Azores São Miguel: Full Day Hike and Snorkeling With a Local

The Azores archipelago, a remote and stunning collection of volcanic islands in the mid-Atlantic, is a true natural wonder. One of its gems, São Miguel, offers visitors a chance to enjoy a captivating blend of lush forests, cascading waterfalls, and vibrant marine life. A guided tour promises to unveil the island’s hidden treasures, from a rejuvenating hike to an unforgettable snorkeling adventure. Whether you’re a seasoned explorer or simply seeking to reconnect with nature, this full-day excursion promises an enriching experience that will leave you yearning to uncover more of São Miguel’s remarkable beauty.

This experience made our list of the 11 Best Full-Day Tours In Portugal.

Key Points

• A full-day hiking and snorkeling tour in São Miguel, Azores, covering a 3-hour guided hike, a waterfall, and snorkeling at a volcanic beach or pool.
• The tour is limited to 5 participants, with transportation, a certified guide, and all necessary fees included in the price of CZK4,197 per person.
• Participants can enjoy a 75-minute lunch break at a local restaurant featuring traditional Azorean cuisine, including fresh seafood and locally-sourced vegetables.
• An optional 2-hour hike at Porto Formoso is available for those interested in exploring unique geological features and lush landscapes.
• The tour includes convenient pickup and drop-off from Fenais Da Ajuda, ensuring a seamless and comfortable experience for participants.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

This full-day hiking and snorkeling experience in São Miguel, Azores, offers a comprehensive exploration of the island’s natural wonders.

The tour lasts 7 hours and is limited to a small group of 5 participants, with options in Portuguese, English, Italian, and Spanish. Guests can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

The tour is priced at Kč4,664, reduced to Kč4,197 per person.

The itinerary includes guided hiking through forests and protected areas, admiring a waterfall, a lunch break, and snorkeling at a volcanic beach or pool to observe marine life.

Transportation and a certified guide are provided, with all necessary fees included.

Itinerary Highlights

The tour begins with pickup from Fenais Da Ajuda, Azores. Participants embark on a guided 3-hour hike through beautiful forests and protected areas.

Along the way, they’ll explore the local flora, fauna, and geology, and admire a captivating waterfall. After a 75-minute lunch break at a local restaurant, there’s an optional 2-hour hike at Porto Formoso.

The experience culminates with snorkeling at a volcanic beach or pool to observe the diverse marine life. Throughout the journey, a certified guide provides insights and ensures a safe, enjoyable excursion.

The key highlights of the itinerary include:

1. Guided hiking through scenic natural landscapes.
2. Discovering local flora, fauna, and geological formations.
3. Admiring a picturesque waterfall.
4. Snorkeling to immerse in the vibrant marine ecosystem.

Pickup Location

The tour commences with pickup from Fenais Da Ajuda, a small town in the Azores archipelago. This convenient location allows participants to embark on the day’s adventures seamlessly.

The tour guide will collect guests from their accommodations in the area, ensuring a smooth start to the excursion. From Fenais Da Ajuda, the group will be transported in an air-conditioned vehicle to the various hiking and snorkeling sites featured on the itinerary.

This centralized pickup point minimizes travel time and maximizes the time spent engaged in the outdoor activities. Guests can relax and look forward to the day’s highlights, which include guided hiking, waterfall viewing, and snorkeling in the volcanic landscapes of São Miguel.

Activities Included

Guided hiking makes up a core component of this full-day tour in São Miguel, Azores.

During the 3-hour hike, you will explore beautiful forests and protected areas, admiring a waterfall along the way.

The tour also includes:

• A lunch break at a local restaurant, allowing you to savor the flavors of the region.
• An optional 2-hour hike at Porto Formoso, where you can further learn about the island’s natural wonders.
• Snorkeling at a volcanic beach or pool to observe the diverse marine life.
• A certified guide from the Regional Government of the Azores, who’ll provide insights and expertise throughout the experience.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Lunch Break

A 75-minute lunch break at a local restaurant allows participants to savor the flavors of the Azores region.

This midday respite provides an opportunity to refuel and recharge before the second half of the excursion. Visitors can expect to enjoy a traditional Azorean lunch, featuring fresh seafood, locally-sourced vegetables, and perhaps a glass of the region’s renowned volcanic wine.

The restaurant setting offers a chance to soak in the ambiance and culture of São Miguel, providing a well-deserved break from the physical exertion of the hike.

This lunch stop ensures that adventurers are fueled and energized for the snorkeling portion of the tour.

Optional Hiking

After the initial hiking portion, participants have the option to continue their exploration of the island with an additional 2-hour hike at Porto Formoso.

This optional hike offers the opportunity to:

1. Discover more of the island’s unique geological features.
2. Immerse themselves in the lush, verdant landscapes of the Azores.
3. Spot additional native flora and fauna not seen during the first hike.
4. Enjoy the peaceful solitude and stunning vistas of the Porto Formoso area.

This optional activity allows guests to further customize their adventure and delve deeper into the natural wonders of São Miguel.

Transportation and Guide

The tour includes pickup and drop-off at participants’ accommodations, ensuring a seamless start and end to the day’s adventures. An air-conditioned vehicle transports the small group of up to 5 guests, providing comfortable transportation throughout the day. The certified guide, approved by the Regional Government of the Azores, leads the hike and snorkeling activities, sharing their in-depth knowledge of the local flora, fauna, and geology.

Transportation	Guide	Inclusions
Pickup/drop-off	Certified by Azores Government	Parking fees
Air-conditioned vehicle	Knowledgeable about local environment	GST
Comfortable for small group

Participants can relax and fully enjoy the Azorean experience, with all logistics handled by the tour provider.

What to Bring

Comfortable shoes and clothing are essential for participants to fully enjoy the hike and snorkeling activities.

In addition, bringing a swimsuit and towel is crucial for the snorkeling portion of the tour.

To prepare for the unpredictable Azores weather, it’s recommended to pack rain gear such as a light jacket or poncho.

Finally, don’t forget to bring the following items:

1. Sunscreen to protect against the island’s strong UV rays.
2. A water bottle to stay hydrated during the hike.
3. A small backpack or daypack to carry personal items.
4. Camera or smartphone to capture the stunning natural scenery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Equipment for Snorkeling Provided?

The tour includes the necessary snorkeling equipment, such as masks, snorkels, and fins. Participants don’t need to bring their own gear as it’s provided as part of the experience.

Can I Bring My Own Snorkeling Gear?

Yes, participants can bring their own snorkeling gear on the tour. However, the tour also provides snorkeling equipment for those who don’t have their own.

Is the Hike Suitable for All Fitness Levels?

The hike is suitable for most fitness levels, with an average difficulty. While there are some challenging sections, the tour is designed for participants to move at their own pace. Guides provide support for those needing assistance.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for Participants?

There are no age restrictions for participants on this tour. The small group size of 5 allows the tour to accommodate a range of ages and fitness levels, ensuring an enjoyable experience for all.

Can I Request a Private Tour?

Yes, you can request a private tour. The tour operator offers customized options for solo travelers or private groups, subject to availability and additional fees. Contact them directly to discuss your preferences and booking a private experience.

Recap

This full-day tour offers a unique opportunity to take in the breathtaking natural beauty of São Miguel in the Azores. Led by a knowledgeable local guide, the experience combines a captivating hike through lush forests and a refreshing snorkeling adventure amidst vibrant marine life. With seamless transportation and a delicious traditional Azorean lunch, this tour provides an enriching and unforgettable exploration of the island’s wonders.

You can check if your dates are available here: