Ponta Delgada to Sao Miguel's Thermal Pools: Guided Tour
Private tour with a local expert
8h 15mRound tripPrivate group
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About your trip
From Ponta Delgada, journey to the wild beauty of Lagoa do Fogo with a private tour guide, then unwind in the thermal springs of Caldeira Velhaās lush jungle. Finish in Ribeira Grande, where volcanic beaches, historic streets, and local liqueurs will relax you before your guide takes you back to the city.
Exclusively yours: A premium experience for your group only
Insider insight: Local tips and stories you wonāt find online
Perfect balance: Expert guidance with freedom to explore
Ideal for all travelers: Families, friends, or solo adventurers
What to expect
Your day trip begins wherever you are
Meet your guide right where you prefer in Ponta Delgada whenever suits you best. No time wasted getting to the pickup point, grab your bag and start your trip right away.Discover more with local expertise
Your guide is both your expert behind the wheel and knowledgeable host throughout the day. Theyāll manage the dayās itinerary, share stories and local knowledge, and make each moment along the route feel richer. At every stop, theyāre by your side.Guided experience with space to explore
Sao Miguel's natural geothermal pools are just a short drive from Ponta Delgada! Your first stop will be at Lagoa do Fogo for hiking on the nature trails around the iconic crater lake. Then, head to Caldeira Velha for 1.5 hours to soak in the volcanic hot springs before your last stop, Ribeira Grande. Here, you'll spend 3 hours in the seaside town admiring the volcanic sands on the beach, dipping in the hot springs, and perhaps even having dinner! After this action-packed day, your driver-guide will take you back to Ponta Delgada.
Perfect for any private group
Whether you're traveling solo, as a family with kids, or as a large group, this service is tailored for your comfort and flexibility. It's the ideal option especially if you have limited time or a busy schedule.Good to know
- Two-way private car transfer in an air-conditioned vehicle
- Personalized pickup and drop-off
- Private professional English-speaking driver-guide
- Complimentary bottled water
- Free cancellation 24 hours before departure
- Attraction admission details specified in the itinerary section below
- Official guided tours inside attractions in Lagoa do Fogo, Caldeira Velha, and Ribeira Grande can be purchased separately - inform us in advance for itinerary planning
From ā¬121
per person
Select date and travelers
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before your pickup time.
For a group of 1-3 travelersTotalā¬363
Your trip at a glance
Your trip at a glance
Start in Ponta Delgada
You choose the pickup spot.
1
Lagoa do Fogo
Feel free to explore at your own pace and discover
Stop: 2 hours - admission not included




2
Caldeira Velha
Feel free to explore at your own pace and discover
Stop: 1 h 30 min - admission not included




3
Ribeira Grande
Feel free to explore at your own pace and discover
Stop: 3 hours - admission not included





Back to Ponta Delgada
Weāll take you back to your starting point.
Duration of the stops can be changed upon request after booking
Have questions or need help?Contact our Customer Support. We are available 24/7
Daytrip is loved all around the world. Here's why.
Know more about your day trip
Lagoa do Fogo (Fire Lake) is a stunning crater lake surrounded by mountains and pristine nature. During your 2-hour visit, you'll enjoy panoramic viewpoints, possibly hike down to the lakeshore for photography, and experience one of the most untouched natural areas on Sao Miguel island.
Caldeira Velha features iron-rich thermal pools of varying temperatures set in a lush forest environment. During your 1.5-hour visit, you can bathe in these rustic natural pools, see a small waterfall with warm water, and explore the surrounding botanical garden with endemic plants.
Ribeira Grande is a charming historic town with Portuguese colonial architecture, black basalt churches, and coastal views. Your 3-hour visit includes exploring the town center, visiting the liqueur factory where you can sample local spirits, and experiencing authentic Azorean culture.
Absolutely! Bring swimwear, a towel, and water shoes for Caldeira Velha's thermal pools. The iron-rich water may stain light-colored swimwear, so darker colors are recommended. Changing facilities are available but basic, so consider wearing your swimsuit under clothing.
The tour operates year-round, with each season offering different advantages. Summer provides reliable weather, while spring offers lush vegetation. Fall has fewer tourists, and winter offers a unique experience of bathing in warm waters surrounded by cool air.
Yes, Caldeira Velha has a separate entrance fee (approximately ā¬8 per adult) not included in the tour price. This fee supports conservation of this natural area and provides access to multiple thermal pools, changing facilities, and the nature interpretation center.
Wear layers for changing mountain weather, bring swimwear, towel, water shoes, sunscreen, hat, and rain jacket. Carry water and snacks, and bring a waterproof bag for wet items. A camera in a protective case is essential for capturing the stunning landscapes.
This tour is family-friendly and often exciting for children who enjoy the "adventure" aspects of natural pools. Caldeira Velha has pools of various depths suitable for different ages. The scenic views and town exploration provide a balanced experience for families.
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Frequently Asked Questions
If you have any questions, here are the answers.Day trips offer travelers private round-trip transportation to popular sightseeing locations. One of our professional drivers will pick you up in a luxurious, climate-controlled car, take you to the site of interest, and wait for you while you explore before driving you back to your hotel.
Yes! Youāre free to choose the pickup and drop-off times that work best for you. However, the time spent at the destination is fixed and cannot be changed.
Each sightseeing stop has a recommended duration that includes plenty of time to explore. However, it is possible to customize the time spent at each sightseeing stop at a later stage in the booking process to best fit your unique schedule.
Your Daytrip driver will wait for you nearby for the duration of your exploration, meaning youāll never have to wait for your return trip transportation to arrive. Your comfort and convenience are our top priorities, and we aim to close out your day trip with a return on your schedule.
The price of a day trip does not include any entrance tickets, guided tours, or meals you may partake in at your destination. The price covers round-trip transportation in a luxury vehicle with a professional driver who can provide local insights en route.
Day trip bookings can be canceled up to 24 hours before your trip for a full refund, no strings attached. While the destination and stops are predetermined, it is possible to change your pick-up point, whether it is at your hotel or some other location within the city.
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