Ponta Delgada

Hot springs

Set off on a whale-watching day trip from Ponta Delgada and witness the marine mammals of the Azores. Look out for minke whales, dolphins, turtles, and more, and learn about the environment from your marine biologist guide. Begin with a briefing by your guide, who will explain the history of whale watching in the Azores. Learn about water safety, rules of observation, and respect for the animals. Depart from the Ponta Delgada harbor and sail into the Atlantic. Situated between Portugal and North America, the Azores are a permanent home or point of passage for more than a third of the world’s whale and dolphin species. Keep an eye out for sperm whales, common dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, and Risso’s dolphins, which are present throughout the year, along with turtles, seabirds, and other marine life. In the summer months, spot dolphins, pilot whales, and striped dolphins. In spring, enjoy the opportunity to see migrating baleen whales such as blue whales, fin whales, and sei whales.

The journey starts with a short informative briefing introducing to Cetacean (Whales and Dolphins) local species, their migrational and behavioral patterns, and onboard safety. Follow the Guide and Skipper to your designated boat, and go out to sea. Our lookout high inland will locate our friends, and provide directions via VHF Radio to where your fast zodiac boat may will travel, initially at high speed. Marine Wildlife can be observed yearlong. Sperm Whales are resident alongside 3 additional cetacean species and an abundant marine biodiversity. While carefully approaching our friends your Guide will keep you informed, collect field imagery and data for local research, and is always available throughout the tour to provide answers to any specific questions - feel free to ask. Upon return to the Marina, the boat will tour around the Islet of Vila Franca do Campo, for a close look at the volcanic marvel and resident wildlife. Know before you go - eat light, bring your personal water supply, sunscreen and chapstick, and warm clothing. Light food is permitted , and camera is essential, especially for photography lovers - protect any personal equipment.

Enjoy a half-day whale watching trip in the Azores, one of the ‘top ten’ whale-watching spots in the world, and get the opportunity to meet the ocean giants in their natural habitat. Meet the boat crew and get a short briefing about safety and code of ethics and then put on your life vest and head out in the ocean. Listen as the crew follows the instructions given by radio from the lookouts placed in strategic points along the coastline using military-grade binoculars to find and communicate the position of the animals. Take comfort that the crew has a 98% success rate of sightings. If whales are spotted it´s time to enjoy the company of these magnificent animals, always keeping a safe and respectful distance. It´s usual that more than one group of whales or dolphins are observed per trip. On the way back to the marina, observe the geological formations of the island as the boat sails close to the coastline. On the regular whale watching tour leaving from Ponta Delgada, if you do not see whales or dolphins, you will receive a full refund, or you can book another trip for free. If you select the North Coast tour (Available on Thursday, Friday, Saturday) leaving from Rabo do Peixe, and no whales are spotted, you will receive a full refund, or you can book another trip for free.

The western half of São Miguel island boosts an incredible variety of amazing and varied scenic highlights. This tour offers you the chance to discover the very best of São Miguel on a dazzling 8-hour journey of pure natural beauty! Tour by van in comfort, as part of a small-group, with lots of personal interaction from our top-notch guides. Lunch is included! Start with a visit to Ribeira Grande, one of the most picturesque towns of the Azores and a great example of Azorean architecture. Then discover an amazingly beautiful set of little-known cliffs on the North coast. Move into more interior areas of the island, to reach the gorgeous waterfall of Salto do Cabrito. Drive up to the Fogo Volcano, which contains the most pristine and magical of the crater lakes of São Miguel. The views from the mountain top are breathtaking, allowing you to see a large portion of the island. After a tasty meal to restore your energy levels, head to Sete Cidades, to find out why this is considered by the postcard of the Azores.   End the day in Mosteiros, on the western end of the island, and discover enchanting small islets and natural pools formed in the black lava rocks.

Depart from the Marina de Vila Franca do Campo, starting with a short briefing introducing the islet’s geology and wildlife, and boat safety. Follow the guide and skipper to your designated boat and sit comfortably to travel by sea to the Islet of Vila Franca do Campo. Enjoy a boat exploration to admire the volcanic marvel, its extraordinary geological features, the seasonal highlights of marine life, and local stories with an enchanting narrative while circling the Ilhéu de Vila Franca. Learn about the volcanic activity's significance in the island's history and the Atlantic. A relic of an oceanic volcanic cone, and a marine sanctuary teeming with wildlife, from birds and fish to lightfoot crabs, especially from fall to spring!

1st Full Day tour to Furnas & Nordeste. (8 hours tour)) 2nd Full Day tour to Sete Cidades & Lagoa do Fogo. (8 hours tour) *The order of days tours may be changed. On the day of Furnas & Nordeste tour, we will have the opportunity to lunch the famous “Furnas Stew”, cooked in volcanic soil for 6 hours and also have the opportunity to see taking out our pot from the interior of the volcanic soil, and all the volcanic manifestations existing there. On the day of Sete Cidades & Lagoa do Fogo tour, lunch will be served as a “Buffet” with different meat and fish dishes. (Full lunch on both of 2 days of activities with starters, drinks, dessert and coffee can be added to your tour when booking) In these 2 days of activitiest, you will have the privilege of having a general view of the most iconic places of the entire “green” island, from which stand out the emblematic viewpoints such as Vista do Rei in Sete Cidades, (winner of the 7 Wonders of Portugal ) or Pico do Ferro, where you can see from the top of the crater one of the most active volcanoes in the Azores archipelago and learn all about its eruptive history with more than 100,000 years. You will also have the opportunity to relax in hot thermal pools, heated by Furnas volcano, at one of the biggest and best Botanical Parks in Europe, Terra Nostra Park. Also the visit to Pineapple and Tea Plantations will be a “must”. In the Northeast area, we will visit the Ribeira dos Caldeirões Natural Park with its 5 water mills and its imposing and majestic waterfall, entitled “Véu da Noiva”.

The eastern half of São Miguel island offers some of the most magical and interesting places the Azores have to offer! From incredible scenic views, to walking around the volcanic fields, bathing in hot springs, or tasting a unique dish, this tour is full of unforgettable experiences! Hit the road towards the East island, and start on a high note with one of the most beautiful coastal lookouts of the island, Santa Iria, with an ample view of the north coast in both directions. Continue to Furnas, stopping first at a splendid view over the lake and town. Make your way down to the lake shore, and marvel at the steamy mud pools. In this area, you'll also see the holes where the cozido stew is buried to be slow cooked by the volcano steam, before tasting it at a local restaurant! Still in Furnas, you'll first be given the choice between bathing in the hot springs (fee not included) or visiting the geothermal field and sparkling waters of Furnas town. After lunch, continue the journey east, with a stop at the charming waterfall of Ribeira dos Caldeirões.  Then arrive at Nordeste, the most unexplored and rural part of the island. Visit two amazing lookouts over the high cliffs that characterize the East coast of São Miguel, before returning to Ponta Delgada.

Explore São Miguel's Natural Wonders: Tea Plantations, Hot Springs, and More! Discover the breathtaking natural beauty of São Miguel with our guided tour, starting right from your accommodation. Immerse yourself in lush landscapes, stunning vistas, and captivating landmarks throughout your journey. Begin your adventure with a visit to Gorreana Tea Plantation, Europe's oldest tea plantation, and enjoy complimentary tea tasting amidst the picturesque plantation. Stroll through the tea fields, taking in the serene surroundings. Next, make your way to Furnas, where you'll explore the enchanting valley and indulge in a soothing dip in the hot springs (when available), a perfect opportunity to reconnect with nature. After your revitalizing hot spring experience, enjoy a traditional lunch in Furnas and have the famous “Cozido das Furnas” or explore the diverse menu options available. Following lunch, take a leisurely walk around the picturesque lagoon to fully embrace the natural beauty. Continue your journey with a visit to the viewpoint of the world-renowned islet of Vila Franca, known for its unique charm and allure. Finally, conclude your unforgettable tour in Ponta Delgada with a visit to the captivating pineapple plantations. Book now to embark on an unforgettable adventure through São Miguel's natural wonders! IMPORTANT: - ALL PASSENGERS MUST BE READY AT THE DESIGNATED PICKUP LOCATION AT 8:45 A.M. Delays may be expected, due to traffic, high number of passengers or distance from Ponta Delgada; - Pickups outside of Ponta Delgada may be charged extra, depending on the location requested.

Experience a once-in-a-lifetime treat as you swim with dolphins in their natural habitat, in the incredible environment of the São Miguel coastline. Relax in the company of trained professionals who will brief you on best practice in the high seas, and how to interact with the dolphins. Marvel at the rugged beauty of the São Miguel coast as you have unforgettable fun swimming alongside the dolphins, and return home with memories to treasure for a lifetime.

Your tour starts at Ponta Delgada with a safety briefing about the vehicles and how to manage them. You need to present to the guide your drivers license and credit card for the deposit. We have available 2 different itineraries Sete Cidades or Coast to Coast in Ribeira Grande and the full day or half day option. -Sete Cidades: drive around the crater witch was a volcano thar creates itself. Driving around the landscapes are unbreathing, stunning. The crater from one side and the ocean from the other side. You will also have the chance to drive down to the village and be involved directly with the nature. -Coast to Coast in Ribeira Grande: drive near the coast of Ribeira Grande next to the option. Then you will drive into small off-road trails and in the middle of the nature. Feel the adrenaline and feel yourself insie the adventure.