Lagoa do Fogo & Caldeira Velha

Lagoa do Fogo & Caldeira Velha

Lagoa do Fogo & Caldeira Velha

Sao Miguel Island, Azores

Prices: Adult £53, Child £27

This wonderful tour combines some off-road routes in both the highlands and flatlands, taking you to the natural reserve of Lagoa Do Fogo to enjoy hot thermal nature at its best. Ascend to the highest point of the island to see the fire lake with dramatic views of two coasts from the summit. On the route back, there will be a stop at Caldeira Velha where a short walk through some tropical rain forest will take you to an absolute gem, a hot thermal water fall under the canopy of a volcanic outcrop. Remember to bring your bathing suit so you can spend some time in the mineral-rich, hot thermal waters (subject to pools being open – they are closed after rainfall for cleaning). This is nature at its best. There is also a pickup and drop off service to and from your hotel.  

If you wish to add this trip to your itinerary, just let us know at the time of booking. You can also add this tour to your holiday any time before departure and at our boat base in the Azores (subject to availability). To avoid disappointment, we suggest booking additional tours by the balance due date 8 weeks before departure.  

 (Suitable for all ages) 

 

What to bring:

  • Comfortable light clothes
  • Hiking boots or shoes
  • Sweater, raincoat
  • Sunscreen, hat and backpack
  • Swimsuit & towel
  • Water and snacks

 

 

On Thursday we did the half day trip to Lagoa do Fogo. The geothermal pools are in a beautiful setting. We swam in the pools and then drove to the beach where we saw an old lava flow and a layer of pumice several metres thick. This trip gave the kids a really good understanding of the volcanology of the island. – Sally Smart April 2022

 
Snorkelling in the Islet of Vila Franca & whale watching

Snorkelling in the Islet of Vila Franca & whale watching

Whale Watching & Visit the Islet of Vila Franca

Sao Miguel Island, Azores

Prices: Adult £117, Child £74

Tour operates mid June to mid September

You will board the RIB zodiac boat at the base and be taken along the coast to Vila Franca. During this activity you will have the opportunity to see some of many of the species of dolphin and whales that can be found in the Azores.  Although nature offers no guarantees whales and dolphins are regularly seen during our full day tours, along with turtles, sea birds and other marine life. You will be away from the main tourist boats as you travel further along the coast. Before the boat trip our biologists give you a briefing to explain which cetacean species can be observed, safety measures aboard, how we respect the animals and rules of observation at sea as well as some historical facts. After the 3-hour tour we stop in Vila Franca do Campo and take a short uphill walk (approx. 10 minutes ) to have lunch in a local restaurant.

After lunch we board a converted traditional fishing boat and head to Vila Franca do Campo Islet, a volcanic crater off the coast that encloses a natural lagoon where the sea is calm and there is beautiful coral, colourful fish and magical underwater world to discover. The islet is a natural reserve, so here you will be able to view the diversity of fish species that have been preserved due to this protection. 

(For ages 8yrs and over)

 Included in this tour: 

  • Return transfer from Ponta Delgada by boat or van
  • Pre-tour briefing 
  • Life jacket  
  • Marine biologist or nature guide onboard  

NOTE: Mask and snorkel not provided. You will be able to hire locally at Azores Sub Shop in Vila Franca marina for 6 euros per mask & snorkel or please bring your own equipment with you.

Please note: This activity is only available during the summer season. If you wish to add it to your itinerary, just let us know at the time of booking. You can also add this tour to your holiday any time before departure and also at our boat base in the Azores (subject to availability. To avoid disappointment, we suggest booking additional tours by the balance due date 8 weeks before departure). 

“Snorkelling at the islet of Vila Franca do Campo was the most amazing experience. Safe for kids, clean and with so many fish to see it was an absolute joy to visit” – Zoe Whannel July 2022

 
Hiking and Cycling Tours

Hiking and Cycling Tours

Biking Tours

Sao Miguel Island, Azores

Prices: Adult £45, Child £25

On our full day tour, we explore the west side of São Miguel and the volcanic complex of Sete Cidades. Across a stretch of 25 km, you will have the opportunity to learn about the fauna, flora, history, volcanic formation of the island, and of course, you will hear the legendary love story behind the formation of the lake. Along the route, as we pedal across the rim of the crater, we have superb views over several lakes in the region as well as the adjacent coastline. Lunch will be set on the shore of the blue lake of Sete Cidades. At the end of the journey we stop in Ferraria where there is a magnificent ocean bathing area, where the salt water is heated from inside a volcanic fissure. 

TOUR INCLUDES – Nature guide – Mountain bike – Visit to the surrounding volcanic region of Sete Cidades – Visit to Ferarria – Picnic lunch (sandwich, cake, fruit, water, juice) – Pick up and drop off at the tourism office or your hotel. This tour is a full day tour so lasts 7.5 hours. The tour operator speaks English, German and Spanish. 

If you wish to add these to your itinerary, just let us know at the time of booking. You can also add this tour to your holiday any time before departure and also at our boat base in the Azores (subject to availability. To avoid disappointment, we suggest booking additional tours by the balance due date 8 weeks before departure). 

(For ages 8yrs and over)

4 x 4 Jeep Safaris

4 x 4 Jeep Safaris

4 x 4 Jeep Safaris

Sao Miguel Island, Azores

Half day prices: Adult £45, Child £25     Full day prices: Adult £75, Child £45

4 x 4 safaris help the visitor to see the islands from a different perspective and with plenty of adventure. Our programs offer a great range of tours incorporating the main attractions as well as off the road tracks, enhancing your experience of the island. Half and full-day trips include trips to take in the great lakes, thermal springs and waterfalls. You can also swim in a thermal lake set in verdant botanical gardens. The jeep tours can accommodate between 7 and 9 people, including 1 guide. There is also a pickup and drop off service to and from your hotel and lunch is included in the full day tour. 

If you wish to add it to your itinerary, just let us know at the time of booking. You can also add this tour to your holiday any time before departure and also at our boat base in the Azores (subject to availability. To avoid disappointment, we suggest booking additional tours by the balance due date 8 weeks before departure). 

Geotourism and Volcano full day tour

Geotourism and Volcano full day tour

 Geo-tourism and Volcano Day Tour

Sao Miguel Island, Azores

Prices: Adult £85, Child £45

The Azores Archipelago has volcanic origins and is considered by many to have exceptional landscape due to this influence.  Recent eruptions are visible and can be visited. The volcanic origins of the islands created mountains and valleys covered by a luxurious and varied   vegetation, lakes in ancient volcano craters, hot water springs, thermal hot-water fountains and cascades, stupendous peaks contrasting with cultivated fields. We offer organised trips to several geological interest spots. This tour lasts 3 hours and you can also book this trip for a smaller amount of people if needed. However, the minimum number of people is 4, you can rebook/cancel latest 48 hours before your tour. 

If you wish to add it to your itinerary, just let us know at the time of booking. You can also add this tour to your holiday any time before departure and also at our boat base in the Azores (subject to availability. To avoid disappointment, we suggest booking additional tours by the balance due date 8 weeks before departure). 

(Suitable for all ages)