São Miguel: Island Highlights Private Tour by Boat and Van

Unveiling the stunning natural splendor of São Miguel, this private tour promises an unforgettable journey. From cascading waterfalls to lush tea plantations, guests explore the island’s captivating essence. With an expert guide, personalized experiences, and carefully curated highlights, this tour offers an immersive exploration that caters to discerning travelers. Whether seeking serene landscapes or culture, this comprehensive adventure sets the stage for an enlightening discovery of São Miguel’s treasures.

Key Points

• A private tour exploring São Miguel Island’s natural wonders and cultural attractions, including Lagoa do Fogo, Salto do Cabrito Waterfall, and Gorreana Tea Factory.
• Pricing starts at $785.10 for up to 6 participants, with a comprehensive itinerary and included amenities like hotel pickup/drop-off, snorkeling gear, and meals.
• The tour features a live guide providing commentary in English and Portuguese, and a private group experience for a personalized and flexible itinerary.
• Participants should be prepared for outdoor activities and weather conditions, as the tour may change due to critical weather, with a backup plan provided.
• The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users, seasick individuals, or those with motion sickness, and certain prohibited items are not allowed.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The São Miguel Island Highlights Tour offers a private, comprehensive exploration of the island’s natural wonders and cultural attractions.

A private, comprehensive exploration of São Miguel Island’s natural wonders and cultural attractions.

Priced from $785.10 for a group of up to 6 participants, the 8-hour tour includes highlights like the scenic Lagoa do Fogo, the Salto do Cabrito Waterfall, the Gorreana Tea Factory, and a boat cruise to the Islet of Vila Franca do Campo.

Guests enjoy complimentary hotel pickup and drop-off, snorkeling gear, maps, guidebooks, and more.

While not suitable for those prone to motion sickness, the tour features a backup plan in critical weather conditions to ensure an enriching island experience.

Itinerary and Highlights

The tour begins with pickup from central locations in Ponta Delgada, including College Square, Posto de Turismo, and Hotel Marina Atlântico.

First, it’s a scenic drive to Lagoa do Fogo for a photo stop.

Next, it’s on to the Salto do Cabrito Waterfall for a visit and sightseeing.

Then, it’s a guided tour and local snacks at the Gorreana Tea Factory.

Lunch and regional food are enjoyed in Ribeira Grande.

The highlight is a boat cruise to the Islet of Vila Franca do Campo for sightseeing, swimming, and snorkeling.

Finally, it’s drop-off at the same pickup locations.

Tour Features

One key feature of this tour is the availability of a live tour guide who can provide commentary in both English and Portuguese. The tour is also a private group experience, allowing for a more personalized and flexible itinerary. Included in the package are hotel pickup and drop-off, snorkeling gear, maps, an Azores guidebook, power banks, land and sea insurance, breakfast, lunch, and entrance fees for parks. The tour offers the following additional benefits:

| Feature | Benefit |

| — | — |

| Comfortable accommodations | Enhances overall experience |

| Comprehensive insurance coverage | Provides peace of mind |

| Complimentary meal and refreshments | Convenience and value |

| Informative guides and resources | Enriches cultural understanding |

Important Information

What isn’t suitable for this tour?

The tour isn’t recommended for wheelchair users, those prone to seasickness, or individuals with motion sickness.

Participants should wear comfortable shoes and bring a hat, swimwear, towel, sunscreen, and comfortable clothes.

Comfortable shoes, hat, swimwear, towel, sunscreen, and comfortable clothes are recommended for participants.

Bringing pets, smoking, food in the vehicle, littering, fireworks, explosive substances, making fire, and nudity aren’t allowed.

In critical weather conditions, such as a tornado or hurricane, the tour itinerary may change, and a backup option will be suggested.

Participants should be prepared for the weather and outdoor activities during the tour.

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Weather and Backup Plan

In critical weather conditions, such as a tornado or hurricane, the tour itinerary may change, and a backup option will be suggested.

The safety of guests is the top priority. If the original plan becomes unsuitable due to inclement weather, the tour operator will work closely with guests to provide an alternative that still allows them to experience the highlights of São Miguel Island.

Guests can expect clear communication and a seamless transition to the backup plan, ensuring they enjoy their tour despite any weather-related challenges.

Flexibility and guest satisfaction are key in these situations.

Exploring Lagoa Do Fogo

After departing from the pickup location, the tour van winds its way through scenic roads, ultimately arriving at the captivating Lagoa do Fogo. This volcanic lake, nestled in the heart of São Miguel, offers breathtaking views and a tranquil atmosphere. Visitors are given ample time to explore the area, snap photos, and enjoy the natural beauty.

| Feature | Description |

| — | — |

| Elevation | 950 meters above sea level |

| Water Depth | Up to 283 meters |

| Geological Origin | Formed by a volcanic eruption |

| Surrounding Vegetation | Endemic flora and lush forests |

| Wildlife | Home to diverse bird species |

Discovering Salto Do Cabrito Waterfall

Leaving the serene Lagoa do Fogo behind, the tour van makes its way to the next captivating destination – the Salto do Cabrito Waterfall.

Leaving the serene Lagoa do Fogo, the tour van heads to the next captivating destination – the Salto do Cabrito Waterfall.

The group has 20 minutes to explore this natural wonder, taking in the cascading waters and the lush, verdant surroundings.

The key highlights include:

1. Admiring the waterfall’s impressive height and the powerful flow of water.

2. Capturing stunning photographs of the waterfall and the picturesque landscape.

3. Feeling the refreshing mist on your skin as you stand close to the cascading waters.

After soaking in the beauty of the Salto do Cabrito Waterfall, the tour continues on to the next stop.

Visiting Gorreana Tea Factory and Ribeira Grande

The tour van then heads to the Gorreana Tea Factory, one of the few remaining tea plantations in Europe. Visitors are guided through the factory, learning about the history and production process of Azorean tea. | After the factory tour, the group enjoys a sampling of the freshly brewed tea along with local snacks. | The tour continues to the charming town of Ribeira Grande, where the group indulges in a traditional Azorean lunch featuring regional specialties.

| Gorreana Tea Factory | Ribeira Grande | Lunch |

|———————|—————-|——-|

| Guided tour | Charming town | Local specialties |

| Tea sampling | Historical | Regional cuisine |

| Local snacks | Coastal views | 1 hour |

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Available on Specific Days of the Week?

The tour is available daily, except in critical weather conditions when a backup plan may be offered. Specific tour dates are not mentioned in the information provided.

Can I Request a Language Other Than English or Portuguese?

Guests can request a language other than English or Portuguese, but this may incur an additional cost and is subject to tour guide availability. The default languages offered are English and Portuguese.

What Is the Maximum Group Size for a Private Tour?

The maximum group size for this private tour is up to 6 participants. The tour price ranges from $872.33 to $785.10 per group, depending on the number of travelers.

Do I Need to Bring Any Additional Food or Drinks?

No, you don’t need to bring additional food or drinks. The tour includes breakfast, lunch, and snacks. Just remember to bring a towel, swimwear, and sun protection as specified in the important information.

Can I Request a Custom Itinerary or Additional Activities?

Yes, you can request a custom itinerary or additional activities. The tour operator is flexible and happy to accommodate your preferences within the available time and resources. Just let them know your specific interests and needs.

The Sum Up

The São Miguel: Island Highlights Private Tour by Boat and Van offers an immersive and personalized exploration of the Azores’ natural beauty and cultural heritage. Priced from $785.10 for up to six participants, this 8-hour adventure showcases the island’s must-see sights, from the stunning Lagoa do Fogo to the captivating Gorreana Tea Factory. With a focus on safety, comfort, and guest satisfaction, this tour provides an unforgettable opportunity to discover the wonders of São Miguel.

You can check availability for your dates here: