Third Island: Algar Do Carvão – the Caves Tour

The Algar do Carvão Caves Tour on Terceira Island promises an unforgettable journey into the island’s captivating volcanic landscapes. Guided by experts, adventurers can explore stunning geological formations, including the highlight – a 45-minute visit to the mesmerizing lava tube. While marveling at the natural wonders, you will also discover other remarkable sites like Lagoa das Patas and Gruta do Natal. With comfortable transportation and a thoughtfully curated itinerary, this tour caters to nature enthusiasts seeking to enjoy Terceira’s volcanic wonder. But the real question is, what secrets might these caves hold, waiting to be uncovered?

Key Points

• This 3-hour guided tour explores the volcanic landscapes and lava tubes of Terceira Island, with a focus on the unique Algar do Carvão cave.
• The tour includes stops at Lagoa das Patas, Gruta do Natal, and Furnas do Enxofre, providing a rundown of the island’s geological wonders.
• Participants can expect a multilingual guide, transportation via minibus or minivan, and provided safety gear such as helmets for the Gruta do Natal exploration.
• The tour is suitable for a wide range of ages, from 5 to 99, but not recommended for those with mobility issues or over 95 years old.
• With an overall rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars, the tour is highly praised for its knowledgeable guide, unique experiences, and ample time for exploration.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The excursion to the best caves on Terceira Island, Azores, lasts for 3 hours and costs from $66.41 per person.

Tickets are included, with guided tours available in English, Portuguese, and Spanish. Travelers can enjoy free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

The tour starts at 2 PM from Alto das Covas in Angra do Heroismo, with stops at Lagoa das Patas, Gruta do Natal, Furnas do Enxofre, and the main highlight, Algar do Carvão.

Transportation is provided via minibus or minivan, and entry fees for Algar do Carvão and Gruta do Natal are included.

Suitable for most ages, the tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the island’s stunning natural wonders.

Itinerary Details

The tour starts at 2 PM from Alto das Covas in Angra do Heroismo, the capital of Terceira Island.

The main stops include Lagoa das Patas, a leisure park with a lagoon and river, for a 30-minute visit.

Next, the group explores the Gruta do Natal lava tube for another 30 minutes, requiring a helmet.

The tour then takes a 30-minute nature walk at Furnas do Enxofre.

The highlight is a 45-minute visit to Algar do Carvão, the main attraction.

In total, the tour has 12 pickup and drop-off locations in Angra do Heroismo.

Inclusions and Transportation

Typically, the tour includes entry fees for Algar do Carvão and Gruta do Natal, which cost €15 per person.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are also provided, with transportation via minibus or minivan. Free WiFi is available on board, and a driver and guide are included.

Participants will be provided with a helmet for the Gruta do Natal exploration.

The tour is suitable for a range of ages, from children as young as 5 to adults up to 99 years old, though those with mobility issues or over 95 years old may not be able to participate.

Participant Guidelines

Regarding participant guidelines, the tour is suitable for adults aged 10 to 99, as well as children aged 5 to 9 and infants 4 and younger.

However, it’s not recommended for people with mobility impairments, wheelchair users, or individuals over 95 years old. A minimum of 5 participants is required for an open-top mini bus; otherwise, a minivan will be used.

Children must be accompanied by an adult throughout the tour.

The tour operator suggests wearing comfortable footwear and bringing appropriate clothing for the weather, such as a coat on rainy days and water/sunscreen on sunny days.

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Customer Feedback

Based on the 15 reviews, the tour has earned an overall rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars.

Customers have been particularly impressed by the knowledgeable and multilingual guide, Philippe, who’s been praised for his exceptional expertise and language skills.

The highlight of the tour, Algar do Carvão, is noted as a unique and unforgettable experience.

Reviewers recommend:

• Wearing comfortable footwear
• Bringing a coat on rainy days and water/sunscreen on sunny days
• Preparing for an adventure in Terceira Island’s remarkable caves

Tour Duration

The excursion to Algar do Carvão lasts 3 hours, providing visitors ample time to explore the best caves on Terceira Island, Azores.

The tour starts at 2 PM from Alto das Covas in Angra do Heroísmo and includes a 45-minute visit to the main highlight, Algar do Carvão.

Other stops along the way are Lagoa das Patas, Gruta do Natal, and Furnas do Enxofre, each with its own 30-minute exploration period.

The duration of the tour allows guests to enjoy the island’s unique geological wonders without feeling rushed.

Whether you’re interested in lava tubes, volcanic landscapes, or simply taking in the natural beauty, this 3-hour cave tour offers a well-rounded experience.

Pricing and Availability

The Caves Tour at Algar do Carvão is priced from $66.41 per person. This cost covers entry fees to the Algar do Carvão and Gruta do Natal, as well as hotel pickup and drop-off, transportation via minibus/minivan, and the services of a knowledgeable guide.

The tour is available in English, Portuguese, and Spanish, and features free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. To participate, a minimum of 5 people is required for an open-top mini bus; otherwise, a minivan will be used.

The tour is suitable for a wide range of ages, but not recommended for those with mobility issues or over 95 years old.

Meeting Point and Pickup Locations

The tour commences at 2 PM from Alto das Covas in Angra do Heroismo, the capital city of Terceira Island. Travelers have a total of 12 pickup and drop-off locations to choose from in Angra do Heroismo. Convenient for those staying throughout the city, this comprehensive network ensures a seamless start and end to the excursion.

Pickup Locations
1. Alto das Covas
2. Praça Velha
3. Rua da Sé
4. Rua João Belo
5. Hotel Terceira Mar

The transportation is via minibus or minivan, providing comfort and flexibility throughout the 3-hour journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can We Purchase Tickets on the Day of the Tour?

Yes, you can purchase tickets on the day of the tour. However, it’s recommended to book in advance to guarantee availability, as the tour has a minimum participant requirement.

Do Guides Provide Insights Into the Island’s History and Culture?

Yes, the guides provide insights into Terceira Island’s history and culture during the tour. They offer detailed information about the natural attractions and share interesting facts about the island’s heritage and people.

Are Group Sizes Limited to Ensure an Intimate Experience?

The tour has a minimum group size of 5 participants, ensuring an intimate experience. However, larger groups will use a minivan instead of an open-top mini bus to accommodate more guests comfortably.

Are There Any Discount Options Available for Local Residents?

The tour doesn’t appear to offer any discount options specifically for local residents. The price is listed as starting from $66.41 per person, and there’s no mention of reduced rates for those residing on Terceira Island.

Can We Request Specific Languages for the Guided Tours?

Yes, you can request specific languages for the guided tours. The tour offers English, Portuguese, and Spanish language options, allowing you to choose the one that best suits your needs.

Recap

Terceira Island’s Algar do Carvão Caves Tour offers an immersive exploration of the island’s volcanic landscapes. Participants can marvel at the captivating lava tube, Lagoa das Patas, and Gruta do Natal, with comfortable transportation and expert guidance. This 3-hour adventure is perfect for nature enthusiasts seeking to discover Terceira’s stunning geological formations.

You can check if your dates are available here: