Sete Cidades Volcano: Offroad UTV Tour & Lagoons Views

Summary

UTV adventure through São Miguel’s wild crater lakes and volcanic ridges

You’ll drive a UTV through São Miguel’s north coast, climbing muddy tracks for wild views over Sete Cidades’ crater lakes with a local guide leading the way. Expect salty air, bumpy roads, stories about old whalers in Capelas village, and moments where everything goes quiet except for your heartbeat.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t really know what to expect when we buckled into the buggy at Fenais da Luz — just that I’d need my driver’s license and probably a raincoat (the Azores weather is its own thing). Our guide, Rui, handed out helmets and grinned like he knew something we didn’t. The engine kicked up this earthy smell as we rolled past stone houses and then hit the dirt roads along the north coast. I could taste salt in the air — or maybe it was just nerves. Either way, it woke me up fast.

Climbing up to Pico da Cruz was where things got real. The path switched from smooth to bumpy in seconds; I swear my teeth rattled. But then you look out — suddenly you’re staring down at Lagoa Rasa, Santiago, all those lakes tucked inside the Sete Cidades volcano crater. Rui pointed out which was which (I mixed them up immediately), and there was this weird hush except for the wind. He said on clear days you can see almost the whole island from here. We lucked out — patches of blue sky, sun on the water, clouds moving like they were in a hurry somewhere else.

We zigzagged toward Miradouro das Cumeeiras for another angle on those green and blue lagoons. There’s something about seeing them from above that makes them feel both close and impossible to reach — hard to explain unless you’re standing there with mud on your boots. Rui kept tossing out stories about local legends and how people used to cross these ridges before there were proper roads. I tried repeating some place names in Portuguese; he laughed but didn’t correct me too harshly.

On the way back we passed Capelas village — saw the old whale factory chimney still poking up by the coast. That part stuck with me more than I thought it would; just this quiet reminder of how much has changed here. By the time we rolled back into Fenais da Luz, my face was gritty with dust but I couldn’t stop grinning. If you want a day trip around Sete Cidades that’s not just sitting in a van, this is it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sete Cidades North Coast Half Day Tour

• Start at Fenais da Luz
• Ride along seafront and dirt roads
• Visit Pico da Cruz viewpoint
• Stop at Vista da Rainha viewpoint
• Explore Cerrado das Freiras dirt paths
• Pass through Capelas village
• Return to Fenais da Luz

Top questions

Do I need a driver’s license for this Sete Cidades volcano tour?

Yes, a valid driver’s license is required for anyone who wants to drive a buggy or UTV during the tour.

How long does the Sete Cidades offroad tour last?

This is a half-day activity starting and ending at Fenais da Luz on São Miguel’s north coast.

Is hotel pickup included in this day trip?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; you meet at Fenais da Luz parish to start and finish the tour.

What should I bring for this UTV tour?

A warm coat or raincoat is recommended due to changing weather; drivers must bring their license.

Is lunch included during the Sete Cidades volcano buggy tour?

No lunch is included; only guide services, UTVs, insurance, and helmets are provided.

Are children or pregnant travelers allowed on this tour?

This activity isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal/cardiovascular issues.

How many people fit in each buggy?

You can choose between two-seater or four-seater buggies depending on your group size when booking.

What’s included

Your day includes use of a two- or four-seater UTV (depending on your group), safety helmets, full insurance coverage throughout the ride, and guidance from an experienced local guide who’ll share stories at each stop along Sete Cidades’ volcanic rim before returning to Fenais da Luz.