Azores: Shore Excursion Furnas – Crater Volcano and Hot Springs

The Azores’ Furnas region offers a captivating shore excursion that takes visitors to a volcanic crater. They’ll explore the area’s renowned thermal springs and witness the unique tea plantation of Gorreana, the last of its kind in Europe. The 5-hour excursion includes pickup from Ponta Delgada port, air-conditioned transportation, and admission to the Furnas Lake stew area and either the Terra Nostra or Dona Beija thermal springs. Knowledgeable guides provide live commentary in multiple languages, and the small group size allows for personalized attention. For those seeking a truly memorable Azores experience, this excursion provides the perfect blend of nature, culture, and relaxation.

This experience made our list of the 25 Best Tours In Ponta Delgada.

Key Points

• Explore the Furnas volcanic zone and visit the last natural tea plantation on a 5-hour shore excursion from Ponta Delgada port.
• Enjoy personalized attention and a customizable itinerary in small groups, with access to renowned thermal springs like Terra Nostra or Dona Beija.
• Benefit from knowledgeable driver/local guides providing live commentary and air-conditioned transportation throughout the tour.
• Convenience features include port pickup, multilingual guides, and proximity to public transportation for easy access.
• Positive customer reviews and a 5.0 rating highlight the excursion’s appeal over cruise line options for a more personalized experience.

Highlights of the Excursion

Departing from the Ponta Delgada port, this personalized shore excursion immerses visitors in the ancient volcanic landscape of Furnas, a highlight of the eastern Azores.

Exploring the region in small groups ensures personalized attention and a customizable itinerary. Tour highlights include a visit to the last natural tea plantation, Plantações de Chá Gorreana, and the picturesque Miradouro do Pico do Ferro viewpoint.

The excursion also provides access to the renowned thermal springs, with options to visit either Terra Nostra or Dona Beija.

With convenient port pickup and drop-off, this tour offers an in-depth discovery of Furnas’ volcanic wonders, complemented by exceptional customer reviews.

Duration and Inclusions

The shore excursion to Furnas lasts approximately 5 hours. The excursion includes a knowledgeable driver/local guide who provides live commentary throughout the journey. Travelers will enjoy air-conditioned transportation and have the opportunity to visit the Plantacoes de Cha Gorreana, the last natural tea plantation, and the Miradouro do Pico do Ferro. Plus, the tour provides admission to the Furnas Lake stew area and entrance to either the Terra Nostra or Dona Beija thermal springs.

Inclusions	Duration
Driver/local guide	~5 hours
Live commentary	–
Air-conditioned vehicle	–
Plantacoes de Cha Gorreana	–
Miradouro do Pico do Ferro	–
Furnas Lake stew area	–
Terra Nostra or Dona Beija thermal springs	–

Meeting and Pickup Details

Cruise passengers will find the pickup point at the Ponta Delgada port.

After passing through security, they’ll reach the terminal hall to meet the local guides. The tour starts promptly at 9:00 am, so guests should plan accordingly.

When booking, travelers will need to provide their ship name, docking time, disembarkation time, and re-boarding time. This information ensures a seamless pickup and drop-off.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but infant seats are available. Multilingual guides may lead the excursions, catering to diverse language preferences.

With the port pickup and drop-off included, guests can enjoy a hassle-free experience exploring the ancient volcanic zone of Furnas.

Customization and Accessibility

The tour’s customizable itinerary allows guests to tailor their experience, with options to visit the botanical garden and thermal springs.

Travelers can choose to explore the famous Terra Nostra or Dona Beija thermal springs, both offering unique therapeutic benefits.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but infant seats are available for families.

While the guides operate in multiple languages, the experience caters to small groups, ensuring personalized attention.

With ample parking near public transportation, the tour provides a convenient way to discover the stunning volcanic landscapes and thermal wonders of Furnas.

Confirmation and Transportation

Travelers booking the Furnas shore excursion receive confirmation within 48 hours, subject to availability.

The tour includes pickup at the Ponta Delgada port, where guests pass through security and meet the local guides in the terminal hall.

The excursion departs at 9:00 am, so participants must provide their ship’s name, docking time, disembarkation time, and re-boarding time when booking.

While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, infant seats are available.

The transportation is by air-conditioned vehicle, and multilingual guides may lead the tours.

The excursion is also conveniently located near public transportation options.

Multilingual Guides and Proximity

Multiple languages are spoken by the guides that may lead the shore excursion to Furnas. This allows the tour to accommodate a diverse range of guests, ensuring everyone can fully engage with the experience.

The tour is also conveniently located:

• Near public transportation, making it easy for visitors to access
• With pickup and drop-off at the Ponta Delgada port, eliminating the need for separate transportation
• Situated in the heart of the Furnas volcanic zone, providing direct access to the scenic highlights

This accessibility and multilingual support contribute to the overall convenience and inclusivity of the shore excursion.

Customer Feedback and Ratings

Overwhelmingly positive reviews from previous participants underscore the shore excursion’s appeal.

With an impressive 5.0 overall rating across 30 reviews, customers have been delighted by the knowledgeable guides, well-organized tours, and stunning volcanic scenery.

Reviewers praised the convenient port pickup and drop-off, as well as the flexibility to customize the itinerary.

While a few wished for more time at the thermal baths, the consensus is that this shore excursion offers a better experience than the cruise line’s options.

The excursion’s combination of personalized attention, immersive cultural interactions, and breathtaking natural wonders has clearly resonated with travelers seeking an authentic Azores adventure.

Comparison to Ship Excursions

Why might travelers consider this shore excursion over the cruise line’s offerings? This personalized tour provides several advantages.

First, the small group size allows for a more intimate and flexible experience. Plus, the custom itinerary gives visitors the freedom to prioritize their interests, whether it’s exploring the botanical garden or relaxing in the thermal springs.

The tour also includes convenient port pickup and drop-off, eliminating the need to arrange separate transportation. On top of that, the tour’s 5.0 rating from over 30 reviews suggests a high level of customer satisfaction, a testament to the knowledgeable guides and well-organized logistics.

• Intimate small group experience
• Customizable itinerary to suit your interests
• Convenient port pickup and drop-off
• Highly rated by past customers

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Photography Allowed During the Tour?

Photography is generally allowed during the tour. Visitors are encouraged to capture the stunning landscapes and cultural activities along the way, though there may be some restrictions in certain areas.

What Type of Clothing Is Recommended for the Tour?

The tour involves visiting thermal springs and an active volcanic area, so comfortable, moisture-wicking clothing and sturdy walking shoes are recommended. Layers are suggested to adjust as the temperatures and weather conditions may vary throughout the day.

Can Guests With Physical Disabilities Fully Participate?

Unfortunately, this tour is not wheelchair accessible. The terrain and stops may prove challenging for guests with physical disabilities. However, the tour operator can accommodate infant seats, so travelers with young children can participate.

Are Refreshments or Meals Provided During the Excursion?

The excursion does not provide refreshments or meals during the tour. Guests are responsible for bringing their own snacks and drinks. However, the tour includes entrance to thermal springs where visitors can relax and enjoy the natural environment.

Can the Tour Be Modified to Accommodate Specific Interests?

The tour can be customized to accommodate specific interests. Guests can choose to visit the botanical garden or thermal springs, allowing them to personalize their experience based on their preferences.

Sum Up

This Furnas shore excursion offers a captivating exploration of São Miguel’s volcanic wonders. Guests can enjoy the region’s geological history, indulge in thermal springs, and savor the renowned local cuisine – all while enjoying personalized guidance and a flexible itinerary. With convenient port pickup and drop-off, this excursion provides an unparalleled opportunity to discover the Azores’ natural beauty and cultural heritage.