

Wild Island Adventure in the Azores
- Portugal
- 7 nights
Hike, canyon, coasteer, e-bike, kayak and whale watch your way around the island of Sao Miguel in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean
What's Included?
Activities & Certified Guides
All itinerary activities with local, expert, English-speaking guidesHotels & Camping
6 nights in boutique hotels and 1 night campingMeals
All breakfasts, 4 lunches, 3 dinnersTransfers
Airport transfers and everything in betweenEquipment
All equipment for each activity, plus all your camping gearSmall Like-minded Groups
Solo-friendly by design, join our small n’ sociable groups of up to 12 like-minded, active and outdoorsy people
What's it like?
Highlights
A jam-packed week of adventure among mountainous peaks, turquoise lakes, lush vegetation and stunning coastlines
Swim, scramble and cliff jump into the wild Atlantic on an epic coasteering adventure and slide, jump and abseil down the canyons of Ribeira dos Caldeirões
Hike through Sao Miguel's jaw-dropping landscapes, scope out secret spots to catch sunrise and wild swims, and soak in thermal hot springs
Hop on an e-bike to pedal around Sete Cidades, kayak to the iconic islet of Vila Franca and head out to sea to spot ocean giants on a whale watching trip
Itinerary
Day 1
Welcome to the Azores
HotelTwin shareDinner includedShow Day 1 detailHide detail
Catch your first glimpse of the beautiful Azores archipelago as you approach Ponta Delgada on the island of Sao Miguel. Depending on your trip date, you'll either transfer downtown to your hotel in Ponta Delgada itself or transfer a half hour along the coast to Vila Franca do Campo. Settle into your accommodation and meet up with your fellow adventurers and guide for a welcome dinner and a chat over the epic trip ahead.
Day 2
Hike to Fogo Lake
Hiking4-5hrs · 14km · 100m up · 850m downHotelTwin shareBreakfast and lunch includedShow Day 2 detailHide detail
Kick start your Azores adventure with a hike to Fogo Lake, following epic trails in the wilderness area in the centre of Sao Miguel island. Setting off from the north side of the island, you'll enjoy amazing views along the trail towards Vila Franca do Campo on the coast, as well as its famous islet which you'll be kayaking around later in the trip. After an ascent over open pastures, you'll descend down to the lake flanked by high walls of thick, lush vegetation until you reach the water. Enjoy a leisurely picnic lunch by this stunning lake before continuing the hike later in the afternoon. Finish the day with a sundowner on a local beach near your base.
Day 3
E-biking Sete Cidades and coasteering by the Atlantic
Cycling2hrs · 23km · 420m up · 420m downCoasteering3hrsHotelTwin shareBreakfast and lunch includedShow Day 3 detailHide detail
Sete Cidades is one of the Azores' picture-postcard spots, and one of the Seven Wonders of Portugal. You'll explore this stunning geological wonder on two wheels as you hop on an e-bike, pedalling along easy dirt tracks to reach a series of epic viewpoints. There's a long ascent where your e-bike will be your aid to reach the highest spots before rolling along a summit rim and a fun descent back down to Sete Cidades village. In the afternoon, you'll hit the coast for a truly wild time of it in the Atlantic Ocean. Your expert guides will take you coasteering along this rugged section of coastline as you navigate the route by swimming, climbing and jumping from cliffs, exploring the ocean and the incredible volcanic rock formations.
Day 4
Kayak to Vila Franca islet and go whale watching
Kayaking3hrs · 5kmWildlife Watching3hrsHotelTwin shareBreakfast includedShow Day 4 detailHide detail
An unforgettable paddle awaits as you hop in a kayak this morning, setting off into the great expanse of the Atlantic bound for the iconic islet of Vila Franca do Campo. The islet is a marine protected area and was formed by a submerged ancient volcano – its flooded crater has formed a semicircle above the ocean's surface. Explore this incredible islet before kayaking back to Sao Miguel to enjoy lunch before a must-do Azores experience: witnessing the huge congregation of ocean giants in the waters around Sao Miguel on a whale watching trip. Settle on board and travel to deeper waters with a marine biologist for company to help with sightings. Sperm whales are a resident species in the Azores; while fin, blue, and sei whales migrate through the Azores and are often possible to spot at various times of the year.
Day 5
Canyoning, wild swims and an Azorean barbecue
Canyoning3hrsCampsiteTwin tentAll meals includedShow Day 5 detailHide detail
Head into one of Sao Miguel's canyons today: at either Salga or Salto do Cabrito, two of the most beautiful locations on the island and the scene for another amazing few hours of adventure. Spend the morning exploring streams, natural pools and waterfalls using different canyoning techniques, such as jumps (optional), rappels, and natural water slides. Dry off and enjoy lunch before heading to the north east corner of the island, creatively called 'Nordeste'. Here you reach your camp area in a beautiful spot with a nice stream nearby. With camp already setup by your guides, head off to explore the village of Nordeste to perhaps grab a swim in the local harbour, or feel free to relax at camp. This evening your guides are laying on a special Azorean barbecue to tuck into round the campfire, before a night under canvas.
Day 6
Secret sunrise spot, hike to waterfalls and night-time hot springs
Hiking3hrs · 10km · 350m up · 575m downHotelTwin shareBreakfast and lunch includedShow Day 6 detailHide detail
Embrace an early start today to catch sunrise in one of the best spots on the island at Ponta da Madrugada, waiting for the light to hit the dramatic coastline to kickstart another day in this beautiful archipelago. Grab breakfast in your host's favourite coffee shop nearby, before bidding farewell to Nordeste. Today you're tackling another hike, this time through Faial da Terra. You'll set off from the small village on the south coast and into the forested valley, bound for two stunning waterfalls: Salto do Cagarrão and Salto do Prego. Reaching each one you can spend some time taking in the spectacle and grab a wild swim (brace yourself, the water is very fresh!). Continue on to Sanguinho, a small rural village where the hike ends. Hop back in the van and head to your final base of the trip at Furnas. This is in the heart of the most active volcanic region of the Azores, home to over 30 geothermal pools and geysers dotted around the Furnas Valley. After settling into your beautiful hotel, you'll have the chance to head off to a nearby hot spring for a relaxing soak in the naturally thermal waters.
Day 7
Exploring Furnas
HotelTwin shareBreakfast and dinner includedShow Day 7 detailHide detail
On your final full day of the trip, it's time to explore the Furnas Valley more deeply, hiking along a network of trails to reach fumaroles, geysers and hot springs and taking in the forested hillside backdrop. This evening your host will take you to a local restaurant for a farewell dinner of local Azorean specialities.
Day 8
Adeus to the Azores
Breakfast includedShow Day 8 detailHide detail
Enjoy a last breakfast on the Azores before heading back to the airport in Ponta Delgada in time for your flight home.
Getting There
- Nearest airport
- João Paulo II Airport (PDL)
- Pick up
- Ponta Delgada Airport
Any time on Day 1 - Drop off
- Ponta Delgada Airport
Any time on Day 8
What is and isn't Included?
What's included
- Guided hike to Fogo Lake
- Morning e-bike ride to Sete Cidades
- Afternoon coasteering session along the Atlantic Coast
- Morning kayaking sessiong to the islet of Vila Franca do Campo
- Whale watching boat trip
- Canyoning session in either Salga or Salto do Cabrito
- Guided hike and wild swim at Salto do Cagarrão and Salto do Prego waterfalls
- Visit to a hot spring in the Furnas Valley
- Guided hike among fumaroles, geysers and hot springs in the Furnas Valley
- Expert, English-speaking, local guide
- Additional specialist guides for each of the activities
- Marine biologist on board the whale watching boat
- 4 nights in boutique hotel in Ponta Delgada or a beachfront hotel in Vila Franca do Campo
- 1 night at a campsite in Nordeste
- 2 nights at one of the Azores top hotel in Furnas
- All (7) breakfasts
- 4 fresh picnic lunches
- 3 tasty, local dinners – including a traditional Azorean barbecue
- Arrival transfer from Ponta Delgada Airport on Day 1
- Departure transfer to Ponta Delgada Airport on Day 8
- All transfers during the trip
- All canyoning and coasteering gear
- Single & twin kayaks, paddles and safety equipment
- E-bikes and helmets
- All your camping equipment
- All permits and entry fees
What's not included
Our trips do not include flights, trains or other travel to the start point and back from the end point.
Tips are not included in the trip cost; these are entirely at your discretion. If you would like to tip, the amount should be reflective of your perception of service and quality.
You know your own spending habits best, so please budget an appropriate amount for things like optional meals and drinks, shopping, optional activities, and laundry.
Travel insurance is compulsory for all of our adventures, and you'll need to provide your policy details before departure. Your insurance should offer adequate cover for overseas medical treatment, evacuation/repatriation, your baggage and equipment, and the specific activities involved in your adventure. We also recommend ensuring your policy includes cancellation and curtailment cover, in case you're unable to join your trip due to unforeseen circumstances such as illness.
Standard travel insurance may not cover all the activities included in your adventure, so it's essential to check the details carefully. There are adventure-specific providers that many travellers have used in the past, such as True Traveller (opens in new tab) (for those based in the UK or Europe), or Rise + Shield (opens in new tab), both of which offer cover for a wide range of adventurous activities.
Please make sure your chosen policy meets your individual needs and covers all aspects of your trip.
Visa requirements often change, and you are responsible for obtaining any required visas for this trip. Please check with your nearest embassy or consulate for up-to-date advice.
Where You'll Stay
Looking for a private room? See Optional Extras for details and pricing.
What You'll Eat
Breakfasts in the hotels are a plentiful, high quality continental-style affair accompanied by fresh juices, teas and coffees. The provided lunches will be picnics in beautiful locations, generally consisting of baguette sandwiches or salads with dri…
Optional Extras
Upgrades
- 2026 - April trip
- …
- 2026 - Late June trip
- …
- 2026 - May, Early June trips
- …
- 2026 - Sept, Oct trips
- …
For solo travellers looking for their own space, an optional private room and tent can be booked for an extra charge. See Optional Extras for the price and please request these at the time of booking.
Transfers
- Airport to Furnas (1-2 people)
- …
- Airport to Ponta Delgada (1-2 people)
- …
- Airport to Vila Franca do Campo (1-2 people)
- …
To request any extras, message your host via your Much Better Adventures account once you have booked your trip.
All extras must be paid before your trip starts.
This Trip is Graded Level 2
Ratings & Reviews
- 2 stars (0)
- 1 star (0)
Category rating
- Food
- 4.0
- Guides & crew
- 5.0
- Accommodation
- 4.0
- Itinerary
- 5.0
Latest Reviews
Customer Photos
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Departure dates
Monday 5th October 2026
to Monday 12th October 2026
Fully Booked
Monday 19th October 2026
to Monday 26th October 2026
…
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Got a Group of 6 or More?
What to Pack

Know before you go! Some stuff we'll provide, other things you'll need to bring.
FAQs
What if things don't go to plan?
Your host is a true Azores specialist, with many years of experience operating a variety of activities on all parts of Sao Miguel. They use their knowledge and experience of adventure activities on the island to carefully manage each trip, tracking the weather and ocean conditions to check whether activities can go ahead. This trip has a variety of activities in different parts of the island, so the itinerary is subject to some reordering depending on weather conditions, if required. For example, if sea conditions are great at the start of the trip, but forecast to be poor later on, you will do the kayak trip to islet Vila Franca earlier than planned.
How many guides and support crew will there be on my trip?
You'll have a tour leader throughout the trip as your main guide, plus additional activity guides will join the group at various stages throughout the trip as you tuck into the smorgasbord of activities on this adventure.
Can I leave my excess luggage somewhere?
Your luggage can be safely left in your hotels while you're away doing activities. You'll just need a daypack and/or drybag for the daytime.
What do I do about drinking water?
Tap water in the Azores is completely safe to drink, so you can fill your bottles up at the hotel and at various points throughout the trip. Your guides will factor in water refill spots during the hikes and activities.
Will a cycle helmet be provided or can I bring my own?
Your local host will provide a suitable helmet that conforms to recognised safety standards. If you have sizing concerns, contact your local host in advance so they can advise on fit and availability.
If you wish to bring your own helmet it must be suitable for the activity and conform to recognised safety standards. Please see our Cycling safety guidance for further information.
Can I book on my own?
Sure can! Over 70% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.
Who is running the trip?
Our team of Adventure Hunters co-create exclusive adventures which are run by highly vetted, specialist hosts. The trip is run by our trusted host partner in the destination. We only work with independent, local, in-destination experts who know the very best places to explore and how to stay safe. Read more information about the local teams we partner with. You’ll be introduced to the host straight after making a booking via the Much Better Adventures platform.
