São Miguel Island: Full-Day Off-Road Island Tour

São Miguel Island in the Azores is a true natural wonder, offering a one-of-a-kind off-road adventure for travellers seeking to enjoy its breathtaking landscapes. This full-day tour promises an unforgettable exploration of the island’s hidden gems, from the iconic Lagoa das Sete Cidades to the awe-inspiring Lagoa do Fogo. With knowledgeable guides leading the way, visitors can expect an authentic local experience, complete with a delectable lunch that will surely delight the senses. The opportunity to discover the Azores’ natural beauty through this adventurous journey is one that shouldn’t be missed, as it unveils a side of São Miguel that few have the chance to witness.

Key Points

• This full-day off-road adventure on São Miguel Island, Azores, offers a thrilling exploration of the island’s stunning natural landscapes, including crater lakes, volcanic viewpoints, and hidden off-road attractions.
• The tour is priced at €2,004 per person for a 7.5-hour small group experience (max 8 participants) and includes hotel pickup/drop-off, local lunch, insurance, a knowledgeable guide/driver, and all admission fees.
• Highlights of the itinerary include the scenic Lagoa das Sete Cidades, the volcanic Lagoa do Fogo, the adventurous Salto do Cabrito, and the historic town of Ribeira Grande, among other key viewpoints.
• The tour is not suitable for individuals with mobility issues due to the off-road challenges, and comfortable clothing and shoes are recommended for participants.
• The tour has received overwhelmingly positive reviews, with praise for the knowledgeable guides, stunning scenery, and unique off-road attractions, despite occasional challenging weather conditions.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The São Miguel Island Tour offers visitors a full-day off-road adventure on the largest island in the Azores archipelago.

Priced from €2,004 per person, this 7.5-hour small group tour is limited to 8 participants and available in English, Spanish, and Portuguese.

With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, travelers can reserve their spot and pay later.

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a local lunch, insurance, a knowledgeable guide/driver, and admission to all locations.

However, it’s not suitable for those with mobility issues.

Guests should wear comfortable clothing and shoes and be ready in their hotel lobby 10 minutes before the scheduled departure time.

Itinerary Highlights

Discovering Lagoa das Sete Cidades, one of the seven wonders of Portugal, is a highlight of this tour. Visitors will also enjoy panoramic views from Lagoa do Fogo and explore off-road attractions like Salto do Cabrito. A visit to Ribeira Grande showcases the island’s rich architecture. Key viewpoints include Pico do Carvão, Muro das Nove Janelas, Cumeeira Grande, and Vista do Rei.

Destination	Attraction	Highlights
Lagoa das Sete Cidades	One of the seven wonders of Portugal	Scenic crater lake
Lagoa do Fogo	Volcanic lake	Panoramic views
Salto do Cabrito	Off-road site	Adventurous exploration
Ribeira Grande	Historic town	Rich architecture

Inclusions

This tour includes a comprehensive set of amenities to enhance the overall experience.

Guests will enjoy hotel pickup and drop-off, ensuring a seamless start and end to the day. Lunch at a local restaurant is provided, offering a chance to savor the authentic cuisine of São Miguel.

The tour also includes insurance for personal accident and liability coverage, providing peace of mind during the excursion. An experienced guide/driver is included, sharing their expertise and leading the way through the off-road attractions.

Admission tickets to all the locations mentioned in the itinerary are also covered, eliminating any additional costs. Gratuities are also included, allowing travelers to fully enjoy the tour.

Important Information

Not suitable for individuals with mobility impairments, as the off-road nature of the tour may prove challenging for those with limited mobility.

Comfortable clothing and shoes are recommended for this adventure. Participants should wait in their hotel lobby 10 minutes before the scheduled departure time, as the driver will be wearing a blue t-shirt with the Azores For All logo.

The tour ensures full coverage, with hotel pickup and drop-off, a local restaurant lunch, insurance, a knowledgeable guide/driver, and admission tickets to all locations included in the itinerary.

This unique experience offers an opportunity to explore São Miguel Island’s stunning off-road attractions and natural wonders.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Customer Reviews

The São Miguel Island Tour has received overwhelmingly positive reviews from past participants.

