Shore Excursions to the Volcano and Crater of Lagoa Das Sete Cidades

Lagoa das Sete Cidades, a volcanic crater lake nestled in the Azores, has long captivated visitors with its breathtaking beauty. Now, travelers can experience this natural wonder up close through shore excursions that offer a chance to explore the volcano and crater. These tours provide an intimate, personalized experience, catering to small groups and promising stunning vistas, cultural insights, and convenient transportation. However, as reviews suggest, there’s still room for improvement in certain areas to elevate the overall experience. Uncover the secrets and surprises that await at this remarkable destination.

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About Your Stay

Shore excursions offer guided tours to the volcanic crater of Lagoa das Sete Cidades, a scenic lake in Ponta Delgada, Portugal.
Tours are typically priced starting from $61.35 per person and accommodate a maximum group size of 8 travelers.
Excursions include bottled water, a knowledgeable guide, and air-conditioned transportation, with pickup services available from various locations.
While generally positive, some reviews mention issues with ride comfort and a lack of engaging commentary from the guide.
The tour host has acknowledged the feedback and expressed a commitment to improving the overall experience for future guests.

Tour Overview and Details

Although the shore excursion takes visitors to the volcano and crater of Lagoa das Sete Cidades, it’s located in Ponta Delgada, Portugal.

The tour is priced from $61.35 per person and has a maximum group size of 8 travelers. Confirmation is received within 48 hours, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience starts.

The tour includes bottled water, a guide, pick-up and drop-off, and air-conditioned transportation.

However, it’s not wheelchair accessible, though stroller access and infant seats are available. Most travelers can participate, according to the details provided.

Looking for more options in Ponta Delgada? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

Inclusions and Accessibility

The shore excursion includes several amenities to enhance the experience.

Travelers receive bottled water, a knowledgeable guide, and pickup and drop-off services in an air-conditioned vehicle.

Travelers enjoy bottled water, a knowledgeable guide, and convenient pickup and drop-off in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle.

The tour accommodates various travel needs, offering pickup from hotels, the airport, port, or marina.

While the experience isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s stroller-friendly and has infant seats available.

Most travelers can participate, though individuals should ensure they can handle the moderate physical activity required.

These inclusions and accessibility options aim to provide a comfortable and convenient sightseeing tour of the volcanic crater and lake at Lagoa das Sete Cidades.

Traveler Experiences

Reviewers provided a mix of feedback on their experiences with this shore excursion to Lagoa das Sete Cidades.

Positive comments highlighted the small group size, which allowed for better island exploration and more photo opportunities. Travelers noted the scenic views of the lake and appreciated learning about local pineapple cultivation.

However, some found the ride uncomfortable, and felt the guide’s commentary lacked substance. A few stops were also deemed uninteresting.

The host acknowledged the negative feedback, indicating the tour’s advertised itinerary should have met expectations.

Ratings and Reviews

How do the overall ratings and reviews fare for this shore excursion to Lagoa das Sete Cidades?

With a total of 3 reviews and an average rating of 4.0 out of 5, the tour generally receives positive feedback.

However, there are no 5-star reviews, and some travelers noted dissatisfaction with aspects like the uncomfortable ride, lack of engaging commentary, and uninteresting stops.

The host acknowledges the criticism and implies the advertised itinerary should have met expectations.

Positive Feedback

Although the tour received an average rating of 4.0 out of 5, positive feedback highlights the small group size as allowing for better island exploration and more ample photo opportunities.

Travelers appreciate the scenic views of the lake and the chance to learn about local pineapple cultivation.

The intimate group setting also enables more engaging interactions with the guide, who can provide in-depth commentary about the area’s history and natural features.

There's plenty more to explore in Ponta Delgada

Notable Experiences

Beyond the positive feedback, notable experiences highlighted by travelers include the scenic views of the lake, learning about local pineapple cultivation, and exploring the diverse landscape.

The tour offers breathtaking vistas of the Lagoa das Sete Cidades, a volcanic crater lake known for its stunning blue and green hues. Along the way, guides share insights into the region’s unique pineapple industry, which contributes to the local economy.

Participants also have the opportunity to enjoy the island’s natural wonders, from lush forests to volcanic rock formations, gaining a deeper appreciation for the area’s geological history and natural beauty.

Criticism

While the majority of the reviews for the shore excursion to Lagoa das Sete Cidades were positive, some travelers found aspects of the tour less than satisfactory.

Certain travelers cited the following issues:

An uncomfortable ride due to the vehicle’s condition.
A guide’s commentary that was perceived as lacking in detail and enthusiasm.
Disappointment with some of the stops, which were considered uninteresting.
The overall experience not fully meeting their expectations, despite the tour’s advertised itinerary.

The host’s response to a negative review acknowledged the traveler’s dissatisfaction and implied the tour should have delivered the promised experience.

Host Response

The host’s response to a negative review acknowledged the traveler’s dissatisfaction and implied the tour should have delivered the promised experience.

The host expressed regret that the tour didn’t meet the traveler’s expectations, stating the advertised itinerary should have provided the scenic views, informative commentary, and interesting stops as described.

The host acknowledged the tour did not deliver the promised scenic views, informative commentary, and interesting stops, expressing regret for not meeting the traveler’s expectations.

The host promised to review the tour logistics and guide training to ensure a consistently high-quality experience for all guests.

While the host couldn’t address the traveler’s specific concerns, the response demonstrated a commitment to addressing any issues and improving the overall tour experience.

Questions About Your Stay

What Is the Duration of the Tour?

The tour duration is not specified in the provided information. The details focus on the tour overview, inclusions, accessibility, and reviews, but do not mention the length or duration of the shore excursion.

Is Food Included in the Tour Package?

The tour package includes bottled water, but it does not include any food. Travelers will need to bring their own snacks or purchase food during the experience.

Can the Tour Be Customized to Individual Preferences?

The tour is generally not customizable to individual preferences. However, travelers can contact the tour provider to inquire about any special requests or modifications they may have, which will be considered based on availability and feasibility.

Are There Any Discounts or Special Offers Available?

There are no specific discounts or special offers mentioned for this tour. However, group rates may be available for larger parties. Travelers should check with the tour provider for any current promotions or deals that could apply to their booking.

Can the Tour Be Rebooked or Modified if Needed?

Guests can typically rebook or modify the tour as needed, subject to availability. Free cancellation is offered up to 24 hours before the start, allowing flexibility to change plans. The host may accommodate requests for tour adjustments or rebookings.

Final Verdict On This Stay

The shore excursions to the volcano and crater of Lagoa das Sete Cidades provide a breathtaking and intimate experience for small groups. Though the tours offer scenic views, convenient pickups, and insights into local pineapple cultivation, some travelers have noted room for improvement in guide engagement and ride comfort. The excursions promise an unforgettable adventure amidst the stunning natural beauty of this volcanic landscape.