Ponta Delgada: The Blue & Green Lake Shore Excursion

Introduction: A Peek at the Blue & Green Lakes Shore Excursion

If you’re visiting Ponta Delgada and craving a taste of the Azores’ most iconic natural wonder, the Blue & Green Lake Shore Excursion offers a well-rounded, enjoyable glimpse into this volcanic landscape. While I haven’t experienced it firsthand, the detailed reviews and itinerary paint a picture of an engaging, thoughtfully organized trip.

What grabs us about this tour? First, the expert local guides bring the scenery alive with stories and insights. Second, the stunning vistas at Vista do Rei, where you can snap pictures of the contrasting lakes, are genuinely unforgettable. Third, the chance to explore a pineapple plantation adds a distinct local flavor. However, a potential consideration is the limited duration—just 3.5 hours—which means you’ll want to be punctual and efficient with your time.

This experience suits travelers who enjoy small-group tours, beautiful scenery, and a quick but meaningful look at one of the Azores’ standout sights. Perfect for cruise passengers eager to maximize their port time while avoiding overly rushed or commercialized excursions.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Good To Know

• Convenient pickup directly from the cruise terminal simplifies logistics.
• Expert local guides enhance the experience with engaging storytelling and insights.
• Breathtaking viewpoints like Vista do Rei are highlights with fantastic photo opportunities.
• Visit to a pineapple plantation offers a taste of Azores agriculture and local produce.
• Limited duration requires timely disembarkation but allows access to the main sights.
• Small group size ensures a more personalized and relaxed experience.

A Closer Look at the Itinerary

Starting at Multiusos Portas do Mar

The tour kicks off right inside the cruise terminal, where your guide, often a local storyteller, is waiting with a sign bearing your name. This direct pick-up means no fuss about navigating unfamiliar streets or waiting for transport—an advantage for cruise travelers eager to maximize sightseeing and minimize hassle.

Pineapple Plantation Visit

One of the tour’s unique elements is the stop at a pineapple plantation, where you’ll get a quick, guided look into how these sweet tropical fruits are cultivated in the Azores. This isn’t just a roadside attraction; it’s an authentic chance to learn about local farming practices. Expect around 20 minutes here, enough to snap some photos and gather a few fun facts about Azorean agriculture—like how the climate lends itself perfectly to pineapple growing.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Scenic Drive and Vista do Rei Viewpoint

Next, you’ll hop into the van for a scenic drive through lush countryside, which is a highlight in itself. The journey offers glimpses of the island’s vibrant flora and volcanic terrain, setting the scene for the main event: the Vista do Rei viewpoint. As you arrive, prepare for a jaw-dropping vista that captures the dichotomy of the Blue and Green Lakes within the Sete Cidades caldera. It’s the kind of scenery that makes you say “Wow,” with a backdrop that looks photoshopped but is entirely real.

Exploring Sete Cidades

After soaking in the views, you’ll have about 20 minutes to explore the Sete Cidades area at your own pace. This is your chance for photos, a quick walk, or just soaking up the atmosphere. The manageable time means you won’t feel rushed, but you’ll still get a satisfying taste of this iconic landscape.

Additional Scenic Stops: Cerrado das Freiras and Pico do Carvão

The tour continues with stops at Cerrado das Freiras and Pico do Carvão, both offering sweeping views of the volcanic landscape and the lakes. These points are perfect for panoramic photos and understanding the volcanic activity that shaped the island. Reviewers mention how these stops are brief but worthwhile, giving a sense of the island’s geological story without overextending the schedule.

Return and Drop-off

The tour wraps up with a comfortable drive back, ensuring you’re back at the cruise terminal with plenty of time before your ship departs. The timing flexibility allows the tour to adapt to your ship’s docking schedule, which is especially helpful if your arrival time fluctuates.

Why This Tour Offers Great Value

For the price, you get a well-structured, scenic, and informative experience with a focus on iconic sights and local flavor. The inclusion of pick-up and drop-off from the cruise port removes logistical stress, and the small group atmosphere (as praised by reviewers) means you’re not just another face in a crowd.

The expert local guide, often complemented by storytelling, makes even the shortest stops educational and engaging. Plus, the water bottle included helps keep you refreshed during the warm or occasionally rainy weather typical of the Azores.

However, keep in mind that personal expenses are not included—so if you want to buy souvenirs or snacks at the plantation or viewpoints, be prepared for that.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour is ideal for cruise travelers who want a pain-free, efficient way to see one of São Miguel’s most famous sights without the hassle of planning. If you value stunning views, local stories, and a small-group experience, this tour checks all those boxes.

It’s also perfect for those who prefer a scheduled, guided experience rather than exploring on their own, especially since the guide is highly praised for their professionalism and warmth. However, if you’re seeking a longer or more adventurous exploration—such as hiking or exploring beyond Sete Cidades—this might feel a bit brief.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

Absolutely. For just 3.5 hours, this tour offers a perfectly balanced mix of scenery, local culture, and convenience. The views at Vista do Rei make it worth the trip, and the pineapple plantation adds a charming local touch. The small-group setup ensures a relaxed pace and more personalized interaction, which many travelers appreciate.

While the schedule is tight, it’s thoughtfully designed to maximize your time at one of the Azores’ most photographed and beloved spots. The fact that the tour is flexible with timing and includes transportation makes it a hassle-free option for cruise passengers eager to see the highlights without stress.

If you’re looking to check off a must-see destination with a friendly guide and a small-group vibe, this excursion is definitely worth considering.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, as long as participants are able to handle a few short walks and the duration of the trip, it’s suitable for most ages.

What should I bring?
Bring a jacket and umbrella in case of rain, especially at viewpoints at higher altitudes. A camera or smartphone for photos is a must.

Are there bathroom facilities during the trip?
The itinerary doesn’t specify, but stops at viewpoints and the plantation may offer opportunities to use facilities.

Can I join this tour if my ship docks after 8 am?
Yes, the start time is adjustable based on your disembarkation, so the guide will coordinate accordingly.

How long is the pineapple plantation visit?
Approximately 20 minutes, enough to see the growing process and take some photos.

What is included in the price?
Pickup from the cruise terminal, a local storyteller guide, visit to the pineapple plantation, scenic viewpoints, water bottle, and a small group atmosphere.

What is not included?
Personal expenses such as souvenirs or snacks outside the included stops.

Is transport comfortable?
Yes, a van or similar vehicle provides transportation between stops, with scenic drives through lush landscapes.

Will I have enough time at each stop?
Yes, the itinerary is designed to give a taste of each location without feeling rushed, with about 10-20 minutes at each main point.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?
The tour is not suitable for those with mobility impairments or electric wheelchairs, as some viewpoints are at altitude and involve walking.

Final Words

For travelers seeking a well-organized, scenic, and authentic experience of São Miguel’s most famous lakes, this shore excursion offers a compelling package. It balances stunning vistas, local culture, and logistical ease—making it a great choice for cruise passengers who want to see the highlights without worrying about planning every detail.

Whether you’re snapping photos at Vista do Rei, learning about pineapple cultivation, or simply soaking in the volcanic scenery, this tour promises memorable moments. It’s a good pick for small groups, curious travelers, and anyone eager for a taste of what makes the Azores so special, all wrapped into a manageable half-day adventure.

You can check if your dates are available here: