Top Ponta Delgada Outdoor Activities

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.

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.

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.

Discover the magic of Ilhéu de Villa Franca do Campo from a completely different perspective – underwater! After a briefing and delivery of all necessary equipment. Dressed in neoprene, mask and spikes, embark towards the island while the Guide shares safety information and curiosities about this iconic natural monument of the Azores. The snorkeling activity takes place in the waters surrounding the island (in its outer area), where you can explore crystal clear waters, volcanic rock formations and an incredible diversity of marine life, including colorful fish, sea stars, crabs, mores and ducks. The activity does not take place within the natural Reservation of the island, but in its surroundings. For an even more exciting experience, you can choose to rent a SeaScooter. At the end, enjoy a small boat ride around the island before returning to the marina, an unforgettable experience that combines sea, nature and discovery.

Follow São Miguel's rivers and waterfalls on a small-group nature tour through some of the island's most beautiful and unspoiled landscapes. Venture beyond the usual sightseeing routes and discover six unique waterfalls, lush forests, hidden valleys, and historic watermills that reveal the island's deep connection to water. Designed for nature lovers and active travelers, this experience combines short walks, breathtaking scenery, and a deeper exploration of São Miguel's wild side. Along the way, enjoy a picnic lunch surrounded by nature and, when conditions allow, opportunities to experience the island's refreshing natural waters. Travel in the comfort of a modern 100% electric van and enjoy the personal attention of a local guide in a group limited to just 8 guests. With more walking, more immersion, and more time in nature, this tour offers a completely different perspective on the Azores.

Get off the beaten track and discover the hidden gems of São Miguel island during this full-day excursion from Ponta Delgada. Join a small group and drive through the lush landscapes of the inner island, away from the crowds. Stop at waterfalls, mountain tops, cliffs, a secluded beach, and much more without any difficult walks, making it suitable for every type of traveler.

Visit the lively Furnas Lagoon. Indulge your taste buds with the traditional Cozido das Furnas. Rejuvenate your body and soul in the Furnas hot springs of Poça da Dona Beija during the golden hour, between dusk and nightfall. These thermal baths are very rich in mineral-medicinal properties and naturally provide benefits for your body and mind. The ideal way to unwind amid your holidays. Discover the true mystique of the village of Furnas at night, the Furnas fumaroles after night sets are unlike anything I've seen. The steam catches the village yellow lights, above the black cobblestone, it looks truly something out of this world. Ivo is the local that will guide you through this eerie part of São Miguel, Azores, sharing insights and local stories.

Go on a thrilling quad bike adventure from Ponta Delgada with stunning views over the Sete Cidades valley and the twin lakes. Get your adrenaline-pumping on this half-day, small-group tour designed for all age groups and experience levels. Enjoy the security of knowing that a guide, helmet, insurance and gasoline are all included in this exciting excursion.

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.

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.

Drive along paths accessible only by 4x4 to access the most exclusive, unique, and breathtaking views of São Miguel Island, accompanied by a certified local guide. Departing from Ponta Delgada, we head toward the Sete Cidades volcano, where we will make several stops, including at Pico do Carvão, where we can see the sea at the northern and southern tips of the island. Next, we will pass by an aqueduct dating back to the 19th century, allowing us to admire its magnificent construction. After that, we begin our adventure on a dirt road surrounding the top of the caldera, reaching an altitude of 856 meters. Here, you can enjoy the beauty of the Sete Cidades volcanic caldera and visit the parish between them.

Get to know the western part of São Miguel on a half-day tour of the island. Alongside a private guide visit several points of interest including the Sete Cidades lakes, Inferno Grotto, and the Ferraria thermal pools. You also visit the darkest sand volcanic beach on the island, and in summer you can swim in the refreshing waters.

Discover the natural beauty of São Miguel’s east side on this scenic day trip. Witness bubbling hot springs in Furnas, and sample iron-rich waters and traditional “cozido” stew cooked by volcanic steam. Visit the stunning Ribeira dos Caldeirões waterfall and unwind at the scenic Santa Iria viewpoint, a memorable mix of volcanic wonders and serene island landscapes.

The activity is accompanied by experienced guides with specialized training! The equipment used is disinfected daily and of professional quality.

This tour is unique because we will visit one of the most iconic places of the Azores, The north of this, the pure air, the peaks and the imposing mountains on the sloping slope DA, the wave DE the sea seems more extensive and the line of the indeterminable horizon, the Northeast is the gateway to the tranquility and contemplation of nature, the ideal destination for those seeking nature tourism. Here, you walk a distinctive piece OF land on the island DE São Miguel with breathtaking views, superb valleys, mountainous mountains and mountains, waterfalls AND refreshing ribs.

Spend a relaxing evening at the Poça da Dona Beija thermal baths in Furnas during this nighttime excursion from Ponta Delgada. Bathe in the natural pools (tickets are not included), enjoy a guided nature walk, and feast on Cozido das Furnas, a traditional Azores meat and vegetable stew boiled underground in volcanic steam from the hot springs. Your tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Ponta Delgada.

Explore one of São Miguel’s most iconic landscapes on this private half-day tour to Sete Cidades, combined with a visit to a traditional pineapple plantation. Travel through scenic roads toward the breathtaking Sete Cidades volcanic crater, famous for its twin lakes surrounded by lush green mountains. Stop at some of the island’s most spectacular viewpoints, including Vista do Rei, where you can admire unforgettable panoramic views over the crater. During the tour, visit a local pineapple plantation and learn about the traditional greenhouse cultivation unique to the Azores. Discover the history of Azorean pineapple production and enjoy the opportunity to taste local pineapple products. This private experience offers flexibility, comfort, and personalized attention, allowing you to explore at your own pace while discovering the natural beauty and local traditions of São Miguel.

Explore the natural and cultural wonders of Sao Miguel, without the stress of navigating, on this full-day excursion through the northeastern part of the island. Discover the island’s lush gardens, stunning vistas, and rushing waterfalls. Meet charming locals and learn about the fascinating geologic history and uncover the cultural heritage, including its handicrafts and gastronomic delights.

From exquisite volcanic lakes to steaming hot springs, see some of São Miguel Island’s most beautiful attractions on this full-day tour from Ponta Delgada. After pickup from your hotel, travel first to Sete Cidades, where you’ll see the famous bi-colored lagoons from scenic viewing points. Enjoy a traditional Azorean lunch, and then head inland to see the Salto do Cabrito waterfall, ascend Lagoa do Fogo, and admire even more beautiful landscapes.

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.

Skip the busier stretches of the São Miguel coastline, and head out by boat to discover the marine life and exclusive swimming spots of the island’s south coast. With an in-the-know local guide, you’ll improve your chances of finding the region’s famous whales and dolphins. Swimming and a traditional Azores lunch follow the boat ride at the islet of Vila Franca do Campo.

Discover the central crater of Lagoa do Fogo crater. Relax at the end of the day sipping a local gin at the Gin Library. Departing from Ponta Delgada, we head to Lagoa do Fogo, one of the largest waterbodies in the Azores, located in the central area of the island of São Miguel. The last eruption occurred in 1563. From this view point we can see both the north and southern coasts and the beautiful glimmering waters of the fire lake. After taking in the beautiful view of Lagoa do Fogo we will head to Santa Barbara beach. A wide shoreline of dark sand with high cliffs & brisk waters, popular with surfers & bodyboarders. A refreshing Gin awaits us at the next stop. The Gin Library. Visit Europe’s largest collection of gin here on the island of Sao Miguel. Taste the local Azorean gins, Ghosts of The Ocean and Rocha Negra as you learn about the history of all things juniper at The Gin Library.

Make the most of your time at shore with a private tour of Ponta Delgada. Choose from three regions—Sete Cidades, Furnas, and Lagoa do Fogo—and customize the itinerary to your interests and preferences. Visit local villages, admire the natural beauty of the island, or sample the local gastronomy during your time in the Azores.