Half-Day Guided Canoeing Tour with Transport Included4.7(2,075 Reviews)
From€20.00per person
Listing ID : 65696
4.7(2,075 Reviews)
Half-Day Guided Canoeing Tour with Transport Included
—Duration
EnglishSpeaking Guide
Mobile ticketAccepted
About this experience
Duration3 Hours
Group SizeMinimum 2 Persons
Starts AtPonta Delgada
LanguagesEnglish
Kayaking in the Azores
Canoeing on Furnas Lake, Sao Miguel Island
Paddle across a volcanic crater lake and discover the wild heart of Sao Miguel
This half-day canoeing on Furnas Lake experience takes you across one of the Azores' most visually striking landscapes, placing you at the centre of an ancient volcanic crater and within reach of a rare neogothic chapel rising from the water's edge.
The excursion departs from Ponta Delgada and travels through Vila Franca do Campo before reaching the lush shores of Furnas Lake. From the moment you launch your canoe, the surrounding caldeira walls and mist-draped forests create a setting that is unlike any other paddling experience in Portugal.
Using sit-on-top canoes suited to all experience levels, you navigate toward the middle of the lake to observe the volcanic crater structure that shaped this entire region. The route continues to the far bank, where the 19th-century neogothic hermitage stands as a quiet testament to the island's layered history. You then follow the shoreline back past the fumaroles to complete the circuit.
Transport from the meeting point is included, allowing you to focus entirely on the experience rather than logistics. With a minimum group of two, the activity is well-suited to couples, small families, and solo travellers booking with others.
Tour Highlights
Paddle across the centre of Furnas Lake, formed inside a volcanic crater on Sao Miguel Island.
Visit the neogothic hermitage on the far shore, a rare architectural landmark built in the 19th century.
Pass by active fumaroles along the lakeside, a vivid reminder of the island's ongoing volcanic activity.
Travel through Vila Franca do Campo en route, experiencing the scenic Azorean countryside.
Use sit-on-top canoes designed for comfort and stability, appropriate for beginners and experienced paddlers alike.
Transport from Ponta Delgada is included, making the logistics straightforward and stress-free.
Tour Itinerary
1
Departure from Ponta Delgada
The group meets at Picos de Aventura in Ponta Delgada before boarding transport toward Furnas. The route passes through Vila Franca do Campo, offering views of the island's southern coastline.
2
Arrival at Furnas Lake
Upon arriving at the lake, guides provide a briefing on equipment use and safety. Sit-on-top canoes are prepared and participants take to the water.
3
Paddling to the Crater Centre
The group paddles out to the middle of the lake, where the volcanic crater formation becomes fully visible. This is a key moment to observe the unique geological character of the site.
4
Visit to the Neogothic Hermitage
Canoes continue to the opposite bank to reach the 19th-century neogothic hermitage. Participants can take in the architecture and surroundings before returning to the water.
5
Return via the Fumaroles
The final leg follows the shoreline back to the starting point, passing the fumaroles that release steam from the earth below. The activity concludes at the launch point.
What Is Included
Included
Transport from Ponta Delgada to Furnas and back
Sit-on-top canoe equipment
Professional guide throughout the activity
Safety briefing and equipment fitting
Not Included
Food and beverages
Personal travel insurance
Waterproof bag for personal items
Sunscreen and personal protective gear
Important Information
A minimum of 2 participants is required for this activity to proceed. The operator will contact you directly if rescheduling becomes necessary.
Duration
Approximately 3 hours including transport to and from Furnas Lake.
Meeting Point
Picos de Aventura, Ponta Delgada, Sao Miguel Island, Azores.
What to Bring
Swimwear, water-friendly footwear such as sandals, a towel, a hat, sunscreen, a small backpack, snacks, water, and a change of clothes for after the activity. A waterproof bag for your phone or camera is also recommended.
Cancellation
Please review the cancellation policy at the time of booking. The operator may reschedule if the minimum participant number is not reached.
Accessibility
Participants should be comfortable on the water and capable of paddling a canoe. Sit-on-top canoes provide a stable platform suitable for most fitness levels.
Age Range
Open to participants aged 6 and above. Children aged 6 to 10 have a reduced rate. All participants under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Ready to Paddle Furnas Lake?
Secure your place on this half-day canoeing experience in the Azores and explore the volcanic landscape of Sao Miguel from the water.
Do I need prior canoeing experience to join this tour?▼
No prior experience is required. The activity uses sit-on-top canoes that are stable and easy to handle, and a safety briefing is provided before launch.
Is transport from Ponta Delgada included?▼
Yes, transport from the meeting point at Picos de Aventura in Ponta Delgada to Furnas Lake and back is included in the activity.
What happens if there are fewer than 2 participants?▼
A minimum of 2 participants is required for the activity to run. If this number is not met, the operator will contact you to arrange an alternative date.
What should I wear for the canoeing activity?▼
Wear a swimsuit and water-friendly footwear such as sandals. Bring a change of dry clothes, a hat, and sunscreen. A waterproof bag for electronics is strongly recommended.
Can children participate in this activity?▼
Yes, children aged 6 and above can participate. Those between 6 and 10 years old are eligible for a reduced rate and must be accompanied by an adult.
Where exactly does the canoeing take place?▼
The canoeing takes place on Furnas Lake, located inside a volcanic crater in the Furnas Valley on Sao Miguel Island in the Azores. The route covers the lake's centre, the far bank with the neogothic hermitage, and the fumarole shoreline.
Canoeing AzoresFurnas LakeSao Miguel IslandVolcanic Crater LakeAzores Outdoor ActivitiesKayaking PortugalFurnas ValleyHalf Day Tour AzoresPonta Delgada ToursNature Activities AzoresSit On Top Kayak
This canoeing activity takes place on Furnas Lake, a crater lake situated within the Furnas Valley on Sao Miguel Island, the largest island in the Azores archipelago, Portugal. Furnas is located in the eastern interior of Sao Miguel and is renowned for its volcanic geothermal features including fumaroles, hot springs, and the surrounding caldeira. The lake lies approximately 40 kilometres east of Ponta Delgada, the island's main city and transport hub. The Furnas Valley is part of a UNESCO-recognised region and is one of the most visited natural areas in the Azores. The neogothic hermitage on the lake's northern shore is a listed heritage site dating to the 19th century.
Activity Type: Canoeing | Half Day Water Tour | Region: Furnas Valley, Sao Miguel Island, Azores, Portugal | Operator Base: Ponta Delgada | Difficulty: Beginner-Friendly | Minimum Age: 6 Years | Transport Included | Volcanic Crater Lake Setting | UNESCO-Adjacent Natural Area
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