Buggy SSV – Off Road Adventure | Sete Cidades Volcano Crater

Experience thrilling off-road adventures in São Miguel’s volcanic landscapes with a guided buggy tour—stunning views, remote roads, and expert guides await.

Azores, Europe, Portugal, Tour Reviews

Travelers looking to combine adrenaline, stunning scenery, and a taste of real Azorean wilderness will find this buggy (SSV) tour in São Miguel a fantastic choice. Covering rugged trails, volcanic craters, and scenic viewpoints, it offers a unique way to explore the island’s natural beauty away from the usual tourist paths. The tour’s highlight is driving your own SSV through dramatic landscapes, guided by knowledgeable locals who know every secret corner of the Azores.

What we love most about this experience is the opportunity to get off the beaten track—driving through remote roads and hidden viewpoints that most visitors never see. Plus, the combination of a guided route with free time at the iconic Sete Cidades lakes allows for both adventure and a chance to soak in the scenery on your own.

One potential consideration is the need for a valid driver’s license since only drivers 18+ are allowed behind the wheel, and the experience takes place rain or shine. This might be a little challenging for travelers expecting a more relaxed, sightseeing-only tour. Still, if you’re craving adventure and stunning vistas, this tour is perfect for those with a spirit of exploration and a sense of adventure.

This experience is ideal for adventurous couples, friends, or solo travelers who want a hands-on, immersive day exploring São Miguel’s wild side. It’s especially fitting if you love scenic drives, geological wonders, and the thrill of driving an off-road vehicle.

Key Points

Authentic Off-Road Experience: Drive your own SSV along rugged, scenic trails, feeling the thrill of off-road exploration.
Expert Guided Tours: Knowledgeable guides lead you through hidden viewpoints and remote locations, enriching your experience.
Spectacular Views: Enjoy panoramic vistas from spots like Miradouro das Cumeeiras, Pico da Cruz, and Vista do Rei.
Visit Iconic Landmarks: Stand at the 36,000-year-old Volcano of the 7 Cidades and explore the lagoons and abandoned Hotel das 7 Cidades.
All-Inclusive Pricing: Helmets, viewpoint tickets, third-party insurance, and taxes are included, offering good value.
Small Group Setting: Limited to six participants, ensuring personalized attention and a more intimate adventure.

An In-Depth Look at the Buggy SSV Off-Road Tour

This 4-hour adventure offers a well-balanced mix of guided sightseeing and free exploration, perfect for those who want to experience São Miguel’s volcanic landscapes in a way that’s both exciting and informative. Starting at the Rua da Mãe de Deus, the tour kicks off with a brief safety briefing. This initial 15-minute chat is essential for those new to off-road driving, and the guides are praised for their knowledge — especially Andre and Elena, who received glowing reviews for their expertise and friendly approach.

Looking for more options in Azores? Here are some other experiences worth considering.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Stop 1: Safety Briefing at Rua da Mãe de Deus
Although brief, this session sets the tone for the day. Expect a clear explanation of safety protocols, vehicle handling, and what to expect. Guides’ professionalism ensures you feel comfortable, even if you’ve never driven an SSV before.

Stop 2: Ponta Delgada
While this might just be the starting point, the tour quickly moves into the rugged terrain. No specific stops here besides the safety briefing, but it’s a good baseline before heading into nature.

Stop 3: Coal Peak Viewpoint
The first true highlight, this viewpoint offers stunning vistas over São Miguel’s landscape. The guided stop provides insights into the volcanic activity that shaped the island, and the panoramic views are spectacular. Reviewers have mentioned that the guides are very knowledgeable, adding context to the scenery.

Stop 4: Nove Janelas Muro
A photo stop at this natural rock formation, with a guided tour explaining its geological significance. It’s an excellent spot to capture the rugged beauty of the Azores and hear some intriguing stories from your guide.

Stop 5: Pico da Cruz
Another guided stop, offering sweeping views and an opportunity to learn more about the island’s volcanic history. Expect to get some fantastic photos and possibly spot other viewpoints or landmarks.

Stop 6: Miradouro Das Cumeeiras
This is one of the tour’s star viewpoints. From here, you’ll see the breathtaking Lagoa das Sete Cidades and the volcanic landscape around it. Reviewers have called this stop “incredible,” and it’s easy to see why. The guides’ explanations deepen your appreciation for the geology here.

Stop 7 & 8: Sete Cidades
The highlight of many trips, this area is best known for its twin lagoons and striking scenery. You’ll spend about 45 minutes with a guided tour, learning about the volcano and its ecology, followed by 30 minutes of free time. This is a perfect opportunity for photos, quiet reflection, or just soaking in the views.

Return to Rua da Mãe de Deus
After a full day of exploration, the tour wraps up back at the starting point, leaving you with lasting memories of São Miguel’s volcanic power and natural beauty.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The price covers helmets, viewpoint entry tickets, third-party insurance, and taxes, making it a straightforward and transparent cost. However, extras like gloves and rain gear are not included, so it’s wise to bring layers and perhaps gloves if the weather looks uncertain.

No hotel pickup or drop-off is provided, so you’ll need to arrange your transportation to the starting point. The meeting point is at the Motorcycle Store, and while some reviews mention that the location can be a little tricky to spot, the guides seem to be helpful with directions.

The Driving Experience

Driving your own Side-by-Side Vehicle (SSV) is central to this tour’s appeal. While the vehicles are designed for ease and safety, expect some bumpy, off-road terrain. The guides emphasize safety and are attentive to everyone’s comfort level, especially since all drivers must be 18+ with a valid license. For those not driving, passengers are allowed, making it a flexible experience for couples or friends.

Guides and Service

Reviewers like Elena praised the guides for their knowledgeability and friendly manner. Andre and Elena are noted for their clear explanations and helpfulness, which enriches the overall experience. The small group size — limited to six people — means personalized attention, a definite plus for those wanting a more intimate adventure.

You might also want to explore these Azores activities

Weather Considerations

Since the tour takes place rain or shine, packing appropriate clothing is essential. The Azores can be unpredictable, and a raincoat or waterproof gear might be wise, especially if you’re planning to do the full 4 hours. The guides typically provide safety equipment, but travelers should be prepared for changing weather conditions.

Pricing and Overall Value

While not the cheapest activity on São Miguel, the cost reflects the personalized experience, guide expertise, and all-included viewpoint tickets. For travelers seeking an adventurous day, it offers excellent value—especially considering the memorable scenery, the opportunity to drive, and the insider knowledge shared along the way.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This buggy SSV adventure is perfect for adventure lovers, those eager to see São Miguel’s less accessible sights, and anyone who enjoys driving and scenic viewpoints. It’s also suitable for small groups and couples wanting a shared experience that combines fun, education, and stunning natural beauty.

The Sum Up

This off-road buggy tour offers a compelling way to explore the volcanic landscapes of São Miguel for travelers looking for a mix of adventure and authentic scenery. The guided stops at key viewpoints, the chance to drive a side-by-side vehicle, and the small group setting combine to create a memorable, personalized experience. Expect breathtaking views of Sete Cidades and volcanic craters, with knowledgeable guides who bring the island’s geological story to life.

While it’s not suited for children under 5 or those without a driver’s license, it’s ideal for those comfortable with a little adventure and eager to see São Miguel from a fresh perspective. The tour’s emphasis on safety, expert guidance, and genuine off-road exploration makes it a standout choice for your Azores itinerary.

Whether you’re looking to check off a thrilling activity or simply want to enjoy the island’s natural wonders from a different angle, this buggy adventure offers a well-rounded, unforgettable experience.