Ponta Delgada, the enchanting capital of the Azores, beckons visitors to explore its natural wonders. The Sete Cidades Volcano – Blue & Green Lake tour promises an immersive journey through this volcanic landscape, unveiling the stunning dual-colored lakes nestled within the caldera. Guided by local experts, travelers will not only discover the geological marvels but also gain insights into the region’s unique pineapple cultivation and panoramic vistas. This four-hour excursion offers a seamless experience, with convenient transportation and a small-group setting that ensures an intimate and memorable adventure. The only question that remains is: what secrets will these enchanting lakes reveal?
Key Points
- This guided tour explores the Sete Cidades volcano and its iconic Blue and Green lakes, located near Ponta Delgada.
- The tour includes a visit to a local pineapple plantation and panoramic views from the Vista do Rei Lookout.
- The 4-hour excursion provides a small group experience and is available in English and Portuguese.
- The tour includes complimentary water, guided commentary, and guaranteed return on time.
- Guests with mobility issues or weighing over 254 lbs may find the tour challenging.
Tour Details
The tour offers a comprehensive exploration of Sete Cidades Volcano, including visits to the Blue and Green Lakes, a pineapple plantation, and several scenic viewpoints, with a duration of 4 hours and priced from €45 per person.
Available in both English and Portuguese, the tour picks up participants from the cruise ship harbor and provides a small group atmosphere, a water bottle, and a guaranteed return on time.
However, the tour isn’t suitable for those with mobility impairments, over 254 lbs, or with a cold.
Travelers can enjoy free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and flexible booking with the reserve now and pay later option.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Sao Miguel Island.
Itinerary
In an article titled ‘Ponta Delgada: Sete Cidades Volcano – Blue & Green Lake’, the itinerary covers a range of picturesque destinations. The tour starts with a visit to Pineapples St. Anthony, providing a glimpse into the local pineapple production. Then, it heads to the Vista do Rei Lookout, offering panoramic views of the Sete Cidades caldera.
From there, the excursion continues to the Cerrado das Freiras, a scenic area within the Sete Cidades volcanic complex, before arriving at the Sete Cidades lakes themselves. The tour concludes with a stop at the Ponta do Escalvado Lookout, affording visitors a stunning perspective of the Blue and Green Lakes.
The tour highlights include:
- Exploring the Sete Cidades volcano
- Visiting a pineapple plantation
- Enjoying panoramic views from various lookout points
- Discovering the unique Cerrado das Freiras area
- Witnessing the breathtaking Blue and Green Lakes
Highlights
Amidst the stunning landscapes of the Azores, this excursion invites travelers on a captivating journey to the Sete Cidades volcano, where they’ll uncover the enchanting Blue and Green Lakes.
Guests begin their adventure with a visit to a local pineapple plantation, gaining insight into the island’s agricultural heritage. From there, they ascend to the Vista do Rei Lookout, which offers breathtaking panoramic vistas of the volcanic caldera below.
The highlight of the tour is exploring the Sete Cidades crater, including the iconic twin lakes, one blue and one green, created by the volcano’s powerful eruptions. Throughout the experience, travelers are guided by knowledgeable local experts, ensuring an enriching and memorable shore excursion.
Inclusions
This excursion includes pick-up from the cruise harbor terminal, a visit to a local pineapple plantation, a complimentary water bottle, and a small group atmosphere for an immersive experience.
The tour also includes:
- Exploration of the Sete Cidades volcano and its iconic blue and green lakes
- Panoramic views from the Vista do Rei Lookout and Ponta do Escalvado Lookout
- Discovery of the Cerrado das Freiras, a unique natural area within the Sete Cidades caldera
- Guided commentary from a knowledgeable local guide, providing insights into the island’s history and geology
- Guaranteed return to your cruise ship on time, ensuring you don’t miss your departure.
Restrictions
While the tour offers an immersive experience, there are some restrictions in place to ensure the safety and comfort of all participants. Guests over 254 lbs (115 kg) or with mobility impairments may find the activity challenging. Plus, the tour isn’t suitable for those with a cold, as the viewpoints at higher altitudes can be chilly.
Prohibited items include luggage, large bags, mobility scooters, food in the vehicle, alcohol, drugs, and electric wheelchairs. This is to maintain a small group atmosphere and facilitate smooth transportation. Guests are advised to dress warmly, as the viewpoints at elevated locations can be quite cool.
These restrictions help create an enjoyable and safe excursion for everyone involved.
- Ponta Delgada Full Day Sailing Tour With Snacks
- Private Tour of Furnas Valley, Gorreana Tea – Island Gems
- Shore Excursions to Volcano Crater and Lake of Sete Cidades
- São Miguel: Full-Day Nordeste & Waterfall Tour With Lunch
- Azores: Whale Watching and Islet Boat Tour
- Ponta Delgada: Hidden Gems of São Miguel Full-Day Van Tour
Meeting Point
In the article ‘Ponta Delgada: Sete Cidades Volcano – Blue & Green Lake’, the meeting point for the tour is inside the cruise terminal lounge. The tour guide will be waiting there, holding a sign with the guest’s name.
