Terceira Island: Algar Do Carvão – the Caves Tour

Terceira Island’s Algar Do Carvão – the Caves Tour provides an enthralling way to explore the island’s diverse geological wonders. From captivating lava tubes to sulfurous fumaroles, this 3-hour excursion showcases the island’s natural beauty with guided commentary in multiple languages. With convenient pickup, transportation, and flexible cancellation policies, it’s an accessible adventure that’s sure to leave visitors eager to discover more of Terceira’s hidden treasures.

Key Points

• This 3-hour excursion explores the best caves on Terceira Island, including the renowned Algar do Carvão lava tube cave.
• The tour includes entry fees, hotel pickup/drop-off, transportation, a knowledgeable guide, and safety equipment like helmets.
• The itinerary covers four distinct cave systems, showcasing the island’s diverse geological features and natural wonders.
• The tour is suitable for groups of at least 5 people and is not recommended for those with mobility issues or wheelchair users.
• Visitors can reserve and pay later to secure their spot, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Details

The tour offers an excursion to explore the best caves on Terceira Island. It includes tickets and a guide available in Portuguese, English, and Spanish.

The duration is 3 hours, with pickup and drop-off at hotels or accommodations. The tour is likely to sell out, so it’s recommended to reserve a spot and pay later to secure your place.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

The itinerary covers four main cave sites: Lagoa das Patas, Gruta Natal, Furnas do Enxofre, and Algar do Carvão, allowing visitors to discover the island’s remarkable underground wonders.

Reservation and Cancellation

To secure a spot on this popular tour, visitors can reserve now and pay later. The tour is likely to sell out, so booking in advance is recommended.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund, providing flexibility for travelers.

This reservation and cancellation policy makes it easy for visitors to plan their trip without worrying about upfront costs or last-minute changes. By reserving a spot now and paying later, travelers can ensure they’ve a guaranteed spot on the tour.

And with free cancellation available, they can adjust their plans if needed without any financial penalty.

Itinerary Overview

This comprehensive tour begins with a visit to Lagoa das Patas, a stunning natural lake, followed by an exploration of the Gruta Natal, a cave known for its impressive geological formations.

Next, the group will venture to Furnas do Enxofre, a remarkable sulfur cave, before culminating the excursion at the renowned Algar do Carvão, a captivating lava tube cave.

The itinerary is designed to provide visitors with a well-rounded experience, showcasing the diverse and fascinating cave systems of Terceira Island. Key highlights of the tour include:

• Discovering the serene Lagoa das Patas
• Marveling at the unique formations in Gruta Natal
• Exploring the sulfurous Furnas do Enxofre
• Immersing oneself in the captivating Algar do Carvão

Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour includes entry fees for Algar do Carvaᵒ and Gruta Natal, costing €15 per person, as well as hotel pickup and drop-off, transportation, free WiFi on board, and a driver and guide. Plus, a helmet is provided for the Gruta Natal portion of the tour.

Inclusions	Exclusions
Entry fees for Algar do Carvaᵒ and Gruta Natal (€15/pax)	Mobility impairments, wheelchair users, or those over 95 years old
Hotel pickup and drop-off	Minimum 5 people for open-top minibus, otherwise minivan
Transportation, free WiFi, driver and guide, helmet for Gruta Natal	Children must be accompanied by an adult

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Restrictions and Requirements

The tour has certain restrictions and requirements. It’s not suitable for people with mobility impairments, wheelchair users, or those over 95 years old.

Plus, there’s a minimum of 5 people required for the open-top minibus; otherwise, a minivan will be used. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

The key restrictions and requirements for this tour include:

• Not suitable for those with mobility issues or in wheelchairs
• Minimum group size of 5 for the open-top minibus
• Children must be accompanied by an adult

These guidelines help ensure the safety and comfort of all participants throughout the cave exploration experience on Terceira Island.

Pickup and Transportation

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included in the tour, providing convenience for participants.

Transportation is handled by either an open-top minibus or a minivan, depending on the group size. Complimentary WiFi is available on board for guests to stay connected during the journey.

The tour includes a knowledgeable driver and guide who’ll lead the group throughout the excursion. This ensures a seamless and informative experience as visitors explore the best caves on Terceira Island.

The transportation provided is an integral part of the tour, allowing participants to focus on the remarkable geological formations without the hassle of navigating themselves. The pickup and transportation services enhance the overall convenience and enjoyment of this cave exploration adventure.

Duration and Schedule

The tour lasts approximately 3 hours, with pickup and drop-off at hotels or accommodations.

Participants will explore the captivating landscapes and geological wonders of Terceira Island during this comprehensive excursion.

The itinerary includes:

• Visiting Lagoa das Patas for 30 minutes
• Exploring the Gruta Natal cave for 30 minutes
• Discovering the Furnas do Enxofre volcanic area for 30 minutes
• Spending 45 minutes at the impressive Algar do Carvão lava tube.

With a knowledgeable guide available in Portuguese, English, and Spanish, guests can enjoy the island’s natural beauty and learn about its fascinating geological history throughout the tour.

Guided Exploration

With a knowledgeable guide leading the way, guests can explore the captivating landscapes and geological wonders of Terceira Island. The guide, available in Portuguese, English, and Spanish, provides fascinating insights into the island’s natural history throughout the tour.

Explorers will visit several caves, including the impressive Algar do Carvão, a volcanic chimney with stunning rock formations and underground lakes. The guide shares expert knowledge about the caves’ origins, unique ecosystems, and conservation efforts. Along the way, guests can engage in discussion and ask questions, ensuring a truly enriching and memorable experience.

From start to finish, the guided exploration offers an immersive journey through Terceira’s captivating underground world.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit the Caves?

The best time to visit the caves is during the dry summer months, typically from June to September, when weather conditions are most favorable for exploring the cave systems comfortably and safely.

Can I Take Photos Inside the Caves?

Yes, visitors can take photos inside the caves. The tour includes access to the caves, and photography is generally allowed, though some restrictions may apply to certain areas to protect the delicate cave environments.

Is There a Dress Code or Specific Clothing Required?

There’s no strict dress code, but comfortable, closed-toe shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended. Avoid loose or dangling items that could get caught. Overall, dress for an active outdoor excursion.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for Children?

There are age restrictions for children on this tour. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and the tour is not suitable for those over 95 years old or with mobility impairments.

Are There Any Additional Fees or Costs Not Mentioned?

There are no additional fees or costs mentioned. The tour price includes entry fees, transportation, guide, and equipment. However, travelers should be aware of any optional activities or purchases they may want to make during the tour.

Recap

The Algar do Carvão – The Caves Tour on Terceira Island provides a captivating 3-hour exploration of the island’s diverse cave systems.

With guided commentary in multiple languages, visitors can enjoy the geological wonders of Lagoa das Patas, Gruta Natal, Furnas do Enxofre, and the renowned Algar do Carvão lava tube.

Convenient pickup, transportation, and flexible cancellation policies make this tour an excellent way to experience Terceira’s natural beauty.

You can check availability for your dates here: