Exploring Arraial Do Cabo’s breathtaking beauty from Rio de Janeiro is a must-do adventure. This full-day excursion combines a scenic schooner ride, snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, and a delicious buffet lunch. With transportation, a professional guide, and a backup plan for weather, it’s a shared experience perfect for soaking in Brazil’s stunning coastline. Whether you’re seeking natural wonders or simply want to unwind, this comprehensive package offers an unforgettable day away from the city.
Key Points

- This full-day excursion from Rio de Janeiro includes transportation, a professional guide, a scenic schooner ride, snorkeling, and a buffet lunch.
- The tour visits multiple beaches in the stunning Arraial do Cabo region, with an alternative itinerary provided in case of adverse weather.
- Pickup is available from various locations in Copacabana, Ipanema, and Leblon, with a maximum of 45 guests on a shared basis.
- The tour has 150 reviews and a Badge of Excellence, but communication quality and logistical issues like late pickups have been reported as occasional challenges.
- Safety measures include the provision of life vests, but the tour is not wheelchair accessible, and infants must sit on laps.
Tour Overview and Inclusions

The excursion to Arraial do Cabo, Rio de Janeiro, offers a comprehensive package that includes transportation in a licensed car, a professional tour guide, a schooner ride, lunch, drinks, dessert, snorkeling equipment, and a fee of 10 reais per person for Brazilian Navy entry.
Pickup is available in Copacabana, Ipanema, and Leblon. With 150 reviews and a Badge of Excellence, this tour promises an immersive experience.
Travelers can expect a full-day itinerary starting at 7:00 am and returning to the meeting point. The tour caters to a maximum of 45 guests on a shared basis.
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Itinerary and Activities

The tour starts at 07:00 am and ends back at the meeting point.
The day’s activities include:
A scenic schooner ride, snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, and visits to multiple stunning beaches.
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A scenic schooner ride
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Snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters
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Visits to multiple stunning beaches
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An alternative itinerary in case of adverse weather
Lunch is served at a buffet restaurant, typically around 4:30 pm to avoid potential seasickness.
There are no cancellations due to weather, as the tour operator provides a backup plan to ensure a memorable experience regardless of the conditions.
Transportation and Logistics

This is a shared tour, with a maximum of 45 travelers.
Pickup may involve multiple stops, potentially causing delays. Traffic is common during peak tourist season, so pickup times are indicative.
The company offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience.
Nautical tours are subject to the Captaincy of Ports authority, which may prohibit departures based on weather conditions. Life vests for emergencies are provided, and recreational vests are available for rent at R$ 35.
The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and infants must sit on laps.
Lost items on buses or vans aren’t the company’s responsibility.
Safety and Regulations
Every nautical tour in Arraial do Cabo is subject to the Captaincy of Ports authority. This government agency may prohibit departures based on weather conditions to ensure safety.
Some key safety considerations:
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Life vests are provided for emergencies, and recreational vests are available for rent at R$ 35.
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The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and infants must sit on laps.
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Lost items on buses or vans aren’t the company’s responsibility.
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While guides are multilingual, communication may vary based on group composition.
Destination: Arraial Do Cabo
Arraial do Cabo is a picturesque coastal town located approximately 150 kilometers east of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
It’s known for its beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and scenic landscapes. The town’s main attractions include Praia dos Anjos, Praia do Forno, and Praia Grande, each offering unique experiences for visitors.
The schooner ride during the tour provides an opportunity to explore the region’s stunning coastline and potentially spot marine life.
With its idyllic setting and diverse activities, Arraial do Cabo is a popular destination for those seeking a relaxing and nature-filled day trip from Rio.
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Schooner Ride and Snorkeling
The schooner ride offers visitors a unique perspective of Arraial do Cabo’s stunning coastline. The excursion includes:
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A scenic cruise aboard a traditional Brazilian schooner
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The opportunity to spot marine life, such as dolphins and sea turtles
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Breathtaking views of the region’s famous white sand beaches and cliffs
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Snorkeling in the clear waters, allowing guests to explore the underwater world
The schooner ride is a highlight of the tour, providing a leisurely way to experience the natural beauty of this picturesque coastal town.
Travelers can relax and take in the sights while enjoying a smooth ride across the sparkling waters.
Lunch and Dining Experience
During the excursion, travelers are served a buffet-style lunch at a local restaurant, typically around 4:30 pm to avoid any potential seasickness from the earlier activities.
The lunch menu features a variety of Brazilian dishes, including rice, beans, meats, vegetables, and salads. Drinks like water, soft drinks, and juices are also provided.
The buffet setup allows guests to customize their meals according to their preferences.
The lunch break provides a chance to refuel and recharge before the return journey.
This dining experience is designed to complement the overall tour’s activities and schedule.
Customer Feedback and Impressions

How do travelers generally view the Arraial do Cabo excursion based on their feedback? Reviews of the experience are mixed, reflecting both highlights and areas for improvement.
Key takeaways include:
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Beautiful scenery and attentive guides as top highlights
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Language barriers and service inconsistencies as common complaints
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Overall rating of 4.4 out of 5 based on 150 reviews
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Guides are multilingual, but communication quality can vary depending on group composition
While the natural beauty of Arraial do Cabo is widely praised, some travelers note logistical challenges like late pickups and long wait times for lunch.
The excursion give you a memorable experience, though individual satisfaction may differ.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Age Restrictions for This Tour?
The tour doesn’t have any age restrictions, but infants must sit on a parent’s lap. Children of all ages are welcome to participate, though the tour may not be fully accessible for wheelchair users.
Can I Bring My Own Snorkeling Equipment?
You can bring your own snorkeling equipment, but the tour also provides snorkeling gear. Using the provided equipment is recommended as it’s included in the tour price and ensures proper sizing and functioning for the excursion.
Do I Need to Know How to Swim to Participate?
No, you don’t need to know how to swim to participate. The tour provider offers snorkeling equipment and life vests for emergencies. However, basic swimming skills are recommended to fully enjoy the snorkeling experience.
Are Photos and Videos Allowed During the Tour?
Photos and videos are generally allowed during the tour, though guests should be mindful of not disrupting the experience or obstructing others’ views. Some restrictions may apply in certain areas for safety or conservation reasons.
How Much Time Is Spent at Each Beach Location?
The time spent at each beach location varies, but travelers can typically expect to spend around 1-2 hours exploring and enjoying the scenery at the different beaches visited during the tour.
The Sum Up
The Arraial Do Cabo excursion from Rio de Janeiro offers a comprehensive day trip to experience the area’s natural beauty. Guests can enjoy a scenic schooner ride, snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, and a delicious buffet lunch, all while benefiting from transportation and a professional guide. With a small group size, this is an ideal way to explore Brazil’s stunning coastline in a safe and enjoyable manner.
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