Guided Canoeing Tour in Furnas – Terra Nostra Azores4.7(2,082 Reviews)
From€52.50per person
Listing ID : 65697
4.7(2,082 Reviews)
Guided Canoeing Tour in Furnas – Terra Nostra Azores
—Duration
EnglishSpeaking Guide
Mobile ticketAccepted
About this experience
Duration7 Hours
Group SizeSmall Group
Starts AtPonta Delgada
LanguagesEnglish
Full-Day Adventure in Furnas
Mystic Furnas: Canoeing on Lagoa das Furnas and Terra Nostra Garden
Paddle across a volcanic lake, taste the legendary Cozido, and soak in thermal waters — all in one unforgettable day in the Azores.
This immersive full-day experience combines canoeing on Lagoa das Furnas with a guided visit to the renowned Terra Nostra Botanical Garden, creating a journey that moves seamlessly between active adventure, cultural heritage, and natural relaxation.
Lagoa das Furnas is one of the most volcanically active lakes in the Azores archipelago. Paddling out to its center reveals the rim of an ancient crater, a perspective few visitors ever reach. Along the far shore, a striking neo-Gothic chapel built in the nineteenth century stands as a quiet landmark against the lush green hillsides.
After the morning on the water, the experience transitions to one of the Azores' most iconic culinary traditions: the Cozido das Furnas. This Portuguese stew is slow-cooked underground using geothermal heat, and tasting it in the village where it originates is a genuinely rare cultural moment.
The afternoon unfolds inside Terra Nostra Park, a botanical garden of exceptional diversity. Guided pathways lead through centuries-old tree ferns, camellias, and plant species gathered from across the world, before guests step into the famous iron-rich thermal pool for a restorative soak.
Tour Highlights
Kayak across the volcanic Lagoa das Furnas using sit-on-top canoes, suitable for all experience levels.
Observe the volcanic crater from the center of the lake, a vantage point only accessible by water.
Discover a nineteenth-century neo-Gothic chapel perched on the far shore of the lagoon.
Savor the authentic Cozido das Furnas, a slow-cooked stew prepared using volcanic geothermal heat underground.
Explore Terra Nostra Botanical Garden, home to rare plant species from across the globe in a beautifully kept park setting.
Relax in the thermal iron-rich pool inside Terra Nostra Park, a legendary bathing experience unique to the Azores.
Observe the fumaroles near the lake shore, where volcanic steam vents shape the surreal landscape of Furnas Valley.
Itinerary
1
Briefing at Picos de Aventura
The day begins with a safety and equipment briefing at the meeting point. Guides introduce the route and provide all necessary canoeing gear, including sit-on-top kayaks designed for lake paddling.
2
Canoeing on Lagoa das Furnas
Participants paddle toward the center of the lake, where the submerged volcanic crater becomes visible beneath the surface. The route continues along the shoreline toward the neo-Gothic chapel on the opposite bank.
3
Fumaroles Stop
After returning to shore, the group makes a brief stop to observe the fumaroles — natural steam vents along the lakeside where the traditional Cozido is buried and cooked by geothermal energy.
4
Lunch in Furnas Village
The group sits down for lunch at a local restaurant in the parish of Furnas, where the signature Cozido das Furnas is served. This slow-cooked stew of meats, sausages, and vegetables is a cornerstone of Azorean gastronomy.
5
Guided Visit to Terra Nostra Park
A guided walk through the paths and avenues of Terra Nostra Botanical Garden introduces guests to its remarkable collection of flora gathered from tropical, subtropical, and temperate regions of the world.
6
Thermal Pool and Return to Ponta Delgada
Guests are invited to swim in the park's iconic iron-rich thermal pool before the group departs for the return journey to Ponta Delgada, completing a full circuit of the Furnas Valley experience.