For ships docking at the commercial harbor, the guide will be stationed at the end of the shuttle line.
Here are some key details about the meeting point:
- Look for the guide holding a sign with your name
- For ships at the commercial harbor, the guide will be at the shuttle line end
- Arrive at the meeting point on time to ensure a smooth start to the tour
- The guide will be easily identifiable and ready to greet you
- Follow the guide’s instructions to begin your adventure to Sete Cidades.
Important Information
The tour has a few important restrictions and recommendations passengers should keep in mind. Luggage, large bags, mobility scooters, food, alcohol, and drugs are prohibited on the vehicle.
Guests should also dress warmly, especially for the viewpoints at higher altitudes. To ensure everyone’s safety and comfort, electric wheelchairs aren’t allowed either.
The tour guide will be waiting inside the cruise terminal lounge, holding a sign with the traveler’s name. For ships docking at the commercial harbor, the guide will be at the end of the shuttle line.
Customer Reviews
Travelers from the United States and Germany have recently left overwhelmingly positive reviews for this Sete Cidades shore excursion, with an overall rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars based on 8 customer evaluations. Reviewers highlighted several key aspects of the tour:
-
The small group size, which created a more intimate and personalized experience.
-
The knowledgeable and engaging tour guide, who brought the Sete Cidades volcano and its natural wonders to life.
-
The flexibility of the itinerary, allowing for a stress-free and enjoyable exploration of the area.
-
The convenience of the pick-up and drop-off service, which made the tour seamless for cruise ship passengers.
-
The value for money, with many noting the tour as a highlight of their Azores visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Strenuous Is the Hiking Involved in This Tour?
The hiking on this tour is not overly strenuous. There’s some walking at the viewpoints, but it’s mostly easy terrain. Those with mobility issues or who can’t walk for extended periods may have difficulty.
Can I Bring My Own Snacks on the Tour?
The tour prohibits bringing your own food and snacks on the vehicle. However, the tour includes a bottled water for each passenger. Bringing your own snacks would not be allowed due to the tour’s restrictions.
Do We Get Free Time to Explore the Villages on Our Own?
Yes, the tour provides free time for participants to explore the villages on their own. This allows them to discover the local culture and attractions at their own pace during the 4-hour excursion.
Is There an Opportunity to Purchase Local Handicrafts During the Tour?
The tour doesn’t include dedicated time for purchasing local handicrafts. However, there may be opportunities to browse and buy souvenirs at select stops. Guests should check with the guide for details on any handicraft shopping options during the excursion.
Can I Store My Luggage at the Cruise Terminal Before the Tour Starts?
According to the tour details, travelers cannot bring large bags or luggage on the tour. However, the meeting point is inside the cruise terminal lounge, so guests may be able to store their luggage there before the tour starts.
Recap
The Sete Cidades Volcano – Blue & Green Lake tour offers a captivating journey through Ponta Delgada‘s enchanting landscapes. Visitors will discover the natural beauty of the Azores, explore the stunning Blue and Green Lakes, and enjoy a unique and immersive experience guided by knowledgeable local experts.
With convenient transportation, complimentary water, and a small group atmosphere, this tour ensures a memorable and enriching adventure in Ponta Delgada.
You can check availability for your dates here:More Tour Reviews in Sao Miguel Island
- São Miguel:Rabo de Peixe From the Market to the Harbour Tour
- São Miguel Azores: Hike and Snorkeling with a local
- São Miguel Azores: Professional Photoshoot with Local Guide
- São Miguel Island: Full-Day Furnas and Vila Franca Tour
- Terceira Island: Ilhéu das Cabras Boat Tour + Snorkeling
- São Miguel: Swim with Wild Dolphins in the Open Ocean
Not for you? Here's more nearby things to do in Sao Miguel Island we have reviewed
- São Miguel:Rabo de Peixe From the Market to the Harbour Tour
- São Miguel Azores: Hike and Snorkeling with a local
- São Miguel Azores: Professional Photoshoot with Local Guide
- São Miguel Island: Full-Day Furnas and Vila Franca Tour
- Terceira Island: Ilhéu das Cabras Boat Tour + Snorkeling
- São Miguel: Swim with Wild Dolphins in the Open Ocean
- São Miguel Azores: Furnas Thermal Baths & Massage
- São Miguel: Azores Whaling Heritage Tour
- São Miguel: Whale-Watching Cruise with Marine Biologist
- São Miguel: 2-Day Island Tour, Tea & Pineapple Plantation
- Vila Franca Islet: Inside Guided Natural Reserve Geo Tour
- Van Tour Furnas (Full Day)