Top Ponta Delgada Day Trips

Discover the west side of São Miguel island with ease on a full-day tour from Ponta Delgada. A great way for first-time visitors to orient themselves, this tour covers Lake Fogo, Boca do Inferno lookout, Mosteiros, and Sete Cidades, home to the vivid Lago Azul and Lago Verde. Enjoy a traditional Portuguese lunch and hotel pickup and drop-off on this small-group tour.

Search for whales and dolphins along the southern coast of the Azores on this wildlife watching trip from Ponta Delgada. Traveling in a nimble, open boat with an experienced captain, you’ll have the best chance of spotting the bottlenose dolphins, sperm whales, sei whales, bearded whales, and blue whales that flock to the islands. This whale and dolphin tour is a fun, family-friendly way to see the coast, and both morning and afternoon departures are available.

Experience São Miguel through one of its most powerful natural elements: water. This eco-friendly van tour combines scenic walks, lush valleys, and hidden waterfalls as we follow the island’s streams from the mountains to the sea. The day begins near the north coast with a gentle walk along a stream leading to a secluded waterfall and a beautiful black sand beach where fresh water meets the Atlantic Ocean. Next, a forest trail descends into a green canyon where two waterfalls appear along the same stream, including one where a path allows you to walk behind the falling water. After lunch at a local restaurant, the tour continues to a hidden coastal valley where a waterfall cascades toward the ocean beside a remarkable sequence of historic stone watermills. The day finishes in the central highlands, where a walk through lush vegetation leads to one of São Miguel’s most impressive waterfalls near a historic hydroelectric system that has used the island’s streams for over a century.

Explore the natural and cultural wonders of Sao Miguel on this full-day tour to Nordeste. With the comfort of a small group, explore the island’s lush gardens, stunning vistas and rushing waterfalls. Meet charming locals and learn about the fascinating geologic history of the island. Additionally, learn about the cultural heritage found in Nordeste, including its handicrafts and gastronomic delights.

This excursion is unique because we will visit two iconic places in the Azores, Lagoa do Fogo is the second largest on the island of São Miguel and one of the largest in the Azores. It has been classified as a nature reserve since 1974 and is part of the Natura 2000 Network for being classified as a special conservation area. Lagoa das Sete Cidades is very likely the most iconic and recognized natural monument in the Azores. In a region with such a large number of striking landscapes, the image of Sete Cidades is chosen countless times to represent or promote the island of São Miguel and the archipelago. Named one of the Seven Wonders of Portugal and classified as a Protected Landscape by the Natura 2000 Network, the Sete Cidades are a unique place in the world, which any traveler passing through these islands must visit.

Discover the dramatic beauty of São Miguel on this full-day shore excursion to Sete Cidades and the Furnas volcano. Begin with a seamless pick-up at Ponta Delgada cruise terminal and relax as you journey through lush landscapes. Stand at breathtaking viewpoints over the twin crater lakes of Sete Cidades, feel the volcanic energy at Furnas, and stroll through its steaming geothermal springs. Explore the unique landscapes at your own pace in a small-group setting. Designed for cruise passengers, this tour guarantees comfort, timely return to your ship, and a memorable immersion in the Azores’ natural wonders.

Immerse yourself in some of São Miguel Island’s most dramatic scenery—and put your mettle to the test—with this half-day canyoning tour. Pick between morning and afternoon start times, meet your guide at the Ribeira dos Caldeirões Natural Park in the island’s Nordeste region, and take part in a safety and training session. Then, grab your gear and head into nature: You’ll hike, rappel, cliff-jump, try a natural water slide, and more.

Discover the most iconic landscapes of São Miguel, Azores, with comfort and a true local touch. This small group tour combines stunning sights, history, culture, and tasting moments in a relaxed and conversational atmosphere. Along the way we share curiosities about the island’s volcanic origin and local traditions. Includes small tastes, snacks and water, and, if the weather allows, a light walk (optional). Conducted in a cart of 6 seats (up to 4 adults + 2 children), guarantees a quiet and personalized experience, away from large groups. The itinerary is adjusted to the weather conditions to offer the best views of Seven Cities, Lagoon of Fire and Furnas. Available in the West Lakes (with lunch), Solo Travellers (1h30 or 3h00), Express (1h30 or 3h00), Seven Cities & Fire Lagoon (5h30), Furnas Baths (with lunch) and Private (4 or 7 hours). The duration and prices vary depending on the option chosen. The authentic way to live the island.

Explore the surroundings of the Sete Cidades Volcano in a different way on this side-by-side tour from Ponta Delgada. Join a small group and climb aboard your buggy to start your rugged adventure. Head towards the north coast and make stops at villages and scenic viewpoints to get a full picture of the Azorean landscapes. This tour is great for families, couples, or small groups who want some adventure on their vacation.

Enjoy a unique tour and Explore beautiful landscapes, walk along the banks of lakes, meet local people and enjoy Azorean cuisine in a restaurant with a superb view.

Immerse yourself in the Azores’ otherworldly beauty—and enjoy an active excursion as you go—on this small-group electric bike tour of Sete Cidades. Pick between morning and afternoon start times, meet your guide, and grab your e-bike. You can look forward to scaling the region’s volcanic rims, soaking up the sights from the Vista do Rei viewpoint, descending into the caldera, visiting a local village, and more.

Discover more of São Miguel on your Azores vacation with this small-group day trip with a local guide. Perfect if you have a free day but no transport, this tour takes you to villages, hot springs and fumaroles that would be difficult to reach alone. Lunch and tea samples from São Miguel are included. Please note that the entrance fee for the thermal baths is separate.

Spend a few hours exploring Ponta Delgada’s rich culinary offerings on this guided excursion. After meeting up with a knowledgeable local guide at Portas da Cidade, sample local specialties and learning about Azorean food culture while stopping by local markets and eateries like Mercado da Graca, Louvre Michaelense, and O Principe dos Queijos. Enjoy complimentary tastings and drinks along the way.

Discover the western portion of Sao Miguel Island on this half-day Jeep tour. Visit the volcanic crater at Sete Cidades and surrounding lakes and and take in the beautiful vista from 650 meters. Then explore the nearby local villages and learn about the Azorean culture form your informative guide before heading back to Ponta Delgada.

The traveler will get to know the most famous and stunning Lagoons of the Azores. The immense space, the silence, seems to muffle the noise of the birds. The blue and green craters and caldera will walk with you on the sidewalk. The water and the passage as far as the eye can see but where the view is never lost. The sea stops if the island rises. The mirror of nature. This tour has lunch included.

Enjoy this full day small group tour of the Furnas Valley and other stops along the way. You’ll visit Vila Franca do Campo, try a traditional Pastry, then get to the Terra Nostra Park to see the romantic gardens. You can soak in a thermal bath if you like, then enjoy an included lunch, and afterwards have a few more stops to take in before you’re returned to the departure point.

Delve into the natural splendor of Ribeira dos Caldeirões Natural Park (Parque Natural dos Caldeirões) on a full-day walking tour from Ponta Delgada. In a small group limited to 10, you’ll explore the abandoned village of Sanguinho, admire the Salto do Prego waterfall, and visit historic relics in Povoacao. A picnic lunch is included.

Exploring São Miguel Island’s stunning landscapes can be challenging with its mix of rugged terrain and remote viewpoints. This half-day quad biking adventure offers the perfect solution, combining thrilling exploration with guided expertise. Take the driver’s seat and navigate both on-road and off-road routes through the mountains surrounding the Sete Cidades Volcano. Weather permitting, marvel at panoramic views of tranquil lakes and the vast ocean.

Private Tour by car or Van with a local guide to see Furnas area. Furnas is located in almost the middle east of Sao mIguel island, where you can find the Caldeiras (fumaroles), and one of the richest places in Europe in terms of thermal and medicinal waters (22 different springs). You can also find one of the most diverse places in terms of vegetation, and probably the most beautiful botanical garden on the Azores "Parque Terra Nostra Garden" (12.5 hectares), within which you will find a hot geothermal pool (with a temperature between 41 at 42 degrees). Taste one of the most famous gastronomy of the Azores, the "Cozido das Furnas" stew. Furnas is close to the only tea plantation in Europe (where green tea and 3 types of black tea are produced).

Private Full-Day Sete Cidades & Lagoa do Fogo Adventure – Best Views, Hidden Trails & Local Insights Explore São Miguel’s most iconic volcano lakes and dramatic landscapes with a private guide. Experience Highlights Sete Cidades – Iconic Volcano Lakes Take in the postcard views of twin lakes in the volcanic crater, where deep blue and emerald waters meet lush green slopes — it’s one of the most photographed landscapes in Portugal. Vista do Rei & Miradouro das Cumeeiras Stand above the crater rim for breathtaking panoramas — these viewpoints deliver that “wow” moment people remember long after their trip. Lagoa do Fogo (Lake of Fire) Venture higher to one of São Miguel’s most pristine crater lakes, surrounded by untouched wilderness and dramatic slopes — nature at its most raw and beautiful. Off-road Sections & Hidden Trails We take paths most tours skip, giving you quieter spots, unique perspectives, and better photos without the crowds.

Explore the western and central parts of Sao Miguel Island on this tour to Sete Cidades and Lagoa do Fogo. Head to the rim of the dormant Sete Cidades Volcano and take in the stunning views from 650 meters above sea level. Traverse the surrounding villages and rugged terrain with a Jeep.

This tour offers a huge contact with nature, the vacationer must be in good physical shape and enjoy walking. Here you will feel the true smell of nature. Walk and contemplate nature.

Even if you’re only in Ponta Delgada for a short while, maximize your time on the Azores during a stress-free shore excursion to the ancient volcanic zone of Furnas on the eastern part of the island. You’ll receive personalized attention in a small group and benefit from convenient port pickup and drop-off. Plus, you can customize your itinerary to include stops at a botanical garden and thermal springs.