Van Tour to Furnas

The Valley of Furnas is one of the largest thermal hydropolis in the world. Its iron-rich, sulphur waters that sprout everywhere are there to be tasted, felt, experienced.

It is the land of the «rusty» streams, rushing amongst plantations and leaving a trail of gold behind; of the unreal reflection of a Gothic chapel in the surface of the lagoon; of the constant, liquid whisper of the heavy and mighty vegetation, of the botanical gardens, of the penetrating smell of absolute nature.

A place where mud bubbles at the surface of the earth, and where you find huge caramel-colored tanks where you soak in warm, medicinal waters; it will also be the place where to taste one of the most exotic dishes of the world: a variety of vegetables and meat cooked in the earthy steam, under the soil.

Difficulty

Languages

Transport Type

VAN

Tour Starts

Ponta Delgada

Minimum Age

Season

Available in high season

Transport Type

VAN

Tour Starts

Ponta Delgada

Languages

Minimum Age

Season

Available in high season

Trip Overview

The Valley of Furnas is one of the largest thermal hydropolis in the world. Its iron-rich, sulphur waters that sprout everywhere are there to be tasted, felt, experienced.

The Mystic Furnas Valley

Price

90€

Duration

Full day

Small Groups

Lunch Included

Free Cancellations

Pick Up at Your Hotel

Gallery

Itinerary

Gorreana Tea Factory +

After the check-in or pick-up in Ponta Delgada, we will start with a visit to the local tea factory Gorreana. It is the oldest tea plantation in Europe, cultivating tea since 1883.
Enjoy the beautiful perspectives over the tea labyrinth. And get to know more about this family-owned business.

Pico do Ferro +

Next stop: Pico does Ferro, the most famous viewpoint over Lagoa das Furnas. You will definitely have to take pictures for your album about the Azores.

Caldeiras das Furnas +

Then, we will go to Caldeiras das Furnas to visit the famous fumaroles. Do not miss the opportunity to try the gas carbonic mineral waters from different springs.

Cozido das Furnas +

Passing by Lagoa das Furnas, the local restaurant is our next stop to taste the famous “Cozido”. It is one of the most emblematic dishes of the Azores.
Cozido is a mixture of regional vegetables and meat cooked with the help of a volcanic activity. So far, a gastronomic experience you cannot miss.

Terra Nostra Botanical Garden & Hot Springs +

After lunch, we will visit the centenary Terra Nostra botanical garden. It is particularly famous for its extraordinary collection of native plants. It also shows vegetation from all over the world that has adapted to the local conditions.
You can also go for a dip in the iron-rich hot water swimming pool with a temperature of 35-40°C (95-104°F). A relaxing experience.

Vila Franca do Campo +

On the way back to Ponta Delgada, we will pass by the South Coast and Vila Franca do Campo.
There, you will see the Princess Ring islet and know more about the first capital of the island. Also, our guide will tell you about the strong earthquake of 1522.

Select your departure

90€ per adult + 5.4€ Online Fee

Why Futurismo

100+ breathtaking experiences

Venture beyond the extraordinary. Unrivaled adventure.

Azores travel experts

Largest tour operator in the Azores with 30 years of experience.

Environmental education

At Futurismo, we think that educating and raising awareness among the young ones is very important for the future.

MORE ABOUT US

90€ per adult + 5.4€ Online Fee

Premier Whale Watching Operator

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Our ethical tourism practices recognized worldwide

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Best and biggest Whale Watching fleet in the Azores

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100% stays in the local community

20% to local small companies

Full time, year round, employed guides

What people think about

4.8

839 reviews

Marina Galañena 20/09/2026

(Translated by Google) An absolutely magical and unforgettable experience! We were lucky enough to… (Translated by Google) An absolutely magical and unforgettable experience! We were lucky enough to go on a catamaran trip to see dolphins around São Miguel, and we loved it. Seeing these magnificent animals in their natural environment was truly exceptional. The crew was very friendly, professional, and attentive, providing plenty of information throughout the excursion. We particularly appreciated their respectful approach to the animals and the fact that the experience was primarily about discovering marine wildlife. The catamaran was very comfortable, and we were also able to fully enjoy the scenery and the beauty of the ocean. We were accompanied by our 6-month-old baby, and everything went very smoothly. The crew was attentive, and we felt comfortable throughout the entire trip. We 100% recommend this activity if you're visiting São Miguel! A wonderful way to discover the island from a different perspective and leave with incredible memories. (Original) Une expérience absolument magique et inoubliable ! Nous avons eu la chance de partir en catamaran à la découverte des dauphins autour de São Miguel et nous avons adoré cette sortie. Voir ces magnifiques animaux évoluer dans leur environnement naturel était un moment vraiment exceptionnel. L’équipage était très sympathique, professionnel et à l’écoute, avec de nombreuses explications tout au long de l’excursion. Nous avons particulièrement apprécié l’approche respectueuse des animaux et le fait que l’expérience reste avant tout une découverte de la faune marine. Le catamaran était très agréable et nous avons également pu profiter pleinement des paysages et de la beauté de l’océan. Nous étions accompagnés de notre bébé de 6 mois et tout s’est très bien passé. L’équipage a été attentionné et nous nous sommes sentis à l’aise pendant toute la sortie. Une activité que nous recommandons à 100 % si vous êtes de passage à São Miguel ! Une très belle façon de découvrir l’île autrement et de repartir avec des souvenirs incroyables. Read more

J. K. 18/09/2026

(Translated by Google) We were absolutely thrilled with Futurismo! We booked two tours in total –… Read more

Christian 14/09/2026

We had an absolutely breathtaking excursion today. We went out on a Zodiac boat with two crew… Read more

Beatriz González 13/09/2026

(Translated by Google) Great excursion, although we weren't lucky enough to see any whales.… Read more

Patrícia Simões 10/09/2026

(Translated by Google) It was a very good experience even though we didn't get to see what we… Read more

Catalina Cla 08/09/2026

(Translated by Google) The boat trip was great; we saw dolphins from two different families. We… Read more

Claudon Déborah 05/09/2026

(Translated by Google) Amazing experience! We even got an extra hour on the Zodiac, what more could… Read more

Heiko Kain 02/09/2026

Thank you all for two great experiences. My wife and me did the whale/dolphin watching and the Jeep… Read more

Berta Caballero 01/09/2026

An unique experience with and out standing company! Respect for animals the priority. The best of… Read more

Pablo Ostos 26/08/2026

(Translated by Google) An experience you absolutely must have on the island. Fernando, the… Read more

User User 25/08/2026

(Translated by Google) An exhilarating experience filled with common, spotted, and bottlenose… Read more

Jan & Vanessa 23/08/2026

(Translated by Google) A truly fantastic dolphin and whale watching tour from Ponta Delgada! We… Read more

Thomas Sliwa (Obluvion) 22/08/2026

(Translated by Google) One of the most beautiful experiences of the holiday was the boat trip with… Read more

Raquel Vilela 21/08/2026

(Translated by Google) Excellent, respect for nature and spectacular… Read more

Carlos Morales 19/08/2026

Great trip! We got to see sperm whales, common dolphins, and bottlenose dolphins. The boat had… Read more

Erin Luken 17/08/2026

Two thumbs up for Futurismo whale watching tours. We were on the larger boat and had nice weather,… Read more

David HOUVENAGHEL-SINES 15/08/2026

(Translated by Google) A fun activity to do is this boat trip (we were in a Zodiac) to go out to… Read more

