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Arraial do Cabo Outdoor activities

Our most recommended Arraial do Cabo Outdoor activities

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 Rio: Arraial do Cabo - The Brazilian Caribbean Daytrip

3. 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.

Rio de Janeiro: Arraial do Cabo Scuba Diving Day Trip

4. 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.

From Rio de Janeiro: Arraial do Cabo Tour with Lunch

5. From Rio de Janeiro: Arraial do Cabo Tour with Lunch

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.

From Rio de Janeiro: Day Trip to Arraial do Cabo

6. From Rio de Janeiro: Day Trip to Arraial do Cabo

Founded in 1503 by the navigator Américo Vespúcio, located in the Lakes Region, Arraial do Cabo is approximately two and half hours drive from Rio (170 km / 105 miles). Go off the beaten track! Arraial do Cabo in the Lagos Region of Rio de Janeiro is one of the most spectacular destinations in Brazil! Sunny days and stunning beaches. An excellent choice for those who want to enjoy a good relaxing day on white sands and sea. The transparent and incredibly blue sea gives Arraial do Cabo the fame of the “Brazilian Caribbean”. Great choice to know the city and amazing beaches of the region in this day trip beach tour!

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What are other things to do than Outdoor activities that are worth visiting in Arraial do Cabo?

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What people are saying about Arraial do Cabo

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.