Exploring the beaches of Arraial do Cabo is an incredible experience and the main activity in the city, since the destination is known for its beautiful beaches. An effective way to see the main beaches is through a boat tour in Arraial do Cabo, the city’s top excursion.
This tour allows visitors to get a comprehensive view of the beaches, making it possible for them to return later to the ones they liked the most. It’s important to note that the boat tour in Arraial do Cabo is the only way to access Farol Beach (Lighthouse Beach), which is recognized as one of the most beautiful in Brazil.
The best boat tours in Arraial do Cabo
Since the boat tour is the main attraction in Arraial do Cabo, in Rio de Janeiro, you’ll find a wide range of tours offered by various agencies and with a variety of boats. Therefore, to help you choose the best boat tour in Arraial do Cabo, we’ve put together some tips to make sure you make the right choice. Additionally, we’ve compiled a list of the best boat tours in the city.
1. Boat tour in Arraial do Cabo with Joana Tour
- Price: USD 29.00
- Duration: About 4 hours
- Start time: 11:30 a.m.
- Where to book: Viator
A boat with attentive staff and good service. Additionally, the boat is never too crowded and features a bar selling drinks and snacks. The boat also provides a bathroom, a support vessel, life jackets, and noodle floats. The best part is that this tour includes unlimited mineral water and a round of fruits. Other services offered on the tour are snorkel mask rentals and an optional photography service.
The tour is available only in Portuguese.
2. Boat tour on the Valentina in Arraial do Cabo
- Price: USD 13.64
- Duration: About 4 hours
- Start time: 11 a.m.
- Where to book: Viator
The boat has a maximum capacity of 35 passengers and includes amenities such as a bathroom, bar, and onboard cleaning service. Additionally, the tour offers optional photography services, bottled water, and a choice of soda or juice. The boat also has onboard Wi-Fi, life jackets, and a support vessel. The excellent service and care on the Valentina boat also set it apart.
The tour is available only in Portuguese.
3. Boat tour on the Don Juan in Arraial do Cabo
- Price: USD 29.22
- Duration: About 4 hours
- Start time: 10 a.m.
- Where to book: Viator
The Don Juan vessel is equipped with onboard Wi-Fi, two bathrooms, and a bar that sells drinks and snacks. Additionally, the boat offers noodle floats, a support vessel, and life jackets. For dog lovers, the boat has two very special helpers: Marujo and Marujinho, two Golden Retriever dogs that bring joy and a touch of tenderness to the tour.
The tour is available only in Portuguese, and as the boat has a capacity for up to 60 people, it can sometimes get quite crowded.
4. Boat tour in Arraial do Cabo by Arraial Viagens
- Price: USD 19.46
- Duration: About 4 hours
- Start time: 9 a.m.
- Where to book: Viator
A two-story vessel that provides a privileged view of the surroundings. The boat offers bottled water, a round of fruits, life jackets, noodle floats, and a support vessel. Additionally, the vessel is equipped with a bathroom, bar, and optional photography service.
The tour is exclusively in Portuguese. The vessel also has a large capacity, so it can get quite crowded on some days.
5. Boat tour with Filho do Sol Turismo
- Price: USD 17.00
- Duration: About 4 hours
- Start time: 9:20 a.m.
- Where to book: Civitatis
A two-story vessel with good service and attentive staff, but one of the highlights of this tour is that they speak Spanish. The boat also features a bar that sells drinks and snacks, a bathroom, life jackets, and noodle floats. Water is provided throughout the tour, along with an optional photography service and a support vessel.
The vessel can sometimes be very crowded.
6. Excursion to Arraial do Cabo + Boat tour from Búzios
- Price: USD 60.00
- Duration: About 8 hours
- Start time: 7 a.m.
- Where to book: Viator
Boat Tour in Arraial do Cabo with Transfer from Búzios (see where to stay in Búzios). This package includes pickup service from your hotel by an air-conditioned vehicle, which could be a bus or a van, taking you directly to the marina in Arraial do Cabo. There, you’ll embark on a standard 4-hour boat tour. Additionally, the tour includes a lunch, usually served at a restaurant in Cabo Frio on the way back to Búzios.
The price of the tour does not include municipal fees or marina fees in Arraial do Cabo.
7. Excursion to Arraial do Cabo + Boat tour from Rio de Janeiro
- Price: USD 50.00
- Duration: About 9 hours
- Start time: 7 a.m.
- Where to book: Viator
This tour offers hotel pickup in the South Zone of Rio de Janeiro, including Copacabana, Ipanema, Leme, and Leblon, among others, using an air-conditioned van or bus (see where to stay in Rio de Janeiro). The transport will take you to the marina in Arraial do Cabo, where you will start the traditional boat tour around the beaches of Arraial do Cabo, lasting 4 hours. Additionally, the tour includes a buffet-style lunch, served after the boat tour.
The price of the tour does not include municipal or marina fees. Moreover, it’s important to note that on days with strong winds or rain, boat tours in Arraial do Cabo are generally canceled. A drawback is that occasionally, this information is only provided upon arrival in Arraial do Cabo.
Tips for choosing the best boat tour in Arraial do Cabo
Book in advance: We recommend booking the tour at least 72 hours ahead of time, even during the low season. The best boats tend to fill up quickly, so if you leave it until the last minute, you won’t have many options, especially during weekends and holidays.
Hire tours from reliable agencies with authorized vessels: Some vessels in Arraial do Cabo can be quite old. Therefore, it is crucial to book your tour with reliable agencies that keep the boats well-maintained and up-to-date. If you are booking in person, ask to see photos of the vessel. For those booking online, agencies usually display photos of the boats on the booking page, and you can also read comments from other travelers about the boat and the tour.
Choose your vessel wisely: Selecting the right vessel is crucial when planning a boat tour in Arraial do Cabo. There are a variety of types of vessels available, and each type of boat offers a different experience. For example, schooners are larger, tend to be more stable, and generally have a more festive atmosphere, with loud music and an entertainer to engage passengers and provide tourist information. However, because they are larger and accommodate more people, the service may not be as personalized as on smaller vessels.
Prefer boats with coverage: On sunny days, even with sunscreen and a hat, there’s a high chance of getting sunburned during the boat tour in Arraial do Cabo, which typically lasts 4 hours under strong sun. Therefore, it’s advisable to choose vessels that have some covered areas to protect yourself from the sun.
Choose vessels that offer water throughout the journey: Staying hydrated is essential on boat tours in Arraial do Cabo, especially when spending 4 hours in the sun. Opt for vessels that provide water throughout the tour, whether it’s free or for purchase. This eliminates the concern of having to bring your own water, as one bottle definitely won’t be enough for the entire journey. Plus, you’ll have constant access to cold water, which is a great benefit, considering that a regular water bottle won’t stay cold for more than 30 minutes.
Essential tips and what to bring for the boat tour in Arraial do Cabo
- Arrive at the marina at least 40 minutes early: It’s advisable to arrive at the boarding location well in advance, preferably 40 minutes before the scheduled departure time. Upon arriving at the dock at Anjos Beach (Angels’ Beach), where the tours depart, you’ll need to stop at the marina booth to pay the boarding fee. This place often has lines, especially on weekends, holidays, and during the high season, so if your tour is during these periods, it’s recommended to arrive at least an hour early.
- Money: The boarding fee for the boat and diving tour in Arraial do Cabo is approximately USD 2.00 per person, and its payment is mandatory. Don’t forget to bring cash to pay this fee, as it is the only accepted form of payment. Children up to five years old and seniors over 60 are exempt from payment.
- Sunscreen: The tour takes place during a period when the sun is most intense, so it is essential to bring sunscreen for both the face and body, with an appropriate sun protection factor.
- Towel: Bring a towel to dry off after getting into the sea.
- Food and water: If your boat does not provide food and water, bring some snacks and plenty of water to stay hydrated. Alternatively, bring some cash to purchase necessities on the boat, in case it offers a menu of food and beverages.
