Private half-day tour · Terceira Island
Terceira Caves & Waterfalls
Step inside Terceira’s volcanic world and see the island’s greener side, all in one private afternoon.
Visit Algar do Carvão and Gruta do Natal, then explore the waterfall landscape with your local guide.
Both cave admission fees are included. Cave access depends on opening hours and the conditions set by the sites’ operator.
Important information about cave visits
Tour starts at 2:00 PM. Cave opening days affect availability. Please check the schedule before choosing a date.
Algar do Carvão opening times: 2026 reference
The operator has not yet published its 2027 calendar. The dates below are a reference only; they must be confirmed for your travel date. Gruta do Natal has its own operating conditions.
- 21–31 March 2026: Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, 2:30 PM–5:00 PM
- April & May 2026: Daily, 2:30 PM–5:00 PM
- June–September 2026: Daily, 2:00 PM–6:00 PM
- October–December 2026: Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, 2:30 PM–5:00 PM
Published closure days: January 1, Easter Sunday, December 1, December 25, Carnival Tuesday, December 24 and December 31.
Algar do Carvão visits may be suspended temporarily during ongoing works or for operational reasons. The operator expects to announce closures in advance, but opening days and access conditions may change.
Cave entry depends on opening conditions and operational availability. The order of the itinerary may change with the weather, cave access and logistics.
Planning for 2027? Check the operator’s latest opening information before booking. No 2027 opening dates have been confirmed yet.
An afternoon shaped by volcanoes
Inside the volcano
Descend into Algar do Carvão and see the island’s volcanic history from a remarkable vantage point.
Through a lava tube
Explore Gruta do Natal and discover how lava shaped the ground beneath Terceira.
Back to the green island
Continue into a waterfall landscape, with time to enjoy the scenery alongside your guide.
A change of scenery
From underground wonders to waterfalls.
The contrast is the pleasure of this half day: dark volcanic rock, then fresh air and the island’s green interior.
Your guide will adjust the order of stops to fit cave opening hours, visitor conditions and the weather.
Your private half-day tour
A guided introduction to Terceira’s volcanic caves and waterfall scenery.
2:00–6:00 PM
Description
Explore two very different volcanic sites before visiting the island’s waterfall landscape.
The cave visits depend on the operator’s opening hours and admission rules. We plan the route around the conditions of the day.
Our usual itinerary
- Pick-up and drive towards the island’s volcanic interior
- Algar do Carvão, subject to opening and admission
- Gruta do Natal, subject to opening and admission
- Waterfalls and forest scenery
- Return transfer
Included
Not included
What to bring
- Shoes with good grip
- A light layer for the caves and changing weather
- Water
- Tell us beforehand about any difficulty with stairs or uneven ground
Private tour prices
Cave admission is included. Booking system fees, if applicable, are shown during booking.
Good to know
- Algar do Carvão may close temporarily or limit admission while work at its visitor centre continues.
- The operator sets opening hours and admits visitors on arrival. We cannot guarantee entry on a date when a cave is closed or at capacity.
- There are many steps inside Algar do Carvão; Gruta do Natal and the waterfall section can involve uneven ground. Let us know about mobility needs before booking.
FAQ
Questions before booking?
Are admission tickets to the caves included?
Yes. Admission to Algar do Carvão and Gruta do Natal is included when the sites are open and admit visitors.
Will we definitely visit Algar do Carvão?
We plan to visit, but its operator may change opening hours or suspend visits during work at the visitor centre. We will confirm the available route with you if that happens.
Is this tour suitable for people who struggle with stairs?
Algar do Carvão has many steps, Gruta do Natal and the waterfall area can involve uneven ground. Please tell us about mobility needs before booking so we can advise you.
Is lunch included?
No. This is a four-hour tour; food and drinks are not included.
What does the tour cost?
It costs €120 per adult for groups of two or more, or €180 for a solo traveler. Child prices are available on request. Booking system fees, if applicable, are shown during booking.
Ready to see Terceira from another angle?
Explore the island’s caves and waterfalls on a private half-day tour.
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