We will meet at "Praça velha", main square, just in front of the city hall main door.
Description
Visits to Algar do Carvão may be limited due to visitor center works
Open (14:00 - 18:00 summer/ 14:30 - 17:30 winter). October-April close on Sun, Mon and Thursdays
Lets embark on a journey spanning 3.5 million years?
On this full-day tour, guided by a geologist, we will visit the most scenic points of interest, which just so happen to coincide with some of our most interesting geological features. We'll have the opportunity to explore concepts like vulcano-stratigraphy or polygenetic volcanoes. Along the way, we'll also discuss history and cultural heritage. Bring your swimsuit if you want to take a dip in one of the island’s famous natural swimming pools (weather permitting). And of course, we'll visit Gruta do Natal and Algar do Carvão.
By the end of the day, you’ll have a comprehensive understanding of the geological history and geodiversity of Terceira Island.
The experience is a fully customizable private tour, custom-made according to your personal needs and wishes.
Tour Options
Geology private full day tour
Pickup included
Itinerary
Monte Brasil
60 min
Sightseeing
Ribeirinha
30 min
Sightseeing, Scenic views on the way
Porto Judeu
Pass by
Pass by
Salga
80 min
Walk, Scenic views
Vila de Sao Sebastiao
Pass by
pass by
Serra do Cume Viewpoint
60 min
Photo stop, Scenic drive, Scenic views on the way
Praia da Vitoria
60 min
Sightseeing (optional)
Terceira
60 min
Swimming (optional), Scenic drive, Scenic views on the way
Biscoitos
60 min
Sightseeing, Swimming, Regional food (optional)
Gruta do Natal
Admission not included45 min
Visit, Guided tour
Furnas do Enxofre
30 min
Visit, Guided tour, Walk
Algar do Carvao
Admission not included45 min
Photo stop, Visit, Guided tour
What's included
Included
Private tour
Hotel Pick up and drop off
Geologist expert guide
Not included
Tickets to Algar do Carvão - €10.00 and Gruta do Natal (Christmas cave) - €9.00. Combo ticket €15.00
Food and drinks
Pickup Locations & Times
We will meet at "Praça velha", main square, just in front of the city hall main door or we will pick you up at your hotel.
Traveller Ratings
5.0
16 reviews
5
16
4
0
3
0
2
0
1
0
Important Information
Service animals allowed
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
1+ days before100% refund
0–1 days before0% refund
Frequently asked questions
How long does Geology private full day tour take?
Geology private full day tour lasts about 8–9 hours. The itinerary has 12 stops.
How much does Geology private full day tour cost?
Prices start at $116 per person for this Terceira experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There is 1 booking option, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
Can I cancel Geology private full day tour for free?
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup is offered. We will meet at "Praça velha", main square, just in front of the city hall main door or we will pick you up at your hotel. Pickup points include Hotel Do Caracol.
What languages is Geology private full day tour offered in?
The experience is available in PT, EN, ES.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a private experience: only your party takes part. Up to 4 travellers can book together.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Will my booking be confirmed immediately?
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Reviews(16)
F
Fatima_N
September 11, 2026
Thank you Ricardo, you made my return to Terceira an remarkable experience!
This was an amazing tour with Ricardo. It was a memorable experience for me as I was born on this island but my parents move to Canada when I was a baby. This was only my second time returning to the Azores after 36 years. Ricardo is very knowledgeable on geology of Terceira and my friend and I had a wonderful time. Unfortunately Algar do Carvao was closed while I was there but Ricardo was very accommodating. He took us to a bull run at my request instead, which was perfect for me to fit everything I wanted to do and see in the short 3 days I was there. I won’t think twice in booking him again when I return someday.
Operator response
Thank you so much for your kind words. It really was a wonderful day!
C
Climber562410
August 10, 2026
Informative and Fun
Ricardo was informative and helpful! He went above and beyond to ensure I had a wonderful day!
A
afatima70
August 8, 2026
The Perfect Island Tour for Solo Female Travelers - 5/5 for Ricardo!
As a female solo traveler, safety, comfort, and flexibility are my top priorities, and Ricardo exceeded every expectation during our full-day guided island tour. He is incredibly kind, an excellent listener, and completely tailored the itinerary to my pacing and interests. Ricardo made me feel entirely safe and comfortable throughout the day, adjusting the schedule on the fly whenever I wanted to spend more time at a particular spot or skip ahead. I cannot recommend him highly enough for anyone looking for a personalized, stress-free, and wonderful experience. 5 out of 5 stars!
Operator response
It was indeed a really good day. Thank you so much for your kind words!
S
Stacey K
July 5, 2026
Wonderful 2 days with Ricardo on Terceira. Perfect balance of knowledge, site seeing and experiencing life on island.
We spent two days on terceira with Ricardo. He got to know us, what we liked and customized the two days for our enjoyment. It included site seeing as well as a downtime to picnic in beautiful parks, swim in the lava pools, detour to see scenic view points, taste local cheeses and relax at local cafes. It was leisurely and fun. We never felt rushed or like we were on a group tour. It genuinely felt like we were checking out the island with an old friend who happened to be fantastically knowledgeable and happy to share knowledge and experiences. Would highly recommend to friends.
Operator response
Thank you so much for your kind words. It was a lovely day indeed!
F
FrancesCorcora_G
June 12, 2026
Great day of geology hot spots on Terceira.
Great experience for geologists and newbies alike. We had a great day with Ricardo visiting the top geo sites on the island.
R
Road23631754401
December 8, 2025
10/10
It exceeded expectations!
Having a child of 3 years with us, we expected a more conditioned visit, Ricardo exceptionally adapted the tour and we had a complete experience and a vision and notion of the geological, historical and gastronomic context that we would never have had without someone with such a culture.
Operator response
Obrigado pelo carinho! Foi um dia fantástico de facto!
G
Global08885444621
December 5, 2025
Fantastic experience, highly recommended
Fantastic experience.
First time on the Third Island. We counted on the services of Ricardo Feliciano as a guide. A deep knowledge of the geology of the island, his knowledge extends to gastronomy, history, architectural heritage and charming locations (even those that escape the mainstream).
Extensive experience, not only in working hours but also in various workplaces.
Your cordiality, sympathy and availability are total.
Highly recommended.
Operator response
Obrigado pelas palavras. Foi um dia fantástico!
S
sheridan_B
September 16, 2025
Wonderful guide on Tericera
I went on a wonderful private tour with Ricardo. He was very easy to be around and talk to for my solo tour. He arrived on time with a very clean car. He took me to out of the way places for the very best views. We were even able to see mount Pico and Sao Jorge Island! He expertly explained the various volcanos and eruptions that formed the island along with other geological facts. He also explained the history of the island and local legends along with practical matters of common words, street signs and the way life on the island works. For lunch we went to a small family owned restaurant where I had excellent grilled octopus. We toured a cave where Ricardo expertly explained the various lava flows and structures. We ended at Monte Brazil. Ricardo was a wonderful guide and very cosiderate. I really wished I had an extra day to book another tour with Ricardo!! My next excursion was snorkeling and turns out I would have much preferred another day of touring with Ricardo. :-). I felt very welcomed on Tericera and this experience justed added to wanting to visit again!! Thanks so much Ricardo. I greatly appreciated your time, kindness and wonderful conversation. Sheridan
Operator response
Hi Sheridan, thank you so much for your kind words. I hope to see you again here on Terceira.
T
Trail420832
September 16, 2025
Geology and a lot more
Ricardo was an excellent guide and very knowledgeable about not only the island and its history and customs, but also is excited to share his knowledge of the geological information of the island. Recommend him highly
Operator response
Thank you! 🙏🏼
J
J3852MOgiadam
August 30, 2025
Exceptional tour with Ricardo
An unforgettable private tour! It'll be just you with Ricardo's company! Ricardo is an exquisite person, kind and a trained and professional guide. He took us around the whole island and showed us with new eyes, both from a geological point of view (quarries, volcanoes, fumaroles) and telling us about some really intriguing folk legends. We touched several scenic spots and well-known locations including the Biscoitos pools where he let us swim in peace. Ricardo is at complete disposal asking if there are different stages that you want to do. A beautiful day and we thank him again so much!! We highly recommend it!!
Operator response
Thank you so much for your kind words!
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