16 days Sao Miguel (Azores) with kids

I've spent time on Santa Maria.
The ocean there is to be taken seriously, particularly in certain weather conditions, as these are smallish islands in the middle of a changeable ocean of great force. Drop anything, like sunglasses for example, and they will be swept away before you can even look down for them. I remember having a couple of 7 year olds ( friends' cousins) on the beach with me, and feeling I had to stand between them and the deeper water as they played in the shallows, because the waves were tugging their little bodies out with such strength. Can't speak about Sao Miguel, but people on Sta Maria told me they lose part of the pier (big cement blocks) in the winter to the fierce ocean.
If you go to Santa Maria, visit dramatic Sao Lourenco, Pico, and take advantage of the lovely sandy beach the island has.

I do agree in some places the waves can be intimidating (it's the Atlantic for all means!), but there are some beaches where usually the ocean is calmer , e.g. Porto Formoso, Milicias. Avoid the northern coast, waves are generally bigger there.
My answers below.

Does anyone have any suggestions or answers for this questions:
- Surfing: is there a possibility to learn surfing with little kids at the Island?
I think so. Just contact one of the many surf schools.

• Canyoning: where on the islang and from what age?
  I don't think this activity is suitable for children.

• Must do with kids
  Hotsprings in Caldeira Velha and Furnas. Hiking to waterfalls in Salto do Prego. Kayaking in Sete Cidades. Here are some other suggestions on what to do.

• Would you suggest a trip to Santa Maria or would you stay on Sao Miguel? If we go, is it easy with boat?
  It's a 3-hour trip using Atlantico Line ferries. Depends on your goals and what you want to see. I suppose you can take 2-3 days for Santa Maria, although is much smaller than Sao Miguel.

• Are there cabins on the Island where you can sleep for 1 night while hiking?
  Sorry, not sure about this.

Hello,
From being a local I hope you enjoy São Miguel! For me a magical Island as all 9 islands of the Azores.
About your questions:
> - Surfing: is there a possibility to learn surfing with little kids at the Island?
Yes there is.
> - Canyoning: where on the islang and from what age?
> - Must do with kids
There are companys that provide that service.
> - Would you suggest a trip to Santa Maria or would you stay on Sao Miguel? If we go, is it easy with boat?
If you can, go to Santa Maria (take 2 days) it is beautiful. There are boats.
> - Are there cabins on the Island where you can sleep for 1 night while hiking?
I do not think so.
If you are interested in jipe tours or walking tours, Carpe Diem dream tours is an excellent choice . The guied (José Maria) is very friendly and attentive . You can check the website at:
www.carpediemdtours.com
or Facebook:
www.facebook.com/carpediemdtours

He also can help with Canyoning and Surfing contacts

Greetings,

Patrícia Santos

Hello,

We (family with two kids of 6 and 8 years old) are staying in Sao Miguel from the 22th of July until the 8th of August.
Does anyone have any suggestions or answers for this questions:
- Surfing: is there a possibility to learn surfing with little kids at the Island?* >>>> during Summer the conditions can be ok to learn surfing and there are many surf schools operating either in Ribeira Grande an Ponta Delgada (populo)*
- Canyoning: where on the islang and from what age? >>> Kanoying on lagoons are a better alternative
- Must do with kids >>> hot spring pools in Furnas, snorkling at Caloura beach, hiking to Nordeste, biking in Sete Cidades, boat to ilheu (from Vila Franca Campo), SUP at one of the lagoons, descending/trekking to Lagoa do Fogo, lunching at Quinta dos Açores
- Would you suggest a trip to Santa Maria or would you stay on Sao Miguel? If we go, is it easy with boat?* >>> Santa Maria is ike a desert island. One day trip or during August Music Festivals are advisable*
- Are there cabins on the Island where you can sleep for 1 night while hiking?* >>> On Furnas (Furnas Lake) there ar interasting lodgings, but not sure there are cabins. Search for self catering apartments and hostels with kitchen facilities*

Thanks for all the tips in advance,

Greetings,

Pieter

Enjoy the island but take a change to visit Flores, São Jorge, Pico and Faial**

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