Sao Miguel: Volcano of 7 Cities Crater Buggy or Quad Tour

The volcanic landscapes of São Miguel Island in the Azores archipelago have long captivated the adventurous traveler. Now, there’s a unique opportunity to explore the legendary Volcano of the 7 Cities up close on a thrilling buggy or quad tour. This half-day excursion promises an adrenaline-fueled journey through the island’s breathtaking terrain, with the chance to witness the crater’s otherworldly vistas from exclusive viewpoints. Whether you opt to drive or ride, the tour’s expert guides ensure a safe and unforgettable experience amidst the Azores’ natural splendor. With just a glimpse of what’s in store, one can only imagine the unforgettable memories waiting to be made.

Key Points

• The tour offers a 4-hour adventure exploring the geological wonders of the Sete Cidades volcano on São Miguel Island, with options to drive quad bikes or ride in buggies.

• The tour includes a safety briefing, guided tours, and visits to stunning viewpoints such as the Coal Peak Viewpoint, Miradouro Das Cumeeiras, and Complexo Ambiental da Lagoa das Sete Cidades.

• Participants can experience driving on the Azores Rally roads, including the Miradouro do Pico do Carvao, and explore the 36,000-year-old Volcano of the 7 Cities.

• The tour provides access to unique viewpoints that are inaccessible to regular vehicles, offering breathtaking perspectives of the volcanic landscape.

• The tour is suitable for participants aged 18 and above with a valid driver’s license, and includes safety equipment such as helmets.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The São Miguel: Volcano of 7 Cities Crater Buggy or Quad Tour is a 4-hour adventure that allows visitors to explore the geological wonders of Sete Cidades on São Miguel Island.

Priced from $77.23 per person, this small-group tour is available in English and Portuguese. Participants can choose to drive their own quad bike or ride in a buggy, and the tour is likely to sell out, so checking availability for starting times is recommended.

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. With a safety briefing, guided tours, and visits to stunning viewpoints, this tour provides an immersive experience in the Azores’ volcanic landscapes.

Itinerary Highlights

Starting at R. da Mãe de Deus 50 on São Miguel Island, the tour begins with a 20-minute safety briefing before embarking on a guided 40-minute tour of Sete Cidades.

Next, visitors will spend 15 minutes sightseeing at the Coal Peak Viewpoint, followed by a 1-hour visit to Miradouro Das Cumeeiras.

The tour then continues with an extended 105-minute guided exploration of Sete Cidades before returning to the starting point.

• Discover remote roads and viewpoints inaccessible to standard vehicles.
• Follow part of the Azores Rally roads, including Miradouro do Pico do Carvao.
• Visit Complexo Ambiental da Lagoa das Sete Cidades and Vista do Rei Miradouro.

Exploring the Volcano

Driving the quad bikes and buggies through the volcanic landscape of São Miguel Island offers visitors a unique opportunity to enjoy the region’s geological wonders.

Exploring the Volcano of the 7 Cities, a 36,000-year-old crater, allows adventurers to discover remote roads and viewpoints inaccessible to standard vehicles.

Following part of the Azores Rally roads, including the Miradouro do Pico do Carvao, provides an exhilarating driving experience.

The tour also includes visits to the Complexo Ambiental da Lagoa das Sete Cidades and the Vista do Rei Miradouro, offering panoramic vistas of this remarkable volcanic landscape.

Prepared to get a bit dusty, visitors can enjoy a true off-road adventure in this one-of-a-kind natural setting.

Unique Viewpoints

One of the key draws of this tour is the opportunity to access unique viewpoints that are inaccessible to regular vehicles.

Throughout the 4-hour adventure, you’ll get to explore remote roads and vistas that offer breathtaking perspectives of the Volcano of the 7 Cities.

Some highlights include:

• Visiting the Miradouro Das Cumeeiras, a stunning overlook providing panoramic views of the volcanic landscape.

• Driving part of the Azores Rally route, including the Miradouro do Pico do Carvao viewpoint, for an exhilarating off-road experience.

• Discovering the Complexo Ambiental da Lagoa das Sete Cidades and the iconic Vista do Rei Miradouro, two must-see locations within the volcanic crater.

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Safety and Suitability

Safety and suitability are paramount considerations for this volcano tour. All drivers must be at least 18 years old with a valid license, as they’ll be operating powerful all-terrain vehicles.

The tour isn’t suitable for children under 8 or those with heart problems. Helmets are provided for safety, and the tour operates rain or shine, so participants should prepare for potential dust and dirt.

While adventurous, the tour allows children to ride as passengers, making it a family-friendly activity.

With careful planning and safety measures in place, visitors can explore the stunning volcanic landscapes of Sao Miguel’s Sete Cidades in an exhilarating and responsible manner.

Equipment and Inclusions

The tour provides the necessary equipment and inclusions for an engaging and safe experience.

Participants will be outfitted with helmets to protect them while driving the quads or buggies. The tour also includes the entry tickets to the viewpoints, ensuring seamless access to the stunning vistas.

Plus, hotel pickup and drop-off are provided, allowing visitors to focus on the adventure without worrying about transportation logistics.

• Helmets to ensure safety while driving
• Entry tickets to the viewpoints
• Hotel pickup and drop-off for convenience

Customer Feedback

What do customers have to say about this Volcano Tour experience? According to over 38 reviews, the tour earns an impressive 4.9/5 rating.

Customers highlight the knowledgeable and personable tour guide, Branquinho, who enhances the adventure. Many praise the opportunity to access unique viewpoints that are inaccessible to standard vehicles.

However, some recommend preparing for dust and dirt during the off-road portions. The high-quality equipment and well-maintained vehicles receive positive feedback.

Customers consistently describe the tour as an exhilarating and unforgettable way to explore the geological wonders of Sete Cidades Volcano on São Miguel Island.

Booking and Availability

This volcano tour appears to be quite popular, with the provider noting it’s "Likely to sell out."

Availability for start times should be checked, as the tour operates on a small group basis. The tour is offered in both English and Portuguese, giving visitors flexibility in their language preference.

Some key booking considerations:

• Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility for travelers.
• Children under 8 years old and individuals with heart problems aren’t suitable for the tour.
• All drivers must be at least 18 years old and have a valid driver’s license to participate.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are the Health and Medical Considerations for This Tour?

The tour is not suitable for individuals with heart problems. All drivers must be at least 18 years old with a valid driver’s license. Children under 8 are not allowed, but they can ride in passenger seats.

Is There an Option to Book the Tour for a Private Group?

The tour offers a small group option, allowing visitors to book a private experience. This provides more flexibility and a more personalized adventure exploring the volcanic landscapes of Sao Miguel island.

Can I Customize the Itinerary or Choose Specific Viewpoints to Visit?

While the tour offers a standard itinerary, customers can’t customize their experience or choose specific viewpoints. However, the small group size allows for some flexibility, and the guide may be able to accommodate special requests if time permits.

What Is the Availability of This Tour During Peak Seasons?

The tour is likely to sell out during peak seasons, so customers should check availability for desired starting times. Availability may be limited, but the tour can still be booked if slots are available.

Are There Any Additional Costs or Fees Not Mentioned in the Overview?

The tour overview doesn’t mention any additional costs or fees beyond the listed price. However, travelers should check if there are any extra charges for fuel, insurance, or incidentals not covered in the tour package.

Recap

This Sao Miguel tour offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience the island’s volcanic landscapes. Traversing the Volcano of the 7 Cities in a buggy or quad, thrill-seekers can access stunning viewpoints and enjoy the region’s natural wonders. With a focus on safety and adventure, this tour promises an unforgettable journey through the Azores’ mesmerizing terrain.

You can check if your dates are available here: