Ponta Delgada: Shore Excursion Sete Cidades and Furnas Volcano

Introduction

If you’re heading to the Azores and want a taste of the island’s most iconic sights without spending your entire day on tour, this Ponta Delgada shore excursion to Sete Cidades and Furnas Volcano offers a compelling mix of awe-inspiring scenery and fascinating geology. Based on traveler reviews, many rave about the knowledgeable guides and the chance to see some of the most beautiful landscapes the island has to offer.

What we love about this tour is its focus on authentic, scenic highlights—from the legendary twin lakes to the geothermal wonders of Furnas. Plus, the small group size (max 16 travelers) means you can enjoy a more personal experience. The only thing to keep in mind is the weather, which can sometimes cloud the views, especially around volcanic areas.

This experience is perfect for cruise passengers who want a comprehensive yet relaxed taste of São Miguel’s natural beauty, without the hassle of organizing transport or guides on your own.

Good To Know

• Stunning natural scenery: Experience breathtaking views of the crater lakes and geothermal parks.
• Expert local guides: Guides like John and Carlos are praised for their knowledge and friendliness.
• Flexible options: You can choose to relax in the thermal pools or explore botanical gardens.
• Value for money: At just over $100, this tour offers an insightful overview of key highlights.
• Small group intimacy: Max 16 travelers for a more personalized experience.
• Weather variability: Be prepared for changing conditions, especially near volcanic sites.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

This 5-hour guided tour strikes a balance between sightseeing, learning, and relaxing. It’s crafted specifically for cruise travelers who want a taste of São Miguel’s most famous sights without missing their ship’s departure. The itinerary is well-paced, offering enough time at each stop to soak in the scenery and take photos without feeling rushed.

The highlight for many is the Viewpoint of Vista do Rei in Sete Cidades. Travelers are treated to panoramic vistas of the twin lakes, which are often described as straight out of a postcard. The legend of their creation adds a layer of charm, making the lakes not just beautiful but also captivating from a story perspective.

From the reviews, guides like John and Carlos are especially praised for their knowledge and friendliness, often going above and beyond to ensure guests see the best spots and enjoy local stories. One guest called John “wonderful,” highlighting his informative and engaging approach.

Detailed Breakdown of the Itinerary

Stop 1: Sete Cidades

Starting with a scenic drive, you’ll reach Sete Cidades, a volcanic crater filled with vibrant blue and green lakes. The main attraction here is the “Vista do Rei” viewpoint, which offers a sweeping view of the lakes and the surrounding landscape. Many reviewers mention that this view is truly stunning, with some describing it as a “gorgeous island” that defies expectations.

You’ll have about two hours here, which is enough to absorb the scenery and learn about the legend behind the lakes—created by a love story of a prince and a princess. The admission to the viewpoint is free, so you can focus on simply enjoying the scenery.

Travelers like Betty and Gina have remarked on how much the guides enhance the experience, offering stories that deepen the appreciation of the landscape. They also appreciated that, because the tour combined two trips, they saw more and had extra time after returning to the ship.

Stop 2: Furnas Volcano Caldera

Next, the tour moves to Furnas, an area famous for its geothermal activity. The highlight here is the chance to explore the Furnas Caldera, a volcanic crater with active hot springs. You can choose to visit Terra Nostra Park, a botanical garden known for its lush greenery, or simply relax in the natural thermal pools (not available until 2025, so check availability if that’s a priority).

The tour fee covers the entrance to the Natural Park Caldeiras das Furnas, making it a hassle-free experience. Reviewers rave about the geothermal wonders, with some mentioning how the bubbling hot springs and steaming vents create an almost otherworldly atmosphere.

One reviewer, Linda, enjoyed the optional dip in the thermal pools, noting that she had a bathing suit ready for her hour-long soak. She also pointed out that a simple email beforehand with suggestions on what to bring could improve the experience for future guests.

The botanical garden, Terra Nostra, is also a tempting optional visit, but at the moment, the thermal pools are temporarily unavailable until 2025.

Other Highlights

• Visit to a natural tea plantation: You’ll get to see a true local tea farm, where you can sample freshly brewed tea, adding a delightful taste to your day.
• Small group size: With a cap of 16 travelers, it’s easier to ask questions and enjoy a more intimate experience.
• Local storytelling: Guides are praised for their excellent English and local knowledge, making the journey both educational and fun.

