Our most recommended things to do in São Miguel Island

From Ponta Delgada: Whale and Dolphin Watching Trip

1. From Ponta Delgada: Whale and Dolphin Watching Trip

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.

São Miguel Azores: Half-Day Whale Watching Trip

2. São Miguel Azores: Half-Day Whale Watching Trip

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 99% 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 and 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. If no whales or dolphins are spotted, you will receive a full refund, or you can book another trip for free.

Azores: Whale Watching and Islet Boat Tour

3. Azores: Whale Watching and Islet Boat Tour

Begin the excursion with an introduction to cetaceans (whales and dolphins) and other marine species, their natural habitat, communication, migration, and behavioral patterns. After the briefing, board the designated boat and head out to sea. Approach the whales slowly and carefully as the naturalist guides and marine biologists on board provide commentary. Next, take a tour around the Princess Ring Islet of Vila Franca do Campo, for an up-close look at the volcano and resident wildlife. Light food is permitted on board, and a camera is essential to capture the wildlife you spot on the tour.

São Miguel West: Full-Day Van Tour with Lunch

4. São Miguel West: Full-Day Van Tour with Lunch

Explore the highlights of the western half of São Miguel island on this guided tour by van. Discover the famous crater lakes of Sete Cidades and Lagoa do Fogo, picturesque waterfalls, amazing cliffs, and stunning rock formations around the coast of the island. Start with a visit to Ribeira Grande, one of the most picturesque towns of the Azores, followed by a surprising view of some amazingly beautiful cliffs on the North coast. Then travel to the inner areas of the island to see the gorgeous waterfall of Salto do Cabrito, surrounded by wild vegetation. Drive to the top of Fogo Volcano to enjoy views of the most pristine and magical of the crater lakes of São Miguel. From the top of the mountain, enjoy the stunning views over a large portion of the island. After a tasty meal to restore your energy levels, head to Sete Cidades, to understand why this is considered by the postcard of the Azores. Enjoy views from two completely different perspectives over the famous twin lakes.  End the day in Mosteiros, on the western coast of the island, where the lava rocks have formed enchanting small islets and natural pools.

São Miguel: Glass Bottom Boat Tour with Snorkeling

5. São Miguel: Glass Bottom Boat Tour with Snorkeling

Discover the life that lies deep in the Azores Sea from the comfort of this glass-bottom boat, with an expert crew and guide. Your adventure begins at Vila Franca do Campo Marina. A biologist will give you a briefing about the itinerary and then you can set off. Learn about the marine life, nature, and historical curiosities of Vila Franca do Campo. You can spot the unique sea life of the protected area and observe the seabirds and crustaceans that fill the islet landscape. The biologist will help you identify the species, but you can expect to see everything from colorful shoals of fish, to starfish, sea cucumbers, and underwater volcanic activity. When you want to cool off you can go for a swim and snorkel, and get closer to some of the wildlife you've been spotting.

Azores: Vila Franca do Campo Islet Kayaking Experience

6. Azores: Vila Franca do Campo Islet Kayaking Experience

Paddle along the beautiful coastline of Vila Franca de Campo on a morning or afternoon kayaking tour. Enjoy a kayaking adventure suitable for beginners and experienced kayakers alike, including families with children. Get geared with the necessary equipment for your kayak tour, then receive a safety briefing from your instructor before heading out onto the waters with a local nature guide. Kayak 4.5 kilometers along the beautiful Vila Franca do Campo Islet. During the excursion, take a dip in the refreshing waters and try snorkeling. Paddle into the islet bay, relax on the beach, and venture into the islet for a better look at this protected landscape.