jose Ortega 15/08/2026

(Translated by Google) Absolutely fantastic experience with Futurismo Azores! We did the whale and… (Translated by Google) Absolutely fantastic experience with Futurismo Azores! We did the whale and dolphin watching activity in a zodiac boat and it was, without a doubt, one of the most special moments of our trip to São Miguel. The whole team was extremely professional, friendly and attentive. Before leaving, they explained very well how the activity would be, the sea conditions and everything we needed to know. During the tour we always felt very safe and, at the same time, it was an exciting and very fun experience. We were lucky enough to observe dolphins and whales in their natural habitat, always with great respect for the animals and maintaining adequate distances. The team demonstrated enormous knowledge about marine life and made the experience even more interesting. Doing the activity in a zodiac boat made everything even more special, due to the proximity to the sea and the feeling of adventure. It was an incredible experience for the whole family and a memory that we will carry with us forever. We recommend Futurismo Azores 100%. Professionalism, friendliness, safety and an unforgettable experience. Thank you very much to the whole team! (Original) Experiência absolutamente fantástica com a Futurismo Azores! Fizemos a atividade de observação de baleias e golfinhos em zodiac e foi, sem dúvida, um dos momentos mais especiais da nossa viagem a São Miguel. Toda a equipa foi extremamente profissional, simpática e atenciosa. Antes de sair, explicaram-nos muito bem como seria a atividade, as condições do mar e tudo o que precisávamos de saber. Durante o passeio sentimos sempre muita segurança e, ao mesmo tempo, foi uma experiência emocionante e muito divertida. Tivemos a sorte de observar golfinhos e baleias no seu habitat natural, sempre com muito respeito pelos animais e mantendo as distâncias adequadas. A equipa demonstrou um enorme conhecimento sobre a vida marinha e tornou a experiência ainda mais interessante. Fazer a atividade em zodiac tornou tudo ainda mais especial, pela proximidade com o mar e pela sensação de aventura. Foi uma experiência incrível para toda a família e uma recordação que vamos levar connosco para sempre. Recomendamos a Futurismo Azores a 100%. Profissionalismo, simpatia, segurança e uma experiência inesquecível. Muito obrigado a toda a equipa! Read more

Yossi Kolesnicov 15/08/2026

We saw two different kinds of dolphins, in large groups, which was amazing. No whales today, but… Read more

Ester Nogué 12/08/2026

(Translated by Google) A fantastic experience with Futurismo! We really enjoyed it. All the staff… Read more

What people think about

more than 15.000 reviews

An incredible experience led by our guides João, Ruben, and Paulo.
Highly recommend and very well-explained excursion!

Consuela634, Spain

Essencial Trip Information

What's Included

Certified guide
Swimming in an iron-rich hot water swimming pool (swimming wear needed)
Tasting the typical “Cozido” meal
Pick up and drop off in Ponta Delgada
Insurance (personal accident and liability)

Why this Tour

On this complete tour, you will feel and experience the volcanic origins of the island in Furnas, a magical place full of geothermal activity.

There are fumaroles with cooking pans inside, a mysterious lake with a gothic church, warm thermal waters, a botanical garden with hundreds of flora species, and the good news is that you will see all of it!

One highlight in this day is that you will taste the famous Cozido das Furnas, a dish cooked under the hot soil thanks to the volcanic activity. Delicious, and pretty heavy…

Departure and Return

Departure Point

Portas do Mar, Shop 26, 9500-771 Ponta Delgada.
There are two paid parking facilities, both accessed via the same entrance ramp.

Departure Time

Please select a date on the calendar and arrive at the meeting point at the scheduled time for check-in and departure.

Return Point

Returns to the original departure point or the drop of point you indicate during the checkout process.

What if I don’t want to bathe in the hot spring at Terra Nostra? +

Bathing in the hot pools of Terra Nostra is not mandatory. You can also enjoy the botanical garden and relax on a bench.

Can I take my camera with me during this activity? +

Yes, but be aware that your material will be under your responsibility.

Is this an adventure kind of tour? +

It is a great adventure, but not physically demanding.

What if the weather isn’t ok? +

If the weather doesn’t allow us to do this activity safely, we will cancel it and suggest an alternative date.

Cancellation +

Cancellations up to 48 hours before the tour, no penalties are applied
Cancellations up to 24 hours: 50% of the total amount will be charged
Cancellations less than 24 hours or no-show: full amount will be charged
If the weather conditions do not allow the activity to be done safely, we will cancel it and contact you to suggest an alternative date or provide a full refund.

Booking confirmation +