Shore Excursions to the Volcano and Crater of Lagoa Das Sete Cidades

Exploring the volcanic crater of Lagoa das Sete Cidades on São Miguel Island is a must-do activity for many travelers. These shore excursions, limited to small groups of eight, provide an intimate and immersive experience led by knowledgeable guides. Visitors can expect comfortable transportation, convenient pickup services, and insights into the area’s rich culture and history. As they gaze upon the stunning twin lakes, Lagoa Verde and Lagoa Azul, nestled within the volcanic crater, participants are sure to be left in awe of the breathtaking natural beauty. However, what else can these tours offer that might surprise even the most seasoned travelers?

Good To Know

• Azores Magic Tours offers a popular shore excursion to explore the volcanic crater and twin lakes of Lagoa das Sete Cidades on São Miguel Island.
• The tour includes bottled water, a knowledgeable guide, and transportation in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle, providing a seamless experience.
• Visitors can hike along the crater’s edge for panoramic views and learn about the volcanic history and local culture from the guide.
• While the tour is not wheelchair accessible, it accommodates strollers and infant seats, making it suitable for families with young children.
• Travelers praise the small group size, knowledgeable guide, and excellent photo opportunities, though some have expressed concerns about the vehicle condition and audio quality.

Tour Overview and Details

Offering a comprehensive look at one of the Azores’ most captivating natural wonders, the Shore Excursions to Lagoa das Sete Cidades tour provides visitors with an immersive experience.

Operated by Azores Magic Tours, the tour departs from Ponta Delgada and is highly rated, with an average of 4.0 stars from 3 reviews. Priced at $63.71 per person, the tour accommodates a maximum of 8 travelers and includes bottled water, a knowledgeable guide, and convenient pickup and drop-off services.

While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it does offer stroller access and infant seats. Feedback highlights the small group size, great photo opportunities, and the guide’s local insights, but also notes concerns about the vehicle condition and difficulty hearing the guide at times.

Included in the Excursion

The Shore Excursions to Lagoa das Sete Cidades tour includes a range of amenities to enhance the experience.

Travelers are provided with bottled water to stay hydrated during the excursion. An experienced, knowledgeable guide accompanies the group, offering insights into the local culture and history.

Transportation is taken care of, with hotel, airport, port, or marina pickups and drop-offs in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle. The tour caters to various accessibility needs, with strollers and infant seats available.

While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, most travelers can participate comfortably. These inclusions ensure a seamless, enjoyable exploration of the stunning Lagoa das Sete Cidades.

Accessibility and Traveler Requirements

Per the tour details, the Lagoa das Sete Cidades shore excursion caters to a range of travelers, though it isn’t wheelchair accessible.

Strollers are welcome, and infant seats are available. Most travelers can participate, as the tour doesn’t require strenuous physical activity.

However, those with mobility issues may find it challenging to get in and out of the air-conditioned vehicle. The small group size of up to 8 passengers allows for a more intimate and personalized experience.

Travelers can expect great photo opportunities and insights from the knowledgeable local guide, though they may have difficulty hearing the guide at times.

Positive Traveler Experiences

Travelers who’ve experienced the Lagoa das Sete Cidades shore excursion consistently praise the small group size, which allows for a more intimate and personalized experience.

The knowledgeable local guide, Carla, is frequently mentioned for her insightful commentary and ability to provide unique insights into the Azores region.

Many travelers highlight the excellent photo opportunities afforded by the tour, capturing the stunning natural beauty of the volcanic crater and its serene lakes.

Plus, the convenient pickup and drop-off service, as well as the inclusion of bottled water and air-conditioned transportation, contribute to the overall positive experience for participants.

Key Positive Experiences:

1. Small group size
2. Knowledgeable local guide
3. Excellent photo opportunities
4. Convenient transportation and amenities

Negative Traveler Experiences

Although the majority of travelers have praised the Lagoa das Sete Cidades shore excursion, some have voiced concerns about certain aspects of the tour.

Some reviewers criticized the condition of the vehicle used, noting it wasn’t as comfortable or well-maintained as expected. Others had difficulty hearing the guide’s commentary, which detracted from their overall experience.

A few travelers also found the stops, such as a pineapple plantation and a bathroom break in a small town, to be underwhelming and not fully aligned with the tour’s main focus on the breathtaking Lagoa das Sete Cidades.

While the negative experiences were in the minority, it’s important for potential visitors to be aware of these concerns.

Host Response to Feedback

The tour provider, Azores Magic Tours, has addressed some of the negative feedback received. In response to the concerns about the vehicle condition and difficulty hearing the guide, the company acknowledged the need for improvements.

They stated that steps have been taken to upgrade their fleet and enhance the audio systems for a more comfortable experience.

The provider also defended the tour itinerary, emphasizing that:

1. The pineapple plantation offers a unique cultural experience.
2. The bathroom break in the small town provides an opportunity to explore local charm.
3. The main highlight, Lagoa das Sete Cidades, remains the tour’s primary focus.
4. The knowledgeable guide, Carla, provides valuable insights into the Azores’ history and natural wonders.

Booking the Excursion

Booking this shore excursion to Lagoa das Sete Cidades is a straightforward process.

Travelers can select their preferred pickup point and time on the booking page. The tour provider, Azores Magic Tours, will confirm availability within 48 hours. Customers can reserve the tour now and pay later, providing flexibility.

The maximum group size is 8 people, ensuring a personalized experience. While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s stroller-friendly and has infant seats available, accommodating families.

With a 4.0 average rating from previous guests, this shore excursion promises an engaging exploration of the stunning Lagoa das Sete Cidades in the Azores.

Exploring the Volcanic Crater

Nestled within the lush green hills of São Miguel Island, the Lagoa das Sete Cidades is a breathtaking volcanic crater that draws visitors from around the world.

This geological wonder offers a unique opportunity to explore the diverse landscapes and natural beauty of the Azores.

During the shore excursion, travelers can:

1. Gaze upon the stunning twin lakes of Lagoa Verde and Lagoa Azul, each with its own distinct hue.
2. Hike along the crater’s edge, taking in panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
3. Visit the picturesque village of Sete Cidades, known for its charming houses and quaint local life.
4. Learn about the region’s volcanic history and ecosystem from the knowledgeable tour guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is There an Age Limit for Participating in the Tour?

There’s no age limit for this tour. Most travelers can participate, including infants, as infant seats are available. The tour is stroller accessible but not wheelchair accessible.

Can We Bring Our Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Yes, you can bring your own food and drinks on the tour. The tour provider allows participants to bring their own snacks and beverages during the excursion to enjoy at their leisure.

How Much Walking Is Involved During the Tour?

The tour involves moderate walking around the Lagoa das Sete Cidades crater and surrounding areas. Travelers should expect to be on their feet for up to 2 hours, with some uneven terrain and inclines along the way.

Are There Any Restroom Facilities at the Crater Site?

Yes, there are restroom facilities available at the crater site of Lagoa das Sete Cidades. The tour includes a stop where travelers can use the facilities before continuing their exploration of the scenic crater.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

Yes, there is an option to extend the tour duration. According to the information provided, the tour has a maximum of 8 travelers, and the provider offers flexible scheduling options, so extending the tour may be possible upon request.

The Sum Up

The shore excursions to the Lagoa das Sete Cidades offer travelers a unique opportunity to explore the volcanic crater and its stunning twin lakes. With knowledgeable guides, comfortable transportation, and a focus on small groups, these tours provide an immersive and memorable experience showcasing the natural beauty and rich cultural heritage of this picturesque landscape on São Miguel Island. Booking the excursion is a seamless process, making it an ideal activity for travelers seeking an unforgettable adventure.