Tour overview
What is this São Miguel sea and land adventure like?
This 8-day, 7-night São Miguel adventure combines Atlantic wildlife, volcanic landscapes, island culture and geothermal experiences in one family-friendly itinerary. Watch for whales and dolphins at sea, explore historic Ponta Delgada, travel by jeep through the crater-lake scenery of Sete Cidades and Lagoa do Fogo, and discover the fumaroles, botanical surroundings and traditional food of Furnas.
For eligible travelers visiting during the normal operating season, the program also includes a guided dolphin-swimming experience in the open Atlantic. Because this activity depends on weather, sea conditions, participant requirements and wildlife behavior, it cannot be guaranteed. Outside the operating season, another half-day activity will be arranged and confirmed before booking.
The itinerary balances scheduled experiences with free time, including a completely open day for independent sightseeing or an optional activity. Guided excursions may operate as shared rather than private services.
Is this package right for you?
Is this São Miguel family adventure right for you?
This itinerary is designed for families, couples and friends who want to combine marine wildlife, volcanic scenery, cultural sightseeing and geothermal experiences without a demanding hiking schedule. Most land activities involve ordinary walking, jeep travel and sightseeing rather than long trail hikes.
The whale-watching trip takes place on the open ocean and may involve vessel movement, spray and changing sea conditions. The seasonal dolphin-swimming activity requires comfort in deep open water and the ability to follow snorkeling and safety instructions.
Age, swimming ability, health and participation requirements for marine activities are set by the local operator and must be confirmed before booking. Families traveling with younger children should request confirmation that every scheduled activity is suitable for each child’s age and ability.
Day-by-day itinerary
Activity durations are approximate. Weather, sea conditions, wildlife behavior and local operating requirements may affect the itinerary. The descriptions below show the planned program.
Day 1 — São Miguel Island — Arrival
Arrive on São Miguel and transfer from the airport to your hotel, where you will stay for seven nights. The remainder of the day is free to rest or begin exploring Ponta Delgada independently.
Day 2 — Half-day whale and dolphin watching
Join a guided marine excursion offering an opportunity to observe some of the whale and dolphin species found in the waters surrounding the Azores. Turtles, seabirds and other marine life may also be encountered.
Before departure, the marine team provides information about the species that may be seen, onboard safety and responsible wildlife-viewing practices. Life jackets are provided and must be worn according to the vessel operator’s instructions.
The boat trip lasts approximately three hours. Wildlife sightings and specific species cannot be guaranteed. The remainder of the day is free.
Day 3 — Half-day Ponta Delgada cultural walking tour
Explore Ponta Delgada on a guided walk through the historic center. Begin along the waterfront avenue and, when operating conditions permit, visit Mercado da Graça for an introduction to regional produce and everyday island life.
Continue through streets and squares associated with the city’s history before reaching Campo de São Francisco. Nearby landmarks include Forte de São Brás, the Emigrant Monument, the Church of São José and the Convent of Nossa Senhora da Esperança.
The walking tour lasts approximately three hours. The remainder of the day is free.
Day 4 — Full-day Sete Cidades and Lagoa do Fogo jeep tour
Meet your guide for a full-day jeep excursion through the volcanic landscapes of western and central São Miguel. Travel along a combination of paved, rural and unpaved roads toward the Sete Cidades volcanic complex.
Stop at selected viewpoints overlooking the crater lakes and descend toward the village of Sete Cidades. Continue through the island’s interior toward Lagoa do Fogo, a protected crater lake surrounded by steep volcanic slopes and changing vegetation.
The complete excursion lasts approximately seven hours. Lunch and return transportation are included.
Day 5 — Full-day Furnas geothermal and cultural tour
Enjoy a slower-paced day centered on the geothermal landscapes of Furnas. Explore the valley’s lake scenery, fumaroles, mineral springs and botanical surroundings while following the guide’s safety instructions around hot water, steam and mud.
The tour includes traditional cozido das Furnas, a regional meal prepared underground using natural volcanic heat. Planned sightseeing may also include Furnas Lake, its lakeside chapel and one of the area’s botanical gardens.
The complete van excursion lasts approximately eight hours. Lunch, applicable listed entrance fees and return transportation are included.
Day 6 — Seasonal dolphin-swimming experience
During the normal operating period from June 1 through October 15, eligible participants may join a guided dolphin-swimming activity in the open Atlantic. Before departure, the marine team explains the species that may be encountered, responsible interaction practices, snorkeling-equipment use and onboard safety procedures.
The complete activity lasts approximately 2.5 hours. Participation remains subject to weather, sea conditions, operator requirements and availability. Dolphins are wild animals, so sightings and opportunities to enter the water cannot be guaranteed.
For travel outside the normal operating season, another half-day activity will be arranged. The substitute activity will be identified in the quotation before booking.
Day 7 — Free day on São Miguel
Enjoy a free day to rest, explore Ponta Delgada independently or arrange an optional sightseeing tour, marine excursion or outdoor activity elsewhere on São Miguel.
Day 8 — São Miguel Island — Departure
Check out from your hotel and transfer to the airport for your departing flight.
Hotels
Note: Hotels shown are for reference only. We reserve the right to change hotels based on availability, group size or other factors. Should an alternate hotel be required, it will be of the same or a better rating.
Comfort Hotels
Ponta Delgada - Hotel Ponta Delgada
Hotel Ponta Delgada (RNET 6591) is centrally located and only a 10-minute drive from the airport. Hotel Ponta Delgada features a family ambiance and comfortable furnishings. It features an indoor pool.
Air-conditioned rooms all open out on to a private balcony and are fitted with double-glass windows. All rooms include a TV set with cable channels and private bathrooms with walk-in shower or bathtub. Free WiFi access is available in all areas of the hotel.
The Ponta Delgada’s Baco Restaurant offers authentic cuisine from the Azores. The hotel’s bar has an esplanade, where guests can enjoy a refreshing drink or cocktail.
Guests can stroll in the narrow streets of the city center. Alternatively, they can dip in the hot tub or relax in the on-site hammam and sauna.
Superior Hotels
Ponta Delgada - Vila Gale Collection S. Miguel
Located in Ponta Delgada, São Miguel island, the Vila Gale Collection S.Miguel provides superior accommodations, excellent restaurant, bar, sauna, swimming pool, kid's club and private parking.
The 4-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with free WIFI, each with a private bathroom, and is at a short walking distance to the center of town.
All guest rooms in the hotel are equipped with a flat-screen TV. Each room includes a safety deposit box, while certain rooms will provide you with a balcony. At Vila Gale Collection S.Miguel every room includes bed linen and towels. A buffet breakfast is available every morning.
At Vila Gale Collection S.Miguel guests are welcome to use a sauna and a Turkish bath.
The attentive and professional reception staff speak English, Spanish, French and Portuguese, and are always on hand to help.
