SAO MIGUEL · MADEIRA & THE AZORES
The tours and day trips worth booking.
The 15 top-rated things to do in Sao Miguel — the boat trips, beach days, volcano hikes and old-town wanders worth building a day around, with real prices and who to book each one with.
A small-group west coast day from Ponta Delgada: Sete Cidades lakes, Lago do Fogo, waterfalls, and Mosteiros coast plus lunch.
Most Popular“Joao was a great guide. Set a nice pace for the day. Never rushed but we got to see it all. Lunch was wonderful. Lot’s of choice. I highly recommend!”
Small-group van tour through São Miguel’s east coast: Furnas geysers, optional thermal pools, and a cozido lunch, plus Nordeste views.
“Wonderful Eastern tour of the island. Spent sufficient time at each stop, not too long or short. Max was very informative throughout the tour. Very kind and cautious driver. Would recommend Max and this tour.”
Full-day Jeep tour from Ponta Delgada to Sete Cidades and Lagoa do Fogo with lunch and drinks, crater rim stops, and big views.
“First we were driven in 4-wd Jeep to top of caldera on South end of island. Scenery was nice, sun was not fully out so the green vs. blue lake colors were muted. Had lunch at noon at restaurant in Mariano's hometown. Then we went North to top of another caldera. This time visibility was…”
Canyoning in Ribeira dos Caldeirões on São Miguel: gear, safety briefings, optional jumps and abseils, plus a wetsuit-and-water morning.
“One of the most amazing tours we have ever done together as a family. Great guides and loads of adventure.”
A small-group São Miguel full-day tour with a local lunch and low-crowd stops, from Ribeira Grande geothermal channels to Limbo Falls.
“Fantastic way to experience Sao Miguel. Our group included 7 family members of mixed ages (20 somethings to an 82 year old ) and the tour perfectly accommodated the needs and interests of all of us. Our guide was funny, knowledgeable and very attentive. We highly recommend this tour.”
Furnas at night from Ponta Delgada: thermal baths, steaming caldeiras, and a Cozido dinner with reserved tickets and small-group pickup.
“The tour guide Paolo was exceptional. He was knowledgeable, courteous, and personable and we got lucky it was a very small group. Outstanding experience at the thermal baths. Place was clean relaxing and the ambiance at night was perfect.”
Glass-bottom boat plus guided snorkeling near Vila Franca do Campo islet in São Miguel, Azores. Snorkel gear and a biologist guide included.
“It was a very beautiful trip with the most friendly staff. A big thank you to Paula and Edmundo for the amazing afternoon!”
Swim with wild dolphins off São Miguel on a small-group boat tour from Ponta Delgada, with dolphin-safety rules and multiple in-water chances.
“Absolutely fantastic experience. Our skipper ( marine biologist) and first mate were completely above all our expectations. We swam with wild dolphins in the ocean PEOPLE!! What’s better then that?”
Full-day Jeep tour from Ponta Delgada to Furnas and Cha Gorreana with cozido lunch, unlimited drinks, and hotel pickup.
“Thank you! Bit was such a pkeasant your! Even though lunch was a bit long it was delicious. My son enjoyed the splash at the end! Come visit Iowa!”
São Miguel East tour mixes volcano caldera views, Europe’s oldest tea plantation, and underground cozido for lunch in one smooth day.
“This is a very full day! Nice combination of driving and stopping for activities. Gorgeous views, stellar food. The driver, Joe, was extremely kind and knowledgeable, but too chatty. A bit less input and more time for quiet and guests' questions would have been better. But overall an extremely special day.”
5pm walk through Ponta Delgada with snacks and tastings, then a 3-course wine-paired dinner. Small group, local guides.
“Great information about history of Sao Miguel! Very good wine and food. The tour was fun for all. Lots of laughs.”
Small-group full-day West Tour on São Miguel: Sete Cidades, Lagoa do Fogo, waterfalls, black-sand beach, plus lunch.
“My experience with Joaquim was absolute perfection. It was absolutely amazing to see Sete Cidades and Lago do Fogo. Everything was timed perfectly for a relaxed, yet eventful experience rooted in understanding more deeply the island’s customs and culture. I 100% recommend this experience and I suggest you request Joaquim to be your tour guide.”
Two days on São Miguel with Sete Cidades, Furnas geothermal sights, tea and pineapple visits, and small-group island viewpoints.
“The sites were awesome and Carlos was entertaining. The group of eight in our van were so friendly making it even better. Carlos went the extra mile with the arrangements which made all the difference for me.”
Half-day canyoning in São Miguel’s Ribeira dos Caldeirões with jumps, slides, rappels, and gear provided. Small groups from Ponta Delgada.
“Great experience with my mother (67 years old) and my daughter (6 years old). Both were able to do the activities. There was only one jump my daughter could not do because of the height and how far you had to jump out. However, she still jumped just from a lower area. All three generations…”
Ponta Delgada wine and cheese tasting in a 200-year-old home: volcanic wines, six cheeses, dessert, plus a short downtown walk.
“WOW!!!! This was truly an AMAZING experience!! Our entire family was blown away by the wonderful hospitality of Raphael and Duego. They were fun,knowledgeable,and talented!! There are surprises around every corner! DO NOT miss the chance to do this”
Every archipelago, and the best of each island in it.
