The Azores · HALF-DAY
The 15 best half-day tours you can book right now, with what each costs, how long it runs and who it suits. Number one is top for a reason; start there.
Guided ATV quad tour of Sete Cidades on São Miguel, with off-road viewpoints, village time, and adrenaline on dirt tracks for $77.
“We spend a super moment! Amazing views, super nice and fun road, and really nice guide! We also appreciate this little coffee break in Sete cidades. Thank you so much again for this beautiful experience.”
3 hours in Terceira’s seas to spot whales and dolphins, learn real Azores cetacean ethics, and take in dramatic coastline geology.
“Great trip. Saw a sperm whale and two types of dolphins”
A half-day Jeep safari in São Miguel’s Sete Cidades crater, with rim views, twin lakes, coffee inside the caldera, and photo stops.
“Daniel made the tour fun and interesting with his witty sense of humour and extensive knowledge of the island. This tour is definitely off the beaten path. We stopped at many out of the way areas and were able to take some wonderful pictures. We would definitely take this tour again.”
Half-day canyoning in São Miguel’s Ribeira dos Caldeirões with zip line, slides, jumps, and waterfall rappels plus gear and photos included.
“Rappelling near a waterfall and diving in the rainforest was amazing, staff teaches in a very funny way.”
Half-day Terceira west-coast tour with São Mateus fishing boats, Lagoa das Patas gardens, and a handmade cheese tasting.
“I completely forgot I booked this tour ( very unlike me). I recieved a call from tour reminding me and letting me know we had to do it or lose the money in a very nice way. We raced back to Our hotel to meet the nicest guide, Elizabeth. She was understanding and made sure we hit the highlights: The volcanic cave, the beautiful natural pools at the ocean and our cheese tasting. Elizabeth was knowledgeable and patient. She made us so comfortable she felt like an old friend. I can not describe adequately how beautiful the volcanic cave is. You have to see it to believe it! It is…”
Private 4x4 tour of São Miguel from Ponta Delgada, with hotel pickup and a customizable route to Sete Cidades, Furnas, and Lagoa do Fogo.
“Car rental prices were outrageous so my bf & I booked this tour instead, and it actually ended up being our favourite day in the Azores! We went to some very remote/underrated places that we would’ve have seen had we been driving ourselves because we didn’t know they existed. The whole experience is customizable depending on what’s important to you. Our guide Delfim was amazing. He was exceptionally warm and funny - we genuinely felt like we spent the day with a good friend. He was chalk full of knowledge of the history and geology of the island as well. While the private tour is more expensive than the group…”
4WD jeep tour from Ponta Delgada to Lagoa do Fogo, Caldeiras geothermal wonders, Ribeira Grande, and Salto do Cabrito waterfall.
“To see northern and southern Azores, to see hot springs, swim in thermal baths under a waterfall... Can't get any more Azores than this! Truly a lovely guide also! Recommend!”
Half-day 4x4 jeep tour from Ponta Delgada to Sete Cidades with hotel pickup, crater lakes, dirt-road viewpoints, and an English driver-guide.
“Our tour guide was extremely knowledgeable and charismatic. We had a great time and got lots of great pics! We learned so much about history and geology!”
Half-day jeep adventure from Ponta Delgada to Sete Cidades’ lagoons, a neo-Gothic church, and big viewpoints, with pickup included.
“It was a foggy day, we might not have seen all that we came for but our Guide was very knowledgeable of the area and he made it fun. It was a blast! Thank you.”
Half-day 4WD from Ponta Delgada to Lagoa do Fogo, with a waterfall stop, Ribeira Grande, and a surf beach, plus pickup.
“Tour guide Jose Maria Santos was an excellent host. His pride in his culture and sense of humor made the tour lighthearted and fun. The fog lifted just enough for us to view the spectacular Lagoa Do Fogo. We visited several swimming areas, including Praia De Santa Barbara Beach. Jose also brought us to a waterfall and a picnic site with fumarole cooking areas. There is so much you can learn about a place from a good tour guide that would be hard to know otherwise, including good restaurant recommendations. Our tour with Jose was time well-spent!”
Small-group 4x4 half-day from Ponta Delgada to Sete Cidades, with Vista do Rei and Lagoa das Sete Cidades lakes plus more.
“We had a great time and our tour guide, Hector, was knowledgeable about the area and a very safe and skillful driver. We will definitely be back!!”
Half-day 4x4 around São Miguel’s Sete Cidades caldera, with crater lake walks, iconic viewpoints, and hotel pickup for $57.67.
“We had an amazing morning on our rim tour with Jose. He shared a wealth of information with us regarding the island and the Sete Cidades rim and area. Touring with a licensed naturalist was a bonus. Jose was an incredible driver, as he navigated the rim “road” (dirt & stone trail). We made multiple stops for photos and short walks. At the bottom of the crater, we enjoyed the opportunity to walk the pennisula on the blue lake. A fabulous tour, which we recommended to friends. They also, had an amazing tour with Jose the following day.”
Half-day Jeep tour from Ponta Delgada to Lagoa do Fogo, optional Caldeira Velha hot springs, waterfalls, and viewpoints.
“Rui the guide was awesome and knowledgeable. Went to off the beaten path to see unusual sights. Spoke fluent English and French and Portuguese.”
4x4 adventure from Ponta Delgada to Lagoa do Fogo, with viewpoints, a waterfall stop, and local towns, for around 3 hours.
“Our guide Miguel did well to manage our time according to the weather conditions such that we didn’t go into the mountains until the clouds had had chance to clear. We visited many interesting and beautiful spots we would not have found on our own. We arrived at the high point just as the clouds started to clear so we were lucky enough to take done beautiful photos. Our pick up was nearly 30 minutes later than promised with no apology and no explanation. The vehicle whilst visually impressive was not really adequate for the number of people in our group. 5 people were crammed into the back on rear…”
Half-day Faial loop from Horta with caldera views, black sand at Praia da Fajã, Capelinhos eruption sites, and a short trail walk.
“The guide was great and very knowledgeable, but the tour stated that it was a personal guided tour and we ended up with 4 other people in 1 van, who also booked a private tour. Pretty expensive for a group tour!!”
Every kind of day out across the islands, and the best of each.
