The Furnas and Terra Nostra Botanic Park Guided Tour W/ Hotsprings offers a unique opportunity to explore the natural wonders of the Azores. Led by knowledgeable guides, this comprehensive tour combines a marine life cruise with visits to the breathtaking Furnas and Terra Nostra botanical gardens. Guests can expect to enjoy the region’s diverse flora and fauna, while also indulging in a traditional geyser-cooked ‘cozido’ lunch. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or simply seeking to unwind in the soothing hot springs, this tour promises an unforgettable experience. With so much to discover, it’s clear why this excursion has become a beloved highlight for visitors to the Azores.
Key Points
- The tour combines a marine life cruise and visits to the Furnas and Terra Nostra botanical gardens in the Azores.
- Visitors can explore the region’s natural wonders, including the Caldeira das Furnas, and enjoy a geyser-cooked ‘cozido’ lunch.
- The tour is accompanied by a knowledgeable biologist or naturalist guide who provides expertise on the local flora, fauna, and cetacean population.
- Included experiences cover admissions, an air-conditioned van tour, and access to a personal water supply during the excursion.
- The tour has a maximum capacity of 7 travelers and offers flexible pickup and meeting point arrangements.
Tour Overview
This guided tour combines a marine life cruise with visits to the Furnas and Terra Nostra botanical gardens, offering visitors the opportunity to explore the natural wonders of the Azores.
During the cruise, an onboard guide will educate guests about the region’s diverse cetacean population, including dolphins and whales.
The tour highlights include a geyser-cooked ‘cozido’ lunch and time spent at the Caldeira das Furnas, a volcanic crater.
Throughout the experience, travelers will be accompanied by a knowledgeable biologist or naturalist guide, ensuring they gain a deeper understanding of the Azores’ unique ecosystems and natural attractions.
Included Experiences
The tour includes a knowledgeable biologist or naturalist guide who’ll share their expertise throughout the experience.
Visitors can expect a guided botanic gardens tour and a geyser-cooked ‘cozido’ lunch featuring local cuisine and complimentary drinks. Plus, all admissions and tickets are covered, along with an air-conditioned van tour. Guests will have access to a personal water supply during the tour.
The experience highlights Azores’ marine life, with the opportunity to spot dolphins and whales while learning about the region’s cetaceans from the onboard guide.
The tour culminates with a visit to the Caldeira das Furnas, showcasing the area’s remarkable geothermal activity.
Requirements and Considerations
Prospective travelers should keep in mind that the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible.
Visitors are advised to bring their own personal water supply, towel, swimsuit, change of clothing, sunscreen, and chapstick. It’s important to note that the hot springs’ mineral water can damage swimwear.
Travelers with special dietary restrictions must notify the tour operator upon reservation.
The tour has a maximum capacity of 7 travelers, so early booking is recommended.
Pickup and Meeting Point
Pick-up service or a direct meet-up at the Azores Whale Watching TERRA AZUL location in the Islands are available for this tour.
The address is Marina de, 4, 9680-187 Islands, Portugal, and driving directions from the Ponta Delgada city center are provided upon reservation.
This flexible arrangement ensures travelers can easily access the starting point of the excursion. Whether you choose to be picked up or meet the group directly, the logistics are straightforward, allowing you to focus on the upcoming adventure.
The multilingual team is ready to guide you from the designated pickup or meeting spot, setting the stage for an immersive exploration of Furnas and Terra Nostra Botanic Park.
Marine Life Cruise
Aboard the cruise, travelers can look forward to spotting a variety of marine life, including dolphins and whales, while learning about the Azores’ diverse cetacean population from the onboard guide.
The knowledgeable biologist or naturalist guide will share fascinating insights about these magnificent creatures and their habitats.
Guests may be lucky enough to witness the graceful movements of dolphins as they playfully swim alongside the boat, or catch a glimpse of the impressive humpback whales breaching the surface.
This marine life cruise offers an immersive and educational experience, providing visitors with a deeper appreciation for the rich biodiversity of the Azores.
Furnas Botanic Garden
After exploring the marine wonders on the cruise, visitors now get to enjoy the lush Furnas Botanic Garden.
This expansive botanical oasis features a diverse array of plant species from around the globe, allowing guests to discover the Azores’ rich flora and learn from the knowledgeable guide.
The guided tour through the garden’s winding paths showcases an impressive collection of tropical and temperate plants, from vibrant flowers to towering trees. Visitors can marvel at the botanical diversity and learn about the unique ecosystem of the Azores.
The tour also includes a stop at the renowned thermal springs, where guests can soak in the restorative mineral-rich waters, completing the immersive experience in this natural wonder.
Terra Nostra Botanic Garden
From the Furnas Botanic Garden, the tour continues to the remarkable Terra Nostra Botanic Park, another horticultural haven showcasing the Azores’ diverse plant life.
Spanning over 12 hectares, this sprawling garden immerses visitors in a lush, verdant landscape abundant with a remarkable collection of indigenous and exotic flora. Guests can stroll through the winding pathways, marveling at the vibrant blooms, towering trees, and serene ponds.
The garden’s crown jewel is its iconic thermal pool, fed by the park’s mineral-rich hot springs. After a dip in the soothing, ochre-hued waters, visitors can refuel with a traditional ‘cozido’ lunch cooked in the Furnas geothermal vents.
Terra Nostra offers a tranquil respite and an immersion in the natural wonders of the Azores.
Additional Information
The tour has earned a Badge of Excellence through its stellar 48 reviews, indicating its high-quality service and experiences. The official language is English, though the team is multinational, ensuring guests can communicate effectively throughout the tour.
| Confirmation | Accessibility | Dietary Needs |
|---|---|---|
| Bookings are confirmed at the time of reservation. | The tour is not wheelchair accessible. | Special dietary restrictions must be notified upon reservation. |
| This guarantees your spot on the tour. | Guests should come prepared with appropriate attire. | The team will accommodate any dietary needs. |
The tour offers a well-rounded experience, combining marine life observations, visits to botanical gardens, and a traditional ‘cozido’ lunch, all while providing a knowledgeable guide and comfortable transportation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Pet on the Tour?
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on this tour. The tour has a maximum capacity of 7 travelers, and bringing pets would not be feasible or permitted. Travelers are advised to make alternative arrangements for their pets during the tour.
Is There a Discount for Children or Seniors?
The tour does not offer discounts for children or seniors. It has a maximum of 7 travelers and requires advanced notice of any special dietary restrictions. The price is the same for all participants.
How Much Time Is Spent at Each Garden?
The tour spends about 1.5 hours at each botanical garden, allowing visitors to explore the diverse flora and landscapes. The time spent at each location provides a well-rounded experience of the Azores’ natural wonders.
Are There Opportunities for Photography During the Tour?
The tour provides ample opportunities for photography. Guests can capture stunning landscapes, exotic flora, and marine life during the marine cruise and garden visits. The guide encourages participants to take photos throughout the excursion.
Can I Extend or Customize the Tour Itinerary?
Yes, the tour operator is generally open to customizing or extending the itinerary. Travelers can discuss their specific interests and requests with the operator when booking to see if adjustments can be accommodated within the tour’s structure and schedule.
Recap
This guided tour offers a comprehensive exploration of the Azores’ natural wonders.
Visitors can expect to enjoy a marine life cruise, visit the Furnas and Terra Nostra botanical gardens, and savor a geyser-cooked ‘cozido’ lunch.
Led by a knowledgeable guide, the tour provides insights into the region’s diverse cetacean population and local flora and fauna, making it an excellent choice for nature enthusiasts.
