Clear waters and white sand beaches line this coastal town in Rio de Janeiro state. Local fishermen still practice traditional fishing near the limestone cliffs and coral reefs.
Arraial do Cabo sits on Brazil's Atlantic coast, where crystal-clear waters reveal schools of fish swimming through 16th-century shipwrecks. Walk up to the Pontal do Atalaia viewpoint for panoramic views of the coastline, swim at secluded Prainhas beach, or take a boat to explore the blue-lit Gruta Azul cave. Local fishermen bring their daily catch to the waterfront restaurants, where you'll find fresh oysters and traditional Brazilian seafood stews.
Swimming at Arraial's Beaches
The turquoise waters at Prainhas do Pontal do Atalaia reach 24°C in summer. Cacti and desert plants grow on the surrounding slopes, while the beach stretches below with its white sand. Walk up the winding streets for about 20 minutes to reach several viewpoints 100 meters above the coastline. To visit Praia do Farol on Lighthouse Island, take a 20-minute boat ride from the main pier. The island has several quiet swimming spots and leads to Gruta Azul, a sea cave illuminated by filtered sunlight.
Diving and Marine Life
The meeting of southern cold currents and northern warm waters creates rich marine ecosystems around Arraial do Cabo. Divers can explore multiple shipwrecks from the 1500s and 1600s, which now act as homes for sea turtles and tropical fish. Local dive centers teach beginners and guide experienced divers through sites where visibility often extends beyond 30 meters. You'll need to book diving trips at least one day in advance.
Getting Around and Transportation
Catch a bus from Rio de Janeiro's main terminal to Arraial do Cabo every two hours. The coastal highway journey takes about three hours. Local buses connect to nearby Búzios and Cabo Frio every 30 minutes. The town center and main beaches lie within a 15-20 minute walk of each other, making it easy to explore on foot.
Local Food Scene
Each morning at Praia dos Anjos, fishing boats arrive with fresh catches that go straight to the waterfront restaurants. Try Brazilian-style moqueca, a fish stew made with coconut milk, tomatoes, and local spices. The harbor area has several floating restaurants where you can eat oysters harvested that morning from the surrounding waters. Most restaurants display the day's catch on ice, letting you choose your fish before it's grilled.
