Private Tour
Private Caves Tour with a Geologist
Overview
Available languages
5 hours
Mobile ticket
Algar do Carvão is closed for construction of the new visitor center since October 20th, 2024. Expecting opening on June 2026.
Open (14:00 - 18:00 summer/ 14:30 - 17:30 winter). October to April close Sunday, Monday and Thursday.
Have you ever imagined yourself inside a volcano?
In this tour, guided by a geologist, we will visit Gruta do Natal (Christmas Cave) and Algar do Carvão. From here in the center of the island, depending on the weather we can choose to taste our famous local cheese while learning some of the region’s history or take a dip in one of our natural ocean pools along the way, bring a towel and a swimsuit.
The experience is a fully customizable private tour custom-made according to your personal needs and wishes.
Additional Info
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
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Private transportation
Hotel Pick up and drop off
Geologist expert guide
Snacks
Infant's car seats
Entrance Fee to Gruta do Natal - €9.00 (combo ticket €15.00 per person)
Entrance Fee to Algar do Carvão - €10.00 (combo ticket €15.00 per person)
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup points
Hotel Zenite
Rua da Rosa 12, Angra do Heroismo Portugal
Hotel Cruzeiro
Rua Nova, 1, Rua do Cruzeiro Angra do Heroismo Portugal
Palacio Santa Catarina
Rua do Capiao Joao de Avila 51 Angra do Heroismo Portugal
Azoris Angra Garden - Plaza Hotel
Praca Velha, Angra do Heroismo Portugal
What To Expect
Gruta do Natal
Lava tube, the cave spreads horizontally where you one can see small detailed lava forms. Some low ceiling areas that require care, so not recommended for those with mobility issues.
Furnas do Enxofre
Ground steaming area with sulfur vents, there is a small circular walking path to best view the unique flora and geology of the area.
Options
Private Caves Tour with a Geologist
Pickup included
Reviews
11 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Very professional and genuine
alan c,
Sep 24, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We are adventurous and this was our first trip to the Azores. Ricardo picked us up at the square in Angra do Heroismo. The big cave is closed temporarily for upgrades so he suggested some other activities and left it to us to decide. We went inside lava tubes at Christmas cave and also visited an area with multiple fumaroles. As scientists we knew right away talking with him that he was very knowledgeable. Ricardo says he's from the mainland, and fell in love with Terceira when he was completing exploration work for the geothermal power station that now supplies a percentage of Terceira's electricity. He showed us the outside of the geothermal plant and explained how they use the steam and water to generate electricity. He decided to come back to Terceira after working there. We have met people like Ricardo while traveling before, and he smiled widely when we mentioned some people decide to relocate because they fall in love with a certain location and way of life. Ricardo fits this profile. We spent the last hour enjoying local cheeses in a cantina overlooking the ocean and chatting about travelling. Ricardo's parting advise was to try the fish soup at a restaurant at our last stop, Sao Miguel Island. It was magnificent advise! Overall, it was an amazing time and we felt like we made a new friend. Thank you, Ricardo!
Great tour experience
Ivy G,
Jul 23, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Ricardo was very knowledgeable and an excellent guide. The tour was easy for our 8 and 10 year olds to also enjoy. Don’t miss this opportunity while staying in Terceira.
great time :)
Szalka22,
May 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Ricardo was kind, knowledgeable and relaxed and made us feel very welcome. His geologist’s perspective was very enriching for our experience of visiting the island. Highly recommend. :)
Wonderful in depth tour of the caves
Vicente L,
Sep 25, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00It was a wonderful tour. We enjoyed it a lot, and the guide was very knowledgeable and friendly. The two caves are definitely a must in Terceira, and the Algar do Carvão was breathtaking.
Best trip
Joanne A,
Sep 21, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00Best trip of our visit to Terceira! Great communication re Hotel pick up . Having Ricardo as our guide meant that we really got the best out of our visits to Gruta do Natal and Algar do Carvão. Having the features explained and been shown what to look for made the experience soo much more interesting. We loved it . We got to see the island with someone who was great who explained the area and also had a fabulous stop for local wine and cheese. What a great experience!
Perfect tour! Highly recommend!
J5287UJlizb,
Aug 27, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This tour is a must! Ricardo is a wonderful and knowledgeable guide (and he takes great photos too!) Beyond the views, I learned a lot about lava formations and other little geology tidbits. The trip to the caves with Ricardo feel personal and special versus a larger group tour. I have already told all my friends (and my mom) they have to do this when they visit Terceira!
Volcanoes & Cheese ❣️
Annaly S,
Aug 9, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00Great tour for a fair price! Richard gave a great perspective on the island and history of volcanoes we wouldn't have gotten without him. I loved learning & seeing the different lava flows and multiple sights. If you go for the half day and have extra time, definitely try the cheese!
Great guide, great time.
anne z,
Jul 28, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00Ricardo was an excellent guide! We highly recommend him. Picked us up on time and taught us much more than we could have on our own in Gruta do Natal and the amazing Carvao. He also took us on a walk around the Furnas do Exofre ( steam vents) and described plants and birds as we went. We had such visiting a small coffee and fruit farm on our way back to town.
Vulkantour
B3562RZrichardb,
Jul 27, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Ricardo was a great guide, explained us very much well. On the way back he showed us a typical restaurant with cheese specialties - a great trip!
Excellent afternoon! Time well spent!
JackieontheMove2017,
May 1, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We booked this tour with Ricardo and had a fantastic time. Ricardo was prompt and very friendly and sweet. He was enthusiastic about our tour and excited to show us all of the interesting aspects of the tour. He is very knowledgeable and an excellent Guide. He took us on a side trip to a coffee plantation that we found to be very interesting and we spent some time the the owner and his wife chatting and enjoying their hospitality. I would highly recommend this tour. Far superior to boarding a bus and being dragged around...Thank you again Ricardo!
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