Things to do in

Arraial do Cabo

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.

Dive into the crystal-clear waters of Arraial do Cabo! Experience this underwater tour through the depths full of life and observe a whole new universe on this breathtaking journey! 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. Arraial do Cabo is 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 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

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, around 10:00 AM, 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 around 3:00 PM and 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.

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.

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.

Enjoy a full day on Brazil's most famous riviera. Begin your tour at the meeting point and set off for an amazing land and sea experience. You'll cover 12 beaches on the south side of the city, with stops for photos at João Fernandes and Brava lookouts. Stop for a hike on a trail at Lagoinhas and for a swim at Forno Beach. The land portion of the tour will be traveled via a special open trolley.  Then, discover the city on board a schooner. Set sail past 12 beaches and 3 islands. Pass by Armação Beach, Caboclo Island, Orla Bardot, Ossos Beach, Azeda Beach, Azedinha Beach, João Fernandes Beach, João Fernandinho Beach, Branca Island, Feia Island, Tartaruga Beach, Tartaruguinha Beach, Virgens Beach, Amores Beach, and Canto Beach.  Relax with a swim at 3 different spots: João Fernandes Beach, Feia Island, and Tartaruguinha Beach. Afterwards, savor a tasty lunch at a scenic restaurant by the sea. Explore the world-famous street, Rua das Pedras, picking up some souvenirs and local crafts along the way.

Get ready for an awe-inspiring scuba diving excursion perfect for both beginners and advanced divers. Take off from Rio to reach the crystal-clear waters of Arraial do Cabo. Enjoy snacks and drinks on board, and receive one or two tanks depending on your diving level. Located in the Lakes Region, Arraial do Cabo is approximately a 2.5-hour drive from Rio. Arraial do Cabo is famous for being the largest dive center in Rio de Janeiro and one of the most important in Brazil. Benefit from waters that offer amazing visibility and rich marine biodiversity, allowing you to see squids, turtles, groupers, lobsters, seahorses, rays, and even dolphins. Jacques Yves Cousteau, one of the pioneers in diving, was amazed by this area's calm and transparent waters. After a few minutes from the harbor by boat, reach the diving spots. Prepare for an average water temperature is of 20 degrees Celcius (68 degrees Fahrenheit). The depth of the dives will be from 6 to 35 meters (19 to 115 feet), depending on the area and the diver's experience. Full scuba gear is included, so gear up with a mask, regulator, 5 mm wetsuit, BCD, and fins. Two tanks will be provided for certified divers, while diver newbies and those without certification can enjoy a single tank for the so-called baptism, a guided dive for beginners.

Escape the urban hustle and bustle of Rio de Janeiro and journey to the beautiful beaches of Arraial do Cabo in this full day tour. Enjoy a delicious lunch as you see the more of the Brazilian coast. Meet your guide from the comfort of your accommodation, and sit back and enjoy the ride to Arraial do Cabo. Go by Farol Beach and see its picturesque lighthouse, pass the Crevice of Our Lady of Assumption, and see brilliant blue sea cave at Gruta Azul. Stop for a relaxing swim or a break on the beach at Prainhas do Pontal do Atalaia. Visit the gorilla stone at Pedra Perfil do Gorila. Eat a scrumptious lunch in this paradise-like region.

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.