What Is Included
Included
Professional certified guide throughout the activity
Sit-on-top canoe equipment and safety gear
Guided visit to Terra Nostra Botanical Garden
Lunch featuring the traditional Cozido das Furnas at a local restaurant
Terra Nostra Park entry (thermal pool access)
Transport back to Ponta Delgada after the activity
Not Included
Personal travel insurance
Gratuities for guides
Personal expenses and souvenirs
Additional food or beverages beyond the included lunch
Waterproof bag or camera protection equipment
Important Information
Please read all guidelines carefully before booking. Preparation ensures the best possible experience on the day.
Duration
The full activity runs approximately 7 hours from the briefing point to return in Ponta Delgada.
What to Bring
Swimsuit, practical water-friendly footwear (such as sandals), towel, hat, sunscreen, small backpack, a change of clothes, a light jacket, an extra t-shirt, water, snacks, sunglasses, and optionally a waterproof bag for electronics.
Cancellation
Please refer to the booking platform for the applicable cancellation and refund policy. Weather-related changes may apply at the operator's discretion.
Accessibility
This activity involves canoeing and walking on uneven garden paths. It is not recommended for individuals with significant mobility restrictions. Contact the operator for specific accessibility queries.
Age Range
Children aged 6 to 11 are welcome with a reduced rate. Full participation applies from age 12. Children must be accompanied by an adult throughout the activity.
Reserve Your Spot in Furnas Valley
Places on this guided full-day tour are limited. Secure your booking in advance to guarantee access to canoeing, the traditional Cozido lunch, and the Terra Nostra thermal experience.
No prior canoeing experience is required. The activity uses sit-on-top kayaks, which are stable and easy to manage. Guides provide full instruction before departure on the water.
Is the Cozido das Furnas lunch included in the price?▼
Yes, lunch at a local restaurant in Furnas village is included. The meal features the traditional Cozido das Furnas, a geothermally cooked Portuguese stew considered one of the Azores' signature dishes.
What should I wear for the canoeing portion of the activity?▼
Wear a swimsuit underneath comfortable clothing, and bring water-friendly footwear such as sandals or water shoes. Bring a change of clothes and a towel for after the paddling session.
Can children participate in this tour?▼
Yes. Children aged 6 and above may participate with adult supervision. A reduced rate applies for children between 6 and 11 years of age. All participants under 12 must be accompanied by a responsible adult at all times.
Is transport from Ponta Delgada included?▼
The tour begins at Picos de Aventura with a briefing, and transport back to Ponta Delgada is included at the end of the day. Please confirm pickup logistics directly with the operator at the time of booking.
What happens if the weather is poor on the day of the tour?▼
The operator reserves the right to modify or reschedule the activity in the event of unsafe weather conditions. Participants will be informed as early as possible, and applicable refund or rescheduling policies will be communicated at that time.
Furnas ValleyAzores AdventureCanoeing AzoresTerra Nostra ParkLagoa das FurnasThermal Pool AzoresCozido das FurnasSão Miguel IslandVolcanic LandscapeBotanical GardenFull Day TourAzores Nature Tour
This tour takes place in Furnas, a volcanic parish located in the eastern part of Sao Miguel Island, in the Azores archipelago of Portugal. Furnas Valley is internationally recognized for its active geothermal landscape, featuring fumaroles, hot springs, and the geothermally heated Lagoa das Furnas. The activity covers three key geographic and cultural landmarks: Lagoa das Furnas (a volcanic crater lake), the historic Furnas village with its geothermal cooking tradition, and Terra Nostra Botanical Garden, one of the most celebrated gardens in the Atlantic region. Ponta Delgada, the regional capital, serves as the departure and return point, making this tour accessible to visitors staying anywhere on the island.
Location: Furnas, Sao Miguel Island, Azores, Portugal | Activity Type: Guided Kayaking, Cultural Gastronomy, Botanical Garden Visit, Thermal Bathing | Suitable For: Families, Couples, Solo Travelers, Nature Enthusiasts | Duration: Full Day (7 Hours) | Difficulty: Low to Moderate | Season: Year-Round
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