Ponta Delgada Shore Excursion: Is the Blue Green Lake Worth It? A Review

So, you’re thinking of hopping off your cruise ship in Ponta Delgada and seeing what all the fuss is about, huh? Like your typical traveler, you’ve probably heard talk of this legendary Blue Green Lake and are perhaps wondering if a shore trip there is, actually, worthwhile. As a matter of fact, let’s have an honest look at whether it really lives up to the hype, with some tips and advice based, as a matter of fact, on my own escapades. After all, you need the info to plan your excursion.

Setting the Scene: What to Anticipate on Your Ponta Delgada Stop

So, Ponta Delgada. It’s really the capital city of the Azores, an island group way out in the Atlantic. And, honestly, if your cruise has it as a port of call, count yourself a bit lucky! It’s definitely not your average cruise destination. I mean, beyond the immediate harbor area which, honestly, has its charms, the actual attraction resides in what’s nearby – specifically, the incredible natural views that São Miguel Island is known, actually, for. The island offers pretty steep cliffs that drop, for example, into bright blue waters, hills all carpeted with grass so intensely green it almost doesn’t seem natural, and all kinds of volcanic spots. Any shore thing here, yet, tends to swing heavily on getting away from town into those countryside panoramas, alright?

The Allure of the Blue Green Lake (Lagoa das Sete Cidades)

Okay, Lagoa das Sete Cidades, or Blue Green Lake, so let’s get into it. Arguably, it is the superstar attraction. And, indeed, there is a reason everyone suggests visiting. I mean, you see this giant volcanic crater that houses twin lakes; it’s that big, you know? What is unusual is that each section, actually, looks a bit distinct in its coloration – giving, yet, that famous two-tone look that people come, very, far to see. Anyway, picture deep, shimmering water caught way, way down in a giant hole on the ground. Then, think, “volcano formed it.” Add lots and lots of vibrant green around the very edges. Honestly, that will get you close to how impressive it truly is, even a bit on a gloomy day, honestly.

What Type of Shore Excursion Fits You?

So, like your typical traveler, you might think, “I want to see that!” Which, naturally, is a brilliant plan. Now, though, the big choice: Do you book, very, direct through the cruise ship? Or do you handle it, say, a bit more yourself? Ship trips can be trouble-free. In fact, they pick you up literally just off the boat. Usually, still, they follow, seemingly, very mainstream routes that tend to herd everyone to the usual vista spots at peak times. A choice if you prioritize easiness, honestly? Doing your own thing is arguably more liberating but you have to take responsibility. A quick option could be jumping, arguably, into a taxi or ride-share right at the terminal. However, it is also not exactly the simplest logistically when you have to deal with figuring things out in a possibly new spot and with limited time, right? You’re probably way better off, yet, to research regional tour firms early. You could almost nail, maybe, down a far smaller, more focused excursion. If you dig about a bit before arriving, you might get, possibly, a more exclusive experience, probably?

Hitting the High Points: Viewpoints and Activities

So, to take in these panoramas in all their glory, honestly, where should one go? There are really some signature lookout spots that you just kind of have to hit. * **Vista do Rei:** That’s a usual choice and is kind of deservedly very renowned, honestly? The view spreads out. In fact, there is, basically, just an encompassing sight down, more or less, across the twin lakes right down below. * **Miradouro do Cerrado das Freiras:** Arguably, a solid alternative. As a matter of fact, you often skip, basically, some of the crowds while still racking up a pretty great sight, arguably. * **Miradouro da Boca do Inferno:** Are you feeling, in a way, a bit brave? Honestly, the hike in might be a bit hair-raising for some, especially if the weather, literally, turns slick. The trade-off, nonetheless, is an almost unrivaled eye-level look across the total area. It really feels, in effect, as though you are holding your breath, very high above, actually. Beyond staring in awe, the zone surrounding Sete Cidades tends to offer some stuff that is outdoorsy to keep you moving about a bit if you like, actually: * Go, for example, on the walking tracks. A selection, even so, of mapped paths cuts around the lakes, alright. Decide, anyway, how long you wish to trek and just grab a level that fits what seems nice. * Look to get, anyway, on a bike, seriously. Rent some bikes, almost, nearby and attack several designated bike tracks, maybe? You’ll get around a fair amount faster, too, as a matter of fact. * Think of paddling. Some groups could probably do a canoe or kayak session out actually, on the water for another viewpoint, actually. Just double-check, though, for options and what might be, basically, open while you happen to be there.

Weather Conditions Can Have a Major Effect

Right, something to bear in mind. The Azores weather tends, really, to shift a great deal and seemingly can spin on a dime. The islands gain a kind of microclimate all their own, more or less. Also, what might be gleaming, seriously, sun down on the shore at Ponta Delgada doesn’t, for example, always translate up the mountain. And, you can experience dense fog rolling across Sete Cidades just like flicking off a lightbulb, I tell you. Therefore, when getting ready for any trip here, keep this close: * Do bring clothes in layers! You, too, want to be able to shed something, very, quick if things suddenly brighten a great deal or maybe add layers if that wet, cold fog appears out of nowhere. * Think through footwear so, for example, you are not sliding all about if that one viewing platform becomes unexpectedly soaked from moisture, you see? Grip really counts a fair amount! * Just accept, also, the fact that occasionally things just aren’t cooperating. Sure, the sunny shots look amazing, of course. However, the diffused light of some mist or a cloud layer might sometimes build its special mood that can be kind of just as amazing, honestly. Plus, no jostling the elbow-to-elbow hordes simply to see that prime spot on the railing.

Eat Like a Local During your Trip

You can seriously eat, by the way! Though the Sete Cidades zone is focused, maybe, mostly on sights, still look around in neighboring places. Try, too, some regional bites in nearby communities. Doing so supports the local operators plus fills that stomach as you explore! Consider a few ideas. You should possibly test some “cozido das Furnas”. A truly Azores way of grilling happens using underground steam emerging from all those hot volcanic soils nearby. Meats, really, and plants all cook nice and slow. Honestly, it has a flavor you definitely cannot quite discover elsewhere, probably. Cheese lovers might probably keep a watch open for regional cheese. Every one often tastes buttery or only a tiny bit spicy, which really presents a sample only discovered here in the Azores zone, actually. Also, clearly keep a watch, too, on any cafe menu’s desserts! These island sweet deals regularly provide almonds plus a blast of citrus elements – a clear nod, really, to ingredients that originate there, apparently.

Concluding Ideas: Is it Truly Worth it?

So, circling, now, really back to the main issue… The Blue Green Lake in Ponta Delgada tends, literally, to be absolutely worth a visit off your cruise liner, yeah? With a few understandings, you might probably set up memories. I mean, this scenery looks great, also, for all experience amounts. Consider choices about just how best, truly, to check them out – if the structured tour just gives enough for your desires or when you ought to probably carve stuff for yourself a little bit? And plan some things that you would love, honestly. Also, remember the possibility for all those weather variations – packing layers isn’t actually something for fun: You are getting geared for truth, maybe? Also, by planning to explore all of those flavors and scenery alternatives, you’ll find an Azorean experience definitely way, way further beyond these views of a renowned lake only.