Side by Side Tour – Sete Cidades from North Coast (Half Day)

Wind, dirt roads, and crater views in one ride. I really like the small group setup, because you get more guide attention on the bumpy stretches and photo stops. I also like that you can ride as a passenger or drive, so it works even if one person wants the thrill and the other prefers to soak in the scenery. One drawback to plan for: this outing is weather-dependent, and fog or heavy rain can seriously cut visibility from the viewpoints.

Sete Cidades is not just a single view, it is a whole system of lakes, ridges, and viewpoints, and this tour helps you see it from multiple angles without doing hours of hiking. You start at Fenais da Luz on the north coast, then work your way up toward major lookouts above the crater. With UTVs, helmets, and insurance included, you’re mostly focused on enjoying the ride and the stops.

Expect about 3 to 4 hours, and a maximum of 14 people. The price is $83.48 per person, which can feel like a splurge, but the cost covers the vehicles, guide, and safety basics, so you are paying for access and time, not just a bus ride.

Key points before you go

Small group, up to 14 people means your guide can keep track and adjust the pace.

Driver or passenger option lets you match the ride to your comfort level.

Helmets and insurance included take some stress out of the safety math.

Big altitude viewpoints include Pico da Cruz (845 m) and Vista do Rei (540 m).

Dust and wind are real on side-by-side vehicles, even when the views are perfect.

Sete Cidades by side-by-side: what this half-day really delivers

This is one of those São Miguel experiences where the transport is part of the attraction. You are not just being driven past scenery, you are bouncing along dirt roads with open-air views, wind in your hair, and quick chances to hop out at key lookouts. If you want Sete Cidades fast and in style, this fits.

The route is built around viewpoints and crater angles, not a single high point. That matters, because Sete Cidades looks different depending on the direction you look from. On a clear day, you get that layered view of lakes and the volcano crater. Even when the weather is only partly cooperative, the change in perspectives still makes the time feel worthwhile.

Price and what’s included: why $83.48 makes sense here

Let’s be honest. $83.48 is not pocket change for a half-day. The value comes from what you get bundled in, not from the views alone.

You’re included with:

• UTV (side-by-side)
• Guide
• Helmets
• Insurance

You’re also not stuck figuring out a private guide, the vehicles, and safety on your own. And because the group max is 14, you are not paying private-tour prices, while still getting a more personal experience than typical big bus excursions.

Also, there is a practical edge here. Sete Cidades viewpoints are scattered, and some of the best access is off paved roads. You are paying for the ability to reach those places efficiently.

Before you ride: license rules, clothing, and dust reality

This tour is rated for moderate physical fitness. That does not mean you need to be an athlete, but you should be comfortable with time outdoors and moving around to get photos on uneven ground.

If you plan to drive, you need a driving license and you must be 18+. If you are not driving, you can still enjoy the ride as a passenger, and that can be a smart choice on windy days or if you just want the view time.

Pack for conditions. The tour recommends bringing warm coats and raincoats, and that is not just for drama. People describe everything from strong wind and cold to rain and then sudden sun. Pants help. Gloves help even more.

And here is the part people forget until they feel it: dust. A side-by-side can throw fine dirt into the air, especially if you are sitting behind the driver or near the rear. Bring a light face covering or a gaiter, and if you are sensitive to dust, consider some simple driving goggles. Even with helmets, you’ll be happier if you plan for visibility and comfort.

Fenais da Luz start: seafront dirt roads and an easy beginning

Fenais da Luz is where the tour both begins and ends. That start matters because it gets you rolling right away, usually on a mix of paved roads before switching to seafront dirt roads.

The Fenais da Luz stop is about 30 minutes at the beginning, then another 20 minutes later when you return. You’re likely to feel how the terrain changes here, and it is a good “warm up” before you climb toward the bigger viewpoints.

This opening section also sets the tone: you are moving through real island parishes, not just stopping at famous overlooks for ten minutes and calling it a day. You get a glimpse of everyday São Miguel life along the coast.

Pico da Cruz (845 m): the high viewpoint that changes everything

Pico da Cruz is the major altitude moment of the tour, at 845 meters. This viewpoint is described as having a view similar to Miradouro da Boca do Inferno, but higher and even more dramatic.

Here’s what makes this stop worth it when weather cooperates:

• You can look out over multiple crater lakes, including Lagoa Rasa, Lagoa de Santiago, Lagoa Verde, and Lagoa Azul.
• You can see the wider crater shape of the dormant volcano.
• On good weather days, you can see almost the whole island from the top.

That last point is the magic. Sete Cidades is often photographed from one angle. Pico da Cruz helps you understand the place as a system, with ridges and lake colors changing with elevation and distance.

When it is foggy or rainy, Pico da Cruz becomes a different experience. You may still enjoy the ride and the effort, but the payoff is reduced if you cannot see far. The tour does require good weather, so plan to dress for it and hope for clear visibility.

Vista do Rei (540 m) and the two-sided Sete Cidades perspective

After Pico da Cruz, you head to Vista do Rei Miradouro, at 540 meters. This is another panoramic stop, focused specifically on views over the Sete Cidades crater.

One neat detail here is the comparison to another viewpoint. Depending on dirt road conditions and weather, the guide may route you so you can see the same general views from a different side, similar to Miradouro das Cumeeiras. That matters because the crater’s colors and shapes can look reversed from the other direction. One side can emphasize certain lake tones, while the other side shows more of the crater rim and the surrounding geography.

This is also where a small group size helps. With up to 14 people, your guide can manage traffic, spacing, and timing without rushing you through photo stops. Expect about 30 minutes here, enough time to grab photos and then just stand there and look for a while.

Miradouro do Cerrado das Freiras: dirt paths around the Blue Lagoon

Miradouro do Cerrado das Freiras is where the tour shifts from high altitude overlooks to closer “lake attention.” You’ll make dirt paths that surround the Blue Lagoon in Sete Cidades, and you’ll do it at a pace that still lets you take in the views.

This portion is special because it feels less like a drive to a postcard and more like a guided walk through the crater’s immediate views. You get different angles of the lagoon as you move along the dirt paths, and that movement helps you understand how the lagoon sits in the crater.

If you love photography, this is a strong stop. The light and water color can change, and you’re not limited to a single fixed spot.

Sao Vicente Ferreira and the Poços area: coast parishes plus a historic chimney

On the way back, you pass through Sao Vicente Ferreira, a parish on the north coast. This is a transit stop, but it has details that give the ride texture.

You’ll pass by:

• Poços, described as a bathing area
• the remains of an old whale factory, disabled since 1970, where only the chimney remains

That chimney detail is the kind of thing that makes a tour feel grounded in place. It is not only about views, it is also about the island’s working past.

You also make a dirt road connection between parishes, including a path that connects Sao Vicente Ferreira to Fenais da Luz and points near Lagoa Azul. The tour is basically stitching together different parts of the crater region and the north coast, so you feel like you saw the area as a whole.

This segment is about 30 minutes, with driving time plus a bit of wandering on dirt paths for views and photos.

Who this UTV tour is perfect for, and who should think twice

This side-by-side tour is best for you if:

• You want multiple crater viewpoints in a half day without long hiking.
• You like off-road driving but do not want it to feel reckless, especially since many people say the route feels fun and not too extreme.
• You want a small group and a guide who keeps you together and helps with photos.

It can also be a family-friendly option in the sense that guides support all levels of riders, and people even mention bringing kids. Still, the tour requires moderate fitness and you are outdoors a lot on uneven ground, so use common sense with ages and comfort.

Think twice if:

• You are very weather-sensitive. Fog and rain can cut visibility fast from the high points, so you may feel like you paid for effort without seeing the full view.
• You hate wind, cold, or dust. You can manage it with the right clothing and face protection, but you cannot pretend these factors do not exist on an open side-by-side.

The guide experience: organization, safety, and photo help

A lot of the positive energy in this experience comes from how organized it feels. People talk about strong safety habits, well-kept machines, and guides who manage the group so you are not constantly separated.

Guides named Bruno and Philippe show up in feedback. They are described as informative and helpful, and they also support the practical side, like taking photos and keeping everyone together. That matters because on dirt roads and uneven stops, the difference between a smooth ride and a stressful one is usually the guide’s attention.

Even if you are a beginner driver, the setup seems geared for confidence. People describe the ride as fun but not challenging, and that combination is ideal for a first off-road outing.

What to bring so the ride stays fun (not annoying)

The tour does not include snacks or alcoholic beverages, and you should plan on the absence of food stops that come with full refreshment service. It also does not list gloves or rain coats as included, even though weather can change quickly.

I recommend you bring:

• Warm layers and a rain layer (not just one jacket)
• Gloves
• Water and a snack for the road, since nothing is listed
• A simple face covering or gaiter for dust
• Your driving license if you plan to drive

Also, if you are prone to getting cold, do not underestimate the wind on the north coast and higher viewpoints. People describe conditions ranging from sun to cold rain to strong wind.

Final call: should you book the Side-By-Side Tour – Sete Cidades from North Coast?

Book it if you want the best mix of off-road fun and crater viewpoint access in about half a day, with helmets, insurance, and a guide included. The small group cap means you get more attention, and the stop variety helps you see Sete Cidades as more than one photo spot.

Skip it, or at least reconsider, if your schedule is flexible but you hate weather surprises. If the forecast looks bleak, you may still enjoy the ride, but the big payoff depends on visibility from the higher points like Pico da Cruz.

If you do book, show up dressed for wind and dust, bring water, and go in expecting quick viewpoint moments rather than a long, slow day. That mindset turns this into one of the most memorable half-days on São Miguel.

FAQ

How long is the Side by Side Tour – Sete Cidades from North Coast?

It runs about 3 to 4 hours.

What is the meeting point and where do I end?

You start at R. Nossa Sra. das Candeias 1D, 9545-242 Ponta Delgada, Portugal, and the tour ends back at the same meeting point.

How many people are in the group?

The tour has a maximum of 14 travelers.

Do I need a driving license to participate?

A driving license is required for drivers who are 18 years old or older. (Passengers can ride without driving, as long as they meet the tour requirements.)

What’s included in the price?

Included are the UTV, guide, helmets, and insurance.

What is not included?

Snacks, lunch, alcoholic beverages, and gloves or rain coats are not included.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, the tour is offered in English.

What should I wear or bring?

Bring warm coats and raincoats. It also helps to bring what you need for cold wind and dust, since the tour is outdoors and off-road.

Is the tour physically demanding?

It requires a moderate physical fitness level.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The tour requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

Can I get a full refund if I cancel?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid is not refunded.