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Things to do in Arraial do Cabo

Our most recommended things to do in Arraial do Cabo

From Rio: Arraial do Cabo Day Trip with Boat Tour and Lunch

1. From Rio: Arraial do Cabo Day Trip with Boat Tour and Lunch

Begin your 12-hour tour through paradise with a drive from Rio de Janeiro to the region of the Costa do Sol (Sun Coast). When you arrive in Arraial do Cabo, hop aboard a majestic schooner to sail through the warm, clear waters of what’s often called the Brazilian Caribbean. Gliding through the sea, you’ll make a 40-minute stop to swim and snorkel near the Ilha do Farol, a peninsula famous for its lighthouse, and Prainhas do Pontal, a coastal zone flanked by towering cliffs and verdant mountains. Continuing on your boat tour, you’ll stop for photos at the Gruta Azul, a grotto known for its shockingly-azure waters, and the Fenda de Nossa Senhora, where a statue of a saint is placed between a massive rift in between 2 cliffs. To cap off your boat tour, you’ll enjoy another 20-minute stop at one of the region’s most famous beaches, the Praia do Forno. After working up an appetite swimming and relaxing on the boat, you’ll enjoy an authentic buffet-style lunch at a local restaurant, before hopping back aboard your transportation to Rio, arriving back in time for dinner.

From Rio de Janeiro: Arraial do Cabo Boat Trip with Lunch

2. From Rio de Janeiro: Arraial do Cabo Boat Trip with Lunch

Enjoy an early morning pickup from Rio and relax on the 3-hour drive to the city of Arraial do Cabo. A quick pit-stop on the road is made to stretch the legs, have a bathroom break, and buy a snack. Explore the Arraial sea which is special for a very particular reason. In the region, there is the phenomenon of a resurgence, which brings to the surface deep waters rich in marine life. The abundance of food turns Arraial into one of the best diving spots in the country, with clear waters and lots of life. Leave the bus upon arrival in the docks of Arraial do Cabo and hop on the schooner. Enjoy a schooner ride through the best beaches of Arraial do Cabo. Marvel at the waters in shades of green and blue, ready for a swim. Explore 4 different stops in places like the Forno beach, the Praia do Farol, or famous Atalaia beach. Take in the panoramic view of the Blue Groot, a hidden cave with deep blue water. Revel at the crystal-clear water and white sands before leaving the boat to have a buffet lunch. Then, it is time to leave Arraial. Hop on the bus to make the journey back to Rio where you will arrive around 8:00 PM.

From Búzios: Arraial do Cabo and Cabo Frio Day Trip

3. From Búzios: Arraial do Cabo and Cabo Frio Day Trip

After a 1-hour bus ride from Búzios, arrive at Arraial do Cabo. Board a boat and set sail through the crystal-clear waters. See places such as Lighthouse Island, Crevice of Our Lady of Assumption, Gorilla Rock, Blue Grotto, Pontal do Atalaia, and Forno Beach.  Stop for a swim at 3 stunning spots. Then, disembark and enjoy lunch at a buffet restaurant, with drinks and dessert at your own expense. After lunch, embark on a city tour through Cabo Frio, a 500-year-old town. Get to know historical spots like São Matheus Fort and the beautiful Passagem neighborhood. Take in views of the exquisite landscape and the mighty sea.

Rio de Janeiro: Shuttle Transfer to/from Arraial do Cabo

4. Rio de Janeiro: Shuttle Transfer to/from Arraial do Cabo

Enjoy a safe, comfortable, and convenient shared transfer to your accommodation in Arraial do Cabo from Antonio Carlos Jobim International Airport (also known as Galeão), Santos Dumont Airport, or from hotels in the South Zone of Rio de Janeiro. Choose a one-way transfer in either or both directions according to your needs. Book your shared transfer in advance and arrive safely at Arraial do Cabo without the inconvenience of the public transport network or the expense of a last-minute taxi ride. Relax in the safety and comfort of a licensed, air-conditioned vehicle driven by a professional driver. The route between Rio de Janeiro and Arraial do Cabo is about 100 miles, covered in 3.5 hours in normal conditions. On holidays, the journey can take twice as long. Service runs 365 days a year and below are suggested departures according to your flight schedule: • From airports in Rio de Janeiro to Arraial do Cabo 7:30 AM - flights arriving before 6:00 AM at SDU and 6:40 AM at GIG 10:30 AM - flights arriving before 9:00 AM at SDU and 9:40 AM at GIG 12:30 PM - flights arriving before 11:00 AM at SDU and 11:40 AM at GIG 2:30 PM - flights arriving before 1:00 PM at SDU and 1:40 PM at GIG 5:30 PM - flights arriving before 4:00 PM at SDU and 4:40 PM at GIG 8:00 PM - flights arriving before 6:00 PM at SDU and 7:00 PM at GIG 11:00 PM - flights arriving before 9:30 PM at SDU and 10:00 PM at GIG • From Arraial do Cabo to Rio de Janeiro airports 1:00 AM - flights departing between 6:00 AM-10:00 AM 3:00 AM - flights departing between 10:00 AM-2:00 PM 6:00 AM - flights departing between 2:00 PM-5:00 PM 9:00 AM - flights departing between 5:00 PM-9:00 PM 1:00 PM - flights departing after 9:00 PM

From Arraial do Cabo: Sightseeing Schooner Cruise

5. From Arraial do Cabo: Sightseeing Schooner Cruise

Check in at Praia dos Anjos, go to the port and board a schooner for an unforgettable tour in Arraial do Cabo. Admire all the beauty of the region known as the “Brazilian Caribbean”. Sit back and enjoy the views of paradise. Disembark and enjoy a 40-minute stop to dive in the crystal-clear waters of Ilha do Farol and Prainhas do Pontal. Make a stop for photos in the beautiful landscapes of the Gruta Azul, Fenda de Nossa Senhora and Pedra do Gorila. Your last 20-minute diving stop is at one of the city's most famous spots, enjoy the refreshing waters and incredible scenery of Praia do Forno.

Arraial do Cabo: Scuba Diving Experience

6. Arraial do Cabo: Scuba Diving Experience

Dive into the crystal-clear waters of Arraial do Cabo, a city known as the “Brazilian Diving Capital”, thanks to the numerous submergence points with crystal-clear waters, abundant marine life, and good conditions for practicing all year round. Live a unique experience at the bottom of the Brazilian sea! Enjoy your first-time diving conducted by a certified and experienced instructor. At the meeting point, embark on this adventure towards the dive site. Find beautiful corals, turtles, different types of stingrays, morays, lobsters, seahorses, and fish of different sizes, shapes, and colors. Enjoy this adventure for about 30 minutes at the bottom of the ocean and get to know this whole parallel universe under the water. Save unique memories, recorded in photos that are already included in the package.

From Búzios: Arraial do Cabo Guided Boat Tour and Lunch

7. From Búzios: Arraial do Cabo Guided Boat Tour and Lunch

Get out of Búzios for a trip of approximately one hour to Arraial do Cabo. Board the schooner and admire all the beauty of the region known as the "Brazilian Caribbean". Settle into your seat and enjoy the paradisiacal views during a ride of approximately 4 hours. During the tour we will visit Farol Island, continuing to the small beaches of Pontal do Atalaia, famous for its giant staircase. We continue to Forno Beach, where you can snorkel or enjoy a swim in the crystal clear waters. Take incredible pictures at the beautiful Gruta Azul, Pedra do Macaco and Fenda de Nossa Senhora. Afterwards, disembark for lunch at a local buffet restaurant (drinks and desserts are not included) and return to Búzios.

Arraial do Cabo: ATV Quad Bike Tour

8. Arraial do Cabo: ATV Quad Bike Tour

Proceed to the meeting point at the Praia Grande beachfront in Arraial do Cabo where the guide will welcome you for an unforgettable ride in the "Brazilian Caribbean". A training on how to drive the equipment will be given by the guide. The driver of the quadricycle must have a Driver's License Category B. The adventure begins at the Pedreira da Álcalis, impressed by the immensity of the rocky wall and the exuberant nature of the place. Next stop is Praia do Pontal, the first beach in Arraial do Cabo and one of the most remote ones, where you will enjoy with tranquility all the beauty of the crystal clear water and white sand characteristic of the city. We continue our tour to another surprising place in the region, the Barra Nova Lagoon, located on the border between Arraial do Cabo and Cabo Frio, its reddish color contrasts with the blue water of Praia do Foguete, with only a strip of sand that divides the lagoon from the sea. We end the tour in the sandbank of Praia Grande, a place surrounded by white sand dunes and one of the best known beaches in the region. This itinerary is subject to change.

From Rio: Arraial do Cabo - The Brazilian Caribbean Daytrip

9. From Rio: Arraial do Cabo - The Brazilian Caribbean Daytrip

Located on the north coast of Rio de Janeiro state, Arraial do Cabo is a small town that is known for its beaches and crystal-clear waters. This 13-hour excursion to the area begins with a 3-hour drive to Arraial, stopping for breakfast en route. Board a boat at Praia dos Anjos Beach for a fun and unforgettable trip with stops to dive and swim. Stop near Praia do Farol Beach, where the number of visitors is limited. See the Gruta Azul, a cave that is a paradise for jellyfish. After the boat trip, enjoy lunch at an all-you-can-eat buffet. There will be some free time to explore the city as well.

Búzios: City Tour & Beach Hopping with Lunch

10. Búzios: City Tour & Beach Hopping with Lunch

Begin your city and beach hopping tour of Búzios with pickup at your hotel, inn, or AirBnb from 10:30 AM. Then, explore the city center, Canto Beach, and the Orla Bardot. See the Brigitte Bardot and Três Pescadores Monuments before heading to Armação Beach. Next, admire the Juscelino Kubitschek Monument, João Fernandes Beach, and João Fernandinho Beach. Stop at the João Fernandes viewpoint to take photos before taking two 40-minute stops at Brava Beach and Forno Beach. Later, tuck into a buffet lunch for 1 hour before making two more 40-minute stops at Ferradura Beach and Geribá Beach. Finally, finish at the Porto da Barra Gastronomic Center, where you can opt to witness a beautiful sunset. The local partner suggests booking the tour for your first available day so will you learn everything about this charming city with your English-, Spanish-, and Portuguese-speaking guide. During your tour, you’ll receive many valuable tips to plan the rest of your stay.

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What people are saying about Arraial do Cabo

Overall rating

4.0 / 5

based on 116 reviews

It started a little bit later than the original time, got an email changing the pick up time the night before. But operator was on time. Great organization for stops, pick-up, the stop to rest and at the pier and islands. Amazing team on the boat, friendly, fun and overall really good.

Amazing day, the best day of my holidays so far. Bruno is the best guide, he speaks several languages, he made sure every single guest was comfortable and the lunch after the boat was great. Highlights: snorkelling, the beaches, staff in the boat and Bruno. Downsides: Nothing!!!

Great tour and beautiful places! Our guide Aline was super nice! We recommend !! Everything on top except the lunch restaurant! A buffet in the end because the planned restaurant was not available. Really bad and not clean. But everything else was great!! Thank you Aline!

Excelente tour. Arraial do cabo es increíble. La guía cumplió todo lo que nos habían prometido y los tiempos acordados fueron cumplidos. El lugar de almuerzo está ok.

Excellent experience, highly recommended the tour. Especially for our guide Aline, who was attentive to our requirements and for her sympathy.