Holidays to Sao Miguel

Birdwatching

This tour will appeal to beginners and long-time bird enthusiasts alike. Escorted by an ornithologist, you will observe birds and learn about their behaviour and diet all within a magnificent landscape. 
 
The Azores islands are an excellent destination for birdwatching. Here, you can find two of Europe’s rarest birds: The Azores Bullfinch, Pyrrhula murina, endemic to a small area of São Miguel and the Mosteiro’s storm-petrel, Oceanodroma monteiroi, breeding on the two islets south of Graciosa Island.
 
Other species seen here are the Atlantic Canary, Serinus canaria, an exclusive species from Macaronesia, as well as several subspecies such as the Common Chaffinch, Fringilla coelebs moreletti, the São Miguel Goldcrest, Regulus regulus azoricus, the Azores Woodpigeon, Columba palumbus azorica, and the Buzzard, Buteo buteo rothschildi.
 
Currently, the Azores holds the largest colony of Cory’s Shearwater, Calonectris diomedia borealis, and one of the largest colonies of Roseate tern, Sterna dougallii, worldwide. Altogether, the archipelago has over 30 bird species which nest, and also, due to the islands central position in the Atlantic Ocean you may also observe migratory birds coming from America and Eurasia.
 
The number of species seen in the islands is close to 400, including a few which are extremely rare and even some which have been newly sighted in the Western Paleartic.
 
Price is £108 per person based on a minimum of 2 people (shared tour). Private tours possible at a supplement

Note: If you wish to see the Priolo (Azores Bullfinch) please request this at the time of booking.

Notes

• Pick-up from hotels in Ponta Delgada at 08:30 (return 17:00) - supplier Gerbybirding Azores
• Pick-up from hotels outside Ponta Delgada at a supplement on request
• Departs: Daily although we recommend weekdays due to the volume of people visiting the lake
• Minimum 2 and maximum 8 people – subject to change or cancellation
• Suitable for all – recommended for children aged 8yrs and over
• Included: 9-seater minibus, English speaking guide, picnic and lunch
• Best time to observe resident and migrating birds is between Sep-May

Canoeing

Take a canoe out on Furnas Lake and revel in the sheer magnitude of being in a sleeping volcano surrounded by green lush slopes and hot springs. It is also possible to visit the thermal hot springs where the local stew ‘Cozido’ is cooked underground in large pots. 

Price is £29 per adult and £15 per child (6-11yrs)

Notes:

• Meeting point in Furnas at the parking area (west side), next to the Church of Nossa Senhora das Vitorias - supplier Picos de Aventura. Transfers not included. Transfer to and from Furnas can be arranged at a supplement on request
• Departs: Daily at 10:00
• Duration: 2 hours
• Canoes are large enough for two adults and a child 6-10yrs
• Suitable for children aged 6 years or older
• Minimum number 4 people and maximum 18 - subject to change or cancellation
• Safety equipment provided: Paddle vest
• Equipment required: Comfortable warm clothing including extra t-shirt and/or sweater, trainers or casual footwear that  can get wet, swim suit (Furnas thermal pool – optional), towel, light rain jacket, backpack, hat, sun lotion, strengthening food/water and a camera
• Recommended Equipment: Lycra shirt, neoprene gloves and shoes and a waterproof bag (for smartphone and camera) 

Canoeing/or Stand Up Paddle Boarding and Botanical Garden Visit (Furnas) 

This activity starts with canoeing or Stand Up Paddle Boarding at Furnas Lake, where you will paddle to the centre of the lagoon and get to feel the magnificence of the volcanoes that have shaped the island. The canoeing or SUP activity continues to the opposite bank where you will see a neo-Gothic style chapel built in the 19th century. Finally, you will follow the bank until you return to the starting point. At the end of the canoeing or SUP tour, it is possible to make a short stop to visit the fumaroles, an area where the traditional Cozido das Furnas is cooked. 

After lunch in a restaurant in the parish of Furnas, where you will taste Cozido, you will proceed with the visit to Terra Nostra Botanical Garden.This is one of the most beautiful botanical gardens on the planet, where you can find species of flora from different regions of the world. After a short guided walk through the paths and alleys of the garden, a thermal bath in the iron-enriched water pool is recommended. After this moment of leisure, you will return to Ponta Delgada.

 
Notes:

• Meet at Picos de Aventura's base in Ponta Delgada at 09:00. Transfer to Furnas Lake for 10:00 start. 
• Departs: Daily at 09:00
• Duration: 7.5 hours
• Canoes are large enough for two adults and a child under 6-9yrs
• The paddle board takes one person only. Minimum age for a child is 8 years old.
• Minimum number 4 people otherwise subject to change or cancellation 
• Safety equipment provided: Paddle vest (canoeing/SUP)
• Equipment required: Swim suit, waterproof footwear, towel, sun lotion, hat, sunglasses, windbreaker jacket, change of clothes to wear after the activity, backpack, water and snack. 
• Recommended Equipment: Lycra shirt, neoprene gloves and shoes and a waterproof bag (for smartphone and camera) 
• Dressing room facilities with showers available

Canoeing or Stand Up Paddle Boarding and Bike Tour (Furnas) 

This activity begins with a low to medium difficulty mountain bike tour that runs essentially around Furnas Lake. It is a route intended for people who want to know the caldera where the volcano that gave birth to Lagoa das Furnas is located. The route starts in the fumaroles area, then follows the dirt road that surrounds the lake. It continues through the area of Lombo dos Milhos, where we can enjoy the landscape and the surrounding pastures. After lunch in a restaurant in the parish of Furnas, the canoeing or Stand Up Paddle Boarding activity will take place. In the middle of the lake, you will get to feel the magnificence of the volcanoes that have shaped the island. The canoeing or SUP activity continues to the opposite bank of the lake where we will see a neo-Gothic style chapel built in the 19th century. Finally, you will follow the bank until you return to the starting point next to the fumaroles.

Price is £72 per adult and £36 per child (6-11yrs) 

Notes:

• Meet at Picos de Aventura's base in Ponta Delgada at 09:00. Transfer to Furnas Lake for 10:00 start. 
• Departs: Daily at 09:00
• Duration: 7.5 hours
• Canoes are large enough for two adults and a child under 6-9yrs
• Cycling suitable for children aged 6 years or older. Bike trails are selected depending on each person’s fitness level and technique
• The paddle board takes one person only. Minimum age for a child is 8 years old.
• Minimum number 4 people - subject to change or cancellation 
• Safety equipment provided: Bike helmet and repair kit and paddle vest (canoeing/SUP)
• Equipment required: Comfortable warm clothing including extra t-shirt and/or sweater, trainers or casual footwear that can get wet, swim suit, towel, light rain jacket, backpack, hat, sun lotion, strengthening food/water and a camera
• Recommended Equipment: MTB Gloves, hydration bag, clip shoes and pedals, lycra shirt, neoprene shoes, waterproof bag (for smart phone and camera) 
• Dressing room facilities with showers available

Canyoning

Canyoning is an exciting combination of walking, scrambling, climbing, jumping, abseiling and swimming in some of the most spectacular scenery of cliffs on the island of São Miguel. It has become a very popular extreme sport with fans all over the world and provides a unique experience in the middle of nature and at the same time offers moments of pure adrenaline. No previous experience required.
 
Price is £86 per adult (Half Day) or £117 (Full Day)
 
Notes

• Departs: Daily
• Pick-up from all properties in Ponta Delgada at 08:15 (09:00 start) - supplier Azorean Active Blueberry. Pick up outside Ponta Delgada at a supplement 
• Half Day: 4 hours (including 2 hours in the canyon and 1 hour for transportation) – Level of difficult (easy)
• Full Day: 6 hours (including 4 hours in the canyon and 1 hour for transportation) - Level of difficult (medium)
• Location: Achada - Nordeste (northeast for half day excursion) or Ribeira Grande (north for full day excursion)
• Suitable for children aged 8 years and upwards. Swimming ability recommended but not required
• Minimum 2 people - subject to change or cancellation
• Equipment included: Neoprene wetsuit and socks, canyoning shoes, helmet and harness
• Equipment required: Towel, swim suit, shoes that can get wet – preferably mountain boots or running shoes, hair-bands, warm clothing and a bottle of water

Coasteering

Coasteering is a combination of swimming, climbing and jumping in some of the most spectacular scenery of cliffs and waterfalls on the island of São Miguel. The volcanic island coastline hides areas that few ever get to see. This adventure involves scrambling and traversing the tide line, snorkelling and swimming, climbing or cliff jumping into salty water.
 
Price is £86 per person (Half Day) 
 
Notes

• Departs: Daily 
• Pick-up from all properties in Ponta Delgada at 09:00 - supplier Azorean Active Blueberry. Pick-up outside Ponta Delgada at a supplement on request
• Duration: 5 hours (c.2 hours on the coastline and up to 2 hours for transportation)
• Suitable for children aged 6 years and upwards. Swimming ability required
• Level of difficulty: Easy
• Location: Central south coast
• Safety Equipment: Lycra shirt, neoprene wetsuit and socks, coasteering shoes, helmet, personal flotation devices (PFD) and group safety equipment
• Equipment required: Towel, swim suit, hair-bands and a bottle of water

Golf

Tee-off on one of two golf courses on São Miguel: Furnas, 4km from the Terra Nostra Garden Hotel, Furnas Lake Apartments and Quinta da Mó; or Batalha, a 20-minute drive (12km) from Ponta Delgada.
 
Price is £56 per person for one round of green fees (9 holes) all year and £67 per person (18 holes)
 
Furnas golf course is located in the mountains (500m above sea level) with beautiful lakes, fairways surrounded by large trees and undulating greenways

• 46 hectare golf course
• Course length is 6232m maximum
• 18 holes
• Par 70
• Required handicap: 28 Men / 36 Women 
• Clubhouse with bar, restaurant, small pro-shop, TV room and complimentary WiFi 
• Two putting greens, a practice tee and chipping and pitching area

 
Batalha golf course is a beautifully landscaped course with challenging fairways and greens overlooking the ocean ¦

• 100 hectare golf course 
• Course length is 6574m maximum 
• 27 holes 
• Par 72 
• Required handicap: 28 Men / 36 Women 
• Clubhouse with bar, restaurant (golfers only), pro-shop, TV room and complimentary WiFi 
• Driving range, two putting greens and chipping and pitching green

Notes

• Obligatory to wear soft spike shoes on both courses.  Shirts must have collar and sleeves.  Jeans and tracksuits cannot be worn.
• Clubs and carts can be hired locally

Guided Walks

The islands of the Azores, with their mild climate (day time temperature ranging from 14-22 degrees), are the most wonderful islands for walking. Our suggested walks incorporate some of the best scenic walks on the island. 

Guided Walk - Sete Cidades - Half Day 

The adventure begins in Ponta Delgada before heading off towards Pico do Carvão. This trail (5km) starts at the entrance of Mata do Canário, joins two sections of pre-existing trails and allows you to discover the various lakes in the western part of the island of São Miguel. In the first part of the walking tour it is possible to find ground vegetation, mainly grasses, and it is also possible to see the “Muro das Nove Janelas”, an ancient aqueduct that carried water to Ponta Delgada. After an ascent through an area where the terrain is more irregular, you will see a large part of the west side of the island, as well as the collapsed crater of Sete Cidades. From this location, on a clear day, you can see a large part of the island of São Miguel. On the return to Ponta Delgada, it is possible to stop at the Viewpoint of Vista do Rei, where you will find a magnificent landscape of the Lagoa Azul and Verde.

Price is £38 per adult and £19 per child (6-11yrs) 

Notes

• Meeting point: 15 minutes before departure at Picos de Aventura's Base - Ponta Delgada's Marina 
• Departs: Wednesdays at 09:00 or 13:00
• Difficulty: Easy 
• Distance: 5km / c 3.5 hours
• Recommended: Footwear suitable for walking (Hiking boots/shoes), comfortable clothing, light jacket, extra t-shirt or sweatshirt, snack, water, backpack, sun lotion and hat

Guided Walk - Lagoa do Fogo - Full Day 

Today’s tour begins with a drive along the south coast of the island, with views over the ocean and the hills of Lagoa do Fogo mountain. This 11km trail starts on a dirt path through woods of Japanese Cedar (Cryptomeria japonica), Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus), Australian cheesewood (Pittosporum undulatum), wild kahili ginger (Hedychium gardnerianum), New Zealand flax (Phormium tenax, a New Zealand plant) and many endemic plants. The trail continues along a levada (about 2km) until you reach a wider area, with wide slopes on both sides going to the rim of Lagoa do Fogo. During the ascent there are several places from where you can enjoy a magnificent view of Vila Franca do Campo and its Islet and the hills on the south side of the island. The stop for lunch (included) will be along the shores of the lake.

The return to our starting point is made by a path that traverses an area covered by endemic vegetation which then flows into an area of pastures as we descend and approach the end of the hike. On the way back to Ponta Delgada you will visit the bathing area of Caloura harbour, with a comfort stop and possibility of swimming in the natural pool. Then back to Ponta Delgada driving along the south coast back where the activity ends.  

Price is £53 per adult and £27 per child (6-11yrs) 

Notes

• Meeting point: 15 minutes before departure at Picos de Aventura's Base - Ponta Delgada's Marina 
• Departs: Tuesday or Saturday at 09:00
• Difficulty: Medium
• Distance: 11km / c.7 hours 
• Recommended: Footwear suitable for walking (Hiking boots/shoes), comfortable clothing, light jacket, extra t-shirt or sweatshirt, snack, water, swimsuit, towel, backpack, sun lotion and hat

Guided Walk - Pico da Vara - Full Day

This 7km trail begins and ends in the parish of Algarvia, in the municipality of Nordeste, at an altitude of 700 metres. After ascending about 1km through a forest of Cryptomeria (Cryptomeria japonica), the landscape changes to endemic plant species and ground vegetation, composed mainly of grasses from which the town derives its name ‘Graminhais. From here, you can see Povoação, the place where settlers first arrived on the island in the 15th century. The trail rises until it reaches the highest point on the island of São Miguel, Pico da Vara, at 1105m above sea level, where you have an amazing view over almost the whole island and a 360 degree view on top of the mountain. The return is done by taking the same route back downhill which can be a little slippery in winter. On the return to Ponta Delgada, passing by the northern coast of the island, there will be time to stop at the oldest tea factory of São Miguel, Gorreana tea factory, for some tea tasting and passing by the city of Ribeira Grande, the only city on the north side of the island, before crossing back to the south coast, through the narrower part of the island (8km). After a brief drive along the south coast, the activity ends in Ponta Delgada. 

Price is £62 per adult and £31 per child (6-11yrs)  

Notes

• Meeting point: 15 minutes before departure at Picos de Aventura's Base - Ponta Delgada's Marina 
• Departs: Daily at 09:00
• Difficulty: Hard 
• Distance: 7km / c.7 hours 
• Recommended: Footwear suitable for walking (Hiking boots/shoes), comfortable clothing, light jacket, extra t-shirt or sweatshirt, snack, water, backpack, sun lotion and hat

Guided Walk - Sanguinho - Full Day 

The activity starts with a drive along the south coast of the island with amazing views over the hills, green pastures and the Islet of Vila Franca do Campo, a volcanic formation that is considered a natural reserve by the Government of the Azores. Then enter the collapsed volcano of Furnas, one of the places where you can see volcanic phenomena, such as the hot springs and the calderas. After passing by Furnas, you will exit the volcanic crater and arrive in Povoação, the first settlement on São Miguel. The trail begins in the parish of Faial da Terra, lasts approximately 3 hours 30 minutes and extends for 4,5km. Initially, the trail climbs through a steep path with a breathtaking view over the parish and the ocean until it reaches Sanguinho, a place that owes its name to the abundant endemic plant (Frangula azorica). Then the trail continues through a forest of Japanese Cedar (Cryptomeria japonica) and some other species such as the Ginger Lilys (Hedychium gardnerianum) and the Australian Cheesewood (Pittosporum undulatum) before it reaches the waterfall of Salto do Prego, in one of the most beautiful places on the island. This is the perfect stopover for a picnic lunch and for bathing in the crystal clear waters of the waterfall. 

The return route is along the path parallel to a stream that flows from the waterfall to the parish of Faial da Terra, through lush vegetation. The return to Ponta Delgada includes a comfort stop in the village of Povoação to taste the local pastry ''Fofas da Povoação”. On the way back to Ponta Delgada, you will cross to the north coast of the island where it will be possible to see some unique tea fields, the hills and the landscape of the north coast, passing by Ribeira Grande, the second largest city on the island and then crossing back to the south coast through the narrower part of the island, at 8km width. After a brief drive along the south coast, the activity ends with the arrival in Ponta Delgada. 

Price is £62 per adult and £31 per child (6-11yrs) 

Notes

• Meeting point: 15 minutes before departure at Picos de Aventura's Base - Ponta Delgada's Marina 
• Departs: Friday and Sunday at 09:00
• Difficulty: Medium 
• Distance: 4.5km / c.7 hours
• Recommended: Footwear suitable for walking (Hiking boots/shoes), comfortable clothing, light jacket, extra t-shirt or sweatshirt, snack, water, swimsuit, towel, backpack, sun lotion and hat

Guided Walk - Ribeira Funda and Praia da Viola - Full Day  

The day starts with a drive from Ponta Delgada, crossing the island from south to north by the narrowest part. After passing by the only city on the north coast, Ribeira Grande, a great coastline awaits you with it´s amazing views. On the way, it is also possible to see the vast fields with tea plants, one of very few found in Europe. This 5.5km trail begins in the centre of a small place on the north side of the island called Ribeira Funda and takes around 3 hours to complete. The walking starts in an open area, turning into a path with dense vegetation, mostly composed of Australian Cheesewood (Pittosporum undulatum) and Ginger Lilys (Hedychium gardnerianum). 

The trail then leads us to some old water mills that were once used to transform wheat and corn into flour and used in the confection of bread (the primary food for families all over the island) and passing by various streams until you reach a viewpoint, from where you can see your next stop - Praia da Viola beach. Praia da Viola is a small, quiet beach with rough sand, flanked by a cliff with several water springs. If the ocean is calm, it is possible to go for a quick swim. In the middle of this hidden beach, there is a trail that takes you to the end of the tour, in the small parish of Maia. Some parts are very narrow and very steep and might also be slippery. On the return to Ponta Delgada, passing by the northern coast of the island, there is still time to stop at the oldest tea factory on São Miguel, the Gorreana tea factory, for some tea tasting and a stop in Caldeira Velha, located in the hills of the mountain of Lagoa do Fogo where it’s possible to have bathe in the relaxing hot waters. Back on the road, pass by Ribeira Grande before crossing back to the south coast and after a brief drive arriving in Ponta Delgada to end the activity. 

Price is £62 per adult and £31 per child (6-11yrs) 

Notes

• Meeting point: 15 minutes before departure at Picos de Aventura's Base - Ponta Delgada's Marina 
• Difficulty: Medium
• Departs: Daily at 09:00
• Distance: 5.5km / c.7 hours
• Recommended: Footwear suitable for walking (Hiking boots/shoes), comfortable clothing, light jacket, extra t-shirt or sweatshirt, snack, water, swimsuit, towel, backpack, sun lotion and hat

4X4 Tours
Enjoy an unforgettable drive along the island's best trails. Driving through trees and pastures often overlooking the Atlantic Ocean you will discover places and landscapes of rare beauty not often encountered by the average tourist. During the trip there will be several stops with time to enjoy the beautiful scenery.

 
Nordeste (Monday - Full Day)

Explore the east part of São Miguel Island and get to know the greenest and most picturesque county, Nordeste. On the way, you will get to enjoy the northern villages and pass by Ribeira Grande city and Porto Formoso village. Enjoy this adventure and take advantage of the view on Pico do Bartolomeu where you get a privileged view of Pico da Vara, the highest point of the island.

Sete Cidades and Lagoa do Fogo (Tues-Wed - Full Day)

This tour (7 hours) combines Sete Cidades on the western side of the Island, known for its breath-taking views and landscapes, and Ribeira Grande on the North Coast, famous for its beaches and coastline. See first-hand the famous twin lakes and enjoy their impressive beauty, a must see when visiting São Miguel Island. After lunch in a local restaurant, the adventure continues towards the Fogo Volcano. Before going up the mountain you will visit Santa Bárbara beach, Ponta do Cintrão followed by a stop at Caldeira Velha (entrance fee not included), a thermal water pool with a beautiful waterfall. Once reaching Pico da Barrosa you will witness the massive caldera of Lagoa do Fogo as well as views over Lagoa, Ponta Delgada and Ribeira Grande.

Price is £87 per person

Lagoa do Fogo (Tuesday - Half Day)

There are amazing lagoons in the Azores, each one so different and beautiful in its own way, and Lagoa do Fogo is one of many. Besides the lagoon, this tour (3.5 hours) visits many other places than Lagoa do Fogo, such as Ribeira Grande city and its fumaroles and hot springs. You will also stop in Caldeira Velha (entrance fee not included), a thermal water pool with a beautiful waterfall.

Price is £41 per person

Sete Cidades (Wednesday - Half Day)

Join a tour (3.5 hours) to the western side of the Island known for its breath-taking views and landscapes. See first-hand the famous twin lakes and enjoy the beauty of these impressive lakes, that are a must see when visiting São Miguel Island. Do not miss the opportunity to explore and observe this volcanic phenomenon which will surprise you. There is a lot more to see, so get ready to be amazed with other lakes and photo stops during this half day excursion.

Price is £41 per person

Sete Cidades (Wednesday - Full Day)

Join a tour to the western side of the Island known for its breathtaking views and landscapes. See first-hand the famous twin lakes and enjoy the beauty of these impressive lakes, that are a must see when visiting São Miguel Island. Do not miss the opportunity to explore and observe this volcanic phenomenon which will surprise you. After Sete Cidades village, you will visit Mosteiros, the westernmost village of the island and then the thermal bathing area of Ferraria, where the sea water is warm depending on the tides.

Price is £77 per person

Furnas (Friday - Full Day)

The mystic Furnas and its volcanic activity make you wonder and want to explore every inch of this village. It is considered one of the most beautiful spots of the archipelago, for its hot springs, impressive natural hot springs, calderas, thermal pools and much more. After a traditional meal ‘cozido’, explore the north of the island, its amazing landscapes and enjoy a stop at the tea factory on the way back.

Price is £82 per person

Notes:

• Local supplier: Trilhos da Natureza. Pick up from all hotels (included) in Ponta Delgada at 09:15 
• Pick-up from hotels outside of Ponta Delgada at a supplement on request 
• No child reductions
• Minimum 2 people 
• Escorted by an English speaking driver/guide
• Full day tours (7 hours) including lunch / Half day tours (3.5 hours)
• Itineraries are subject to change

Azorean Rural Experience (Ginetes) - Half Day  

This half-day experience centres on a traditional family-run farm in the village of Ginetes and provides an insight to the history, culture and lifestyles of rural farming communities on São Miguel. 
 
Take a scenic ride (by minibus) through Ginetes to the viewpoint of Escalvado, from where there is a splendid panorama over the western coast and the parish of Mosteiros. Take a nice walk to ‘Fonte do Sapateiro’ (1km – easy walk). You will visit the ethnographic centre of Quinta das Raiadas, the farm and orchards, where there is even a possibility of milking a cow. At the House of Bread, there will be an explanation, and participation, on how to make bread, local handicrafts and how to prepare some traditional food. You will also taste a variety of local produce including cheeses, jams, liquors and traditional biscuits.
 
Price is £71 per adult and £36 per child (6-11yrs). No transfers included but can be arranged with a supplement on request.

 
Notes

• Half Day: 3 hours 15 minutes (09:30 to 12:45)
• Meet at Quinta das Raiadas parking, beside the church in Ginetes at 09:15 (free parking at Quinta das Raiadas) 
• If transfers are included from Ponta Delgada, pick-up from your hotel at 08:30. Pick-up time from hotels outside Ponta Delgada on request
• A 3-course lunch including soup, main dish, drinks (wine, water, juices) and dessert is included
• Children aged 2-5yrs go free when accompanied by two adults
• Minimum 2 and maximum 12 people

Azorean Rural Experience (Ginetes) - Full Day
 

This full-day experience centres on a traditional family-run farm in the village of Ginetes and provides an insight to the history, culture and lifestyles of rural farming communities on the island of São Miguel.

Take a scenic ride (by minibus) through Ginetes to the viewpoint of Escalvado, from where there is a splendid panorama over the western coast and the parish of Mosteiros; You will then take a boat trip, departing from Mosteiros, passing by several islets and by the coast of Ferraria. At the House of Bread, there will be an explanation, and participation, on how to make bread, local handicrafts and how to prepare some traditional food. Lunch includes local soup, main dish, drinks (wine, water, juices) and dessert.  In the afternoon, visit the Sabrina island viewpoint, the lighthouse of Ferraria and the ethnographic centre of Quinta das Raiadas. Take a short tour around the farm and orchards, where there is even a possibility of milking a cow and taste a variety of local produce including cheeses, jams, liquors and traditional biscuits.

 
Price is £88 per adult and £44 per child (6-11yrs). No transfers included but can be arranged with a supplement on request.

 
Notes 

• Full Day: 7 hours (09:30 to 16:30)
• Meet at Quinta das Raiadas parking, beside the church in Ginetes at 09:15 (free parking at Quinta das Raiadas) 
• If transfers are included from Ponta Delgada, pick-up from your hotel at 08:30. Pick-up time from hotels outside Ponta Delgada with a supplement on request. 
• A 3-course lunch including soup, main dish, drinks (wine, water, juices) and dessert is included
• Children aged 2-5yrs go free when accompanied by two adults
• Boat trip subject to weather conditions
• Minimum 2 and maximum 12 people

Whale and Dolphin Watching Trip

A mere glimpse of a dorsal fin can have you beaming for hours. So why not hop on a Zodiac or Catamaran in search of cetacean activity – 24 of the planet’s 80 species of whales and dolphins have been sighted off the coast of the Azores. Important: Children aged 3yrs or under, pregnant women or any person suffering from back problems are not allowed on the Zodiac boats.

By Zodiac (rib boat)

Price is £62 per adult and £31 per child (6-11yrs) – all year

From Ponta Delgada with Picos de Aventura

Price is £62 per adult and £55 per child/teen (6-13yrs) – all year

From Vila Franca do Campo with Terra Azul – recommended if staying in Caloura, Vila Franca do Campo or Furnas

Notes for Zodiacs (rib boats)

• Excursion provider: Picos de Aventura (Ponta Delgada base) or Terra Azul (Vila Franca do Campo base) (Whaling base no.26)
• Picos de Aventura: Meeting point is Portas do Mar Marina (whaling base) in Ponta Delgada departing daily at 08:30 or 13:00. Please arrive 15 minutes earlier than the departure time.
• Terra Azul: Meeting point is the whaling base in Vila Franca do Campo departing daily at 08:30 or 12:30. Please arrive 15 minutes earlier than the departure time.
• Duration: 2–3-hour excursion with a pre tour briefing (c.10 minutes) by a marine biologist
• Zodiac boats (small, rigid hull inflatable carrying up to 24 people) are used
• Minimum child age is 6 years (accompanied by a parent)
• Recommend that you take a raincoat, cap or hair-band, sun cream, trousers (rather than a skirt), flat shoes and a bottle of water
• We cannot guarantee that you will see a cetacean but it is unlikely that you should be so unlucky
• IMPORTANT: Children aged 5 years or under, pregnant women or any person suffering from heart, back or bone problems are not allowed on the Zodiac boats 

By Catamaran

Price is £62 per adult and £31 per child (6-12yrs) - all year. Free for children aged 5 years or under.

From Ponta Delgada   

Notes for Catamarans 

• Excursion provider: Picos de Aventura (Ponta Delgada base)
• Meeting point is Portas do Mar Marina (whaling base) in Ponta Delgada departing daily at 09:00 or 13:30 - Please arrive 15 minutes earlier than the departure time.
• Duration: 2–3-hour excursion with a pre tour briefing (c.10 minutes) by a marine biologist
• Catamaran’s have a toilet onboard
• Children aged 5 years or under go free of charge
• Recommend that you take a raincoat, sun cream, flat shoes and a bottle of water  
• We cannot guarantee that you will see a cetacean but it is unlikely that you should be so unlucky