This charming little beach town is one of Brazil’s best kept secrets. Home to some of the most beautiful beaches, a tour to this hidden gem should definitely be on your list. 

The Brazilian Caribbean

I had to do a double take. Am I in Brazil or the Caribbean? The beaches in Arraial do Cabo are so stunning, it’s no wonder they call it the “Brazilian Caribbean.” White sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and that warm sun glistening on my skin—this hidden gem was a perfect way to spend the day. And it’s just a few hours away from Rio! You can make a day of it and spend the day touring this coastal town on a catamaran tour. 

Nestled on the east coast of Brazil, Arraial do Cabo is a small beach town that’s popular among locals. Part of the Costa do Sol (Sun Coast) region, this hidden gem has been nicknamed the Brazilian Caribbean. Filled with beaches, lagoons, dunes, and cliffs, it’s a great spot for diving and snorkeling in Brazil. They also provide catamaran tours that take you straight from your hotel in Rio de Janeiro to the breathtaking beaches of Arraial do Cabo. I had the pleasure of enjoying the Tortuga Tur that took me to Arraial do Cabo. Here’s everything you need to know about the catamaran tour that takes you to the Brazilian Caribbean. 

What is the Tortuga Tur?

The Tortuga Tur is a fabulous day tour that starts with a bus ride from your hotel in Rio (they ‘ll pick you up from the main hotels in Copacabana, Leme, Ipanema, and Leblon). It’s about a 2.5 hour drive to Arraial do Cabo, where the fun and adventure begins in a schooner boat tour around the stunning coastline. This tour truly lets you experience the best of Arraial do Cabo, from its breathtaking beaches to its unique rock formations like Pedra Perfil do Gorila. And if you’re lucky, you might even spot some adorable turtles swimming alongside you. 

On the boat, you’ll get to:

• Stop at Ilha do Farol for 40 minutes of swimming in crystal-clear waters.
• Explore the beautiful Prainhas do Pontal with another 40-minute swim stop.
• Snap gorgeous pics at the famous Gruta Azul (Blue Grotto) and Fenda de Nossa Senhora
• Dive into the refreshing waters at Praia do Forno for a quick 20-minute swim.

Tour Highlights

Here’s a breakdown of the stops you’ll experience on the Tortuga Tur. On the boat tour, you’ll get to: 

1. Stop at Ilha do Farol: You’ll stop here for 40 minutes of swimming in its crystal-clear waters—perfect for that refreshing dip you’ve been dreaming of!
2. Explore the beautiful Prainhas do Pontal do Atalaia: Another 40-minute swim stop at this picturesque beach with its white sands and blue waters.
3. Snap gorgeous photos at the famous Gruta Azul (Blue Grotto): This stop is all about the views! You won’t swim here, but you’ll definitely want to snap a few pics of the stunning rock formations. Fenda de Nossa Senhora: More breathtaking photo opportunities as you cruise past this beautiful rock formation.
4. Dive into the refreshing waters at Praia do Forno: Your last stop is a quick 20-minute swim at one of Arraial do Cabo’s most famous beaches.

After all these stops, you’ll head back to shore and enjoy a relaxing lunch at a local buffet restaurant (if you’ve opted for the lunch package).

What’s Included?

Here’s what you get with the Tortuga Tur:

• Transportation by air-conditioned vehicle from your hotel in Rio (Copacabana, Leme, Ipanema, and more).
• A schooner boat tour in Arraial do Cabo with multiple swim stops.
• A bilingual guide (English, Portuguese, and Spanish) during the bus ride. While there’s no bilingual guide on the boat, the tour commentary is available in multiple languages.

What’s Not Included

• Lunch: Unless you choose the “Full Option” with lunch included, you’ll need to pay for lunch separately at a local buffet restaurant.
• Diving mask/snorkel rental: You can rent snorkeling gear on the boat if you want to get a closer look at those tropical fish!
• Boarding fee: R$10 (about $2 USD) to be paid in cash at the marina.
• Drinks: Available for purchase both on the boat and at the restaurant.

Tips for the Tour 

• Bring cash: You’ll need cash to pay the R$10 marina fee and for any tips or drinks you want to buy during the day.
• Pack a swimsuit and towel: There will be plenty of opportunities to swim, so be sure you’re prepared!
• Sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen: You’ll be out in the sun most of the day, so don’t forget to reapply!
• Snacks: While lunch is available, it’s always good to have a few snacks on hand for the long bus ride.
• Waterproof phone case: If you want to snap some underwater shots or take videos of your adventure, definitely bring a waterproof phone case or GoPro.
• Comfortable clothing: Wear something lightweight and easy to change out of after all the swimming.
• Bring an extra towel or blanket: It was freezing on the bus on the way there and back and even after drying off and swimming, we were all freezing our butts off. Therefore, I’d highly recommend packing an extra towel or blanket to keep your warm on the ride back especially 

Hours of Operation, Pricing, and Location

• Hours of Operation: The Tortuga Tur runs daily. Pick-up from your hotel usually starts around 6:30-7:00 AM, with the tour returning to Rio by late afternoon/early evening.
• Pricing: The tour costs between $60-$75 USD per person, depending on whether you include lunch. You can book directly through the Tortuga Tur website or platforms like Viator.
• Duration: The full tour lasts about 12 hours, with 6 hours spent in Arraial do Cabo and 4-5 hours on the boat tour itself.
• Location: The tour picks you up from your hotel in Rio (Copacabana, Ipanema, etc.) and takes you to Praia dos Anjos in Arraial do Cabo, where the boat departs.

Looking for more stunning beaches to visit during your time in Rio de Janeiro? Here are four more you won’t want to miss!