São Miguel: Island Highlights Private Tour by Boat and Van

The ‘São Miguel: Island Highlights Private Tour by Boat and Van’ offers visitors a comprehensive way to explore the natural wonders of São Miguel Island. Combining a boat cruise and van tour, this 8-hour excursion takes travelers to iconic spots like Lagoa do Fogo and Salto do Cabrito Waterfall. With complimentary hotel pickup, snorkeling gear, and insurance coverage, the tour provides a convenient and hassle-free experience. But what makes this tour truly unique is the chance to take in the island’s captivating landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Uncover the secrets that lie beyond the surface as you embark on this unforgettable adventure.

Key Points

• This 8-hour private tour combines a boat cruise and a van tour to explore the highlights of São Miguel Island, including Lagoa do Fogo and Salto do Cabrito Waterfall.
• The tour includes complimentary hotel pickup and drop-off, snorkeling gear, bottled water, maps, and insurance coverage.
• The tour offers a 1-hour lunch in Ribeira Grande and a 3-hour boat cruise with swimming/snorkeling at the Islet of Vila Franca do Campo.
• Pickup and drop-off are available from 5 locations in Ponta Delgada, with the van arriving 10-15 minutes before the scheduled time.
• Wheelchair users, individuals prone to seasickness or motion sickness, participants bringing pets, and those engaging in certain prohibited activities are excluded from the tour.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Overview of the Tour

This private tour of São Miguel Island explores the island’s highlights, combining a boat cruise and a van tour over the course of 8 hours.

Travelers can enjoy free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and reserve now while paying later.

The tour includes pickup and drop-off from 5 locations in Ponta Delgada, São Miguel, with the van arriving 10-15 minutes before the scheduled time.

Highlights of the tour include visits to Lagoa do Fogo, Salto do Cabrito Waterfall, Gorreana Tea Factory, Ribeira Grande, and the Islet of Vila Franca do Campo, where travelers can enjoy a boat cruise, swimming, and snorkeling.

The tour also includes various inclusions such as snorkeling gear, bottled water, and insurance.

Pickup and Drop-off Locations

The tour offers pickup and drop-off from 5 locations in Ponta Delgada, São Miguel. This convenience allows guests to easily access the tour from various points in the city.

The pickup will occur 10-15 minutes before the scheduled time, and guests should look for a silver van with the PrimeAzores logo.

Pickup and drop-off locations include:

• Hotel or accommodation in Ponta Delgada
• Central bus station in Ponta Delgada
• Town hall in Ponta Delgada
• Airport in Ponta Delgada
• Cruise ship port in Ponta Delgada

This flexible transportation option ensures a seamless start and end to the private tour of São Miguel’s island highlights.

Itinerary Highlights

The tour begins with a visit to Lagoa do Fogo, a stunning volcanic lake nestled in the heart of São Miguel. Guests will have around 30 minutes to admire the breathtaking scenery and take in the serene atmosphere of this natural wonder.

Next, the tour heads to Salto do Cabrito Waterfall, where visitors can spend 20 minutes enjoying the cascading waters.

The Gorreana Tea Factory, one of the oldest tea plantations in Europe, is the following stop, allowing guests to learn about the tea-making process.

After a 1-hour lunch in Ribeira Grande, the tour explores the town’s historic landmarks before concluding with a 3-hour boat cruise and swimming/snorkeling at the Islet of Vila Franca do Campo.

Included Services

The tour includes a range of services and amenities to enhance the overall experience for visitors. These include:

• Complimentary hotel pickup and drop-off in Ponta Delgada, ensuring a seamless start and end to the tour.
• Snorkeling gear provided, allowing guests to explore the marine life at the Islet of Vila Franca do Campo.
• Bottled water to stay hydrated throughout the day.
• Detailed maps and an Azores guidebook to help you navigate the island’s attractions.
• Portable power banks to keep your devices charged during the tour.

In addition, the tour provides land and sea insurance coverage, giving you peace of mind during your excursion.

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Excluded Participants

This tour excludes participation for wheelchair users, individuals prone to seasickness or motion sickness, as well as those bringing pets, smoking, consuming food in the vehicle, littering, using fireworks, explosive substances, making fires, or engaging in nudity.

This is to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all participants on the private tour of São Miguel Island.

The tour involves boat cruises and van transportation, which may pose challenges for those with mobility issues or susceptibility to motion sickness.

Plus, the tour provider aims to maintain a clean and well-preserved environment, so certain activities and behaviors are restricted.

Duration and Cancellation Policy

The tour lasts 8 hours and allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. This gives participants the flexibility to change their plans if needed.

Highlights of the tour include:

• Visiting popular destinations like the Lagoa do Fogo and Salto do Cabrito Waterfall
• Exploring the historic town of Ribeira Grande and its Town Hall
• Enjoying a boat cruise and having the opportunity to swim and snorkel at the Islet of Vila Franca do Campo

The tour also includes:

• Complimentary hotel pickup and drop-off
• Snorkeling gear, bottled water, maps, and power banks
• Land and sea insurance coverage for a worry-free experience

The tour’s duration and cancellation policy make it an attractive option for those seeking to discover the natural beauty and cultural richness of São Miguel Island.

Boat Cruise and Water Activities

Visitors embark on a 3-hour boat cruise to the Islet of Vila Franca do Campo, where they can swim and snorkel in the clear waters surrounding the volcanic islet.

This unique geological formation offers a stunning natural setting for exploring the marine life. Snorkeling gear is provided, allowing guests to discover the vibrant underwater world teeming with colorful fish and other aquatic creatures.

The boat ride itself is an enjoyable experience, offering panoramic views of the island’s coastline and the chance to spot seabirds and other wildlife.

Additional Information

Guests must disclose any medical conditions or mobility issues at the time of booking, as the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, those prone to seasickness or motion sickness.

The tour also prohibits pets, smoking, food in the vehicle, littering, fireworks, explosive substances, making fire, and nudity.

To ensure a pleasant experience, the tour provider offers the following:

• Bottled water to stay hydrated
• Maps and Azores guide books for reference
• Powerbanks to keep devices charged
• Land and sea insurance for peace of mind
• Snorkeling gear for the boat cruise activity

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Snorkeling Gear?

Yes, you can bring your own snorkeling gear if you prefer. The tour includes snorkeling equipment, but you’re welcome to use your own gear if you have it. This can provide a more comfortable and familiar experience.

Is There an Age Limit for the Tour Participants?

The tour does not specify an age limit for participants. However, the activity includes boat and water-based excursions, so the tour may not be suitable for very young children or those with mobility issues. Guests should check with the tour provider for any age or fitness requirements.

Is There a Limit on the Number of Participants?

The tour does not specify a limit on the number of participants. However, it is described as a "private tour", suggesting the group size is small and personalized. The exact maximum group size is not provided in the details.

Can I Request a Vegetarian or Gluten-Free Meal?

You can request a vegetarian or gluten-free meal for the tour. The tour provider will accommodate dietary restrictions if you inform them in advance. Meals are provided as part of the tour package.

Can I Opt-Out of the Boat Cruise and Explore the Island by Van?

Yes, travelers can opt-out of the boat cruise portion and explore the island solely by van. The tour provider offers this flexibility, allowing guests to customize their experience based on personal preferences and comfort levels.

Recap

The ‘São Miguel: Island Highlights Private Tour by Boat and Van’ provides a comprehensive way to explore the natural wonders of São Miguel Island.

It combines a boat cruise and van tour, allowing visitors to experience the island’s highlights, including Lagoa do Fogo, Salto do Cabrito Waterfall, and Gorreana Tea Factory.

With complimentary services like hotel pickup and drop-off, snorkeling gear, and insurance coverage, this tour offers a convenient and stress-free way to discover the beauty of São Miguel.

You can check availability for your dates here: