Fog or sun, this west loop is unforgettable. I love the private pacing that lets you linger at miradouros, and I love that the day moves from crater lakes to ocean hot springs. The only real catch is that Ferraria swim time depends on tide and ocean conditions, and the schedule is packed enough that you may feel rushed if you insist on every optional walk.

Pickup at 9:30 am covers a wide slice of the island’s west side, and guides such as Isabel, Carlos, and Rita are praised for keeping things calm and communicative in English, even when weather turns. You ride in a small 5-seat SUV (up to 4 participants), so this feels personal instead of like a bus tour.

Key things you’ll notice right away

• A tight, efficient route: you hit Boca do Inferno, Sete Cidades crater views, Mosteiros, and Ferraria in about 5 hours.
• Optional effort at the big viewpoint: there’s an about 1-hour walk to Boca do Inferno, or you can skip it.
• Crater lakes with different moods: short stops at Lagoa do Canário and Lagoa de Santiago, then a longer Sete Cidades crater-lake segment.
• Ferraria is the payoff: hot springs in the ocean, with the swim time included and dependent on conditions.
• Local guidance in clear English: past experiences highlight strong English and real stories about Azores life and history.
• All the scenic stops are free to enter: you’re not paying admission for the miradouros and lakes—Ferraria’s swim is covered.

Why the west of São Miguel fits a private 5-hour day

São Miguel’s west side can be a “wow” overload, and the geography is dramatic: cliff viewpoints, volcanic crater lakes, then coastal hot springs. This tour is built to give you that full arc in one morning, without waiting a whole day to see just one area.

I like that it’s private. You’re not stuck timing your photos to 30 other people. If you’re the type who wants a few extra minutes at a viewpoint, that flexibility matters.

The pacing is still active. If you prefer slow travel, you’ll want to go into this expecting movement and short stop-and-stare moments.

Pickup from Ponta Delgada (and the west) in a small SUV

You start at 9:30 am, with pickup available at any location in Ponta Delgada, including cruise ships and the airport. The pickup net also covers the west side areas listed on offer: Ribeira Grande, Lagoa, Calhetas, Capelas, Candelária, Ginetes, Mosteiros, and Sete Cidades.

If you’re staying outside those areas, you might need a meeting point or an extra fee, based on what the operator can arrange. The vehicle is a 5-seat SUV, and the tour is capped at up to 4 participants per vehicle if it fits your group.

That small-group setup is part of the value. You can ask questions as you drive, and you’re not competing with a crowd for the guide’s attention.

Stop 1: Miradouro da Boca do Inferno and the optional 1-hour walk

Your day kicks off at Miradouro da Boca do Inferno, a must-see viewpoint on São Miguel’s west side. There’s a walk option that’s about 1 hour, and the good news is it’s optional—you can skip it if you’d rather save energy for later lakes and pools.

If you do walk, wear shoes with solid grip. Paths near coastlines can be slippery, especially in damp Azores weather. If clouds roll in, the climb can still be worth it because the guide can time your time on viewpoints to match the visibility window.

Either way, this stop is about getting the “edge of the island” feeling fast. It sets the tone for everything after.

Lagoa do Canário and Lagoa de Santiago: small lakes, fast photo windows

Next up are two quick lake visits: Lagoa do Canário and Lagoa de Santiago. You’re looking at short stays here—about 15 minutes each—so this isn’t the kind of stop where you wander for ages.

Lagoa do Canário sits by a forest of trees, which can make the water look darker and more reflective when the light changes. Lagoa de Santiago is known for its green look, and it often feels a little more “mysterious” than the famous postcard viewpoints because you’re not at the most crowded spots.

Practical tip: because time is tight, decide in advance what you want—a wide shot, a close look, or a slower moment at one angle. This tour is excellent for quick decisions.

Vista do Rei and the Sete Cidades crater viewpoint plan

Then you roll to Vista do Rei Miradouro, described as the island’s most famous viewpoint. Expect it to be the classic “big view” moment, with that volcanic crater energy in full view.

After that, you shift to the longer crater-lake segment: Lagoa Verde / Lagoa das Sete Cidades. This is about 45 minutes, which is a gift compared to the earlier 15-minute stops. You get the chance to see the lakes from inside the crater, which changes your sense of scale.

Why it matters: crater-lake viewpoints are not all the same. From the rim, everything feels distant. From inside, the water and the surrounding geology feel closer and more real.

If fog appears, this portion is where the guide’s weather skills pay off. You’ll want to stay flexible with where the best visibility is at that moment.

Monte Palace Hotel ruins: the story behind an abandoned site

You’ll pass by Monte Palace Hotel Ruins, an old abandoned hotel tied to São Miguel’s tourist history. Even if you don’t stop for long (around 15 minutes), it’s a striking contrast to the natural scenery.

This stop works because it gives you context: the Azores weren’t always just a quiet nature getaway. There was a larger vision for tourism, and the ruins show what happened when plans didn’t pan out.

If you’re into history-by-place, ask your guide to explain what the ruins represent and how it fits into the island’s development. This is the kind of moment where a good explanation turns a quick photo into a real takeaway.

Miradouro da Ponta do Escalvado: coastal cliffs, quick angles

Next is Miradouro da Ponta do Escalvado, a cliff view over the coastline with about 15 minutes. You’re not here to hike; you’re here to get the angle and move on.

This stop is great for people who love layers: ocean in the foreground, cliffs in the mid-ground, and the horizon line that makes the whole island feel bigger. It’s also a useful break between the crater-lake intensity and the more relaxed pace around Mosteiros.

If it’s windy, keep your hat secured and be ready to capture photos quickly. On São Miguel, the weather can shift fast, and the guide will usually try to place you for the best visibility.

Mosteiros: lava pools, an octopus village vibe, and the dark-sand beach

Mosteiros is where the tour slows down slightly. You’ll spend about 45 minutes in town, with time to see the natural pools and the area known for the fishermen’s octopus village feel.

This is one of the most memorable sections because it connects you to daily island life, not just viewpoints. The natural pools are also one of those “only here” moments—lava-shaped water features that feel tied to the island’s volcanic identity.

Then you move to Mosteiros Beach for about 15 minutes. It’s famous for its dark sand and sunsets, which means the beach has a dramatic look even if you’re not staying for golden hour.

Practical note: Mosteiros is a place for photos and short walks, not long lounging. If your goal is swim time, save energy for Ferraria later (since that one is planned as the real included soak).

Ferraria ocean hot springs: how the included swim works

The final highlight is Ferraria, where you’ll visit hot springs in the ocean and have a swim. The swim time is about 1 hour, and it’s included—but it’s explicitly subject to tide and ocean conditions.

This matters more than people think. The ocean can be calm or rough, and that changes what’s safe and comfortable. Your guide will adapt, and the best move is to go with a flexible mindset.

What you’re looking for here is the sensory contrast: a warm soak paired with the sound and movement of the Atlantic. It’s also why Ferraria is such good value within the tour. You’re not just viewing a natural feature—you’re using it.

Bring a swimsuit in your day bag if you can. Also pack a light layer for after, because the temperature can drop once you’re out of the water.

Price and value: what $162.32 per person buys you

At $162.32 per person for an approximately 5-hour private tour, you’re paying for transport, local guidance, and a route that’s hard to stitch together yourself without spending time figuring out timing and stops.

Here’s where the value shows:

• The private vehicle setup means you’re not waiting for others.
• The route covers multiple major west-side “anchors” in one go: crater viewpoints, Mosteiros, and Ferraria.
• Admission is free for the viewpoint and lake stops, which keeps your day from turning into a long list of small fees.

One more thought: this cost can feel especially reasonable if you’re traveling as a small group, since the vehicle is capped and you’re sharing the experience. It’s also often a smarter use of limited cruise-port time than trying to pick multiple self-guided drives in a single afternoon.

How the guides handle real Azores weather

The Azores don’t do “predictable.” Fog, wind, and rain can move in fast, and visibility can disappear in minutes. The big difference on a private tour is that your guide isn’t stuck with a set script.

Guides highlighted in prior experiences—like Isabel, Carlos, and Rita—are praised for staying calm, returning to places with better visibility for photos, and keeping the day comfortable even when conditions aren’t ideal.

This matters because the west-side scenery can be either stunning or plain depending on the moment. With a private guide, you can often spend your time better instead of just accepting blurry views.

What to pack so the day feels easy

This tour is short, so pack like it’s a morning hike plus a beach-and-water stop.

I recommend:

• Good walking shoes for optional paths (like the Boca do Inferno walk) and uneven ground.
• A light jacket or layer for wind and misty moments.
• A small day bag for water, sunscreen, and a towel plan for Ferraria.
• If you care about photos, consider a lens that can handle wide viewpoints and a second strap or a secure pocket for your phone.

Also: because there are no meals included, you may want to eat before pickup. If you’d like a coffee break, you can ask your guide for a stop along the way.

Should you book this private west tour?

Book it if:

• You’re doing a short visit and want west São Miguel highlights without spending your energy on planning.
• You like photo stops with real time—especially the longer crater-lake segment and Mosteiros.
• You want an included nature experience that involves getting in the water at Ferraria.

Skip or choose differently if:

• You dislike tight schedules and prefer long, slow stays at one location.
• You’re not comfortable adapting to tide/weather at Ferraria.
• You want a full-day exploration with minimal driving.

One more practical call: the tour is often booked ahead (about 78 days on average). If your dates are fixed, book early so you have your preferred pickup window.

FAQ

FAQ

How long is the All West, Sete Cidades, Mosteiros, Ferraria private tour?

It runs for about 5 hours (approx.).

What areas do you pick up from?

Pickup is available in Ponta Delgada (including cruise ships and the airport) and also Ribeira Grande, Lagoa, Calhetas, Capelas, Candelária, Ginetes, Mosteiros, and Sete Cidades. Other locations may require a meeting point or an extra fee.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 9:30 am, and the pickup is scheduled for that time (or a different time can be requested).

Is Ferraria hot-springs swim included?

Yes. The tour includes a swim at Ferraria, and the swim timing is subject to tide and ocean conditions.

Are admission tickets needed for the other stops?

Admission is listed as free for the viewpoint and lake stops. Ferraria is the part where the swim is included.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. It’s private, meaning only your group participates.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance of the experience start time.

You Might Also Enjoy

Private & Customizable Safari 4×4 Half-Day Shore ExcursionMadeira Canyoning For Beginners Nun’s Valley Level 2Almancil: Algarve Guided Off-Road Buggy AdventureLisbon: Surf Lesson