The pristine waters around Sao Miguel offer three standout paddling experiences worth your time and money.
The peaceful Sete Cidades lakes deliver an easy, family-friendly outing with double kayaks – perfect for first-timers. We love combining it with biking through the charming village for a full-day adventure.
For the best bang for your buck, opt for the 5-hour combo tour that pairs kayaking with a scenic walk overlooking the famous twin lakes (Lagoa Azul and Verde), topped off with local food sampling.
The clear winner for experienced paddlers is the 3-hour Vila Franca do Campo Islet circuit, where you’ll glide through crystal waters and can cool off with a swim.
These carefully vetted options showcase the island’s best water adventures.
Check out our top-rated kayak tours below.
Key Points
- The “Sete Cidades: Kayaking and Biking Adventure” offers a 3-hour experience combining 1.5 hours of kayaking on Sete Cidades lake and 1.5 hours of mountain biking in the village.
- The “Sete Cidades: Double-Seat Kayak Rental” provides a 1-hour kayak rental experience on the Blue Lake, with wheelchair accessibility and swimwear required.
- The “From Ponta Delgada: Sete Cidades Walk, Tasting, and Kayaking” is a 5-hour adventure that includes a scenic walk, local food tasting, and kayaking.
- The “Azores: Vila Franca Do Campo Islet Kayaking Experience” is a 3-hour kayaking excursion around the Vila Franca do Campo Islet, with swimming and snorkeling opportunities.
- All experiences offer stunning scenery, positive reviews, and varying durations and pricing options to cater to different preferences and budgets.
Sete Cidades: Kayaking and Biking Adventure
One of the premier outdoor activities in Sao Miguel Island is the Sete Cidades: Kayaking and Biking Adventure. Priced from $31.42 per person, this 3-hour experience combines kayaking on the crystal-clear Sete Cidades lake and mountain biking through the charming Sete Cidades village.
The self-guided nature of the experience allows participants to explore at their own pace, with equipment like double-seat kayaks, life jackets, mountain bikes, and helmets provided.
After checking in at the activity center, adventurers first spend 1.5 hours kayaking across the stunning lake. They then switch to mountain bikes to spend the remaining 1.5 hours discovering the picturesque Sete Cidades village.
A thorough briefing covers equipment usage, safety rules, and recommended areas to explore. With an overall rating of 4.7/5 based on 108 reviews, this adventure offers incredible value, stunning scenery, and a flexible, self-guided experience that’s perfect for active travelers in Sao Miguel Island.
Read our full review: Sete Cidades: Kayaking and Biking Adventure Review
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Sete Cidades: Double-Seat Kayak Rental at Sete Cidades Lake
For those seeking a tranquil and scenic adventure on the Sete Cidades Lake, the double-seat kayak rental experience provides a wonderful opportunity. Priced at $20.95 per group (up to 2 people), this 1-hour activity allows visitors to explore the largest natural freshwater reservoir in the Azores, one of the Seven Wonders of Portugal.
The rental includes a canoe, life vests, and flippers, with the meeting point located on the shore of the Blue Lake, next to the football field. Paddlers can admire the unique colors of the two lakes within the volcanic crater and discover the diverse flora and fauna of Sao Miguel Island.
Swimwear is required, and the activity is wheelchair accessible.
With an overall rating of 4.7/5 based on 129 reviews, the kayak rental experience is praised for its friendly guides, breathtaking views, and enjoyable experience.
Booking is flexible, allowing visitors to reserve their spot without upfront payment and cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance.
Read our full review: Sete Cidades: Double-Seat Kayak Rental at Sete Cidades Lake Review
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From Ponta Delgada: Sete Cidades Walk, Tasting and Kayaking
This 5-hour adventure from Ponta Delgada takes participants on a scenic walk, local food tasting, and kayaking experience in the stunning Sete Cidades region.
The tour begins with a pickup from your accommodation and a 2.8-mile walking tour from the Miradouro Vista do Rei to the charming Sete Cidades Village. Along the way, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of Lagoa Azul, Lagoa Verde, Caldeira Seca, and Caldeira dos Alferes. A stop at the Lomba do Vasco viewpoint offers panoramic vistas of the northwest coast.
Next, you’ll savor a local tasting in a traditional wood oven house, featuring freshly baked bread, goat or cow cheese, and poejo tea.
The adventure culminates with a serene kayaking experience on the azure Lagoa Azul and the emerald Lagoa Verde.
Hotel pickup and drop-off, a knowledgeable guide, and all necessary equipment are included. With a maximum group size of 14, this tour offers an intimate and active way to explore the natural wonders of Sete Cidades.
Read our full review: From Ponta Delgada: Sete Cidades Walk, Tasting and Kayaking Review
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Azores: Vila Franca Do Campo Islet Kayaking Experience
Nestled in the stunning Azores archipelago, the Vila Franca do Campo Islet offers a captivating kayaking experience for adventurous travelers. This 3-hour excursion allows visitors to explore the islet’s high cliffs, small caves, and diverse marine life.
Priced at €54.08 per person, the activity is suitable for almost all ages and experience levels, with family kayaks available for two adults and one child.
Adventurers will have the opportunity to swim and snorkel in the crystal-clear waters, which are accessible from mid-June to mid-October. The total distance covered is approximately 5 kilometers, providing ample time to take in the natural beauty of the region.
However, the activity isn’t recommended for pregnant women, individuals with mobility impairments, wheelchair users, or non-swimmers. Participants should have normal physical fitness and swimming ability, as the maximum weight capacity for the kayaks is 240 kg.
Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance, and a pickup option from accommodations is available.
Read our full review: Azores: Vila Franca Do Campo Islet Kayaking Experience Review
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Recap
Sao Miguel Island in the Azores offers a variety of exceptional canoe and kayak experiences. Visitors can explore the stunning Sete Cidades lake, paddle around the Vila Franca do Campo islet, and enjoy guided tours that combine kayaking with hiking and tastings. These activities allow travelers to enjoy the island’s natural beauty and serene waterways, creating unforgettable memories during their time in this picturesque destination.