Start at 9:00 am

The geographic position of the islands in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean makes it possible for a third of all of the world's species to pass here, being a privileged place to observe these cetaceans on their migratory routes. Several companies make departures on vessels equipped for the observation of whales and dolphins, as well as other marine species.

During this activity, you will have the opportunity to watch some of the 25 cetacean species that can be found in the Azores. Although nature offers no guarantees, whales and dolphins are regularly seen during our half-day tours, along with turtles, seabirds, and other marine life.

Before the boat trip our biologists give you a briefing to explain which cetacean species can be observed, safety measures aboard, how we respect the animals and rules of observation at sea as well as some historical facts. During the tour, each passenger is required to wear a life vest (except on a catamaran).

After we have lunch and free time.

9:30 am: Departure from the hotel towards the town of Ribeira Grande. The first stop is at the “Santa Iria” viewpoint, where you can admire a beautiful view of the northern coast. 

Further on, you will have a chance to visit the factory of one of the two unique tea plantations in Europe to taste some green and black tea and one of the best homemade ice creams on the island. This factory is a real museum for specialists in ancient machinery. 

The next stop of the tour is at the “Pico do Ferro” viewpoint, which offers you a view of the whole valley of Furnas. Visiting the park Terra Nostra in Furnas Valley will also be an unforgettable experience. It is one of the most beautiful botanical gardens in Europe, with species of trees and plants from all over the world, where you will have a chance to swim in a hot thermal pool. 

Afterwards, you will go up to the lake, where you can watch the pots of the “cozido” being removed from the steamy underground, where it cooks for 5 to 6 hours. Then you return to the valley for the “cozido” lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch, the tour goes on with a visit to the hot springs. There, you will find more than 23 different kinds of water springs differentiated by their temperature (some hot, some warm or cold) and composition, located on different levels of Earth. 

The variety of hot springs is also very interesting: some are muddy, some have clear waters, and others are just sulphurous steam. 

The return trip is through the southern coast, stopping at the village of Vila Franca - the first capital of the island. The return to Ponta Delgada is around 5:30 pm. 

NOTE: The sequence of the route of the excursion can be operated in the reverse order.

9:30 am: Departure from the hotel towards the western part of the island, going through the mountain road and passing by the “Carvão”, where you can admire the view of the narrowest part of the island. This landscape was formed millions of years ago by the eruption of more than 200 small volcanoes. The journey goes on to the “Vista do Rei”- the famous viewpoint of the island with a magnificent view of the Sete Cidades valley with the blue and green lakes. 

The place is called “Vista do Rei”, meaning King’s View, recalling the first visit of King Carlos I of Portugal to the island in 1901. Down in the valley, you’ll stop at a local café for lunch (not included). The journey then goes on through Várzea, towards the Escalvado viewpoint, where you can enjoy a great view of the village of Mosteiros and its islets. 

The tour continues towards the village of Ferraria, where you can observe a lunar-like landscape with an amazing view of the waves and volcanic soil. Also, here you can find a small bay with a “hot ocean” phenomenon. If by the time of arrival, the tide is low, and the weather is good, you can swim in the ocean bay with warm water. 

Continue to Fajã de Baixo for a visit to the pineapple plantations, with various greenhouses all showing the pineapples at different stages of growth and the labor methods used to make them so sweet. 

Return to Ponta Delgada around 5:30 pm.

NOTE: The sequence of the route of the excursion can be operated in the reverse order.

9 am: Departure from the hotel towards the town of Ribeira Grande. The city tour includes a visit to the liquor factory (closed on weekends & public holidays). You will walk through the town along the main street to the main square and enjoy the beautiful architecture of the city hall building. 

The tour continues with a visit to the Ribeira Grande hot springs. Lunch will be served in a local restaurant. Then you will drive up the mountain (altitude of 3,000ft) to admire the magnificent view of the “Lagoa do Fogo” (Fire Lake) – one of the lakes on the island where you encounter nature in its pure state. 

On the way through, you will see many endemic plants and vast vegetation; there is a chance of seeing the traditional milking of cows. The return route is along the southern coast, enjoying a nice view of Ponta Delgada. 

The return to Ponta Delgada is around 5 pm.

NOTE: The sequence of the route of the excursion can be operated in the reverse order.

HIKING TRAIL (MEDIUM) around 3 hours and after soaking in hot springs.

https://trails.visitazores.com/en/trails-azores/sao-miguel/praia-da-viola

https://pocadadonabeija.com/en/ -Hot springs. For now, they are closed, but in November, they will be open for sure!

TO RELAX, TO PACK, TO BUY SOUVENIRS, OR TO BOOK AN ACTIVITY.

Canyoning & surfing options available! (not included in price, but can be arranged for your FREE day).

TRANSFER TO THE AIRPORT