Making the most of Arraial do Cabo
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
Declared the capital city of scuba diving, Arraial do Cabo is principally about the sea. As at Cabo Frio, the water temperature at Arraial remains low, even in summer.
This port is served by tender.
The town is ringed by hills and has the look of a fishing village, with white dunes, sandbanks, lagoons, unspoiled beaches and beautiful headlands. Pontal do Atalaia is one of these headlands and offers a wonderful sunset over the coast.
Above Praia dos Anjos beach, a plaque marks Amerigo Vespucci’s landing in 1503. Vespucci left 24 men to establish a settlement, making Arraial one of the first European toeholds in the Americas.
Getting around
Dive operators are plentiful in these waters, and the tourist office holds a complete list.
Nearby places
Grande beach runs towards the horizon in the direction of Saquarema beach, where there is drift-net fishing. Bars and kiosks provide late-afternoon drinks and something to eat. More energetic travellers can scuba dive or follow trails, including the route to the old lighthouse. Boat trips are memorable too, especially the Azul grotto trip, which stops at Pontal do Atalaia.
Arraial is a good location for observing humpback whales.