Side by Side Tour – Sete Cidades from North Coast (Half Day)

Wind in your hair. And stunning crater views.

On Azores Outdoor Activities’ Side by Side Tour to Sete Cidades, you get a small-group ride that lets you see the north coast of São Miguel from roads most people will not bother with. I love the choose-to-drive or ride-as-a-passenger setup, because it fits couples and families with different comfort levels. I also like that the gear and insurance are included, so the focus stays on the scenery and the route.

The one catch is weather. In fog or heavy rain, you may get limited visibility from the viewpoints, and the whole point of these high lookout stops depends on clear skies.

Key Highlights at a Glance

• Drive yourself or enjoy the ride in a side-by-side UTV, depending on your comfort and your group
• Small group size (max 14) for better attention and a calmer pace
• Safety gear plus insurance included, with helmets provided
• Crater views from multiple altitudes, including Pico da Cruz at 845 meters
• Dirt road touring around the lakes, for the kind of angles you cannot get from town viewpoints
• Pastoral north-coast scenery, from seafront stretches to parishes like Fenais da Luz and Sao Vicente Ferreira

Why Side-by-Side UTVs Make Sete Cidades Feel Real

Sete Cidades is famous for its crater lakes and viewpoint energy, but most people experience it from a couple of public pull-offs. This tour gives you something more tactile. You are not just looking at the crater, you are bouncing through the landscapes that lead there, with wind, sea views, and dirt-road turns that make the island feel close.

I also like the “smart active” vibe. You get motion and off-road access without signing up for hours of hiking. The tour runs about 3 to 4 hours, which is a very workable half-day block when you are based in Ponta Delgada and want variety beyond beaches and town strolls.

Finally, the small-group limit matters. Up to 14 travelers means your guide can keep track of the group and give clearer directions, whether you are driving or riding. That tends to turn a potentially chaotic activity into a smooth, confidence-building morning.

Starting in Fenais da Luz, With Seafront Roads and Easy First Minutes

The tour begins and ends in Fenais da Luz, and that timing sets the tone. After a start on paved roads, you transition quickly to seafront area riding and explore dirt roads nearby. The total stop is about 30 minutes at the beginning (with another 20 minutes on the return), which gives you time to settle in before the climb.

This first portion is useful even if you already feel like an off-road pro. You get a feel for the UTV, how the group forms up, and how your guide manages pace. If you are nervous about driving, the start helps you calibrate without committing to the steepest terrain immediately.

This is also where you can notice the north-coast character. Expect ocean air, coastal textures, and the island’s lush feel around villages. In calmer weather, it can also be a great moment to take photos before the big viewpoint effort.

Pico da Cruz (845 m): The View That Makes the Route Worth It

Pico da Cruz is the tour’s main altitude push at 845 meters, with about 30 minutes there for viewpoints and photos. The scenery is described as similar to Miradouro da Boca do Inferno, but positioned even higher, and the payoff is the crater panorama.

From here, you can see a layered map of Sete Cidades, including Lagoa Rasa, Lagoa de Santiago, Lagoa Verde, Lagoa Azul, and the broader shape of the dormant volcano crater. On a clear day, this is where the lakes stop being “a postcard” and start looking like a system, with color shifts and depth created by the crater’s walls.

One practical consideration: this is a high lookout, so wind and chill can hit harder than you expect. If you tend to get cold quickly, I recommend dressing for real outdoor weather, not just “island weather.”

Vista do Rei Miradouro and Miradouro das Cumeeiras: Two Angles on the Same Crater

After the big climb, you head to Vista do Rei Miradouro at 540 meters, with another about 30 minutes to stop and take in the crater. The view here focuses on the Sete Cidades crater from a different slice of the landscape, and your experience can shift with dirt-road conditions and weather.

If weather cooperates, the tour also points you toward a comparable angle called Miradouro das Cumeeiras. The key benefit is variety. You are not repeating the same view five minutes apart. You are seeing how the crater and lakes change when you move to the opposite side of the bowl.

This is the kind of stop that works for different travel styles. If you love photos, you’ll get a clean line of sight. If you prefer just soaking it in, you can use this stop as a slower moment to breathe, check your bearings, and enjoy the island’s scale.

Dirt Paths Around the Blue Lagoon: Miradouro do Cerrado das Freiras

Next comes Miradouro do Cerrado das Freiras, where you will make dirt paths that surround the Blue Lagoon in Sete Cidades. The stop is about 30 minutes, and the appeal is simple: you get closer and more varied viewpoints than you would from a single roadside lookout.

This is where your UTV ride becomes more than transport. The dirt paths allow for a “move and look” experience, so the lakes feel three-dimensional rather than flat. If the day is bright, it can also be a high-impact photo stop, because the light bounces off the water and the surrounding crater terrain.

The drawback is weather sensitivity again. Dirt-road areas can be slick in rain, and fog can flatten the horizon. If you show up in poor visibility, the stop can still be fun, but the dramatic crater effect may not fully land.

Sao Vicente Ferreira and the Old Whale Factory Chimney: North Coast History Passes by Fast

As you make your way back toward Fenais da Luz, the tour passes through Sao Vicente Ferreira, a north-coast parish. Expect about 30 minutes here, with a mix of quick glimpses and a short dirt-road connector that links back toward Fenais da Luz.

You pass by Poços, described as a bathing area, which gives you a sense of how the coastline is used beyond crater views. Then there is the old whale factory site, disabled since 1970, with only the factory chimney remaining. It is a striking reminder that the island’s relationship with the sea has changed over time.

This portion is also a nice mental breather. You get variety after the higher viewpoints, and you can appreciate how many different mini-worlds exist on São Miguel. Even if you are mainly here for Sete Cidades, this stop helps you understand the north coast as more than scenery.

Price and What You Really Get for $83.48

At $83.48 per person, this half-day tour can feel like a bargain if you compare it to the cost of renting a vehicle on your own and figuring out routes, but it is also priced fairly for what is included. You get a UTV, a guide, helmets, and insurance.

That mix matters. Helmets and insurance remove two big worries that come with active transport. And since this is a guided route, you are not spending your time guessing where the best dirt paths and crater angles are.

There are a couple of items to plan around. Snacks, lunch, and alcoholic beverages are not included, and you also need to provide your own things like gloves and rain coats. In other words, pack like you are going outside for a few hours, not like you are heading to a casual sightseeing bus.

If you are short on time, the duration is also a strength. 3 to 4 hours is long enough to see multiple vantage points and experience dirt roads, but short enough that you can still enjoy dinner in town afterward.

Gear, Weather, and the Reality of Wind and Dust

This tour is very outdoors, and the island can shift quickly. The advice from the experience is consistent: bring warm coats and raincoats. Even when the day looks promising in the morning, wind can bring chill at higher points.

Also plan for dust. If you ride in the back of the group, you may get a little grit in your face and clothes. For drivers, consider extra protection like a gaiter or driving goggles to keep dust and wind from ruining your comfort. It is a small thing, but it makes the difference between enjoying the ride and constantly wiping your face.

One more practical tip: bring water and snacks, even though nothing is included. A half-day can still feel long when you are cold, windy, and working up a bit of adrenaline on dirt roads. Having a small backpack beats relying on food stops that may not be part of your day.

Driving Requirements and How to Choose Passenger vs Driver

You need a driving license (18+) to drive. If you do not want to drive, you can ride as a passenger in the UTV setup.

Your vehicle type can also vary based on your booking group, with options for two-seater and four-seater buggies. That affects comfort and how easy it is to sit back and take photos. If you want more viewing space and relaxed driving, passenger seats can be ideal. If you want control and the full fun of steering, driving is the point.

Either way, the guides run a tight safety rhythm. Helmets are provided, and the vehicles are described as well kept. Guides like Bruno and Philippe (names come up in guide feedback) are repeatedly credited for clear explanations and keeping the group together.

Who This UTV Tour Fits Best

This is a great fit if you like your sightseeing with motion. You want crater views, but you do not want to hike for hours. You also want a route that covers multiple stops, not just one or two lookouts.

It works well for:

• Couples who want a shared adventure with different comfort levels (drive or ride)
• Families with kids who can handle a moderate active outing (helmets and guidance help)
• Photographers who want the crater from several angles in a short window
• Travelers who enjoy off-road roads without extreme difficulty

It might not fit best if:

• You are highly weather-sensitive and cannot handle fog or rain reducing visibility
• You hate dust or have no interest in outdoor gear
• You are not comfortable driving or do not have the required license age

The good news is the ride is described as beginner friendly, but still fun enough that experienced drivers do not feel bored.

My Booking Checklist Before You Go

Here is how I’d prep for a smoother morning at Fenais da Luz and beyond:

• Pack warm layers plus a raincoat (wind is real out there)
• Bring gloves if you get cold easily or want more grip comfort
• Bring water and a few snacks since nothing is included
• If you drive, consider a face covering or goggles for dust
• Wear pants you can move in, because you will be stepping around at stops and handling the cold-warm-weather swings

Also, plan your time afterward. You may want an easy buffer back in Ponta Delgada. One simple practical note from other guests: keep some euros handy for a taxi if you need one.

Should You Book This Side-by-Side Tour to Sete Cidades?

I’d book this tour if you want the crater lakes and viewpoints, plus the feeling of getting there the fun way. The combination of small-group attention, safety gear, and a route that hits multiple high viewpoints makes it a strong value for a half-day.

The decision hinges on weather tolerance. If you can handle wind, chill, and the chance of fog limiting what you see, you will still likely have a great time on the UTV and enjoy the north-coast variety. If clear views are your top goal and you know you will be disappointed by low visibility, you should be ready to adjust your expectations on that day.

If you do decide to go, do it with the right mindset: this is not a sit-and-stare tour. You are riding through the landscape to reach the views, and that is exactly where the magic comes from.

FAQ

How long is the Side by Side Tour to Sete Cidades?

It runs about 3 to 4 hours.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at R. Nossa Sra. das Candeias 1D, 9545-242 Ponta Delgada, Portugal, and ends back at the same meeting point.

Can I drive the UTV, or do I have to ride as a passenger?

You can do either. Driving requires a valid license, and drivers must be at least 18.

What is included in the price?

The tour includes a UTV, a guide, helmets, and insurance.

What should I bring since snacks and drinks are not included?

You should plan to bring your own snacks and beverages, and you are also advised to bring warm coats and raincoats. Gloves and rain gear are not included.

What kind of group size should I expect?

The tour has a maximum of 14 travelers, which keeps it smaller and gives the guide more time with the group.

Is the tour affected by weather?

Yes. The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you can be offered a different date or a full refund.

What is the cancellation policy?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience starts for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before, the payment is not refunded.