

Vista do Rei: The Iconic Lookout

The first major stop, Vista do Rei, lives up to its reputation. Named after King Carlos I, this viewpoint provides an almost surreal overlook of the lakes below, framed by volcanic mountains. Multiple reviews praise the scenery here, with travelers often mentioning how the clouds and mist add an extra layer of drama—”Mario, our guide, was very knowledgeable and kept us engaged despite the weather,” one guest shared. Even if the sun isn’t shining, the panoramic perspective makes it worth the pause.

Lagoa das Sete Cidades

Next, you’ll descend into the crater itself, arriving at Lagoa das Sete Cidades. This is the heart of the tour, with a chance to walk along the lakeside or simply soak in the views from the bus. The lakes are the kind of scenery that sticks with you – shimmering waters, lush green slopes, and a peaceful atmosphere. With about 30 minutes of free time, you can stroll, take photos, or visit the quaint S Nicolau church in the village nearby.

Scenic Stops and Photo Opportunities

The tour includes a quick stop at Lagoa de Santiago, a deeper, less visited lagoon, giving a sense of the island’s hidden corners. Travelers like Sarah note, “Our guide was very knowledgeable and spoke about a variety of topics over the course of the tour. The scenic stops were gorgeous despite the on and off rain.” The stops are timed well—enough to appreciate the scenery without feeling hurried.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Visiting a Pineapple Greenhouse and Tasting

A highlight for many is the pineapple plantation visit, where travelers can walk through greenhouses filled with lush plants and learn how the Azores produce this famous fruit. The tasting is a sweet reminder of the island’s agricultural side, often accompanied by stories from the guide about the pineapple’s history and significance. Reviewers like Miriam, who appreciated the “excellent guide and driver,” mention how the pineapple farm adds a flavorful local touch to the experience.

Village Walk and Local Life

In the village of Sete Cidades, you also get a chance to stretch your legs and perhaps chat with local residents over a coffee. This authentic moment is often highlighted by travelers as a peaceful, friendly way to connect with island life away from the tourist spots.

Practicalities and Comfort

The tour is priced at $51 per person, which includes port pickup and drop-off, a native local guide, and a pineapple tasting—an excellent value when you consider the scenic vistas and insider knowledge you gain. It’s a small-group experience, typically around 20 people or fewer, which makes for a more personalized journey.

The duration is around 4 hours, starting at 8:45 AM, an early start that ensures you beat the crowds and enjoy cooler, more comfortable weather. The itinerary is flexible enough to accommodate the occasional weather change, which is common on the island. Guides are experienced in making the best of cloudy or misty conditions, often emphasizing the dramatic mood rather than perfect sunlight.

Transportation is comfortable, with a small bus that allows for easy movement between viewpoints. The stops are quite manageable, with walkable areas and manageable time frames, making this tour accessible for most travelers—though it’s not suited for those with mobility issues.

What Travelers Say

Reviews consistently praise the guides, with many mentioning Mario as a standout. His local knowledge, friendly manner, and ability to answer questions make a real difference. As Christine notes, “He was very informative, pleasant, respectful, and gave us a wonderful introduction to the Azores.”

The scenery, despite the unpredictability of weather, is frequently described as stunning. Louisa shares, “Mario was wonderful sharing everything about this beautiful place,” and Brian remarks, “We visited in drizzle and mist, but the experience was still excellent.” It’s clear that even in less-than-perfect weather, the tour remains worthwhile.

Food and drink stops, especially the pineapple tasting, are well appreciated, adding a flavorful local touch. Guests love that the tour combines nature, culture, and gastronomy without feeling rushed or superficial.

The Sum Up

This Sete Cidades Shore Excursion offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, local culture, and expert guiding—all for a reasonable price. It’s ideal for cruise passengers who want a concise yet meaningful exploration of São Miguel’s most famous volcanic lakes. The small-group format ensures a personal experience, with plenty of opportunities for photos and questions.

If you value stunning viewpoints, authentic local stops, and knowledgeable guides, this tour ticks all the boxes. It is especially suited for those who are okay with some weather variability and who appreciate a good story as much as a great view.

This tour delivers excellent value for its modest price, making it a highly recommended option for travelers keen on experiencing the Azores’ best in a short time.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 4 hours, starting at 8:45 AM.

Is it suitable for people with mobility issues?
No, the tour is not recommended for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users, due to walking and uneven terrain at some stops.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, sunglasses, and a camera are advisable. Bringing a raincoat or jacket is wise as weather can change quickly.

Does the price include food?
No, food and drinks during free time in Sete Cidades village are not included, but there is a pineapple tasting included as part of the tour.

Is transportation comfortable?
Yes, the tour uses a small, air-conditioned bus with a small group size for better comfort and personalization.

Can I be dropped off in the city after the tour?
Yes, the tour includes an optional city center drop-off after the scenic stops.

What happens if my ship arrives late?
The starting time is adjusted for cruise arrivals after 09:00 AM, but it’s important to meet your guide by 8:45 AM. If your disembarkation is delayed, the guide will coordinate accordingly.

Is this tour available year-round?
Yes, but weather conditions can vary, so packing accordingly is recommended. Always check the current forecast before your trip.

You can check if your dates are available here: