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“Magnificent. Joao DaCosta gave us the sights, the history, the flora, the fauna - Fado music on the way back -- the TOTAL PACKAGE. Over the TOP. Best tour ever!”
Small-group van tour through São Miguel’s east coast: Furnas geysers, optional thermal pools, and a cozido lunch, plus Nordeste views.
“One of the best experiences of our Caribbean cruise. On our crossing of the Atlantic from Europe to the Caribbean, we had the absolute pleasure of visiting Sao Miguel. Our host Gonçalo was the perfect ambassador, his knowledge and experience combined with an incredible pride for his home island, made for an unforgettable experience. After…”
Full-day Jeep tour from Ponta Delgada to Sete Cidades and Lagoa do Fogo with lunch and drinks, crater rim stops, and big views.
“The tour was really nice we unfortunately had not great weather (sun & rain all day) so the views from above were not possible - but the tour itself was good. Our tour guide was good.”
Canyoning in Ribeira dos Caldeirões on São Miguel: gear, safety briefings, optional jumps and abseils, plus a wetsuit-and-water morning.
“We had a blast with this experience! I was unprepared for the hike up to the top, it was pretty hard for those not used to hiking especially while wearing a wetsuit but once we got up to the top is was a great time. The water was refreshing and cool. The guides did a…”
A small-group São Miguel full-day tour with a local lunch and low-crowd stops, from Ribeira Grande geothermal channels to Limbo Falls.
“This is a good tour that is complementary to visiting the most famous sites on the island: you see less known but also interesting and beautiful places worth seeing.”
Furnas at night from Ponta Delgada: thermal baths, steaming caldeiras, and a Cozido dinner with reserved tickets and small-group pickup.
“Very interesting sites and stories, the dinner was great and also the hot baths are amazing. Huge thanks to Paulo which made the tour many time better!”
Glass-bottom boat plus guided snorkeling near Vila Franca do Campo islet in São Miguel, Azores. Snorkel gear and a biologist guide included.
“This is a very special tour provided by a dedicated, friendly and professional team: you see the famous volcanic islet from a glass-bottom boat and then snorkel with all the fish by the islet. It is a nice and well-organized adventure in a company of amazing people.”
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.
“Really awesome. Great captain and really knowledgeable guide. My wife loved it. You just need to be aware that this is swimming in the ocean but it is very safe. Captain and guide incredible.”
Full-day Jeep tour from Ponta Delgada to Furnas and Cha Gorreana with cozido lunch, unlimited drinks, and hotel pickup.
“Very recommendable guide and tour with Marcio (I think his name is...). We were just 2 participants on the tour me and my daughter. We had also seen a few of the places that were part of the tour. Marcio therefore had to improvise and he did so to a really high standard. We were…”
São Miguel East tour mixes volcano caldera views, Europe’s oldest tea plantation, and underground cozido for lunch in one smooth day.
“Great tour and a full day of fun sites. Tour guide was beyond personable and informative. We loved it”
5pm walk through Ponta Delgada with snacks and tastings, then a 3-course wine-paired dinner. Small group, local guides.
“Michael was a great guide, informative about food and wine, tips about the island. Enjoyed our evening”
Small-group full-day West Tour on São Miguel: Sete Cidades, Lagoa do Fogo, waterfalls, black-sand beach, plus lunch.
“This tour was an absolutely amazing experience! It beautifully showcased the diverse Azorean landscape, featuring everything from calderas and lagoons to waterfalls. Joaquim, our guide, was exceptionally knowledgeable about both the natural environment and the rich culture of the Azores.”
Two days on São Miguel with Sete Cidades, Furnas geothermal sights, tea and pineapple visits, and small-group island viewpoints.
“Saw many interesting sights. And enough time to see each beautiful area and take photos. Driver was very informative”
Half-day canyoning in São Miguel’s Ribeira dos Caldeirões with jumps, slides, rappels, and gear provided. Small groups from Ponta Delgada.
“Great day, guides were really fun, highly recommend. Great for beginners who want to see what canyoning is all about”
Ponta Delgada wine and cheese tasting in a 200-year-old home: volcanic wines, six cheeses, dessert, plus a short downtown walk.
“Michael was excellent in explaining all the cheeses and wine. Grateful lovely place to have the sampling.”
Every archipelago, and the best of each island in it.
