Buggy Off-Road Driving in Sete Cidades: Crater Views

Drive the crater rim, stop at five viewpoints, return with adrenaline and lake views

An off-road buggy activity in Sete Cidades where you drive your own vehicle through the volcano crater, guided to five viewpoints overlooking the two lakes. The tour runs three to four hours with a guide, helmets, insurance and gasoline included. You need a valid driving license recognized in Portugal and a €500 safety deposit per vehicle. Minimum two adults to start. Children from age seven are welcome.

Step-by-step itinerary

Buggy Off-Road Excursion to Sete Cidades

• Meet at meeting point
• Pass by the village
• Stop at first viewpoint
• Stop at second viewpoint
• Stop at third viewpoint
• View side of the lagoon
• Stop at Sete Cidades viewpoint
• Optional stop
• Return to ANC Guided tours office

The experience

You drive the buggy yourself, not a passenger ride. After meeting at the office in Valados, you'll pass through the village and head into the crater, stopping at five separate viewpoints where the guide points out the landscape and the two lakes below. Each stop is a chance to take in the views and catch your breath before moving to the next one. The route stays on established tracks, and the guide leads the way in their own vehicle.

Before you start, you'll sign a liability statement and provide a €500 credit card deposit per vehicle (cancelled within 72 hours after the tour ends). The buggy comes with a helmet, and you're covered by third-party insurance. You're responsible for any damage to the vehicle itself. Gasoline is included, so there's no surprise cost at the end. The tour can shift dates if weather turns bad, at no extra charge.

The drive takes three to four hours total. A guide who speaks English or Portuguese leads the group: small enough that you're not in a convoy. If you want an optional stop beyond the main route, the guide can arrange it. You'll need a driving license valid in Portugal and must be at least 16 to drive (though children from seven can ride along). The minimum group size is two adults, so you can book as a pair.

What’s included

• Guide in English or Portuguese.
• helmet.
• gasoline.
• personal insurance.
• five viewpoints over the Sete Cidades lakes.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:30, 09:30, 12:30 and 13:30

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (12 to 80 years) · Child (7 to 11 years) · Under 7: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 20

Live guideEnglish and Portuguese

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Easy physical levelInfant seats availablePublic transport nearby

Operated by ANC Azores Holidays

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to drive yourself and have a valid Portuguese-recognized license. The shared-group format keeps costs down and pairs you with other drivers, but if you prefer privacy or want to set your own pace, a private buggy tour would suit you better. Minimum age to drive is 16. Children from seven can ride along.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Portuguese.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (7 to 11 years). Under 7: they can't be included in the booking.

Do I have to drive the buggy myself, or can I ride as a passenger?

You drive the buggy yourself. The tour is built around you being behind the wheel. If you prefer to ride along, this activity is not the right fit.

What happens if the weather is bad on the day of my tour?

The tour date can be rescheduled at no cost if weather makes it unsafe to drive. You'll be notified and offered an alternative date.

Is the €500 deposit refundable?

Yes. The safety deposit is held on your credit card and cancelled within 72 hours after the tour ends, as long as there is no damage to the vehicle.

Can my seven-year-old come along?

Children from age seven are welcome to ride in the buggy with you. Specialized infant seats are available if you need one for younger children.

What's included in the price?

The tour includes the guide, gasoline, a helmet, and personal insurance. You pay per person per seat. If two of you are driving separate buggies, that is two seats.

Do I need a special license to drive a buggy, or is my regular driving license enough?

Your regular driving license is enough as long as it is valid in Portugal. You must present it before the tour starts.