São Miguel: Private Romantic Cruise with Champagne

São Miguel: Private Romantic Cruise with Champagne – A Detailed Review

If you’re looking to add a touch of elegance and intimacy to your trip to the Azores, the Private Romantic Cruise with Champagne offered by AG Expeditions promises just that. This 2-hour excursion is designed exclusively for couples or small groups, blending scenic coastal views with a luxurious atmosphere. Whether celebrating an anniversary, honeymoon, or simply craving a peaceful moment together, this experience aims to create lasting memories.

One thing we love about this cruise is how customizable it is — from selecting the ideal time of day to personalizing your onboard experience. The inclusion of champagne, chocolates, and flowers transforms a simple boat ride into a truly romantic occasion. On the flip side, the cost of $687 for a group of up to two might seem steep for some, especially those on a tighter budget, but when considering the exclusivity and personalized nature of the experience, many will find it offers solid value.

This tour works best for couples who enjoy scenic, leisurely outings and are open to a luxurious, personalized experience on the sea. It’s also suitable for those celebrating special moments or simply wanting a unique way to see São Miguel’s coast from the water. Keep in mind, it’s not suitable for pregnant women, non-swimmers, or anyone prone to seasickness, so plan accordingly.

Key Points

• Exclusive private experience tailored for couples or small groups
• Flexible timing options: morning, afternoon, or sunset cruise
• Includes champagne, chocolates, flowers for a romantic ambiance
• Scenic coastal stops provide perfect photo opportunities
• Opportunity to swim if you’re feeling adventurous
• Personalized touches make each trip unique

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Experience: What You Can Expect

The cruise begins at AG Expeditions‘ base, where you’ll meet the friendly staff and board a boat tailored for an intimate experience. The journey takes you along impressive parts of São Miguel’s coastline, with stops that include Rabo de Peixe, Santa Barbara Beach, Ribeira Grande, Port of Santa Iria, Praia dos Moinhos, and Porto Formoso. Each destination offers its own charm — whether it’s scenic views, photo opportunities, or a chance to dip your toes in the Atlantic.

What makes this cruise feel special is the attention to detail. The onboard setup includes champagne, chocolates, and fresh flowers that set a romantic tone from the start. The music playing softly in the background adds to the mood, making it ideal for couples looking to celebrate or simply enjoy some quality time together.

The stops along the coast are more than just scenic points — they’re opportunities to appreciate São Miguel’s rugged beauty. For those who wish to, there’s even time to swim and share in the Atlantic’s invigorating energy. The boat’s itinerary is flexible enough that you can tailor your experience; for example, choosing a sunset cruise will enhance the magic of the moment with breathtaking colors over the sea.

The Itinerary Breakdown

• Starting point at AG Expeditions: The experience begins here, with a brief safety overview and some introductions from your guide, who is fluent in English, Spanish, and Portuguese.
• Rabo de Peixe: A small fishing village known for its maritime charm, offering a relaxed start to the voyage.
• Santa Barbara Beach: A scenic stop, perfect for photos and enjoying the coastline’s natural beauty.
• Ribeira Grande: One of the main towns along the coast, providing a glimpse of local life and landscapes.
• Port of Santa Iria: This stop is ideal for a quick photo session and taking in the panoramic views.
• Praia dos Moinhos: A lovely beach area, adding variety to the coastal scenery.
• Porto Formoso: Known for its dramatic cliffs and scenic vistas, offering excellent photo opportunities before heading back to base.

The entire cruise lasts about two hours, making it a manageable yet memorable outing. The optional swim opportunity adds a bit of adventure, although it’s not included in the standard package. The staff’s professionalism and the boat’s comfort enhance the overall experience, and reviews highlight the attentive service — one guest mentioned the staff was “friendly and accommodating,” which really helps elevate a luxury experience like this.

Analyzing the Value

At $687 per group, or up to two people, this experience is a premium choice. But when you consider the private nature, personalized touches, and the inclusion of champagne, chocolates, and flowers, the price aligns well with what many would consider a special occasion splurge. It’s not just about the boat ride; it’s about creating a memorable, romantic moment with exclusivity and customization at the core.

Many travelers see this as a worthwhile expense, especially for milestone celebrations or romantic getaways. The full insurance coverage and staff’s multilingual capabilities add reassurance and accessibility for international guests. Reviewers note how well the experience is organized and how the small group size offers an intimate setting that larger tours simply can’t match.

Practical Tips for Booking

• Timing: Check availability for your preferred time — morning, afternoon, or sunset — since each offers a different mood and view.
• What to bring: Pack comfortable shoes, swimwear, a towel, camera, sunscreen, and personal medication.
• Meeting point: You’ll meet at the AG Expeditions kiosk, so plan your arrival accordingly.
• Not suitable for: Pregnant women, non-swimmers, or those with recent surgeries or certain health issues, due to the sea conditions and activity nature.
• Cancellation policy: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, which adds flexibility if your plans change.

More Great Tours Nearby

Final Thoughts: Who Should Consider This Experience?

This private cruise is best suited for couples seeking a romantic, personalized outing that combines scenic beauty with a touch of luxury. It’s perfect if you want a quiet, intimate setting to celebrate a special occasion or simply escape the busy tourist spots. The experience offers enough flexibility to tailor the cruise to your preferences, making it feel uniquely yours.

While the price may seem high, the exclusivity, custom touches, and stunning coastal views justify the cost for those wanting a luxurious, memorable moment. It’s especially appealing for travelers who value quality over quantity — a peaceful two hours of scenic sailing, champagne, and shared smiles.

However, if you’re on a tighter budget or prefer more active, group-oriented tours, this might not be the best fit. Consider your comfort with sea conditions and your desire for a private, romantic setting when deciding.

FAQs

Is this a private experience?
Yes, the cruise is for a private group up to two people, making it ideal for couples or very small groups.

What is included in the price?
The price covers champagne, flowers, chocolates, onboard music, the opportunity to swim, staff service, and insurance.

Are there any additional costs?
Not included are pick-up and drop-off services, so you will need to arrange your transportation to the meeting point.

How long is the cruise?
The cruise lasts approximately 2 hours, with the exact timing depending on your chosen schedule.

Can I choose the time of day?
Yes, you can select from morning, afternoon, or sunset tours, allowing you to pick the mood and lighting that suits you best.

Is there an age limit or health restrictions?
The experience is not suitable for pregnant women, non-swimmers, or those with back or heart problems, recent surgeries, or seasickness.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes, swimwear, a towel, camera, sunscreen, and any personal medication you might need.

Do I need to cancel in advance?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours before the scheduled departure for a full refund, providing some peace of mind.

To sum it up, the São Miguel private romantic cruise with champagne offers a luxurious, intimate way to see the island’s coast, blending scenic beauty with personalized service. It’s especially well-suited for couples celebrating special moments or seeking a tranquil escape. While it’s a splurge, the exclusivity, beautiful stops, and thoughtful touches make it a memorable highlight of any trip to São Miguel.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby