The Azores · GUIDED
Good guided tours fill up weeks ahead and the great ones go first. Below: the 15 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.
Small-group São Miguel tour linking Gorreana tea, Furnas hot springs, volcanic lake views, Vila Franca islet, and pineapple snacks.
“It was a perfect way to see a good part of the island.”
A quiet electric e-boat circles Vila Franca Islet with a biologist guide, teaching geology and wildlife on a 1-hour outing.
“Superb and very informative. Was a bit apprehensive about the boat as not the greatest of sea travelers however there was no need. Thoroughly enjoyed it. 😁”
Cruise volcanic lakes around Sete Cidades in a guided buggy, quad, or jeep. Great views, real time in nature, and good value.
“This was a great half day seeing the sites. Reuben was great, taught us lots and it was lovely to be in the fresh air for the afternoon.”
Guided climb of Mount Pico in the Azores to Piquinho, with certified guides, lava trails, and weather-aware pacing for a safe summit push.
“We were not able to complete the hike because of weather on the day that we had scheduled, but the Tripix Guide Matteo offered to provide the hike a different day. We decided to not do the hike because the clouds/snow were covering the top, and Tripix was so kind to allow us a refund of the tour even though the agreement would have given them the right to keep the money. We highly recommend this tour and Tripix to everyone and will be coming back to Pico to book a tour with them because of their fantastic customer service.”
Paddle to the Princess Ring Islet by kayak in Vila Franca do Campo, explore the crater and caves, and learn geology and marine life.
“Nothing really to improve. Smooth trip to and from the island. As others may have mentioned it’s currently not permitted to enter water inside the island. However our guide gave those of us who wanted the opportunity to swim on outside of the island which was much appreciated”
Biologist-guided Lagoa do Fogo crater views and Caldeira Velha hot springs in São Miguel, with van transport for $56.
“Fun half day excursion. Beautiful scenic lake. Lovely waterfall and very lush hot springs. Ended with a beautiful quick visit to Surfer Beach.”
7-hour small-group Flores tour with a certified multilingual guide, viewpoints, lakes, waterfalls, and lunch, with weather-ready route changes.
“We had a most amazing day with Alvaro. He showed us everything and was super nice and helpful. Great tour, beautiful island, superb guide!”
Guided kayak around Vila Franca do Campo in the Azores, explore sea caves and the islet, small group up to 12, English, waterproof gear.
“Fun choppy water action on kayaks with teenage kids, expertly directed by our guide. Accompanied by occasional knowledgeable commentary on historical and geological features of the area. Highly recommended”
4-hour quad or buggy tour through Sete Cidades crater, with exclusive off-road routes, top viewpoints, and local guidance for $81.
“It was so much fun! My husband and I shared a quad and it was comfortable for the 2 of us. We saw so many great sights and our awesome guide, Tiago, was very knowledgeable. Definitely recommend this!”
4-hour small-group Sete Cidades tour from Ponta Delgada in the Azores, with Grota do Inferno, Vista do Rei, viewpoints, and a snack stop.
“In spite of the bad weather we enjoyed the trip. Our guide Eduardo was very good and very informative about many subjects. He made what would have been a disappointing time an enjoyable one.”
Flores in one full day, with a small-group guide, pickup, lunch buffet, and nonstop photo stops from miradouros to waterfalls and lagoons.
“Flores is a beautiful island and Francisco made sure we saw it all! Super informed and attentive in making sure we learned a lot, this tour was def amazing!”
Biologist-guided Furnas volcano and Terra Nostra gardens with cozido lunch, thermal pool, and optional pickup in Sao Miguel, Azores.
“I wish we were able to give this trip a better rating, but we were pretty disappointed with the overall experience. Our guide, Laura seemed to have been thrown into running the trip even though she was unprepared and had limited knowledge of the things we did. Our guide also didn't seem very interested in the trip and barely spoke with us despite several attempts from our end to get her to be more outgoing. The trip started a bit late as we had to drive and wait for a whale watching excursion to finish and that wasted a good bit of time. From there we drove to furnas lake…”
A small-group, full-day guided trip from Ponta Delgada to Furnas, with lunch, tea, lagoons, hot springs, and viewpoints.
“I booked this trip for my mother. She was born there, and she loved her experience. The guide was highly knowledgeable about the history of the Azores that she did not even know. Thank you for giving her a wonderful experience.”
Half-day guided Sete Cidades tour from Ponta Delgada with scenic miradouros, small-group comfort, and flexible routing when fog hits.
“Despite the heavy fog which impaired our viewing spots, thanks to our highly knowledgeable guide and driver, our tour was very rewarding and enjoyable.”
Guided boat-and-walk nature tour to Vila Franca do Campo islet, with crater geology, seasonal birds and plants, and Zodiac fun.
“O Miguel e a Cláudia são e foram ótimos. Muito simpáticos e com conhecimento de tudo. O meu boné caiu no mar e eles apanharam para mim, de imediato.”
Every kind of day out across the islands, and the best of each.