What is the official travel advice?
Much Better Adventures refer to the UK Government’s official travel advice when designing trips and monitoring trip operations. We recommend that all customers are familiar with the practical information provided on the Government’s FCDO website, where current travel advice can be found by searching for the applicable destination(s).
For customers joining this trip from other international destinations – please also read the official travel advice applicable to your country of residence/origin, as this may differ.
What vaccinations do I need?
We recommend checking out the country-specific information and also talking to a travel nurse.
How are the trips priced?
We automatically convert prices from the local currency that a host receives to your chosen currency. We update our exchange rates on a daily basis so this does mean that prices displayed on the site are subject to currency fluctuations, which is why you may see them change over time.
If you wish to change the currency you pay in, head to the bottom of the page.
Why are your adventures only for adults?
All of our group adventures are specially designed for adults to enjoy as we want these adventures to bring together outdoorsy people who are truly like-minded. You must be over 18 to join one of our trips.
Who else will be on my trip?
You're always in good company on one of our adventures.
Our trips are typically made up of a mixture of solo travellers and small groups of 2 or 3 friends, with most in their 30s-50s.
Our sociable adventures are solo-friendly by design and naturally attract outdoorsy people with a shared mindset; a love for adventure, a desire to push themselves and meet awesome, like-minded people along the way. Check out our Community Values – a shared code to make sure that everyone's experience is safe, inclusive and brilliantly unforgettable.
It’s this camaraderie that has so often turned a great adventure into a life-changing one.
Don't just take our word for it:
- 95% of people rate the group dynamics on our trips 5/5
- 90% of people recommend joining a trip to make new friends
- 75% of people have met people on our trips that they would now consider friends
See here for more info about the Much Better Adventures tribe.
What's the weather like?
Being surrounded by a huge expanse of sea and influenced by the warm Gulf Stream gives the Azores a mild climate that's pleasant all year round with relatively small temperature variations.
April can be somewhat unpredictable, with a mix of sunny and cloudy days and chances of rain. Temperatures are 13°C (55°F) to 18°C (64°F) and the ocean is still cool, with water temperatures around 16-17°C (61-63°F).May and June warm up a little with temperatures from 14°C (57°F) to 22°C (72°F) and less rainfall. The sea warms up to 19°C (66°F). September and October are two of the best months to visit the Azores. The weather is typically sunny and warm, with relatively low chances of rain. The sea is at its warmest, around 23-24°C (73-75°F), perfect for swimming and other water activities. October things start to cool a little, with more chance of rain.
As with any Atlantic island destination, the weather in the Azores can be changeable, even within the same day. Your local hosts are experts at working with these conditions and will often adjust the order of the itinerary to make the most of the weather and sea state, ensuring the best possible experience. Water-based activities are particularly dependent on ocean conditions such as swell and wind, so flexibility is key, as plans may be adapted at short notice to prioritise safety and enjoyment.
What's the carbon footprint for this trip?
We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity.
What's the number?
It works out on average at 183kg of CO2 emissions per person, including all local transport, accommodation, food, activities, guides, staff and office operations.
The only thing it doesn’t include right now is flights and travel to the destination. We do make an overall estimate across all our customers separately, but as we don’t book flights, have customers from all corners of the world, and no way of reliably knowing their travel plans, we simply can’t include an individual number in the figure on display here. We’ve got a goal to fix that, so that when you book, there is a way to measure and mitigate the carbon emitted by your flight too.
But what does the number mean?
Yep, hard to picture eh? To give you an idea:
- Driving 1000 miles/1609km would be approximately 281kg of CO2 in an average car (or 140.5kg per person, if there were two of you in it).
- A return economy class flight between London and New York would be approximately 1619kg (1.66 tonnes) per person.
- 10 trees in a temperate forest are estimated to remove approximately 250kg of CO2 from the air in a period of 5-10 years.
What are we doing about it?
Our trips are relatively low-carbon by design, and we're working with all our hosts to develop long term carbon reduction plans. We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity, ensuring the protection of the reserve and its wildlife.
Want to know more?
Amazingly, no international travel company has ever publicly published their carbon measurements before, as far as we know. We believe that must change, quickly. So we’re openly sharing the method we used in the hope that other companies will be able to more easily follow suit and build on what we've done so far. You'll find it all here.
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