Exploring the volcanic landscapes of Sete Cidades is a captivating adventure that awaits visitors to Sao Miguel, the largest island in the Azores. This half-day Side by Side Tour offers an exciting opportunity to explore the heart of the island’s natural wonders, guiding participants through the caldera and lakes in specially designed UTVs. With knowledgeable local guides leading the way, travelers can expect to encounter stunning coastal vistas and uncover the geological marvels that have shaped this unique island. But the true allure of this tour lies in the chance to take in the Azorean wilderness, discovering the untamed beauty that has long captivated explorers.
Key Points
- This half-day tour offers a thrilling buggy ride to explore the Sete Cidades Volcano from the north coast of Sao Miguel island.
- The tour includes a UTV, knowledgeable guide, helmets, and snacks, providing a comprehensive and immersive volcanic experience.
- Participants can observe the dramatic caldera, emerald and azure lakes, and geological formations during the volcano exploration.
- After the volcano, the tour heads towards the picturesque north coast, showcasing charming villages and scenic viewpoints along the way.
- A valid driver’s license is required for participants who wish to operate the UTV, and the tour is limited to a maximum of 14 travelers.
Tour Overview
This Side by Side Tour – Sete Cidades from North Coast (Half Day) allows explorers to experience the surroundings of the Sete Cidades Volcano via an exciting buggy ride.
Rated with 72 reviews and a Badge of Excellence, this half-day adventure begins at the north coast, where adventurers will explore scenic villages and viewpoints.
The UTV (Utility Task Vehicle) and knowledgeable guide provide a thrilling yet safe way to discover this volcanic region.
While lunch and alcoholic beverages are excluded, the tour includes helmets, snacks, and all the necessary equipment.
With a maximum of 14 travelers per tour, this experience isn’t recommended for those with back problems, heart conditions, or mobility issues, as a moderate level of physical fitness is required.
Inclusions and Exclusions
The tour includes a UTV (Utility Task Vehicle), a knowledgeable guide, helmets, and snacks, while alcoholic beverages, lunch, gloves, rain coats, and face masks/shields are excluded.
This ensures a safe and comfortable experience for all participants. The tour’s inclusions are designed to enhance the overall experience, while the exclusions allow guests to customize their experience as needed.
The UTV provides a thrilling and adventurous mode of transportation to explore the stunning Sete Cidades region.
The guide’s expertise ensures visitors gain valuable insights into the area’s history, geology, and natural wonders.
The provided safety equipment, like helmets, prioritizes the well-being of all guests.
The snacks offer a convenient way to refuel during the tour.
Meeting and Pickup
Participants meet at R. Nossa Sra. das Candeias 1D in Ponta Delgada, Portugal, which also serves as the end point for the tour.
This central location makes it convenient for travelers to access the starting point and return to the same spot after the excursion.
The tour organizers provide clear instructions on the meeting point, ensuring a smooth start to the adventure.
Once everyone has gathered, the guide will provide a brief overview of the day’s itinerary and safety guidelines before setting off to explore the stunning Sete Cidades region.
With the meeting point conveniently located, participants can focus on enjoying the thrilling buggy ride and scenic vistas that await them on this half-day tour.
Exploring the Volcano
After meeting at the designated location, the buggy tour embarks on the adventure to explore the captivating surroundings of the Sete Cidades Volcano. Guests hop into their UTV vehicles, equipped with helmets and ready to traverse the rugged terrain that leads them towards the iconic volcanic landscape.
The tour guides expertly navigate the buggies, stopping at various viewpoints to allow participants to admire the stunning vistas. Guests can observe the dramatic cliffs, shimmering crater lakes, and lush vegetation that characterize this unique volcanic environment.
The tour highlights 4 key features of the Sete Cidades Volcano:
- Dramatic caldera
- Emerald and Azure lakes
- Lush, verdant slopes
- Geological formations and structures
Scenic Viewpoints on the North Coast
From the volcanic landscapes of Sete Cidades, the tour then heads towards the picturesque north coast, where participants get to explore a number of charming villages and scenic viewpoints along the way.
They’ll stop at these viewpoints to take in the stunning vistas overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and the rugged cliffs that line the northern shore of São Miguel island. The tour guide will point out notable landmarks and share insights into the local culture and history of these coastal communities.
Whether it’s a quaint fishing harbor, a hilltop lookout, or a dramatic seaside vista, each stop on the north coast leg of the tour promises to delight and captivate the senses.
Tour Duration and Difficulty
The Side by Side Tour – Sete Cidades from North Coast is a half-day excursion that covers a range of scenic landscapes and cultural highlights.
Travelers can expect to spend approximately 4-5 hours exploring the volcanic Sete Cidades region and the picturesque north coast of São Miguel island. While the tour doesn’t require strenuous activity, a moderate level of physical fitness is recommended to fully enjoy the buggy rides and walkable viewpoints along the way.
The tour has several key features:
- Exploring the surroundings of the Sete Cidades Volcano in a UTV (Utility Task Vehicle)
- Stopping at charming villages and scenic viewpoints along the north coast
- Wearing provided helmets and enjoying snacks during the tour
- Requiring a valid driver’s license for those who wish to operate the UTV.
Driving License and Group Size
To operate the UTV, participants must possess a valid driver’s license.
The tour accommodates a maximum of 14 travelers per group, ensuring an intimate experience with personalized attention from the guide. This cap on group size allows the tour to navigate the winding roads and scenic viewpoints comfortably, without feeling overcrowded.
The requirement of a driving license for each participant reflects the tour’s emphasis on an interactive, hands-on exploration of the Sete Cidades region. Participants can fully enjoy the experience by taking turns driving the UTVs, making the most of the half-day tour.
With these policies in place, the Side by Side Tour provides a safe, engaging, and memorable way to discover the stunning landscapes of Sete Cidades.
Booking and Confirmation
Confirmation of the booking is provided at the time of reservation, ensuring participants have all the necessary details to prepare for the tour.
This includes the meeting point, which is located at R. Nossa Sra. das Candeias 1D, 9545-242 Ponta Delgada, Portugal, and the end point, which is the same as the meeting point.
The confirmation also specifies that the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and may not be suitable for those with back problems, heart conditions, or pregnant travelers.
Plus, participants must have a valid driving license (18+) if they wish to drive the UTV during the tour.
The tour has a maximum of 14 travelers per group.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Snacks and Drinks?
Yes, you can bring your own snacks and drinks on this tour. The inclusions cover the essentials, but you’re welcome to bring additional food and non-alcoholic beverages if you’d like. Just be mindful of the tour’s time constraints and packing requirements.
Is There a Minimum Age Requirement for Participants?
There is no minimum age requirement for participants on this tour. However, children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Drivers must be at least 18 years old and have a valid driver’s license.
Can I Make Changes to My Booking After Confirmation?
You can make changes to your booking after confirmation, but this may be subject to availability and additional fees. It’s best to contact the tour operator as soon as possible to discuss any changes you’d like to make.
Are There Any Discounts Available for Group Bookings?
Yes, the tour company offers discounts for group bookings. Customers can receive a reduced rate per person when booking for groups of 4 or more. The exact discount amount may vary, so it’s best to inquire directly with the tour operator.
Can I Request a Specific Guide or Language for the Tour?
Customers can request a specific guide or language for the tour, though this may be subject to availability. The tour operator will do their best to accommodate any such requests made at the time of booking, if possible.
Recap
The Side by Side Tour is an exciting half-day adventure that takes participants on an immersive exploration of Sete Cidades Volcano and the stunning north coast of Sao Miguel island.
Riding UTVs led by knowledgeable guides, travelers discover the volcanic landscape, tranquil lakes, and breathtaking viewpoints, creating an unforgettable experience for those seeking to uncover the natural wonders of the Azores.
