The Brazilian Caribbean

On the east coast of Brazil sits Arraial do Cabo, a charming little coastal beach town that’s popular among locals. Nicknamed the Brazilian Caribbean, this hidden gem is part of the Costa do Sol (Sun Coast) region and is filled with beaches, lagoons, dunes, and cliffs. It’s a popular spot for diving, snorkeling, and ATV excursions in Brazil. You can also set sail on a boat tour that takes you to Arrial do Cabo’s most breathtaking beaches. I had the pleasure of experiencing one with local tour operator Tortuga Tur—and trust me, this day trip is one you don’t want to miss.

$60-$80 USD

12 hr day trip

Arrial do Cabo

Avg. 77–90°F

What is the Tortuga Tur?

Tortuga Tur is a fun-filled day tour and one of the best ways to experience the beauty of Arraial do Cabo. The adventure starts with hotel pickup early in the morning from popular Rio neighborhoods like Copacabana, Leme, Ipanema, and Leblon. You travel by bus, which is very cold, so it’s a good idea to bring a jacket or sweater.

After a scenic 2.5-hour drive, there’s a quick stop for a bathroom break and a visit to a local market, where you can grab some snacks or order breakfast at a casual cafeteria. Once you arrive in Arraial, you’ll take a van or microbus to the small coastal town where the marina is located. There, you’ll pay the marina fee before walking to the dock, where you’ll hop aboard a schooner boat to cruise along the coastline.

The tour gives you front-row views of the town’s most breathtaking beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and dramatic rock formations—like the famous Pedra Perfil do Gorila. And if the ocean’s feeling friendly, you might even spot a sea turtle or two gliding by.

Tour Hours, Pricing, Location, and Itinerary

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. Boarding fee: R$10 (about $2 USD) to be paid in cash at the marina.

Duration: The full tour lasts approximately 12 hours. The round-trip bus ride takes about 5 to 6 hours total (2.5 to 3 hours each way). You’ll spend around 6 to 7 hours in Arraial do Cabo, including 4 to 5 hours on the boat tour itself, plus time for local transfers, quick breaks, and paying the marina fee.

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.

Tour Highlights: What you’ll see along the way: