6 Nature Shore Excursions in Portugal to Build a Port Day Around

1.Ponta Delgada: Sete Cidades Volcano Lakes Shore Excursion

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 198 reviews · 4 hours · from $47Our pick

From Ponta Delgada’s cruise terminal, join an English-speaking local guide such as Mario or Denisa for a four-hour visit to Pico do Carvão, Vista do Rei, Santiago Lake, and Sete Cidades. You’ll have time in the lakeside village, then visit a pineapple greenhouse for a tasting before returning to the ship or city center.

“Mário did a great job today. He is very knowledgeable and his English is impeccable. Our Ponta Delgada tour was very enjoyable and it left us wanting for more. Who knows, maybe we will return some day to this beautiful island.”

Check availability →Read our full review

2.Azores: Shore Excursion Furnas – Crater volcano and hot springs

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 47 reviews · 4 to 5 hours (approx.) · from $94

From Ponta Delgada, you’ll ride into São Miguel’s volcanic Furnas zone with a local guide such as Pedro, Pablo, Andrea, or Raphael. Expect tea tasting, crater views, steaming springs, volcanic cooking pits, and an optional thermal bath. The tour lasts about four to five hours and includes port pickup.

“It was an unseasonably cold, wet and cloudy day, but Pedro still showed us great parts of the island and we'd love to come back for another visit to hopefully see the Sete Cidades Craters from a high viewpoint without the cloud!”

Check availability →Read our full review

3.Cruise Travellers : Furnas Volcano & Terra Nostra Thermal Pool

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 37 reviews · 5 to 6 hours (approx.) · from $130

From Ponta Delgada’s cruise terminal, iGoAzores takes you by minivan to Santa Iria, Gorreana Tea Plantation, Furnas, and Terra Nostra Park. Expect a local guide, tea tasting, volcanic springs, and time in the famous thermal pool. Some departures also include Sete Cidades, so confirm your exact route before booking.

“Diego did an awesome job with our tour of Punta Delgada. He was an excellent driver and we always felt safe. He even took us to some hidden local gems for amazing views. Definitely worth it!”

Check availability →Read our full review

4.Cruise Travellers: Shore Excursion Sete Cidades & Furnas Volcano

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 14 reviews · 5 to 6 hours (approx.) · from $98

From Ponta Delgada’s cruise terminal, a local English-speaking guide takes you to Vista do Rei, Gorreana Tea Plantation, Furnas, and Lagoa das Furnas. Expect roughly five to six hours in an air-conditioned vehicle, with guides such as John, Andrea, Carlos, and Diego praised for clear explanations and personal care. Thermal pools and meals cost extra.

“Our guide spoke very good English and gave us just enough information about the island. This excursion gave us a very good tour of the island.”

Check availability →Read our full review

5.Sete Cidades: 4 Hours Shore Excursion Volcano Crater Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 13 reviews · 4 hours · from $53

Meet your iGoAzores guide at the cruise terminal, visit Santo António Pineapple Plantation, and taste fresh fruit and pineapple liqueur. Then see Sete Cidades from Vista do Rei, stop in the village, and pause for more São Miguel views before returning to port. Guide Mario has received special praise for his explanations.

“The tour was excellent. The guide Mario was Extremely knowledgeable and an additional wine and cheese stop. I would highly recommend him to anyone in the area.”

Check availability →Read our full review

6.Madeira South Tour: Cabo Girão, Waterfalls for Cruise Ship

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 4 reviews · 4 hours · from $70Top rated

Join Heartbeat Madeira for a four-hour coastal outing from Funchal’s cruise port. With a local English-speaking guide such as Richard or Ricardo, you’ll visit Ribeira Brava, sunny Ponta do Sol, the Cabo Girão glass skywalk, and Câmara de Lobos. The $70 price includes transport, entry, coffee, and one local drink.

“Richard è stata una guida bravissima, molto simpatico, cordiale e premuroso. Il tour è organizzato nei minimi dettagli, ognuno dei quali viene accompagnato da una storia e aneddoti locali. Gita veramente consigliata!”

Check availability →Read our full review