Azores: Shore Excursion Sete Cidades – Blue & Green Twin Crater Lakes

When your cruise ship docks in Ponta Delgada, the Sete Cidades tour promises an enriching glimpse into some of the Azores’ most breathtaking natural sights. This small-group adventure, offered by Azores Dream Tours, takes you on a scenic journey around São Miguel Island’s iconic volcanic landscapes, with stops that showcase the island’s volcanic history, vibrant flora, and local culture.

What makes this experience stand out is its combination of stunning vistas—particularly the famous Blue and Green Lakes—and intimate, personalized service with a maximum of just 8 travelers. The tour includes stops at a pineapple plantation, viewpoints over the crater, and an engaging guide who’s passionate about sharing the island’s secrets.

One thing to consider: the weather can be unpredictable, and some reviews mention that cloud cover or rain may obscure certain views. Still, the overall value, flexibility, and authentic feel of the tour mean it’s best suited for travelers eager to see the natural beauty of São Miguel without the crowds and at a reasonable price.

Key Points

• Intimate Small Group: Limited to 8 travelers, ensuring a personalized and relaxed experience.
• Spectacular Views: From crater lakes to panoramic viewpoints, the scenery is truly unforgettable.
• Authentic Local Experiences: Visit a unique pineapple plantation and explore volcanic landscapes.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable guides like Gonçalo and Pedro make the tour engaging and insightful.
• Great Value: At around $68, for roughly 3-4 hours, it offers a well-rounded taste of the island.
• Weather Considerations: Views can be affected by clouds or rain, so flexible planning helps.

The Itinerary in Detail: What to Expect

Arruda Pineapple Plantation – A Unique Agricultural Experience

Your day begins at the Arruda Pineapple Plantation, where you’ll get a glimpse of how pineapples are grown in the Azores. Unlike typical plantations, this one is housed inside a glass greenhouse, creating a microclimate perfect for the tropical fruit. Visitors often find this stop surprisingly charming and educational, with the added delight of tasting local pineapple treats. Several reviews highlight that this short stop is a highlight, with one reviewer even saying they enjoyed the pineapple tasting more than anticipated.

Pico Carvão – Panoramic Island Views

Next, you’ll stop at Pico Carvão, a vantage point offering sweeping views over half of São Miguel. This stop is perfect for taking photos and getting a sense of the island’s rugged terrain. Reviewers mention that even a brief 10-minute stop here delivers a rewarding perspective, especially if the weather permits clear visibility. It’s the kind of spot where you can breathe in fresh island air and appreciate the volcanic landscape from above.

Miradouro da Boca do Inferno – Inside a Volcano

This viewpoint, translated as “Hell’s Mouth,” gives a glimpse into the inside of a volcano crater. It’s a short stop, but the dramatic scenery leaves a lasting impression. Reviews note that this is an iconic stop for understanding the island’s volcanic origins and enjoying some of the best views of the crater landscape.

Vista do Rei – The Famous Lake Viewpoint

The Vista do Rei (King’s View) is arguably the most iconic stop. Here, you’ll gaze upon the twin lakes—the famous blue and green lakes of Sete Cidades—with their swirling colors mesmerizing visitors. Even with clouds or rain, the scenery has been praised for its drama and grandeur. Reviewers like Krista mention that, despite the weather, the views were still spectacular, and the guide’s commentary made the experience more meaningful.

Flexible Drop-offs and Personal Touches

One of the tour’s highlights, often praised in reviews, is its flexibility. Instead of being herded back to the cruise port, guides like Gonçalo and Pedro often drop travelers off at a location of their choosing in Ponta Delgada. This allows for extra exploration, shopping, or relaxing after the tour—a real bonus for those wanting to maximize their time.

Transportation & Group Size

Travel is conducted in a small van, offering a more intimate experience compared to larger bus tours. According to reviews, this setup not only reduces the hassle but also allows for more frequent stops and personal interactions with the guide. The group size, capped at 8, keeps the tour private enough to be comfortable but still social.

The journey is approximately 3 to 4 hours, making it ideal for a morning or early afternoon activity. Pickup and drop-off from the cruise port are included, easing logistical worries.

Guides and Personal Experience

Guides like Gonçalo, Carlos, and Pedro receive high praise for their knowledge, friendliness, and enthusiasm. Reviewers mention that guides are eager to share insights about local culture, geology, and agriculture, making the trip more than just sightseeing. Some comments point out that guides are multi-lingual, which is helpful for international visitors.

One reviewer appreciated Gonçalo’s clear explanations about pineapple cultivation, describing him as “wonderful” and “informative,” while others praised Pedro’s caring attitude and deep knowledge about the volcanoes and the island’s history. Their passion makes a difference, transforming a scenic drive into a storytelling session full of interesting tidbits.

The Value and Overall Experience

At $68.23 per person, this tour provides excellent value—especially considering the inclusion of port pickup and drop-off, expert guides, and multiple scenic stops. Compared to larger, less personalized excursions, the small-group format feels more relaxed, and the flexible drop-off points mean you can continue exploring at your own pace.

Despite the variable weather, many travelers found the experience rewarding. Even on cloudy days, the scenery’s awe-inspiring nature shines through, and the guides’ local knowledge enhances the experience. Some reviews mention that, even with less-than-ideal weather, the tour was still worth it, thanks to the views and the storytelling.

However, it’s worth noting that a few travelers experienced cancellations due to weather or logistical issues, so keeping your plans flexible is wise. Also, the transportation can get a bit stuffy if the weather is hot and the air conditioning isn’t very effective, so dress appropriately.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This excursion is perfect if you’re after authentic, scenic, and small-group experiences. Nature lovers, geology enthusiasts, and those who appreciate local culture will find it especially rewarding. It’s a fantastic option for travelers who want to avoid big buses and enjoy a more personal, relaxed pace.

If you’re mostly interested in the famous lakes of Sete Cidades and want to understand their story, this tour delivers. It also suits those who enjoy learning about local agriculture, as the pineapple plantation visit is a pleasant surprise.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a well-rounded taste of São Miguel’s natural beauty, with a focus on scenic viewpoints, volcanic landscapes, and local culture. The small-group format, combined with knowledgeable guides like Gonçalo, makes it a highly enjoyable and intimate experience. The price point is reasonable for the quality and depth of the tour, especially considering the inclusion of port pickup and drop-off.

While weather can influence the experience, the flexible approach and the guide’s storytelling make it a worthwhile choice for most visitors. It’s especially suited for those who want to combine sightseeing with engaging local insights, all while enjoying the stunning scenery of the Azores.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes a driver/guide, a local guide, and pickup and drop-off from the port. The stops are at key viewpoints and sites like the pineapple plantation.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 3 to 4 hours, making it a perfect half-day activity.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, most travelers can participate, but children must be accompanied by an adult.

What should I wear or bring?
Bring comfortable shoes, layered clothing in case of wind or rain, and a camera for the stunning views.

Can I join the tour if I’m not on a cruise?
Yes, the tour is open to all visitors, as long as it fits within the scheduled time.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather; if canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

How many people will be on the tour?
A maximum of 8 travelers ensures a personalized experience.

Can I customize the stops?
While the itinerary is fixed, guides may be flexible if there’s a specific request, especially given their intimate knowledge of the island.

What makes this tour special compared to others?
The small group size, expert guides, and authentic insights into local culture and geology set it apart.

Overall, if you’re seeking a memorable, scenic, and well-organized way to explore São Miguel’s crater lakes and volcanic landscapes, this tour is a fantastic choice. It offers a genuine taste of the Azores’ natural wonders, balanced with comfort and expert storytelling.