8 best São Miguel tours

I'd book this if it's your first visit. You get both lake areas in one day.

An electric van takes you to Sete Cidades. You walk to Boca do Inferno and visit Mosteiros. The day ends at Lagoa do Fogo.

The trade-off. The Boca do Inferno walk takes 20 minutes each way. It may not suit you if mobility is limited.

Guide languages: Portuguese, English.

I'd book this if you want Furnas with entry fees covered.

Travel by van to Furnas and Gorreana tea factory. Watch the cozido stew being lifted from the ground. You can bathe at Terra Nostra Park.

The trade-off. It runs only on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Bottled water isn't included.

Guide languages: Portuguese, English.

I'd book this if you're travelling with small children. I'd choose the catamaran.

Marine biologists join the boat to look for whales and dolphins. Shore lookouts help locate the animals. The catamaran has shade and a toilet.

The trade-off. Groups can reach 75 people. There's no hotel pickup.

Guide languages: Portuguese, English.

I'd book this if food is your way into a place. Groups are limited to 12 people.

Walk through Ponta Delgada with stops at eateries and shops. Visit the local market. Tastings include seafood and Azorean pineapple.

The trade-off. Vegan, halal and kosher diets cannot be accommodated. Vegetarian substitutions are limited.

Guide language: English.