Sao Miguel : Exploring a Volcano Crater by Quad or Buggy

7. Sao Miguel : Exploring a Volcano Crater by Quad or Buggy

With 36 thousand years, the Volcano of the 7 cities, on the island of São Miguel is one of the main attractions of the region and on board our specialized vehicles it will be possible to explore remote roads and viewpoints with unique views, on top of the crater of the volcano where normal vehicles cannot reach. We will take you to places hard to imagine while you get a chance of driving an ATV or sit comfortably on our 4x4 Buggy driven by our specialized guide. Crossing dirt roads and exploring volcanos is just a path to the amazing views of the Azorean Paradise. During the tour we will follow part of the Azores Rally roads and explore a volcano with 36.000 years. Itinerary: 1 - Miradouro do Pico do Carvao One of the most beautiful viewpoints on the island of São Miguel, a different perspective on the island, with views of the ocean and mountains. 2 - Complexo Ambiental da Lagoa das Sete Cidades The remaining time will be used to explore the most fantastic off-road roads of the Vulcão das 7 Cidades, between Lagoas and breathtaking Viewpoints, we will make short stops if necessary. 3 - Miradouro Das Cumeeiras An incredible view over the lagoons of the Vulcão das 7 Cidades, an mandatory and unique stop on the Island. 4 - Vista do Rei Miradouro On the opposite side of the Lagoon, the Miradouro da Vista do Rei houses not only one of the biggest tourist attractions on the island, but also the possibility to admire the abandoned Hotel das 7 Cidades.

Furnas: Night Thermal Pools & Food Experience

8. Furnas: Night Thermal Pools & Food Experience

For many years now, people have come from near and far to soak in the therapeutic hot springs of Furnas, a must do on many people's bucket list - this tour is designed to make sure you get that and so much more. This tour takes place at night when it is peaceful, and the air temperature is adequate for this kind of magical experience. After a pick up from your accommodation in Ponta del Gada, you will be taken to the iconic thermal pools, Poça da Beija. This experience will start at the end of the day until around midnight, be prepared for the best evening of your trip. Before visiting the thermal pools, you will visit a place where local cooks prepare the famous 'cozido' (stew). Your dinner will be truly memorable as you feast on a Portuguese stew cooked in pots, dipped into the floor as they cook for several hours in volcanic heat. In addition to this, you can admire the Caldeiras das Furnas, multiple boiling water and mud springs and mini-geysers. You can even try the mineral water or have a cup of local tea using the natural hot water.

São Miguel Island: 2-Day Guided Island Tour with Meals

9. São Miguel Island: 2-Day Guided Island Tour with Meals

2x Full-days Package excursions Furnas + Nordeste + Sete Cidades + Fogo Lake (4 Tours in 2 days) 1st Full Day tour to Furnas & Nordeste. (8 hours tour)) 2nd Full Day tour to Sete Cidades & Lagoa do Fogo. (8 hours tour) As the reservation calendar only allows you to mark 1 day at a time, the 2nd day of the tour will be automatically reserved for the following day Ex; if you book for the 8th of May, automatically the 2nd day of the tour will be the 9th. What will make your reservations on the 8th and 9th of May. *The order of days tours may be changed. Our local gastronomy will be represented on both days. 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 included) 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”. We have selected the best TOP places to visit throughout São Miguel island in Sete Cidades, Furnas, Lagoa do Fogo and Nordeste areas, making in a 2 full days activities the most complete experience as possible at São Miguel Island in Azores

São Miguel: Wild Swimming with Dolphins

10. São Miguel: Wild Swimming with Dolphins

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.

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What people are saying about São Miguel Island

Overall rating

4.8 / 5

based on 5,039 reviews

Amazing half-day tour when you have a long layover. It was fairly foggy at first up in the mountains but they started to fade as the day kept going. Rodrigo was an amazing guide that translated between English & Portuguese, and was incredibly informative of the sites we saw. Highly Recommend!

We had a tour on 2nd of January. Even though we were unlucky to spot the whales but saw plenty of common dolphins and rare to spot sun fish. The guide was very nice and informative. Definitely would go back!

It was wonderful tour with the best guide we had! Fransisco told us a lot of interesting stories and information about island and all places which we've visited. Landscape and all views were great.

the trip was perfect. We had the best guide, very friendly with sense of humour and lot of knowledge.

Very entertaining guide. Saw lots of things that we would never have found on our own.