Ponta Delgada: Shore Excursion, Sete Cidades, Blue & Green Lake

Ponta Delgada, the largest city in the Azores archipelago, offers a captivating shore excursion to the renowned Sete Cidades. Nestled within a dramatic volcanic landscape, this iconic caldera boasts the breathtaking Blue and Green lakes, natural wonders that have long enchanted visitors. Guests can embark on a guided tour lasting 3-5 hours, exploring the island’s stunning vistas and quaint villages while gaining insights from a local expert. With a focus on personalized storytelling and a maximum of 8 travelers per group, this excursion promises an unforgettable experience that showcases the serene beauty and rich cultural heritage of this remarkable destination. The journey, however, is just the beginning, as the true allure of Sete Cidades lies in its ability to captivate the senses and inspire the soul.

Key Points

• Ponta Delgada shore excursion offers a guided tour of Sao Miguel island, highlighting the iconic Sete Cidades region with its breathtaking Blue and Green lakes.
• The tour is led by a local storyteller and is limited to a maximum of 8 guests, providing an intimate and personalized experience.
• Pickup and transportation are included, with the tour starting at 9:00 am from the cruise terminal and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
• Guests can enjoy scenic exploration of the volcanic landscapes, lush green valleys, cascading waterfalls, and rugged coastline of the Azores.
• The tour offers a flexible start time to accommodate cruise ship arrivals and is exclusively available for cruise ship travelers.

Overview and Details

The Ponta Delgada Shore Excursion is a comprehensive guided tour that takes travelers on a captivating journey through the stunning landscapes of Sao Miguel, the largest island in Portugal’s Azores archipelago.

This 3-4 hour excursion, often closer to 5 hours, offers a personalized experience for a maximum of 8 travelers. Led by a local storyteller with true Azorean spirit, the tour showcases breathtaking scenery, including the iconic Sete Cidades and its Blue and Green lakes.

Pickup is guaranteed within the cruise terminal, and the tour starts at 9:00 am for cruise ships docking before 9 am, with adjustments for later arrivals.

Confirmation is received within 48 hours, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience.

Tour Features

This guided tour is led by a local storyteller with true Azorean spirit, who provides visitors with a captivating and personalized experience. Travellers can expect breathtaking scenery as they explore the stunning Sete Cidades region. The tour is limited to a maximum of 8 guests, ensuring a more intimate and tailored experience. For families, infant seats are available, and the tour is stroller accessible, though not wheelchair friendly. Insurance is included, and any additional tips or expenses not listed as part of the package are extra.

Feature	Details
Group Size	Maximum of 8 travelers
Accessibility	Infant seats available, stroller accessible
Inclusions	Insurance
Exclusions	Tips, additional expenses

Pickup Information

Guests meet for the Ponta Delgada Shore Excursion at either the Porto Ponta Delgada ANCORADOURO or the Multiusos Portas do Mar.

Cruise travelers are guaranteed a pickup inside the cruise terminal, where they’ll be greeted by a guide holding a sign with their name.

To ensure the tour starts on time, guests must arrive 10 minutes before the scheduled 9:00 AM departure.

The tour’s start time may be adjusted to accommodate later cruise ship arrivals.

This excursion is exclusively for cruise ship travelers, so guests should contact the tour operator for specific conditions.

Booking and Cancellation

How does one go about booking the Ponta Delgada Shore Excursion? The confirmation is received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability. Travelers have the option to Reserve Now and Pay Later. 24-hour free cancellation is allowed before the experience starts.

Booking	Cancellation
Confirmation within 48 hours	Free cancellation up to 24 hours
Reserve Now and Pay Later	Subject to availability

The tour is exclusively for cruise ship travelers. Travelers should contact the tour operator for any additional conditions or requirements.

Customer Reviews

The available customer reviews for the Ponta Delgada Shore Excursion provide a positive portrayal of the tour experience.

Reviewer Joan_B praised the guide, Joao Correira, for his friendliness, knowledge, and driving skills.

Similarly, Misha_K highlighted Joao’s engaging storytelling and the tour’s incredible sights, noting it lasted longer than advertised.

Despite feeling unwell after returning home, MariaG_G expressed satisfaction with the tour and service.

The reviews suggest that the local storyteller guide, breathtaking scenery, and personalized experience contribute to a memorable shore excursion for cruise travelers visiting Sao Miguel, Portugal.

Exploring Sete Cidades

Nestled amidst the lush green slopes of Sao Miguel, the iconic Sete Cidades caldera captivates visitors with its breathtaking natural beauty.

The twin lakes, one emerald green and the other sapphire blue, are the centerpiece of this enchanting volcanic landscape. Winding roads lead to scenic viewpoints where travelers can take in the stunning vistas, with the mirror-like lakes reflecting the surrounding hills and forests.

Exploring the quaint villages around the caldera offers a glimpse into the Azorean way of life, with charming houses, local cafes, and friendly residents eager to share their stories.

This natural wonder is a highlight of the Ponta Delgada shore excursion, leaving visitors in awe of its untamed beauty.

Breathtaking Scenery

Beyond the iconic twin lakes, the Ponta Delgada shore excursion showcases the region’s breathtaking scenery.

Travelers are captivated by the dramatic volcanic landscapes, lush green valleys, and stunning vistas that unfold before them. The tour guides bring these natural wonders to life with their deep knowledge and passion for the Azores.

Whether it’s the cascading waterfalls, the rugged coastline, or the quaint villages nestled amidst the rolling hills, every moment of the excursion is a feast for the senses.

The small group size ensures an intimate and personalized experience, allowing visitors to fully enjoy the beauty of Sao Miguel island.

Personalized Experience

Often, the Ponta Delgada shore excursion provides a truly personalized experience for cruise travelers. With a maximum of 8 participants, the tour guarantees an intimate group size.

The local guide, Joao Correira, is praised for his friendly demeanor and engaging storytelling, bringing the Azorean culture to life. Travelers have noted Joao’s excellent driving skills as he navigates the breathtaking scenery.

The tour’s flexibility, such as adjusting start times for later cruise ship arrivals, further enhances the personalized approach.

Whether it’s the stunning vistas of Sete Cidades or the serene Blue and Green Lakes, this shore excursion delivers a tailored experience that leaves a lasting impression on its guests.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is This Tour Suitable for People With Mobility Issues?

This tour may not be suitable for people with mobility issues. It’s not wheelchair accessible and while stroller accessible, the terrain could be challenging for some. Visitors with limited mobility should consider an alternative tour option.

Can We Bring Our Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

The tour doesn’t explicitly prohibit bringing your own food and drinks. However, snacks and beverages aren’t included in the tour price, so you’d need to provide them yourself if desired.

Do We Need to Purchase Anything Before the Tour Starts?

Travelers don’t need to purchase anything before the tour starts. The tour package includes all necessary expenses, such as insurance and transportation. Travelers should arrive 10 minutes early and bring any personal items they may need during the excursion.

Can We Make Any Stops Along the Way for Photos?

The tour guide allows and encourages stops along the way for photos. Travelers can capture the breathtaking scenery at their convenience during the 3-4 hour excursion, which often lasts closer to 5 hours.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

The tour typically lasts 3-4 hours, but travelers can request to extend the duration for an additional fee. The tour provider will accommodate schedule adjustments within reason to allow for more photo stops along the way.

Recap

Embark on an unforgettable shore excursion to Sete Cidades, where you’ll witness the captivating Blue and Green lakes nestled within a stunning volcanic landscape. With a small group and a knowledgeable local guide, you’ll learn about the serene beauty of the Azores, capturing breathtaking memories that will last long after your Ponta Delgada adventure.