Transportation and Logistics

The air-conditioned vehicle ensures a comfortable ride through São Miguel’s scenic roads. The tour departs at 9:00 am from Ponta Delgada, with the itinerary designed for cruise travelers to return in plenty of time. The duration is approximately five hours, making it a perfect half-day adventure.

Group size is limited, which helps keep the experience personal. Many reviews highlight how guides like John and Carlos are dedicated to making sure everyone has a memorable experience, sharing stories and tips along the way.

Value for Money and Practical Considerations

At around $103, this tour offers a good balance between cost and experience. It covers transportation, a knowledgeable guide, entrance fees, and unique experiences like the tea tasting. The price is particularly reasonable when considering the small group size and the inclusion of premium spots like Terra Nostra Park (although thermal pools are temporarily closed).

It’s important to note that lunch is not included, so plan accordingly if you want a full meal during your day. Many travelers found that the tour’s timing allowed them to explore or grab a quick bite afterward.

Weather and What to Bring

The reviews highlight that weather can significantly impact the experience, especially around volcanic areas. Fog and rain may obscure the views, but guides work to make the best of the conditions. Travelers recommend bringing layers, rain jackets, and good walking shoes to be prepared for changing weather.

Authentic Experiences Based on Reviews

Several reviews mention how guides like John and Andrea went above and beyond, sharing local stories and making travelers feel connected to the island. One guest appreciated being dropped off for a thermal pool soak while the others explored, highlighting the flexibility of the tour.

A common theme is the stunning scenery—whether it’s the lakes of Sete Cidades or the bubbling fumaroles of Furnas. Reviewers also appreciated the local knowledge shared, which added a depth that pure sightseeing tours often lack.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour is ideal for cruise passengers who want a comprehensive snapshot of São Miguel’s natural beauty without spending a full day on excursions. It’s particularly well-suited for those who enjoy scenic viewpoints, geological wonders, and learning about local legends. The small-group format makes it perfect for travelers who appreciate personalized attention.

It’s also a smart choice for those who want flexibility—you can choose to relax in thermal pools or explore the botanical garden, based on preferences and weather.

The Sum Up

This Ponta Delgada shore excursion to Sete Cidades and Furnas Volcano delivers a well-rounded, scenic experience that showcases the best of São Miguel’s landscapes. The combination of breathtaking views, knowledgeable guides, and flexible options makes it a great value for cruise travelers seeking an authentic taste of the Azores.

The small group size ensures you won’t feel like just another face in the crowd, and the stories shared by guides like John and Carlos add an enriching layer to each stop. While weather can be unpredictable—common in the Azores—the experience remains impressive and memorable.

This tour is best suited for travelers who love nature, storytelling, and a touch of local flavor without the fuss of planning everything themselves. It strikes a fine balance between sightseeing, education, and relaxation, making it a worthwhile investment for your Azores visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, most travelers can participate, and it’s especially popular among cruise passengers looking for a scenic yet manageable half-day trip.

How long is the tour?
It lasts around 5 hours, departing at 9:00 am and returning in time for your ship’s schedule.

Are meals included?
No, lunch is not included, but you can bring snacks or plan to eat after the tour.

What should I bring?
Bring layers, a rain jacket, sunglasses, and comfortable walking shoes—weather can change quickly in the Azores.

Can I visit the thermal pools?
Yes, but note that thermal pools are temporarily unavailable until 2025. You can opt to visit Terra Nostra Park if you prefer botanical gardens (entry fee included).

Is the tour flexible if I want to skip some stops?
Since it’s a small group, guides are generally accommodating. However, the itinerary is planned for the entire experience, so check with the provider beforehand.

What about the weather?
Weather in the Azores can be unpredictable; fog and rain are common. The tour usually proceeds as scheduled, but views may be obscured in poor weather. Guides do their best to make the most of the day regardless.

In all, this shore excursion offers a practical, visually stunning, and well-guided way to explore São Miguel’s top sights with a local touch. Whether it’s your first or fifth visit, the landscapes and stories you’ll encounter make it a worthwhile addition to your Azores trip.