Spend a full day with BigBlue Adventures on São Miguel Island, hiking volcanic peaks, soaking in thermal springs, and savoring traditional flavors from Furnas. A complete immersion in Azorean nature and culture awaits.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
moderate
Duration
8 hours
Fitness Level
Participants should have good endurance for a full-day hike including some steep ascents.
Wildlife
History
São Miguel’s volcanic craters and geothermal features have shaped local culture for centuries, inspiring traditional cooking methods like the Furnas cozido.
Conservation
Local efforts focus on sustainable tourism to protect endemic plant species and fragile volcanic landscapes, promoting low-impact outdoor activities.
BigBlue Adventures
Spend a full day with BigBlue Adventures on São Miguel Island, hiking volcanic peaks, soaking in thermal springs, and savoring traditional flavors from Furnas. A complete immersion in Azorean nature and culture awaits.
BigBlue Adventures is a Ponta Delgada–based tour operator specializing in guided experiences across São Miguel, Azores. The company offers a diverse program of half‑day and full‑day trips that showcase the island’s volcanic landscapes, thermal springs, crater lakes, tea plantations and coastal viewpoints. Highlights include guided hikes to Sete Cidades and Lagoa do Fogo, a hands‑on Furnas culinary experience with a market visit and a supervised preparation of the traditional 'cozido', and walks through the Gorreana tea plantation with tea tastings and insights into local production.
BigBlue runs eight‑hour full‑day hikes that visit Lagoa das Furnas, Pico da Barrosa, Pico do Ferro and viewpoints such as Vista do Rei, as well as shorter four‑hour half‑day options to Sete Cidades, Lagoa do Fogo, Rocha da Relva and Gorreana. Tours feature opportunities to relax in Caldeira Velha and thermal waters, sample artisanal liqueurs in Ribeira Grande, and enjoy picnic or traditional meals in rural settings. A dedicated whale‑watching (observação de cetáceos) offering and private transfers are also included in the program.
Pick‑up and drop‑off are provided for select experiences, and many itineraries combine scenic drives, guided walks and cultural stops like the Igreja de Nossa Senhora das Vitorias and local pineapple greenhouses. All descriptions remain factual to each itinerary, making it simple for travelers to choose a trip that matches fitness level, duration and interests on São Miguel. Booking information, availability and specific meeting points are provided on each tour listing so guests can plan logistics before arrival, and transportation details when applicable.
Base Location
Ponta Delgada
Operations on São Miguel island
Tours Offered
16
Half‑day and full‑day options
Tea Plantation
Gorreana visit
Tea tastings and production tour
Whale Watching
Available
Whale and dolphin options offered
Select a half‑day or full‑day tour from Ponta Delgada and check availability — bookings, transfers and meeting details are listed per trip.
Bring sturdy hiking boots
The trails involve volcanic rock and uneven terrain, so footwear with strong grip is vital.
Stay hydrated throughout the day
An 8-hour trek plus thermal pools means you’ll need plenty of water to stay comfortable.
Pack swimwear for Caldeira Velha
You’ll want swim trunks or a swimsuit to relax in the warm hot springs during the trip.
Watch the weather forecast
Conditions can change quickly on São Miguel’s peaks; layering and rain gear can make a big difference.
Hiking boots
Provides traction and ankle support on varied volcanic terrain.
Water bottle or hydration system
Staying hydrated is critical during the long day of activity.
Swimsuit
Needed for enjoying hot springs at Caldeira Velha.
spring|summer|fall
Layered clothing
Allows adjustment for changing weather and temperatures on the hike and coastal sections.
all