A full-day schooner tour from Rio to Arraial do Cabo visits Praia do Farol, Prainhas and the Blue Grotto, combining calm snorkel stops with dramatic coastal scenery. Expect a shared-boat itinerary, a regional lunch, and short beach landings plus mandatory local fees.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Morning light slants across the limestone teeth of Arraial do Cabo as a wooden schooner eases out of Praia dos Anjos, the harbor chattering with returning fishing boats. Salt-slick spray cools the skin; the ocean ahead is a shifting palette—emerald, turquoise, then a deep cobalt where currents meet the sandbars.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
12 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; involves short beach walks and getting on/off the boat
Wildlife
History
Arraial do Cabo developed as a fishing village; its harbors and oyster farms reflect a long local dependence on the sea and a culture built around small-scale fisheries.
Conservation
Parts of the coastline, including Ilha do Farol, are protected; visitor limits and local fees help fund conservation and support traditional fishermen.
Reserve your spot on the A day in Arraial do Cabo the Brazilian Caribbean today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Bring small cash for local fees
There is an environmental fee (~R$10.50) and a jardineira entry fee (~R$15) payable during the tour; small bills make the process faster.
Protect yourself from the sun
Wide-brim hat and reef-safe sunscreen are musts—the sand and water amplify UV exposure on midday stops.
Prepare for motion
If you get seasick, take preventive medication before boarding; wave action can be choppy when the boat leaves sheltered coves.
Respect Ilha do Farol rules
Landing is regulated and visitor numbers are limited—follow guides’ instructions and do not walk outside permitted areas.
Reef-safe sunscreen
Protects skin while minimizing harm to coral and marine life during snorkel stops.
summer
Water shoes
Protects feet when entering rocky beaches and shallow reefs from the boat.
Snorkel mask (personal)
Using your own mask improves comfort and fit for seeing marine life up close.
summer
Light rain jacket or wind shell
A compact layer helps against spray and sudden coastal breezes, especially outside peak summer.
fall