Private Tour: 5 Waterfalls & North Coast, Ponta Delgada

Trace São Miguel’s rugged coast from secret waterfalls to quiet tea plantations

A private tour of São Miguel's north coast departing from Ponta Delgada, with a live guide in English or Spanish, that strings together five waterfalls, multiple coastal viewpoints, a tea plantation and Ribeira dos Caldeirões Natural Park. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included. The tour runs 6 to 8 hours and suits all fitness levels.

The experience

The north coast of São Miguel holds most of the island's waterfalls and viewpoints in a narrow band, which is why a full day here covers ground most visitors miss. Cabrito Falls and the Cascade of Porto Formoso anchor the route, but the tour also reaches the Cascade of Risk, the Flour Jump and the Secret Cascades: each one a separate stop where you get out and stand in front of the water. The guide navigates between them in an air-conditioned vehicle, so the day is not a hike but a series of short walks and overlooks.

Viewpoints break up the waterfalls: Miradouro da Ponta do Sossego, Miradouro da Ponta da Morugada and the Boat Watch Mirador each frame a different stretch of coast. The route also passes Areal Beach of Santa Barbara and includes a stop at a tea plantation, so you see how the island's interior works. A halt at Ribeira dos Caldeirões Natural Park rounds out the northeast, and the Lagoon of the Furnas sits on the itinerary as well: a quieter counterpoint to the falling water.

The guide speaks English or Spanish and stays with the group throughout. Hotel pickup and drop-off in Ponta Delgada bookend the day, and the vehicle is wheelchair accessible. Specialized infant seats are available if you are traveling with small children.

What’s included

• Air-conditioned vehicle with hotel pickup and drop-off in Ponta Delgada.
• fuel surcharge and parking fees.
• live guide in English or Spanish throughout the day.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to9h before

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 2 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 levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcome

Operated by Azores Hidden Tours

Is this one for you?The full day, 6 to 8 hours, is what fits five waterfalls, multiple viewpoints and the tea plantation into one route without rushing between stops. Choose this if you want to see the whole north coast rather than a single waterfall or a quick loop.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

6 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

How many waterfalls does the tour actually stop at?

Five waterfalls are on the route: Cabrito Falls, the Cascade of Porto Formoso, the Flour Jump, the Cascade of Risk and the Secret Cascades. Each one is a separate stop where you leave the vehicle and approach the water.

What is the Lagoon of the Furnas?

The Lagoon of the Furnas is a crater lake on the northeast side of São Miguel, included as a stop on the tour. It offers a different landscape from the coastal waterfalls and viewpoints.

Does the tour involve a lot of walking?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels and does not require hiking. You move between waterfalls and viewpoints by vehicle, and each stop involves a short walk to see the water or the view.

What time does the tour start and end?

The tour begins with pickup at your hotel in Ponta Delgada and runs 6 to 8 hours, ending with drop-off back at your accommodation. The exact start time is arranged when you book.

Can I book this tour if I am traveling with young children?

Yes. Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller, and specialized infant seats are available. Service animals are also welcome on the tour.