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The Lake of Fire & Ribeira Grande
The Lake of Fire & Ribeira Grande - Private shore excursion with professional local guide
 



Private Ponta Delgada shore excursion to Lagoa do Fogo, the Lake of Fire, a volcanic crater lake formed in the Agua de Pau volcano on Sao Miguel Island. Stop at Miradouro da Lagoa do Fogo for panoramic views, then continue to the historic town of Ribeira Grande, home to the 19th century Bridge of Eight Arches. Optional stops at Salto do Cabrito waterfall and Caldeira Velha. English speaking driver guide, round trip from the Ponta Delgada cruise port. 4 hours.

4 hours (private)
private excursion
driver guide
english speaking local
all group sizes
sedan to full size coach
››
port or hotel
pick up either location
  • Pick up from your Hotel or the Port of Ponta Delgada
  • Your contact will hold a welcome sign with your name written
  • English Speaking Driver-Guide
  • Private Vehicle
Read Full Tour Description





Tour Number:
PAPON-02


Group Size (Prices in USD)*:
2 People - $206 Per Person
3 People - $140 Per Person
4 People - $106 Per Person
5 People - $84 Per Person
6 People - $70 Per Person
7 People - $62 Per Person
8 People - $54 Per Person



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TOUR DESCRIPTION
 

The Lake of Fire & Ribeira Grande

This private Ponta Delgada shore trip puts you in touch with nature, including a visit to one of the island's sleeping volcanoes and its lagoon, known as Lagoa do Fogo, or Lake of Fire. There is also a chance to visit the town of Ribeira Grande, see the waterfall at Salto do Cabrito and if you are interested, visit the Caldeira Velha Environmental Interpretation Center to learn about the volcanic origins of the Azores.

After meeting your guide at the pier in Ponta Delgada you start the journey east towards the Lagoa do Fogo. You have a stop at a viewpoint called Miradouro da Lagoa do Fogo where you enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the lake and its surroundings. In good weather, it's an ideal spot for taking photos and soaking in the natural beauty of the area.

After exploring Lagoa do Fogo, you continue on to the historic town of Ribeira Grande, located on the northern coast of Sao Miguel Island. While you are there you have the chance to stroll through the charming streets of the town center with its local shops and cafes. You may also be interested in seeing the Bridge of Eight Arches while you are here, a 19th century masonry bridge that has become a symbol of the town and appears on its coat of arms.

Weather pending your guide might also suggest stops at the Pico da Barrosa, a prominent peak which offers spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding landscape or Ponta do Cintrao, known for its sheer cliffs plunging into the ocean below and lush greenery covering the landscape. Other possible stops include the beautiful waterfall and swimming hole at Salto do Cabrito or the Caldeira Velha Environmental Interpretation Center (small entrance fee not included in tour price).

At the end of the excursion you are brought back to the pier in Ponta Delgada.

Please remember that the weather in the Azores can be quite unpredictable but we will enjoy the tour, rain or shine. Don't forget to bring your camera to capture the stunning beauty of Lagoa do Fogo!

If you cannot find what you are looking for, our Ponta Delgada shore excursions can also be customized to fit your needs. If you have a larger group, we can offer some private Ponta Delgada shore trips using a mid-size bus or full size coach. Please contact us with any questions or to receive a customized quote.

What's Included

Included

  • Pick up from your Hotel or the Port of Ponta Delgada
  • Your contact will hold a welcome sign with your name written
  • English Speaking Driver-Guide
  • Private Vehicle

Not Included

  • Meals and beverages not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Gratuities (optional, at your discretion)
  • Personal shopping

Resources

Visit Azores - Official Tourism Website. Official Azores tourism portal with visitor information for Sao Miguel Island, Lagoa do Fogo, and Ribeira Grande. Official Website

Frequently Asked Questions

How old is Lagoa do Fogo?
The lake sits in the caldera of the Agua de Pau volcano, which formed roughly 15,000 years ago. The volcano last erupted in 1563, and the lake and surrounding area have been protected as a nature reserve since 1974.
What is the Bridge of Eight Arches?
It is a masonry bridge built between 1888 and 1893 across the Ribeira Grande river, replacing an older bridge on the same site. It has become the symbol of Ribeira Grande and appears on the town's coat of arms.
Is the Caldeira Velha stop included in the tour price?
The tour includes transportation and guide time for a stop at Caldeira Velha if time and interest allow, but the small entrance fee to the interpretation center itself is not included.
Can this tour be combined with Sete Cidades?
Yes, our Best of Sao Miguel Island tour combines this Lagoa do Fogo and Ribeira Grande route with Sete Cidades in a single full day itinerary.

Also Available:

›Sete Cidades Crater and Village - A different half day route on the west side of the island, centered on the twin blue and green crater lakes at Sete Cidades, for guests who prefer that side of Sao Miguel.
›Best of Sao Miguel Island - A full 8 hour tour that combines this Lagoa do Fogo and Ribeira Grande route with Sete Cidades, ideal for guests in port for a full day.

Our Back-to-Ship Guarantee

Every excursion returning 1.5 hours before departure is covered. If we are late, we cover your costs to reach the next port. More info ›


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