The volcanic lakes and coastlines of the Azores make perfect paddling destinations, with options for every experience level.
I especially love the Sete Cidades lake route – it’s peaceful, scenic, and perfect for beginners with 1-2 hour paddleboard rentals.
Vila Franca do Campo offers my favorite coastal kayaking, where you can paddle right up to a volcanic islet at your own pace.
For the ultimate adventure, don’t miss the Sete Cidades combo tour that cleverly mixes jeep exploration, biking, and kayaking – it’s a smart way to experience the region’s dramatic landscapes from every angle.
All these water adventures come with high ratings and flexible cancellation policies.
Let’s look at the best paddling tours worth your time and money:
Key Points
- The Azores offers a range of canoe and kayak experiences, including self-guided rentals in Sete Cidades and guided tours exploring the scenic Sete Cidades region.
- Kayak rentals in Vila Franca Do Campo provide options for groups of various sizes, with full refunds for cancellations up to 24 hours in advance.
- The Sete Cidades Jeep, Bike, & Kayak Ride is a 7-hour adventure that combines a jeep ride, bike ride, and kayak experience in a volcanic crater.
- Rental packages in Sete Cidades and Vila Franca Do Campo include necessary equipment such as life vests and paddles, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience.
- Customers have praised the booking process and high-quality service for the stand-up paddle and kayak experiences in the Azores, with flexible cancellation policies.
Stand Up Paddle Rental | Sete Cidades
The tranquility of Sete Cidades’ calm waters beckons adventurers to explore the region via stand-up paddleboarding. For $12.65 per person, visitors can rent a paddleboard for 1-2 hours and glide across the scenic lake.
This self-guided experience is limited to groups of 10 or fewer, allowing for a personalized and flexible adventure. Paddlers will reconnect with nature, soak in the soothing sounds, and create lasting memories.
The rental package includes the paddleboard, life vest, and necessary insurance. It’s not suitable for individuals over 264 lbs or non-swimmers, so participants should ensure they meet the requirements.
Bringing a towel and swimwear is recommended. Alcohol, drugs, and smoking are prohibited. Customers have given the experience high ratings, praising the peaceful atmosphere and seamless booking process, which allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Read our full review: Stand Up Paddle Rental | Sete Cidades Review
Book now: Check availability
Vila Franca Do Campo: Kayak Rental
Explore the tranquil waters of Vila Franca do Campo with a kayak rental, starting at €50 per group.
Choose from 2, 4, or 6-hour durations for a self-guided tour experience in the Atlantic Ocean. The rental options include single, double, or quadruple kayaks, with the quadruple suitable for 3 adults or 2 adults and 2 children up to 12 years old.
All experience levels are welcome, and equipment such as life vests and paddles are provided. Reservations can be made without upfront payment, and cancellations up to 24 hours in advance are eligible for a full refund.
The Vila Franca do Campo islet is open to the public from June 15 to October 11, with a daily entry limit and tickets required. Kayaks are allowed on the islet from 10:20 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The sit-on-top kayaks are designed for safety and stability, and insurance is included in the rental.
With an overall rating of 4.5/5 from 84 reviews, this kayak rental service offers an enjoyable and memorable experience in the Azores.
Read our full review: Vila Franca Do Campo: Kayak Rental Review
Book now: Check availability
From Ponta Delgada: Sete Cidades Jeep, Bike, & Kayak Ride
Although departing from Ponta Delgada, this 7-hour adventure takes you on a comprehensive exploration of the Sete Cidades region.
You’ll start with a jeep ride through secondary roads and dirt paths, taking in the outstanding views of the protected area.
Next, you’ll hop on a bike for a ride along the lake shore, followed by a kayak experience in the volcanic crater – a true highlight of the tour.
Throughout the day, you’ll marvel at the scenic landscapes with their multi-colored soil and slopes.
The tour includes pick-up, lunch, the kayak and bike experiences, and an English-speaking guide.
With a maximum group size of 8 participants, this activity provides an intimate and personalized adventure.
Priced from €202 per person, it’s an excellent way to discover the natural wonders of Sete Cidades.
Read our full review: From Ponta Delgada: Sete Cidades Jeep, Bike, & Kayak Ride Review
Book now: Check availability
Recap
The Azores offer a diverse range of canoe and kayak experiences. From renting stand-up paddleboards in Sete Cidades to guided kayak tours in Vila Franca Do Campo, visitors can explore the islands’ stunning volcanic landscapes and coastlines. For a more comprehensive experience, the Sete Cidades Jeep, Bike, and Kayak Ride provides a multi-activity adventure. With these options, visitors can enjoy the natural beauty of the Azores by water.