Santa Maria Island Jeep Safari Full Day Tour

Overview

Santa Maria Island has much more to see than what the ordinary viewpoints have to show – there are some details you only get to see if you choose to go off-road. By signing up on our Jeep Safari, you get to visit the main points of interest in the island, from a total different point of view. Our service also includes interpreting what you see concerning History, culture, fauna and flora.

What's included

Itinerary

1. Start at Forte São Brás and learn about its historical importance in defending the island;
2. On Anjos, visit the tidal pools as well as the first church of the Azores. Also, find out about Cristopher Columbus memorable stopover in the island.
3. Barreiro da Faneca, a well-known geosite will surely take your breath away with its Mars-lookalike landscape
4. Still on the North of the island, take a glance at Ilhéu das Lagoinhas and stop at Santa Bárbara parish where its inhabitants take great pride at preserving Santa Maria’s unique architecture
5. On the way to São Lourenço, the most beautiful bay of the Azores, you’ll visit another memorable geosite of the island – an abandoned quarry whose intense extraction in the past lead to an amazing scenery – Poço da Pedreira.
6. Visit São Lourenço, the most beautiful bay in the Azores
7. Santo Espírito will be next, the parish owning the greatest example of the Azorean baroque-style – its remarkable church;
8. Down we go to Maia, another well-known bay if the island for its vineyard landscape as well as Cascata do Aveiro, second tallest waterfall in Portugal;
9. Now well on the South Coast, another famous geosite rests for contemplation – Ribeira do Maloás. It’s pillarlike structures are result of horizontal contraction ocurred as the lava cooled down. Similar to Giant’s Causeway in Ireland, but cooler.
10. Next to Pico Alto, highest point of the island where you can get a 360º view and appreciate all you have seen so far (if weather conditions allow it!).
11. Finish the tour at Praia Formosa, the most popular sand beach of the Azores and host of the oldest uninterrupted music festival in Portugal, Festival Maré de Agosto since 1984.

Meeting point, pickup & return

Tour options

This experience may be offered in different versions. Live availability above shows the options available for your date and traveler mix.

Good to know

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Specialized infant seats are available
• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.