Ponta Delgada Cruise Port: Blue & Green Lake, Furnas Volcano

Ponta Delgada’s cruise port is the gateway to explore the stunning landscapes of São Miguel island. Visitors can discover the iconic Sete Cidades lakes, known for their vibrant blue and green hues, and venture into the Furnas volcanic region, home to hot springs and bubbling mud pools. The tour also includes cultural experiences, such as visits to a pineapple plantation and a tea factory, providing a well-rounded introduction to the island’s natural wonders and local traditions. With so much to see and do, it’s no wonder Ponta Delgada is a popular destination for cruise passengers looking to enjoy the beauty of the Azores.

Key Points

The Sete Cidades viewpoint offers stunning vistas of the iconic Blue and Green Lakes, located within an ancient volcanic crater.
The 5-6 hour tour from Ponta Delgada cruise port includes a 25-minute stop at the Furnas volcanic lake, a popular natural attraction.
The tour provides opportunities to explore São Miguel’s agricultural heritage, such as the A Arruda Pineapple Plantation.
The tour’s starting point at the Multiusos Portas do Mar in Ponta Delgada is conveniently located near the cruise port.
The tour is designed to allow cruise travelers to make the most of their time in Ponta Delgada, showcasing the island’s most iconic sights.

Tour Overview

This comprehensive 5-6 hour tour of São Miguel island allows cruise passengers to explore the region’s most iconic sights, from the breathtaking Sete Cidades to the Furnas volcanic landscape.

Specially crafted for cruise travelers, the tour hits all the highlights, including a pineapple plantation, tea factory, and the stunning Terra Nostra Park. Along the way, travelers will enjoy insider knowledge from a local guide.

While the tour isn’t suitable for those with mobility challenges, it provides an efficient and immersive way for visitors to make the most of their time in Ponta Delgada.

With a focus on iconic viewpoints and cultural experiences, this tour is a must-do for any cruise passenger visiting São Miguel.

Itinerary

The tour begins at the Multiusos Portas do Mar in Ponta Delgada, where travelers will meet their local guide.

From there, they’ll journey to the striking Sete Cidades, allotting 20 minutes to take in the breathtaking views of the famous blue and green lakes.

Next, the group will visit the A Arruda Pineapple Plantation for a 20-minute tour, followed by a 25-minute stop at the Gorreana Tea Factory to learn about the island’s tea production.

The highlight of the day comes with an hour-long visit to the lush Terra Nostra Park, home to thermal pools and stunning botanical gardens.

Rounding out the itinerary is a 25-minute stop at the Furnas volcanic lake before returning to the Multiusos Portas do Mar.

Starting Location

The tour starts at the Multiusos Portas do Mar in Ponta Delgada, where travelers will meet their local guide.

This is the designated meeting point for the 5-6 hour island tour exploring São Miguel’s most iconic viewpoints. The guide will be holding a sign with the traveler’s name, ensuring a smooth start to the day’s adventures.

From this central location, the tour will take visitors to renowned spots like Sete Cidades, Furnas Volcano, and Terra Nostra Park, providing a comprehensive introduction to the natural wonders of the Azores.

With the starting point conveniently located near the cruise port, travelers can look forward to a seamless and memorable experience.

Sete Cidades

Nestled within the crater of an ancient volcano, Sete Cidades is a picturesque village renowned for its stunning twin lakes – the Blue and Green Lakes.

The Blue Lake, with its vivid azure hue, and the Green Lake, with its emerald tones, create a mesmerizing contrast that captivates visitors. Guests will have approximately 20 minutes to admire the lakes and take in the breathtaking vistas from the designated viewpoints.

The area’s lush vegetation and serene atmosphere make it a popular spot for photography enthusiasts. Whether you’re seeking picturesque landscapes or simply a moment of tranquility, Sete Cidades is a must-visit destination on your São Miguel Island tour.

A Arruda Pineapple Plantation

After exploring the stunning Sete Cidades, the tour continues to A Arruda Pineapple Plantation, where visitors spend approximately 20 minutes learning about the cultivation and processing of this tropical fruit.

The plantation offers an up-close look at the pineapple plants and their unique growth cycle. Guests can also observe the manual techniques used to harvest and prepare the pineapples for distribution.

The tour highlights the plantation’s role in São Miguel’s agricultural heritage and the economic importance of pineapple production. With its lush greenery and informative displays, the pineapple plantation provides a refreshing and educational interlude before the next stop on the island adventure.

Gorreana Tea Factory

Next, the tour makes its way to the Gorreana Tea Factory, where visitors spend approximately 25 minutes exploring the country’s oldest and only remaining tea plantation.

Guests witness the intricate process of tea production, from the delicate harvesting of the leaves to their precise sorting, withering, rolling, and drying.

The factory’s knowledgeable staff provide insightful commentary on the history and traditions behind Gorreana’s renowned black and green teas, offering samples for visitors to savor the distinct flavors.

The tea factory offers a unique insight into Portugal’s rich tea-making heritage, allowing guests to appreciate the skill and dedication required to craft these exceptional beverages.

Terra Nostra Park

The tour now heads to the renowned Terra Nostra Park, where visitors spend about an hour exploring its lush botanical gardens and relaxing in its iconic thermal pool.

The park is a true oasis, offering a peaceful respite from the outside world. Visitors can wander through the tranquil gardens, admiring the diverse array of flora and the serene ponds.

The highlight, however, is the warm, mineral-rich thermal pool, which is said to have healing properties. Guests can soak in the soothing waters, taking in the stunning natural surroundings.

The park is a must-visit destination, providing a unique and rejuvenating experience for all who explore it.

Furnas Lake

From Terra Nostra Park, the tour moves on to Furnas Lake, a captivating feature of the Furnas volcano.

Furnas Lake is a stunning body of bright blue and green water nestled within the caldera of the Furnas volcano. Visitors can spend around 25 minutes admiring the lake’s serene beauty and snapping photos of the lush, verdant surroundings.

The lake is a popular spot for birdwatching, with various species inhabiting the area. The tour guide will provide insights into the geological history and significance of Furnas Lake, enhancing the overall experience.

After this stop, the tour continues onward, offering more opportunities to explore the natural wonders of São Miguel.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Size of the Tour Group?

The tour group size is not specified, but it’s likely small to medium-sized to provide a personalized experience for cruise travelers. The tour operator will accommodate the number of participants on each departure.

Is the Tour Available on All Cruise Ship Arrival Days?

The tour is available on most cruise ship arrival days, but the schedule may vary depending on cruise ship schedules. It’s best to check with the tour operator for availability on specific dates.

Can the Tour Be Customized for Individual Needs?

The tour can be customized to individual needs, though some activities like the pineapple plantation and tea factory visits are fixed. Guests with mobility concerns should check if the itinerary can be adapted to accommodate their needs.

Does the Tour Provide Any Food or Beverage Options?

The tour does not include any food or beverage options, but visitors can purchase refreshments at the pineapple plantation, tea factory, and Terra Nostra Park. Travelers should plan to bring their own snacks and drinks if desired.

How Much Time Is Allowed for Independent Exploration?

The tour provides approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes of independent exploration time at various stops, including the Terra Nostra Park and the Furnas Lake area. Visitors can explore these sites at their own pace during the allocated time.