Ponta Delgada: Private Tour Sete Cidades Green e Blue Lakes

Getting a glimpse of the Sete Cidades volcanic crater is often a highlight for visitors to São Miguel Island in the Azores. This private tour promises an intimate journey through some of the island’s most iconic landscapes, led by knowledgeable local guides who know exactly where to take you for jaw-dropping views and authentic experiences. Whether you’re visiting on a cruise or staying in Ponta Delgada, this four-hour excursion offers a well-rounded taste of nature, culture, and local flavors.

What we love about this experience is the way it combines panoramic viewpoints—like Vista do Rei—with relaxed village walks and a peek into Azorean pineapple production. Plus, the fact that it’s a private tour means your group can customize the pace and focus on what excites you most. One thing to keep in mind: the tour doesn’t include meals or snacks during free time at Sete Cidades, so planning a small snack ahead might be a good idea.

This tour is especially perfect for travelers who love scenic drives, breathtaking vistas, and learning about local history and agriculture. It’s ideal if you’re after a relaxed yet comprehensive half-day, with the flexibility to explore at your own pace. However, it’s not suitable for those with mobility issues or heavy luggage, given the nature of some viewpoints and walking opportunities.

Key Points

• Private and customizable: The tour offers exclusivity with a dedicated guide and luxury transport, making for a personalized experience.
• Stunning viewpoints: Stops at Pico do Carvão, Vista do Rei, and Ponta Pta Escalvado provide picture-perfect views of the volcano and lakes.
• Local culture and flavors: Walking in rural villages and a visit to pineapple greenhouses give insight into Azorean life and traditions.
• Learning and storytelling: Guides like Manuel and Carlos are praised for their knowledge and ability to tailor the tour to guests’ interests.
• Flexible and convenient: Pickup and drop-off are included, and the tour can be booked with flexible cancellation policies.
• Value for money: For $227 per group (up to six people), the personalized, rich experience offers great value, combining scenic beauty, cultural insights, and local delicacies.

The Itinerary — A Deep Dive

Pickup and Initial Drive

The tour starts with convenient pickup from your hotel or cruise terminal in Ponta Delgada. From there, you’ll hop into a private luxury van or car, which immediately sets a comfortable tone for the four hours ahead.

Pico do Carvão: A Panoramic First Stop

Your first photo stop at Pico do Carvão provides a sweeping view of the island’s interior. This spot is ideal for snapping pictures of the central volcanic landscape and getting your bearings. The guide will share some insights on the island’s geography, helping you understand the broader volcanic activity that shaped São Miguel.

Scenic Drive & Vista do Rei Lookout

Next, you’ll enjoy a scenic drive along the west coast, passing through lush landscapes and farmland. The highlight here is Vista do Rei, a lookout that’s been famous since King Carlos I visited. From this vantage point, you’ll see why Sete Cidades is considered one of Europe’s most photogenic spots. The views are truly mesmerizing, with the twin lakes nestled inside a giant volcanic crater, surrounded by lush green hills.

Sete Cidades and Santiago Lagoon

Descending into the crater, you’ll stop at Cerrado das Freiras, another viewpoint giving different perspectives of the lakes. You’ll also visit Santiago Lagoon, the deepest and most secluded of the lakes. Here, you can walk along the lakeside, visit the charming church of S Nicolau, or simply soak in the peaceful scenery. One reviewer, Sonja, mentioned how their guide Manuel made sure the tour suited their needs, even arranging a coffee break by the lake — a small but memorable touch.

Ponta do Escalvado & Scenic Spots

Further along, the Ponta do Escalvado lookout offers dramatic cliffs and vistas over the Atlantic, perfect for more photos and appreciation of the rugged coastline. The guide’s storytelling makes each stop more meaningful, sharing local legends or explaining the volcanic formations.

Return via Scenic Routes

On the way back to Ponta Delgada, your guide will choose a scenic route that showcases the island’s lush landscapes and rural charm, giving you an authentic feel for Azorean life. Hajar’s review highlights how well their guide Eric explained every detail, making the drive both informative and enjoyable.

Pineapple Greenhouses & Local Flavors

Wrapping up, you’ll visit pineapple greenhouses, a uniquely Azorean tradition. These greenhouses produce flavorful pineapples that are a real treat — reviewers rave about the taste and the story behind their cultivation. You’ll also get to try a local pineapple liqueur, adding a sweet finishing touch to your morning.

Drop-off and Final Notes

The driver will return you safely to your hotel or cruise terminal. The entire experience is designed to be relaxed, informative, and tailored to your interests, making it a perfect fit for those wanting a deep yet manageable exploration of São Miguel’s highlights.

Practical Details and Why They Matter

Transportation: The private luxury vehicle ensures comfort, privacy, and flexibility. Guests often mention how the vehicle was spotless and the driving smooth, which makes all the difference in a scenic tour.

Timing & Duration: At four hours, the tour balances enough sightseeing with time to relax. The start times are flexible, but cruise passengers should note pickup is at 8:45 am, aligning with ship schedules.

Group Size: Limited to six people, the private setup allows for a personalized experience that’s more intimate than large group excursions. This means more space to ask questions and customize stops.

Cost & Value: At $227 per group, this tour offers excellent value considering the personalized guiding, private transportation, and additional visits like pineapple greenhouses. It’s perfect for small groups or families wanting quality over quantity.

Accessibility & Restrictions: Not suitable for those with mobility issues or heavy luggage, due to the walking involved and scenic viewpoints. Also, it’s a group tailored for those comfortable with short walks and outdoor conditions.

Weather & Packing: The Azorean weather can change quickly — don’t forget a raincoat, sunglasses, and a camera. The viewpoints might be cooler or windier, so dress accordingly.

Authentic Traveler Experiences

Reviewers like Sonja appreciated how their guide Manuel arrived early and customized the tour to their needs, making the whole experience seamless. Hajar’s family trip highlighted how well their guide Eric managed to entertain and educate both adults and a 5-year-old, with the vehicle being very clean and driving comfortable. Bob’s mention of Carlos being both knowledgeable and fun underscores how good guides elevate this scenic trip into a memorable adventure.

The Sum Up

This private tour of Sete Cidades in São Miguel offers a balanced mix of breathtaking views, cultural insights, and local flavors, all wrapped in the comfort of private transport and a dedicated guide. It’s an excellent choice for those who want a flexible, personalized experience that showcases the island’s most iconic landscapes with a touch of local life.

Ideal for small groups or families looking for a relaxed yet enriching half-day. If you value genuine storytelling, authentic scenery, and the chance to learn about Azorean agriculture, this tour will hit the mark.

While not suited for those with mobility challenges or large luggage, it’s a wonderful way to see the volcano’s twin lakes and surrounding vistas in style. Overall, a highly recommended experience for travelers eager for a memorable, scenic adventure in the Azores.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for cruise ship passengers?
Yes, the tour offers pickup directly at the cruise terminal at 8:45 am, making it easy to fit into your schedule. It’s designed to ensure you return on time, so you won’t miss your ship.

What is included in the price?
The package covers pickup and drop-off, private transportation in a luxury vehicle, a dedicated local guide, water bottles, Wi-Fi (if available), a visit to pineapple greenhouses, and a tasting of pineapple liqueur.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if your plans change.

Is this tour accessible for people with mobility issues?
No, it’s not suitable for those with mobility impairments due to the walking involved at viewpoints and some uneven terrain.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, sunglasses, camera, and a light raincoat or umbrella — the weather can change quickly on the island.

Are meals included?
No, meals and snacks are not included during free time at Sete Cidades, so plan accordingly if you want to eat or drink during your visit.

This private tour of Sete Cidades remains a fantastic way to experience the natural beauty and local charm of São Miguel, with guides who truly know how to make it memorable.