Furnas Lake & Hotsprings tour from Ponta Delgada: Volcanic views

Volcanic fumaroles, underground hot springs and a lake ringed by gardens

A half-day van tour from Ponta Delgada through the Furnas volcanic zone, visiting hotsprings, thermal baths, Furnas Lake and the Botanical Gardens, with certified guide and pickup from your hotel or cruise ship terminal included. The tour runs 3 to 6 hours depending on stops; groups stay under eight passengers; food, entrance fees to the gardens and thermal facilities, and drinks are not included in the base price.

Step-by-step itinerary

Furnas Lake Hotsprings and Gardens Tour

• Visit tea factory and plantation
• Explore Furnas Volcano and hotsprings
• See botanical gardens
• Try traditional underground Cozido das Furnas
• Visit Furnas Lake and viewpoints
• Enjoy thermal bath
• Visit Vila Franca Village and viewpoints
• Return to Ponta Delgada via north coast

The experience

The tour picks you up from your hotel or cruise ship terminal in Ponta Delgada and heads south to Vila Franca, the island's first capital, before turning inland toward the Furnas volcanic area. You'll see the fumaroles, vents releasing volcanic steam, and walk near the hotsprings that heat the ground. The Furnas Lake sits at the center of this geothermal landscape, ringed by the Botanical Gardens. A certified guide leads the group through the sites and explains what you're seeing. The van seats up to eight passengers with air conditioning.

The itinerary includes a stop at the tea factory and plantation, where the guide walks through how tea is grown and processed on the island. You can try the traditional underground-cooked stew called Cozido das Furnas if you choose to order it at a local restaurant. This is a local specialty cooked in the earth's heat, though it's not part of the tour package. The thermal bath is accessible during the tour, though entry fees are separate. Great viewpoints dot the route, and you'll see the island's north coast on the return drive to Ponta Delgada.

The tour operates in all weather. If conditions turn poor enough to cancel, you'll be offered an alternative date. Dress in smart casual clothing and bring layers for the volcanic zone, which can be cooler and windier than the coast. A minimum group of three people is required to run the tour.

What’s included

• Pickup and drop-off from your hotel or cruise ship terminal in Ponta Delgada.
• transportation in an air-conditioned van for up to eight passengers.
• certified English-speaking guide.
• fuel surcharge.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:30

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (16 to 90 years) · Child (1 to 5 years)

GroupUp to 8 · max 6 per booking

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 3 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Easy physical levelInfant seats availablePets welcome

Operated by Keep Walking Azores

Is this one for you?Book this if you're arriving by cruise ship or staying in Ponta Delgada and prefer a guided van tour over exploring the volcanic sites independently.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (1 to 5 years).

What exactly is Cozido das Furnas and can I eat it on this tour?

Cozido das Furnas is a traditional Azorean stew cooked underground using the volcanic heat of the Furnas zone. The tour passes restaurants where you can order it, but the meal itself is not included in the tour price and you'd need to arrange and pay for it separately.

Do I need to pay extra to enter the Botanical Gardens and use the thermal bath?

Yes, entrance fees to the Botanical Gardens and the thermal bath are not included in the tour price. Your guide will show you these sites and explain what's there, but entry is optional and costs extra if you choose to go in.

How long does the tour actually take?

The tour runs between 3 and 6 hours depending on how many stops you make and how long you spend at each site. Your guide will manage the pace with the group.

Will the van pick me up from my cruise ship if I'm docked in Ponta Delgada?

Yes, pickup is included from the cruise ship terminal in Ponta Delgada, as well as from hotels in the city. Let the operator know your pickup point when you book.

What's included in the tour price and what do I need to pay for separately?

The tour includes pickup and drop-off, transportation in an air-conditioned van, and a certified English-speaking guide. Food, drinks, snacks, souvenirs, lunch, and entrance fees to the gardens and thermal facilities are not included.