Third: Algar Do Carvão Lava Caves Tour

The Algar do Carvão Lava Caves Tour offers an immersive glimpse into the island’s volcanic past. Visitors can marvel at the unique geological formations and endemic species found within this captivating lava tube. With options for private groups and a free cancellation policy, it’s an adventure not to be missed. What secrets lie hidden beneath the earth’s surface, waiting to be uncovered?

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Key Points

The Algar do Carvão Lava Caves Tour is a 3-3.5 hour tour that showcases the unique lava tube formation and its geological features.
The tour offers hotel pickup, free cancellation, and is available in multiple languages, including Spanish, English, and Portuguese.
Visitors can explore the Algar do Carvão cave, observe the smoke emerging from the ground, and see the caldera of the Guilherme Moniz volcano.
Entrance fees for the Algar do Carvão and Gruta do Natal caves can be purchased as a discounted combo ticket.
The Algar do Carvão cave will be closed from October 2024 to March/April 2025 for maintenance and upgrades, with an alternate lava tube available during this time.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The Algar do Carvão Lava Caves Tour offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the natural wonders of Terceira Island.

Priced from $48.96 per person, the 3-3.5 hour tour is available in Spanish, English, and Portuguese. Hotel pickup is included, and there’s a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours.

Guests can choose a private group option and check for availability and start times.

The tour showcases the stunning Algar do Carvão lava tube, geological formations, volcanic features, and endemic flora and fauna, providing an immersive experience in Terceira’s captivating natural landscape.

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

Activity Highlights

Visitors can explore the beautiful Algar do Carvão natural caves, a unique lava tube formed by ancient volcanic eruptions. This captivating tour allows guests to:

Visitors can explore the beautiful Algar do Carvão natural caves, a unique lava tube formed by ancient volcanic eruptions.

Observe geological features, including silicate stalactites and ferrous deposits that showcase the cave’s dynamic geological history.
Experience the eerie sensation of smoke emerging from the ground, transporting them back to the time of volcanic activity.
Gaze into the caldera of the Guilherme Moniz volcano, providing a glimpse into the island’s dramatic volcanic past.

Amidst this geological wonder, visitors can also encounter endemic plant life and local fauna, including birds and diverse species.

Entrance Fees

A combo ticket to access both the Algar do Carvão and Gruta do Natal caves costs €15.00 per person.

The entrance fee for just the Algar do Carvão cave is €10.00, while the Gruta do Natal cave costs €8.00 separately.

Visitors have the option to purchase the combo ticket at a discounted rate if they plan to explore both caves during their tour. This allows them to save a few euros and conveniently access the key highlights of the lava cave system in one visit.

The entrance fees are payable on-site at the start of the tour.

What to Bring

Comfortable shoes and a windbreaker are recommended for the Algar do Carvão Lava Caves Tour. The guided exploration of this natural wonder requires suitable attire to navigate the terrain and changing weather conditions.

Visitors should consider bringing:

A small backpack or bag to carry essential items
Water and snacks to stay hydrated and energized during the 3-3.5 hour tour
Camera or smartphone to capture the stunning volcanic landscapes and geological formations

Being prepared with the right gear will enhance the overall experience and ensure a comfortable and memorable visit to the Algar do Carvão Lava Caves.

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Closure Notice

According to the information provided, Algar do Carvão will be closed from October 19, 2024, to March/April 2025 for maintenance and upgrades. During this period, a hidden lava tube will be shown to visitors instead. The closure is necessary to ensure the preservation and enhancement of the natural wonder.

| Closure Period | Reason | Alternate Attraction |

| — | — | — |

| Oct 19, 2024 – Mar/Apr 2025 | Maintenance & Upgrades | Hidden Lava Tube |

This closure will allow for necessary improvements to the site, providing visitors with an enhanced experience upon its reopening.

There's plenty more to explore in Terceira

Customer Reviews and Ratings

The Algar do Carvão Lava Caves Tour boasts an impressive overall rating of 4.7 out of 5 based on 215 customer reviews.

Visitors have praised the knowledgeable guides, with one reviewer from Belgium, Livia, highlighting the expertise of guide Carolina.

Visitors have highlighted the expertise of guide Carolina, with one reviewer from Belgium praising her knowledgeable guidance.

Another guest, Amy from the United States, commended guide Dora for her exceptional service and multilingual communication.

Customers have also commended the tour’s value for money, with a rating of 4.6 out of 5.

The tour’s transportation has received a strong 4.7 out of 5 rating, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience.

Guide Rating

Unsurprisingly, the tour guides on the Algar do Carvão Lava Caves Tour have earned a perfect 5 out of 5 rating from visitors.

The guides’ exceptional knowledge and communication skills have consistently impressed participants. They expertly navigate the lava tubes, sharing fascinating insights into the volcanic history and geology of the region.

Reviewers praise the guides’ ability to engage all members of the group, answering questions and tailoring the experience to individual interests. The multilingual capabilities of the guides also ensure a seamless experience for international travelers.

Booking Information

How can travelers book the Algar do Carvão Lava Caves Tour?

The tour offers a convenient reservation system with a "Reserve now & pay later" option, allowing flexibility to book and pay at a later time.

Plus, travelers can easily check availability and confirm tour dates and participant numbers before making a commitment.

Travelers can easily check availability and confirm tour dates and participant numbers before making a commitment.

The tour also provides a "Book your spot and pay nothing today" policy, making it easy for visitors to secure their spot without an upfront payment.

Reserve now & pay later option available
Check availability before booking
No upfront payment required to book

The Sum Up

The Algar do Carvão Lava Caves Tour offers an unforgettable adventure for nature enthusiasts. The 3-3.5 hour experience includes hotel pickup, exploration of unique geological formations, and the chance to witness volcanic activity. With a free cancellation policy and entrance fees payable on-site, it’s an opportunity to take in the stunning lava tube and its endemic flora and fauna.