The Azores’ most rewarding guided excursions focus on the archipelago’s jaw-dropping volcanic landscapes and natural treasures. These Portuguese islands deliver unforgettable experiences through expertly guided van tours to Sete Cidades’ twin lakes, boat trips circling pristine islets, and electric bike adventures along coastal paths. I’m especially fond of the full-day Furnas Valley tours, where you’ll soak in geothermal pools and sample traditional cozido stew cooked by volcanic steam. The small-group format (usually 8-12 people) ensures personal attention and plenty of photo stops.
Let’s explore the standout tours across these spectacular islands.
Key Points
- The Sete Cidades & Lagoa do Fogo van tour offers an 8-hour personalized experience with scenic stops and a limited group size of 7 participants.
- The Vila Franca Do Campo islet boat tour provides a 45-minute scenic cruise and opportunities to observe wildlife, with a small group size of up to 10 participants.
- The Lagoa Do Fogo geo tour is a 4-hour guided exploration of the volcanic crater lake and endemic flora, with a maximum group size of 7 participants.
- The full-day Furnas guided tour includes a visit to the Furnas Valley, Terra Nostra Botanical Garden, and the unique experience of a traditional underground-cooked lunch.
- The Sete Cidades e-bike cycling tour offers a 3-hour guided experience showcasing the scenic Blue and Green Lakes, with safety measures and equipment provided.
Guided Van Tour Sete Cidades, Lagoa Do Fogo – Volcanic Lakes
Although the Azores archipelago is renowned for its breathtaking volcanic landscapes, one of the most popular guided tours takes visitors to the captivating Sete Cidades and Lagoa do Fogo on the island of São Miguel.
The 8-hour van tour, priced from Kč 1,634 per person, offers a comprehensive exploration of these two iconic volcanic lakes. The tour includes pickup from anywhere on the island, with an additional fee for locations outside Ponta Delgada.
Highlights of the itinerary include stops at the Muro das Nove Janelas, Lagoa do Canário, Grota do Inferno Viewpoint, Vista do Rei Lookout, and the Church of Sao Nicolau in Sete Cidades.
Participants also visit the Ponta do Escalvado Lookout, Ponta da Ferraria (with a swimming option), the Lagoa do Fogo viewpoint, and the Centro de Interpretação Ambiental da Caldeira Velha.
The small group size, limited to 7 participants, ensures a personalized experience with an English and Russian-speaking driver/guide. Lunch and entrance fees are additional, but the tour includes bottled water and insurance.
Read our full review: Guided Van Tour Sete Cidades, Lagoa Do Fogo – Volcanic Lakes Review
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Vila Franca Do Campo: Around the Islet Guided Boat Tour
One of the most popular guided tours in the Azores takes visitors on a 45-minute boat excursion around the captivating Islet of Vila Franca do Campo. Priced from $29.15 per person, this small-group tour (limited to 10 participants) departs from Azores Whale Watching TERRA AZUL™ in Ponta Delgada.
After a brief safety briefing, guests embark on a zodiac RIB boat for a scenic cruise and islet exploration. Along the way, a knowledgeable naturalist guide provides insights into the local geology, wildlife, and protected flora and fauna.
Highlights include observing birds, fish, and rare lightfoot crabs, especially during the fall and spring seasons. The tour also includes a photo stop showcasing stunning views of the island and the Atlantic Ocean.
At the end, guests have 15 minutes of free time to explore the nearby Marina de Vila Franca do Campo. With an overall rating of 4.7/5 based on 128 reviews, this guided boat tour offers an immersive and educational experience in the Azores.
Read our full review: Vila Franca Do Campo: Around the Islet Guided Boat Tour Review
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Lagoa Do Fogo: Guided Volcano Geo Tour W/ Hotsprings Bathing
The Lagoa do Fogo Guided Volcano Geo Tour with Hot Springs Bathing takes visitors on a 4-hour excursion to explore the volcanic landscapes and natural wonders of São Miguel Island. Priced from $46.84 per person, the tour accommodates a maximum of 7 participants and is available in various languages.
Guests will embark from the Marina of Vila Franca do Campo, enjoying scenic drives and stops at viewpoints like Pico da Barrosa and Bela Vista before reaching the main attractions.
At the Lagoa do Fogo crater lake, travelers can enjoy the unique volcanic environment and observe the endemic flora. The tour also includes an optional visit to the Caldeira Velha Hot Springs, where participants can swim for 40 minutes, as well as a stop at the Salto do Cabrito Waterfall.
A guided tour and scenic drive through Ribeira Grande round out the experience before drop-off in Ponta Delgada or at the Azores Whale Watching TERRA AZUL location.
With knowledgeable guides, transportation, and all entry fees included, this tour offers a comprehensive and memorable exploration of São Miguel’s natural wonders.
Read our full review: Lagoa Do Fogo: Guided Volcano Geo Tour W/ Hotsprings Bathing Review
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Full-Day Furnas Guided Tour With Optional Hot Springs
Priced from $92.95 per person, the Full-Day Furnas Guided Tour with Optional Hot Springs takes visitors on a comprehensive exploration of São Miguel’s volcanic landscape and natural attractions.
Over 4 hours, the tour includes pickup, a visit to the Furnas Valley to see the steaming fumaroles and hot springs, and a stop at the Terra Nostra Botanical Garden. Guests can choose to soak in the iconic iron-rich thermal pools at their own expense.
The tour also features a traditional Cozido das Furnas lunch, where a stew is cooked underground by the geothermal activity. Throughout the day, the knowledgeable local guide provides insights into the island’s geology, history, and culture.
With a small-group format and pickup available, this tour offers a seamless way to discover the wonders of Furnas, one of the Azores’ most renowned volcanic destinations.
Read our full review: Full-Day Furnas Guided Tour With Optional Hot Springs Review
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Sete Cidades: Guided E-bike Cycling Tour
Travelers can explore the stunning landscapes of Sete Cidades, one of Portugal’s 7 Natural Wonders, on a 3-hour Guided E-bike Cycling Tour. Priced from €65 per person, this tour takes adventurers through nature and diverse scenery with experienced guides.
The tour includes views of the Blue and Green Lakes, the picnic area of Baía do Silencio, and viewpoints like Lagoa de Santiago and Vista do Rei. It starts and ends in Sete Cidades village, about 30 minutes from Ponta Delgada.
Tour highlights include a safety briefing, electric bike demonstration, and access to helmets, gloves, and a first aid kit. The tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, those with heart problems, or individuals under 4’9″.
Travelers should bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a reusable water bottle. With an overall 5/5 rating, the tour provides a scenic and professional e-bike experience exploring one of Portugal’s natural wonders.
Read our full review: Sete Cidades: Guided E-bike Cycling Tour Review
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Furnas & Terra Nostra Botanic Park Guided Tour W/ Hotsprings
Although priced from $78.07 per person, the Furnas & Terra Nostra Botanic Park Guided Tour with Hot Springs offers an immersive 6.5-hour experience exploring one of the Azores’ most captivating natural wonders.
This small-group tour, limited to just 7 participants, ensures a personalized adventure as a knowledgeable biologist or naturalist guide leads the way.
The itinerary includes a scenic drive to Furnas crater lake, a traditional “cozido” lunch cooked by geysers, and a guided exploration of Furnas Village and the stunning Terra Nostra Botanical Gardens.
Travelers will also enjoy free time to swim in the mineral-infused thermal pools.
With convenient hotel pickup and drop-off, and the option to cancel up to 24 hours in advance, this tour offers exceptional value and flexibility.
Reviewers praise the tour’s transportation, meal quality, and the guide’s expertise in showcasing the region’s unique geology, flora, and cultural heritage.
Read our full review: Furnas & Terra Nostra Botanic Park Guided Tour W/ Hotsprings Review
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The Sum Up
The Azores offer a variety of guided tours that showcase the islands’ stunning natural landscapes. From exploring volcanic lakes and islands to soaking in hot springs, these tours provide an immersive experience for visitors. Whether you’re interested in hiking, cycling, or boat tours, the Azores has something to suit your preferences and ensure you make the most of your time in this breathtaking archipelago.