Boat Tour in Arraial do Cabo
Arraial do Cabo is the kind of place that makes a lot more sense when you see it from the water. The boat tour is the experience in town — and at Massambaba we go out on our own boat, together with the hostel crew, with snorkeling included. No resellers, no queues, no hassle.
The route
We depart from Praia dos Anjos, Arraial's natural harbour. From there the boat rounds the headland and passes through the spots that made this place famous: Praia do Forno, Prainha, the Gruta Azul (Blue Grotto), and the cliffs of Ilha do Farol — where you'll find the most stunning stretch of sand in the area. Along the way the boat stops in open water for the snorkel session, which tends to be the highlight of the day.
The tour lasts about two to three hours on average, depending on sea conditions and the day's route. That's plenty of time to swim, take photos and just stare at the colour of the water — which in person looks like Photoshop but is completely real.
What you'll see
Arraial's trademark is its transparency: on a good day you can see straight to the bottom several metres down. At the snorkel stops it's common to encounter schools of fish and, if you're lucky, sea turtles. From Ilha do Farol, the contrast of the green headland against the turquoise sea is the photo everyone brings home.
What's included
Snorkeling is included — just grab the gear and jump in at the stops. What's worth bringing along: sunscreen (biodegradable is ideal, to protect the marine reserve), a water bottle, a towel, and a little cash for the environmental fee and any beachside kiosk if the day's route includes a land stop.
How much does it cost
The price varies with the season and the number of people on board. Rather than quoting a figure that changes, we prefer to give you the current price at check-in or on WhatsApp — no catch, no hidden fees. As a guest you sort everything directly with the hostel.
Does it go out in the rain?
It depends more on the sea and the wind than on rain alone. Arraial has days of strong wind where going out just isn't worth it, and we won't force it. Safety first: if the weather isn't cooperating on your scheduled day, we'll reschedule without any fuss.
How to book
Simple: sort it at check-in or send us a WhatsApp before you arrive. Spots are limited by the size of the boat and the good-weather window, so the earlier you confirm the better — especially in high season and around public holidays.