According to the tour’s customer feedback, the tour guides are highly knowledgeable and provide an informative experience. Customers praise the off-roading adventure, highlighting the stunning scenery and unique attractions visited, such as Lagoa das Sete Cidades and Salto do Cabrito.

Despite challenging weather conditions during some tours, reviewers still describe the overall experience as enjoyable.

With an impressive 5-star rating based on 7 reviews, the São Miguel Island Tour seems to consistently deliver an excellent sightseeing and outdoor adventure for visitors to the Azores.

Discovering Lagoa Das Sete Cidades

On the São Miguel Island Tour, visitors are taken to one of the crown jewels of the Azores – the awe-inspiring Lagoa das Sete Cidades.

This twin-lake wonder is nestled in the crater of an ancient volcano, offering a breathtaking panoramic view.

The tour allows guests to:

• Witness the striking contrast between the emerald green and sapphire blue waters of the two lakes.
• Explore the charming village of Sete Cidades, known for its whitewashed houses and quaint churches.
• Hike along the caldera’s rim, providing a bird’s-eye view of the captivating landscape.
• Gain insight into the local legends and folklore surrounding the formation of this natural masterpiece.

Panoramic Views From Lagoa Do Fogo

After exploring the stunning Lagoa das Sete Cidades, the São Miguel Island Tour takes visitors to another natural wonder – Lagoa do Fogo. This crater lake, formed by a volcanic eruption, offers breathtaking panoramic views from its surrounding vantage points. Visitors can gaze upon the serene turquoise waters and lush, verdant slopes that frame the lake.

Viewpoint	Elevation	Features
Pico do Carvão	949 meters	Panoramic views of Lagoa do Fogo and the island’s interior
Cumeeira Grande	1,024 meters	Scenic overlook with views of the lake and surrounding mountains
Vista do Rei	847 meters	Iconic viewpoint showcasing the tranquil beauty of Lagoa do Fogo
Muro das Nove Janelas	930 meters	Unique stone wall structure offering picturesque vistas

This captivating stop on the São Miguel Island Tour allows visitors to fully enjoy the island’s stunning natural landscapes.

Exploring Off-Road Attractions

From the serene vistas of Lagoa do Fogo, the São Miguel Island Tour continues its exploration of the island’s captivating off-road attractions. Guests will venture off the beaten path to uncover hidden gems like Salto do Cabrito, a stunning waterfall cascading down rugged cliffs.

The tour also showcases the island’s diverse geological features, including:

• Volcanic craters and calderas
• Lush, verdant valleys carved by ancient lava flows
• Mystical lava tubes and caves
• Dramatic coastal landscapes sculpted by wind and waves

These off-road adventures provide a thrilling and immersive way to appreciate the raw, untamed natural beauty of São Miguel Island.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Type of Vehicles Are Used for the Off-Road Tour?

The tour utilizes rugged off-road vehicles designed for traversing challenging terrain. These sturdy 4x4s provide a thrilling, adventurous experience while ensuring the safety and comfort of participants throughout the full-day excursion.

Are There Any Restrictions on the Number of Participants per Group?

The tour has a small group size, limited to just 8 participants. This ensures a more personalized and intimate experience for travelers exploring the island’s off-road attractions and natural wonders.

Does the Tour Provide Any Snacks or Refreshments During the Day?

The tour includes a lunch at a local restaurant, but it does not provide any additional snacks or refreshments during the day. The full-day tour’s inclusions focus on transportation, guides, admission fees, and insurance.

Can the Tour Be Customized to Accommodate Specific Interests or Requests?

The tour provider offers a flexible, customizable experience. They’re willing to accommodate specific interests or requests, within reason, to ensure guests have a personalized and enjoyable tour. Additional fees may apply for extensive customizations.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Children, Seniors, or Groups?

Yes, there are discounts available for certain groups. Children under 12 receive a 50% discount, and seniors aged 65+ get a 10% discount. Groups of 4 or more also qualify for a 5% group discount.

Recap

This off-road tour of São Miguel Island in the Azores promises an unforgettable adventure. Visitors can explore stunning landscapes, including the iconic Lagoa das Sete Cidades and Lagoa do Fogo, while enjoying an authentic local lunch. With knowledgeable guides, convenient transportation, and inclusive insurance, this small-group tour offers a comprehensive and immersive experience of the island’s natural wonders.

You can check if your dates are available here: