Shore Excursions to the Volcano and Crater of Lagoa Das Sete Cidades

Set out on a captivating journey to the volcanic heart of São Miguel in the Azores. Shore excursions to the stunning Lagoa das Sete Cidades offer a unique opportunity to explore a breathtaking natural wonder – a crater lake with vibrant blue and deep green waters nestled within an extinct volcano. Guided by knowledgeable experts, visitors can discover the area’s rich geological history and lush surroundings, while enjoying panoramic vistas that will leave a lasting impression. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or a photography buff, this immersive experience promises to be truly unforgettable. But what secrets does this captivating landscape hold?

Key Points

• The shore excursion showcases the natural wonders of the Lagoa das Sete Cidades, a volcanic lake formed within an extinct volcano’s crater on São Miguel, Azores.
• Visitors can explore the stunning twin lakes with vibrant blue and deep green hues, surrounded by lush green hills, offering a serene setting.
• The tour includes a visit to the scenic village of Sete Cidades, allowing for culture and charming street views.
• The small group size of maximum 8 travelers ensures a personalized experience, with an air-conditioned vehicle and knowledgeable guide providing insights into the geological history and local lore.
• The excursion offers breathtaking vistas and numerous photo opportunities, capturing the vibrant colors of the twin lakes and the panoramic views from the crater’s rim.

Location and Geography

Located on the island of São Miguel in the Azores archipelago, the Lagoa das Sete Cidades is a breathtaking natural wonder.

This volcanic lake, formed within the crater of an extinct volcano, is renowned for its stunning twin lakes – one with vibrant blue waters, and the other with a deep green hue.

The unique geological formation, surrounded by lush green hills, offers visitors a serene and picturesque setting.

The crater’s rim provides panoramic views of the lakes and the surrounding countryside, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts, photographers, and those seeking a peaceful escape.

Accessibility to the site is facilitated by various shore excursions departing from the nearby port city of Ponta Delgada.

Tour Itinerary and Highlights

The shore excursion offers a captivating journey to the Lagoa das Sete Cidades, showcasing the natural wonders of this iconic volcanic landscape.

Visitors will explore the twin lakes nestled within the caldera, marveling at the vibrant blue and green hues that earned the site its nickname, "The Seven Cities."

The tour also includes a visit to the scenic village of Sete Cidades, where travelers can wander through charming streets and capture breathtaking views.

Along the way, the knowledgeable guide provides insights into the region’s geological history and traditional lore.

This excursion promises a well-rounded experience, blending stunning natural beauty with culture.

Group Size and Transportation

Although the shore excursion to Lagoa das Sete Cidades operates with a maximum group size of 8 travelers, the experience prioritizes a more intimate and personalized exploration. The air-conditioned vehicle employed for the tour ensures comfort throughout the journey, while the pickup and drop-off service from hotels, the airport, port, or marina adds convenience. To further enhance the experience, the tour includes a knowledgeable guide who provides insights into the region’s rich history and natural wonders.

Group Size	Transportation	Pickup/Drop-off	Guide	Duration
8 max	Air-conditioned vehicle	Hotels, airport, port, marina	Included	Full day

Guide Expertise and Knowledge

As a key selling point of the Lagoa das Sete Cidades shore excursion, the tour employs a knowledgeable guide who provides in-depth insights into the region’s rich history and natural wonders.

With extensive local expertise, the guide leads travelers on an engaging journey, sharing fascinating stories about the twin lakes, their volcanic origins, and the surrounding lush landscapes.

Participants consistently praise the guide’s ability to bring the destination to life, offering vivid explanations and answering questions with enthusiasm.

This personalized touch elevates the overall experience, allowing visitors to gain a deeper appreciation for the Azores’ captivating natural beauty and cultural heritage.

Scenery and Photo Opportunities

Breathtaking vistas and endless photo opportunities await visitors on the Lagoa das Sete Cidades shore excursion. The tour winds through lush landscapes, showcasing the vibrant blue and green hues of the twin lakes nestled in the volcanic crater. Travelers can capture stunning panoramic shots from various viewpoints along the way. The diversity of scenery, from rolling hills to quaint villages, provides endless possibilities for unique and picturesque photographs.

Location	Highlight	Ideal for Photography
Vista do Rei	Breathtaking views of the twin lakes	Landscape, architecture, wildlife
Sete Cidades Village	Charming church, colorful houses	Street scenes, local culture
Fire Lake	Dramatic volcanic landscapes	Abstract, moody
Lagoa do Canario	Serene, mirror-like surface	Reflections, minimalist
Boca do Inferno	Powerful waves crashing against cliffs	Action, nature

Visitor Amenities and Accessibility

The shore excursion to Lagoa das Sete Cidades offers a range of visitor amenities to enhance the experience. Bottled water and an air-conditioned vehicle are provided, ensuring travelers stay hydrated and comfortable throughout the tour.

The pickup and drop-off service covers hotels, the airport, port, and marina, making it convenient for guests to join the excursion. While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s stroller-friendly and provides infant seats, catering to families with young children.

The small group size, limited to 8 travelers, ensures a more personalized experience with the knowledgeable local guide. The tour’s inclusions and accessibility cater to the diverse needs of visitors, contributing to a seamless and enjoyable excursion.

Booking and Cancellation Policies

Received within 48 hours and subject to availability, the confirmation for the shore excursion to Lagoa das Sete Cidades allows travelers to book with confidence.

The tour offers flexible payment options, enabling visitors to reserve now and pay later. Additionally:

1. Guests can enjoy free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience begins, providing them with the flexibility to adjust their plans as needed.

2. The tour is operated by Azores Magic Tours, a reputable provider that ensures a smooth booking process and reliable service.

3. Travelers can choose from various pickup locations, including hotels, the airport, port, or marina, to suit their convenience.

4. The tour’s booking and cancellation policies demonstrate a commitment to customer satisfaction and a hassle-free experience.

Customer Feedback and Host Response

Customers have shared their perspectives on the shore excursion to Lagoa das Sete Cidades, highlighting both positive and negative experiences.

Reviewers praised the small group size and the variety of scenic views, as well as the knowledgeable guide who provided local expertise.

However, some noted issues with the vehicle’s condition and comfort, as well as communication challenges with the guide.

A few felt that certain attractions, like the pineapple plantation, were underwhelming.

The tour operator, Azores Magic Tours, has expressed dissatisfaction with the negative feedback and suggested the reviewer shouldn’t return to the Azores, emphasizing that tour details are listed during booking for clarity.

Recap

The excursions to the Lagoa das Sete Cidades offer a remarkable opportunity to explore the stunning volcanic landscape of São Miguel. Visitors can enjoy the natural beauty of the iconic twin lakes, learn about the area’s fascinating geology, and capture breathtaking photographs, creating an unforgettable experience. With knowledgeable guides, comfortable transportation, and accessible amenities, these tours provide an exceptional way to discover the Azores’ captivating natural wonders.