- Hair products: Bring a leave-in product to help detangle your hair after getting in the water, preferably those with sun protection. Also, bring a brush to detangle your hair.
- Cap or hat: Bring a cap or a hat to protect yourself from the sun.
- Sunglasses: Sunglasses with UV protection are also essential for your comfort and protection during the boat tour in Arraial do Cabo.
- Camera or cell phone: The landscapes of Arraial do Cabo are beautiful, so don’t forget to bring a camera or a cell phone to capture all the beauty of the tour.
What time do boat tours start in Arraial do Cabo?
Boat tours in Arraial do Cabo depart at various times. The first boats usually leave at 8:00 a.m., while the last ones typically depart at 1:00 p.m. The specific times will depend on the agency you choose for your tour.
Where do the boats depart from in Arraial do Cabo?
Boat tours in Arraial do Cabo depart from Anjos Beach, from the Marina dos Pescadores (Fishermen’s Marina), also known as Porto do Forno. The Marina dos Pescadores is located at the northern end of Anjos Beach.
Boat tour itinerary in Arraial do Cabo
The boat tour in Arraial do Cabo typically lasts about 4 hours and covers the main beaches in the region, including stops for snorkeling and visits to other local attractions. All agencies offer basically the same itinerary, although the order and the duration of stays at each attraction may vary.
Forno Beach
One of the most beautiful beaches in Arraial do Cabo, with turquoise waters, fine sand, and completely surrounded by the jungle. Often, it is the first stop on all boat tours in Arraial do Cabo. At Forno Beach (Oven Beach), the boats make a stop for about 30 minutes for snorkeling. However, during this stop, it’s not possible to go all the way to the beach; the stop is made away from the sand, solely for appreciation, photos, and snorkeling.
Prainhas do Pontal do Atalaia
Considered by many as the most beautiful in Arraial do Cabo, this beach with turquoise water is completely surrounded by nature. Here, you’ll find the Gruta do Amor, a famous attraction in Arraial do Cabo. The boat tours in Arraial do Cabo usually make a stop at this beach for about 40 minutes. It’s a swimming stop, so everyone can get off the boat and explore the beach. Normally, the boats anchor farther from the beach, and everyone is ferried to the sand by dinghy. It’s important to pay attention to the allotted time for the stop to avoid missing the schedule when the boat comes back to pick up the passengers.
Farol Beach
This is the main attraction of the boat tour in Arraial do Cabo, as it is one of the best beaches in Arraial do Cabo and in Brazil, and its access is limited, with the tour being the only way to visit the beach. The stop at Farol Beach (Lighthouse Beach) lasts about 45 minutes and is also a swimming stop. The larger boats anchor farther from the beach and transport travelers to the sand by boat, while smaller boats can anchor closer to the sand, eliminating the need for a boat transfer.
Fenda da Nossa Senhora
This is a major attraction in Arraial do Cabo. It is a crevice about 5 meters wide between rock formations that houses the image of Nossa Senhora (Our Lady).
During the tour, there is no specific stop at this point, but the boat slows down and passes very close to the crevice, allowing passengers to observe and take pictures.
Gruta Azul
Located in a rocky formation, it features a 3-meter-wide opening and an internal chamber that is 15 meters high. The reflection of sunlight in the cave can create silver, golden, or blue hues on its walls, varying according to the angle of the sunlight. It is a highly recommended spot for diving enthusiasts, although it is essential to be accompanied by a professional. Access to the Gruta Azul is exclusively by boat.
Pedra do Macaco
The boats also usually pass in front of Pedra do Macaco, a rock formation that resembles a monkey, according to some observers.
Buraco do Meteoro
Another point of interest is the Buraco do Meteoro, a crevice that, according to stories, was created by the impact of a meteor, due to the shape of this hole.
During the boat tour in Arraial do Cabo, you will also have the opportunity to appreciate some of the marine life of the destination, possibly spotting turtles, schools of fish, jellyfish, rays, and other animals.
Did you like our tips on the best boat tours in Arraial do Cabo? Then also check out best hotels in Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil.