Welcome to Arraial do Cabo
Arraial do Cabo, 45km east of Saquarema, is surrounded by gleaming white sand dunes and offers breathtaking beaches without half the touristy fuss of neighboring Búzios. Arraial is home to a working fishing port, Porto do Forno, which lends it a welcoming working-class demeanor. Some of the best beaches – pristine swathes of gorgeous sand and bright-green waters – are within an easy 15-minute stroll of the downtown bus station, while others are just a short boat ride away. Arraial is a renowned diving destination, and it’s also a good place to observe humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae), whose migration routes pass directly offshore.
Top experiences in Arraial do Cabo
Amazing hotels and hostels
We've pre-picked the best hotels, hostels and bed and breakfasts to make your stay as enjoyable as possible.
Food and drink
Travel guides
Starting at $38.99
Arraial do Cabo activities
Arraial do Cabo (Brazilian Caribe) Tour from Rio de Janeiro
Arraial do Cabo, also known as 'Brazilian Caribbean', 'Dive Paradise', 'The Atlantic Paradise', is a coastal town in the Lakes Region of Rio de Janeiro, one of the most beautiful Brazilian cities with white sand, salt marsh vegetation, beautiful lakes and crystal clear sea beaches as the Caribe, with cliffs and rock formations that act as nice belvederes to enjoy this wonderful city.A must for anyone who wants to know all the beauties of Rio de Janeiro.After boarding, in comfortable transport as van, minibus or bus, we head to 'Costa do Sol' region, two hours by bus from Rio(But in festive times and holidays can double the time due to traffic). On the way we pass through beautiful landscapes and we will see some cities such as Araruama, Sao Pedro D’aldeia, Cabo Frio and some others, have a quick stop for coffee, snacks, water or even go to the toilet.In a few minutes we arrive at the famous '’Dive Capital’’, Arraial do Cabo city where we will make a city tour and show why Arraial do Cabo is so famous worldwide and grows day by day.Already knowing the city, we will now visit the other side, the beautiful sea the best of Arraial do Cabo. Then we will, on the boat, know the coast of Arraial do Cabo, where we will go to the main points of the city like: Gruta Azul, several Islands, Pontal do Atalaia, Praia do Forno, Praia do Farol, The Gorilas’s Rock and several others points with stops for diving, after the sloop ride, we lunch in a delicious local restaurant.After lunch we will have some free time and then follow back to Rio de Janeiro, with a quick stop, for a coffee, water or go to the toilet. And finally we'll soon be back where we boarded.
One day in Arraial do Cabo
The Tour Arraial do Cabo starts with the boarding procedure in the main hotels in the south and center zones of Rio de Janeiro. In a comfortable transportation that may be a van, minibus or bus, we will move towards the region known as Costa do Sol. On the way we can appreciate beautiful landscapes and our arrival is scheduled for 12pm, there will be stops in snack bars during the trip.Upon arrival, we will board the schooner for the tour Arraial do Cabo, visiting beautiful beaches and the main tourist attractions of the coastal city.The beautiful beaches of Rio de Janeiro and its surroundings never disappoint, and the glorious white beaches and azure waters of Arraial do Cabo are no exception. Book this boat tour to Arraial do Cabo to explore some of the most stunning landscapes in Brazil.This boat trip to Arraial do Cabo will take you to some of the most picturesque places, including: Ilha do Farol (Lighthouse Island),Forno beach, Pedra Gorila (Gorilla Rock) and Fenda de Nossa Senhora (Crevice of Our Lady of Assumption). You’ll also observe the oceanic phenomenon of upwelling, the vertical movement of water from the deepest to surface levels. Appreciate the exotic flora and fauna while soaking in the warm sea breeze.Itinerary of the tour Arraial do CaboPraia do Farol – It’s located in an ecological reserve and under the protection of the Brazilian Navy. Considered by some as the most beautiful beach in Brazil, its waters are incredibly transparent and its sand very white.Prainhas do Pontal – Also known as Prainhas (Small beaches), it is divided in two sand beaches separated by rocks. Because of the rock shore and the transparent waters, it is perfect for diving, being a point of stop for boat tours.Gruta Azul – Its opening is 3 meters wide and inside it we have a beautiful hall of 15 meters in height, with its internal walls in golden and silver tones.Fenda de Nossa Senhora – The origin of its name comes from the story of a fisherman who in 1721 found there a statue of Our Lady of Aparecida.Pedra do Gorila – Its shape says it all.Praia do Forno – Located in a cove, Forno beach is accessible only by boat or a steep trail. Besides the preserved forest, clear waters and corals.After the boat tour Arraial do Cabo we will move on for lunch in a delicious local restaurant. After lunch, we return to Rio de Janeiro, with a quick stop, for a coffee and snacks, water or to go to the bathroom. Our arrival is expected at 8pm.Escape the bustle of Rio de Janeiro and book this beautiful boat tour in Arraial do Cabo. We offer all the comfort, transportation, lunch and visits to the main tourist attractions of this beautiful city of crystalline waters.
2 Days in Rio: City Tour & Brazilian Caribe
ItineraryThis is a typical itinerary for this productStop At: Rio de Janeiro City TourDay 1 - Enjoy a full-day, guided city tour of Rio de Janeiro in which you'll visit all the main attractions including Corcovado and Christ the Redeemer, Sugar Loaf, Maracana Stadium, Sambadrome, the Cathedral and the most famous beaches. Lunch, tickets and transportation are included.Duration: 9 hoursStop At: Corcovado Christ the RedeemerLocation where the statue of Christ the Redeemer is located, one of the seven wonders of the modern world.Duration: 40 minutesPass By: MaracanaStadium of the final of the World Cups of Soccer of 1950 and 2014.Pass By: Praca da ApoteoseSambadromeStage of the presentations of the Samba Schools in the Carnival of Rio de Janeiro. Pass By: The Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint SebastianAlso known as Metropolitan Cathedral of Rio de Janeiro, is a Catholic cathedral located in the city center.Stop At: Rio de Janeiro City TourLunch will be at Pampas, one of the most prestigious steakhouses in Rio de JaneiroDuration: 1 hourStop At: Sugarloaf MountainThe Bondinho do Pão de Açúcar is a cable car located in the neighborhood of Urca, in the city of Rio de Janeiro, in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. It connects Praia Vermelha to Morro da Urca and Morro do Pão de Açúcar. Duration: 2 hoursPass By: Copacabana BeachBeaches of Copacabana, Ipanema and LeblonThe beaches of the most famous neighborhoods of Rio de Janeiro, which gathers charms of all kinds.Stop At: Passeio de Barco em Arraial do CaboDay 2 - The bus will pick-up you in the Hotel and take to Arraial do Cabo.Arraial do Cabo is a coastal city in the Lake District of Rio de Janeiro, with calm sea, beautiful lakes and crystal clear waters, is affectionately called the "Brazilian Caribbean". A true paradise for lovers of diving and one of the most beautiful and paradisiacal places in Brazil. Duration: 12 hoursPass By: Farol Beachthe most beautiful and paradisiacal beacheStop At: Prainhas do Pontal do AtalaiaPrainha do Pontal, where we will stop to swim in the crystal-clear watersDuration: 30 minutesPass By: Crevice of Our Lady of AssumptionArraial do Cabo keeps an image of Our Lady in the middle of the sea. According to the residents, the saint was found by a fisherman in the crevice of a cave.Pass By: Gruta AzulThe Blue Grotto is just one of the beautiful moments, which still count with the waves that break fiercely against the rocks.Stop At: Pedra Perfil do GorilaPedra do Gorila, where we will stop to take some pictures.Lunch is served in the restaurant after the boat tripDuration: 40 minutes
Full-Day Trip to Arraial do Cabo from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
At around 6:30am you will be picked up from your hotel in Rio. After a bus journey of approximately 3/4 hours (will depends on the traffics conditions), the experience begins in the city of Arraial do Cabo. Get to know the charming small town, a very popular place for Brazilians to spend a weekend, but where international tourism is still rare. Embark your boat (schooner) and enter the magical charm of Arraial's most beautiful beaches. The tour lasts 3-4 hours and the main stops are Pontal de Atalaia, Prainha, Praia do Forno and Fenda de Nossa Senhora. At two of the beaches, there will be 30-minute stops to get off-board, dive in the ocean, or take a relaxing walk on the beach. After the boat tour experience, enjoy a tasty buffet lunch in a charming restaurant.At the end of the day, you will be safely taken back to your hotel. A bilingual guide will be by your side all times and assist you in all the matters you need.
Rio de Janeiro Surrounding Villages Private Tour With Driver
Rio de Janeiro is one of the smallest states in Brazil, but full of wealth and stunning small towns around them. Locals love to make short trips to relax, enjoy holidays, live days of fun and romance with friends and family. Many of the towns in the surroundings are within 240 km (150 miles) from the city. This private service provides you with your private driver and vehicle to visit any village you'd like. The service is valid for 24 hours and you will enjoy unique and private assistance that will bring comfort and tranquility for your trip. You can visit mountains full of energy and many amazing beaches. Some of these cities you can visit include Buzios, Paraty, Maua, Petropolis, Ilha Grande, Arraial do Cabo.Make the best out of your Rio de Janeiro visit with this private, custom service.
Arraial do Cabo Experience with Boat Tour from Rio de Janeiro
The tour starts with hotel/airport/seaport pickup. You'll cross the near 14 km long Rio-Niteroi bridge from where you'll have a beautiful view of Rio de Janeiro and then hit the road heading to the Sun Coast Region at the North of the State, where Arrial do Cabo is located. It will be a approximately 2:30 hour drive with beautiful landscapes around.Once at Arraial do Cabo, you go straight to the Boat Tour agency, where you buy the tickets for the boat tour (around BRL 80,00 per person). Please note that you'll need your passport/ID number (not the document itself, a copy is fine) for security procedure. At check-in time they will lead you and the rest of the group (it's not a private boat tour, there will be more people there) to the pier to board the boat. You pay the seaport tax (around BRL 5,00 per person) there and go to the boat to start the tour. The driver will not join the boat tour. He will be waiting for you at the agency. The 3-4-hour boat tour includes sightseeing of Gruta azul, Fenda da Aparição, Praia do Forno and Pedra do Gorila and stops at Ilha do Farol and Pontal do Ataiala beaches (for around 40 minutes at each). The itinerary may change due to weahter conditions. They serve free water at the boat. They also sell snacks, beverages and some services (such as a photographer) on the boat.Once the boat tour ends you´ll meet driver at the agency to head to next destination: Cabo Frio´s Fort Beach. It will be a 15-minute drive by a road that crosses the dunes area. Fort Beach has incredibly white sand, restaurants and 'quiosques' where you can enjoy excellent local food. You can also take some pictures and relax for a while before traveling back to Rio.All finished, another approximately 2:30-hour drive back to Rio de Janeiro with hotel/airport/seaport drop-off. That's the end of an unforgettable day.