Our most recommended things to do in Arraial do Cabo

From Rio: Arraial do Cabo Day Trip with Boat Tour

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

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 swimming and relaxing on the boat, we will have the lunch break. We have the option of an authentic lunch at a local restaurant, should you wish to include it, please be mindful to choose the "with lunch" option and enjoy a full experience. Then re-board 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.

Rio de Janeiro: Shuttle Transfer to/from Ilha Grande

3. Rio de Janeiro: Shuttle Transfer to/from Ilha Grande

Our Shared Transfer from Arraial do Cabo Araçatiba to Santos Dumont Airport is the best option for those seeking a comfortable and secure travel experience. Our vehicles are equipped with air conditioning, passenger insurance, satellite tracking, and Wi-Fi. With experienced drivers, we pick you up directly from your accommodation in Arraial do Cabo and take you to the airport. If you live in Arraial do Cabo or are staying in rental houses, you can also take advantage of our services! Contact us for more information. HOTEL PICK-UP We will schedule your departure based on your flight time and the traffic conditions of the day. The departure time will be sent to you via WhatsApp or email on the day prior to your departure, by 6:00 PM. You will be taken to our support point in São Pedro da Aldeia, where you will transfer to another vehicle for the onward journey to the airport. PICK-UP FROM OTHER ADDRESSES If you reside near the hotel zone, are staying in rental houses, or have other specific addresses, you can also benefit from our services! Contact us for more details. TRAVEL TIME The journey from Arraial do Cabo to SDU Airport takes approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes under normal traffic conditions. There may be a technical stop of 20 minutes halfway through the journey. LUGGAGE Each passenger is entitled to one medium-sized suitcase. Please contact us if you are traveling with additional luggage. DEPARTURE TIMES Daily departures: Between 08:00 AM and 08:30 AM Between 15:30 PM and 16:00 PM

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

Arraial do Cabo: Sightseeing Schooner Cruise

5. 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.

From Búzios: Arraial do Cabo and Cabo Frio Day Trip

6. 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.

From Rio: Arraial do Cabo - The Brazilian Caribbean Daytrip

7. 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 by Trolley

8. Búzios: City Tour by Trolley

Explore the beauty of Búzios on this guided city tour using an open vehicle, the trolley. See the breathtaking views along the main beaches of the peninsula and belvederes, stop for photos, and even take a dip.  Leave from downtown Búzios on the comfortable trolley, which offers a great way to view the surroundings. The tour starts at the glamorous Orla Bardot by Armação beach, named after the French actress Brigitte Bardot, who also has a statue at the location.  Another stop is the statue of Juscelino Kubitschek, former president of Brazil. See the beautiful sculpture Os Três Pescadores, the Three Fishermen, located at sea, in the middle of small fishing boats. Next is the Sant'Anna Church, the only building from the whaling era in the region. Then, continue to the most popular beaches in Búzios, Praia dos Ossos, Praia de João Fernandes, Praia Brava, Praia do Forno, Praia da Foca, and Praia da Ferradura.  Stop for photos at the viewpoints of João Fernandes and Forno, with their truly incredible views of the city. At Ferradura Beach, stop for a refreshing swim in the sea before returning to downtown Búzios.

Arraial do Cabo: Scuba Diving Experience

9. 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.

Rio de Janeiro: Arraial do Cabo Scuba Diving Day Trip

10. Rio de Janeiro: Arraial do Cabo Scuba Diving Day Trip

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.

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What people are saying about Arraial do Cabo

Overall rating

4.0 / 5

based on 116 reviews

The drive was super smooth, great driver who made sure we got a toilet and food break which we weren’t expecting so that was lovely! Met our boat and the driver made sure we got on okay. Picked up at the hotel too which was a bonus as didn’t think we’d have the option! What I would say is that the communication for the time of pick up was a bit confusing. We booked for 10am, then were told 12pm, then the bus turned up at 6:30am whilst we were asleep. It was quickly dealt with and we moved on but that would be the only thing to mention.

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!!!

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.