Ponta Delgada: Shore Excursion Sete Cidades and Furnas Volcano

If you’re heading to São Miguel Island and want a taste of its most iconic sights without the hassle of planning, this shore excursion offers a well-rounded glimpse of the island’s natural beauty. It’s especially tailored for cruise travelers eager to see the highlights in a manageable, organized way.

What we love about this trip? First, it’s the chance to enjoy breathtaking views of crater lakes and volcanic landscapes with the comfort of an air-conditioned vehicle and a knowledgeable local guide. Second, the inclusion of a visit to Furnas’ geothermal caldera, with optional dips into natural thermal pools, promises a memorable experience.

A possible consideration? The weather in the Azores can be unpredictable — fog and rain are common, which can obscure some vistas and temper the overall experience. Still, this tour manages to pack in a lot, even on a cloudy day.

This experience is ideal for those who want a comprehensive, mainly outdoor tour that balances stunning scenery with cultural insights, all within about five hours of shore time. If you prefer to see the highlights without the hassle of navigating yourself, this tour is a solid choice.

Key Points

• Spectacular scenery of crater lakes and volcanic landscapes
• Expert local guides with good English skills
• Flexible options like thermal pools and tea tasting
• Small group size (max 16 travelers), ensuring a more personal experience
• Good value at around $103, considering the sights and logistical convenience
• Weather can be unpredictable, so be prepared for fog or rain

What Makes This Tour Stand Out

This São Miguel shore excursion offers a practical way to see the island’s most famous sights in a cozy 5-hour window. It’s designed specifically for cruise passengers who want a seamless, informative, and scenic experience without the stress of self-driving or overstuffed itineraries.

The Itinerary in Detail

First Stop: Sete Cidades
The tour kicks off with a scenic drive to the famous Vista do Rei viewpoint, where you’ll get sweeping views over the twin crater lakes — one blue, one green. These lakes, formed by volcanic activity, are the star attraction here. The legend of their creation adds a touch of storytelling charm: two lovers from rival villages who turned into lakes to be together forever.

From the viewpoint, if weather permits, you’ll enjoy some truly spectacular photo ops. Reviewers rave about the views, calling it “very nice” and appreciating the timed visit that ensures the best lighting and visibility. When the weather cooperates, the scenery is genuinely breathtaking. However, as one traveler noted, fog and steam can obscure the vistas, and some days may see less visibility.

Second Stop: Furnas Volcano Caldera
Next, your journey continues to Furnas, a volcanic hot spot filled with bubbling geothermal activity. Here, you can choose to visit Terra Nostra Park (note that the thermal pools are temporarily unavailable until 2025) or simply enjoy the sights of the boiling fumaroles and lush botanical gardens. The park itself is renowned for its botanical richness, and many reviews mention the delicious local cuisine served here, often cooked using volcanic heat — a fun cultural tidbit.

While thermal pools aren’t available, the natural beauty and geothermal activity still make Furnas a highlight. The admission fee to the park is included, which adds value to the overall experience. Many travelers found the visit very enjoyable and educational, with guides eager to share local stories and volcanic facts.

Food and Local Flavor

One of the small but delightful extras is the visit to a local tea plantation, where you get to taste freshly produced tea. This gives you a taste of local craftsmanship and adds an authentic flavor to the tour.

Transportation and Group Size

Traveling in an air-conditioned vehicle, the tour maintains a comfortable pace, with a maximum of 16 travelers. This small group setup means more personal attention from guides and fewer crowds.

Guide and Commentary

Reviews consistently praise the guides’ knowledge and English skills. Guides like John and Andrea are described as friendly, informative, and proud of their island, which makes the experience more engaging. Many reviewers highlight how guides go above and beyond, tailoring the experience and sharing authentic local insights.

Tour Cost and Value

At around $103, this tour might seem modestly priced, but considering the transportation, guide services, park entrance fees, and the included tea tasting, it offers good value. You’re not just paying for transport — you’re paying for a curated experience that takes the guesswork out of exploring São Miguel.

Weather – The Wild Card

A recurring theme in reviews is the weather. While most travelers enjoyed clear views and perfect timing, a few experienced fog or rain that limited visibility. One reviewer pointed out that in the Azores, weather can change rapidly, and even with good planning, clouds can obscure the scenery. The tour provider explains that excursions often proceed even in less-than-ideal conditions, but it’s wise to be flexible and bring layers.

Authentic Experiences and Insights from Travelers

Multiple reviews commend the knowledgeable guides — calling them “fabulous,” “very good,” and “extremely knowledgeable.” Many praise the guides’ ability to balance storytelling with practical info, making the day both fun and educational.

Some travelers appreciated the personal touches — like being dropped off for an hour at the thermal pools (when available) or being encouraged to take photos of craters and lakes. One reviewer shared that she was the only one aware of the thermal pool option, highlighting how small groups can personalize experiences.

Many travelers also note how stunning the island is, regardless of the weather. Even when fog rolled in, guides managed to keep spirits high, and the overall experience still felt worthwhile.

Practical Tips for Future Travelers

• Bring layers: Weather in the Azores can shift quickly, and fog or rain are common.
• Prepare for limited thermal pool access: The pools are temporarily unavailable until 2025, so check before your trip if that’s a must-do.
• Arrive on time: The tour starts at 9:00 am, so plan your morning accordingly.
• Consider your camera: The vistas are incredible, but fog might obscure some views. Still, the photo opportunities are plentiful.
• Eat locally: The tea tasting and potential local snacks offer a bonus flavor of Azorean culture.
• Expect a small group: This means more interaction and flexibility but also limited spots, so book early.

The Sum Up

This shore excursion to Sete Cidades and Furnas offers a balanced mix of natural beauty, cultural insights, and practical comfort. The small group size and knowledgeable guides make it a reliable choice for travelers who want a personal, engaging experience of São Miguel without having to plan every detail themselves.

While the weather can be unpredictable — and sometimes clouds or fog obscure views — the overall value remains high. The sights of crater lakes, geothermal activity, and lush botanical gardens are truly worth seeing, especially with guides eager to share local stories and tips.

If you’re a traveler who enjoys scenic landscapes, authentic local touches like tea tasting, and informative guides, this tour should be at the top of your list. It’s perfect for cruise passengers with limited time who want to maximize their island experience without sacrificing comfort or quality.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, most travelers can participate. The tour is designed to be accessible and engaging for a range of ages, with no strenuous activities involved.

What is included in the price?
The price covers transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, a local guide, a visit to the last natural tea plantation with tasting, and the entrance fee to Natural Park Caldeiras das Furnas.

Can I visit Terra Nostra botanical garden?
Not currently. The thermal pools at Terra Nostra are temporarily unavailable until 2025, but visits to the botanical garden are still included in the park entry.

What should I bring?
Bring layers for unpredictable weather, a camera or smartphone for photos, and possibly a swimsuit if you plan to enjoy the thermal pools when they reopen.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 5 hours, starting at 9:00 am and ending back at the meeting point.

Is the tour customizable?
While the itinerary is set, guides are generally flexible within the scheduled stops. Small groups also mean you can ask questions or request additional info.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour proceeds in most weather conditions, but if weather obscures the views significantly, you might find some vistas less impressive. The provider offers a full refund or rescheduling if poor weather cancels the tour.

In summary, this São Miguel shore excursion offers an excellent mix of scenery, culture, and comfort, making it a solid choice for anyone wanting to capture the essence of the Azores without overextending their time or budget.