Things to do in Terceira

Enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to observe dolphins and whales in their natural habitat. Gain fascinating insights from a team of professional skippers, biologists, and lookouts. Look out for up to 27 species of cetaceans in the Picos de Aventura, with an extremely high success rate of sightings. Benefit from a comprehensive briefing on cetaceans, sighting methods, safety rules, and codes of ethics for observation of cetaceans in the Azores before setting out. Experience an unforgettable journey as you admire the marine mammals of the Azores roaming the seas while having fun and receiving scientific insights.

The Azores are considered one of the best places for whale watching in the world. 28 species of whales and dolphins have been spotted there over the years. This unique 2 hour to 3 hour tour is the ideal situation for spotting whales and dolphins. With a 90% sighting success rate, the tour is assisted by a whale spotter located at the top of Monte Brasil. With long-range binoculars, they'll be able to guide the Skipper via radio, helping you to find the whereabouts of cetaceans (the animal family that these marine mammals belong to).

Explore the beauties of Terceira Island, visiting mountains, hills, craters, volcanoes and caves. This tour is in the afternoon, and you are going to visit all the center of Terceira island (places where the public bus does not reach). Pick-up at your accommodation is at 14:00 p.m. The first place where you are going is to the top of the biggest crater of the island. From there you can see a beautiful green landscape composed of agricultural fields. From there we will go the interior of the island, where you'll visit Gruta do Natal (Christmas Cave) a lava tube that formed as a cave. After that you will be amazed with the fumaroles field (Furnas do Enxofre), Algar do Carvão. It's the highlight of the tour, because it's an empty volcano you can go inside of, learning all about the formation of this natural wonder.

ATT: Algar do Carvão will be closed from Oct 19th 2024 to Mar/Apr 2025 during this period we will be showing a hidden lava tube instead. Get back to nature and visit the extraordinary lava tube of Algar do Carvão inside the caldera of the Guilherme Moniz volcano, 12 kilometers from Angra do Heroísmo. Travel back in time to when a basalt eruption tore a pre-existing lava flow to begin the process that would lead to the formation of a Strombolian volcano with 2 cones. Observe different geological features, including ferrous deposits and silicate stalactites, and appreciate formations that date back to the origins of the cave. Discover a small pond of rare beauty, and gaze in awe as smoke emerges from the ground. Encounter the unique flora and fauna, including birds that seek refuge inside the cave, and diverse plant life that includes species of molds, arthropods, and other groups.

Experience the beauty of Terceira by minibus on a full-day tour of the entire island, including lunch in a typical restaurant. Part of the 9 volcanic islands of the Azores Archipelago, Terceira is located in the central group (Terceira, Graciosa, São Jorge, Pico and Faial) and, like all the islands of the Azores, boasts its own unique landscape, culture and traditions. Visit the inside of Europe's only empty volcano at Algar do Carvão, and marvel at fields surrounded by stone walls. Enjoy lunch in a typical restaurant and get acquainted with the authentic food of Terceira, known for dishes such as Alcatra de Carne (pot roast cooked in large unglazed red clay pots).

Snorkeling on Terceira Island is a unique experience, offering the change to explore vibrant and diverse underwater ecosystems. The island, part of the Azores archipelago, is known for its clear and calm water, perfect for snorkeling. As you swim, you can admire rich marine life, including colorful fish, octopuses, and occasionally even stingray. The impressive submerged volcanic rock formation creates a spectacular and unique scenery. Additionally, the excellent visibility allows for a clear view of the underwater wonders, making Terceira Island a must-visit destination for nature and sea lovers. Our meeting point will be at the "Marina De Angra," and we will go snorkeling off the south coast.

The tour starts by picking you at your hotel, and make way on to Monte Brasil, which is a Natural Reservation full of story and has a viewpoint with an amazing view all over the city of Angra do Heroísmo. Then you´ll go all around the East Part of the Island where you´ll pass on a spot where you can see the Goat Islets, then you´ll move on all around the East Part, where you pass by some amazing natural pools, located in Porto Martins. All the East Coast of the island it´s filled with lots of historical spots. Before lunch you´re going to pass on an amazing landscape called Miradouro do Facho and the famous miradouro, Serra do Cume, known by the locals as the Patchwork Blanquette, after that you´ll make a lunch break at Praia da Vitória. By the Afternoon you´re going to visit the North part of the island, where you make way until Biscoitos, to see the amazing natural pools and see the local movement. Moving on, you´ll pass on some natural hidden spots until you get to Queijo Vaquinha where you will taste the local cheese. Towards the end of the tour, you´ll pass on a fisherman´s village called São Mateus, too see the fishing activity. The tour ends by dropping you again at your hotel.

The west side off roar tour is an adrenaline-fueled tour that allows you to explore the hidden secrets of Terceira Island. From open fields to unique slopes through woods, rocks, and mud, the breathtaking landscapes will make this adventure unforgettable. Climb aboard a Utility Task Vehicle, a 4x4 off-road vehicle that offers greater comfort and safety than an ATV equipped with an automatic transmission. This side-by-side vehicle allows you to bring a friend and get along during the tour. Be the driver of your own adventure. Take the wheel while the guide leads the way.

OUR SIGHTING GUARANTEE In our Whale & Dolphin Watching activity, we cannot predict if it will be only whales, only dolphins or both on a single tour, since we work with wild animals, and their behavior is unpredictable. However, we guarantee to sight at least one whale or dolphin species listed for the Azores. If no whales and no dolphins species are sighted during the tour, the customer will have the possibility of another free tour, or in case of unavailability due to weather conditions, a full refund. RESPONSIBLE WHALE & DOLPHIN WATCHING CONDUCT These guidelines establish fundamental principles for conscious and responsible interaction with whales and dolphins in the Azores. By adhering to this conduct, we actively contribute to the long-term conservation of cetacean species and the promotion of sustainable tourism in the region.

Start the tour by visiting Monte Brasil, where you can see the Fortress of São João Baptista, built by the Spanish after their arrival in 1583. Enjoy fantastic views of the UNESCO World Heritage City of Angra do Heroísmo. Proceed along the southeast of Terceira Island towards the villages of Ribeirinha, Feteira, and São Sebastião. See beautiful natural landmarks such as Ilhéus das Cabras and Baía da Salga, culminating in a visit to the island's oldest church. Next, stop at Serra do Cume, a viewpoint located in Terceira's largest "caldeira". Observe the vast expanse of agricultural fields spread out the island. Then, enjoy some free time for lunch in the charming town of Praia da Vitória. In the afternoon continue along the northern coast of the island and visit the Biscoitos Natural Swimming Pools. Have an optional visit to Algar do Carvão, an empty volcanic chimney, that should take about 30-40 minutes (ticket not included). In the return to your hotel, don't miss more outstanding beauty of the central part of the island. Among other things, you can see the brave bulls in their natural habitat.