Small Group Shore Excursion # 6 - Half day Fogo / Fire Crater Lake

Path of Small Group Shore Excursion # 6 - Half day Fogo / Fire Crater Lake

TOUR DURATION: 3 hours and 30 mins to 4 hours.

Pick up at the Seapier after the ship is fully docked.

You will be met at the port by a Azorean Tours representative who will then guide you to your transport. Leaving the pier behind, your tour starts with a drive from the South coast to the North coast towards Fire lake.

Your first stop is at the incredible Miradouro de Santa Iria viewpoint where you can see the dramatic North Coast cliffs. Next stop is Ribeira Grande city, taking in the view of the city garden and center. There is the option of a liquor tasting or coffee/chocolate shop or take in the views of the Ribeira Grande mother church (first constructed in 1517 and reconstructed in the eighteenth century). Then drive to Santa Barbara black sand beach, which features world-class surf conditions.

When everyone is ready, start going up the mountain of Barrosa to go to see the Fire Lake. First stop brings you to Caldeira Velha (hot iron water fall), enjoy a short walk and photo stop for around 15 to 20 minutes (entrance fee not included). This is a comfort stop with restroom facilities. See the waterfall, a hot spring and exotic scenery with many Australian Tree Ferns. Plenty of photo opportunities! OR see Salto Cabrito waterfall, an area much more excluded from the normal tourist attractions or even bus excursions. The drive to see this area is quite an adventure down and narrow off road. Reaching the bottom, the area looks like a rain forest , with pratically less then a 5 min mild walk to see and apreciate the refresring Salto Cabrito waterfall.
Then travel onwards to the first view stop to see the Fire Lake.

The views are incredible and you will drive to the other view, almost at the highest point to Fire Lake from another perspective; from that view you can see both the South and the North coast - the most flat and thinner area of the island, with the opportunity to see (at 947m altitude / around 3000 feet) your ship at the pier. Definitely a tour highlight! From there, travel down from the Fire lake Mountain towards Lagoa town on the south coast, passing through several small villages and volcanic black sand beaches until you arrive back at Ponta Delgada with a return to your ship.

Note: Sao Miguel island weather may affect this itinerary and alternate sites may be visited if necessary.