Búzios: Full-Day Shore Excursion by Land and Sea with Lunch
Location: Southeast Region, Brazil
Price: $96 per person
Duration: 6 hours (check availability for start times)

When you first hear about visiting Búzios, Brazil’s famous Riviera, it’s hard not to imagine a lively, sun-soaked stretch of coastline dotted with beautiful beaches and charming streets. This tour offers a solid introduction, combining a land excursion via open trolley with a scenic schooner cruise—covering 12 beaches on the south side of the city, topped off with a seaside lunch.

Two things we really appreciate about this experience are the opportunity to see numerous beaches in a short time—which is ideal if your cruise schedule is tight—and the chance to relax and swim at three different spots, making it not just sightseeing but actually enjoying the water. That said, a drawback to keep in mind is the organizational hiccups reported by some travelers—wait times, busy spots, and uneven guide service—so patience and flexibility are helpful.

This tour suits travelers who want a taste of Búzios without overloading their day, especially those keen on beaches, scenic views, and a casual pace. It’s perfect if you enjoy a mix of sightseeing, boat rides, and local flavors but aren’t expecting a perfectly smooth experience every step of the way.

Key Points

Multiple Beach Stops: Cover 12 beaches around Búzios’ south coast, with options for swimming and photo breaks.
Hybrid Experience: Combines land exploration with a schooner cruise, offering diverse perspectives of the coastline.
Scenic Views & Lookouts: Stops at João Fernandes and Brava lookouts deliver memorable vistas.
Local Cuisine: Enjoy a fresh, seaside lunch at a scenic restaurant, perfect after a day in the sun.
Guide & Transportation: Includes a licensed bilingual guide and open trolley for the land tour.
Variable Reviews: Some travelers experience delays and uneven organization, so expectations should be tempered.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring Búzios: A Practical and Authentic Overview

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Setting the Scene: What This Tour Offers

Búzios is often called the Brazilian Riviera for good reason. With its countless beaches, lively streets, and stunning lookout points, it’s a favorite for cruise visitors looking to combine scenic beauty with relaxed local charm. This tour aims to give that experience in a manageable six-hour format, making it ideal for those on a tight schedule or wanting a quick but comprehensive taste.

Starting at the central meeting point, you hop onto an open trolley—an old-fashioned, airy vehicle that whisks you along the coastline, giving quick access to some of the city’s most picturesque spots. The land portion of the tour covers 12 beaches, offering stops at João Fernandes and Brava lookouts for sweeping views. You’ll also hike a trail at Lagoinhas and take a refreshing dip at Forno Beach.

The boat cruise is the highlight for many: a schooner takes you past Armação Beach, Caboclo Island, and the famous Orla Bardot. You’ll pass by Ossos, Azeda, João Fernandes, and several other scenic beaches, with stops for swimming at João Fernandes Beach, Feia Island, and Tartaruguinha Beach.

What’s Great About It

One of the standout features is the variety of experiences packed into one day. The combination of land and sea exploration makes the experience dynamic—you’re not just looking at beaches, but also enjoying vistas from lookout points and exploring hidden spots. The scenic lunch by the sea provides a relaxed break and a chance to savor fresh local flavors while soaking in the views.

Another highlight is the guides’ knowledge, especially on the land portion, which some reviewers praise highly. For example, one reviewer mentions “Great guide for the land portion,” indicating that the storytelling and local insights add value to the trip.

Considerations & Drawbacks

However, this experience isn’t without its flaws. Several reviews point out organizational issues, such as long wait times and delays. One traveler noted, “We waited 1 ½ hours for the trolley to fill up, then another two hours for the boat,” which can make or break the day if you’re on a cruise timetable.

Plus, some travelers, particularly those expecting a comprehensive, smoothly-run tour, found the experience rushed or poorly organized. One review stated, “The description did not match the tour,” and mentioned that the food options were limited, especially for vegetarians.

Lastly, the guides’ language skills on the boat can be inconsistent, with at least one reviewer noting that the guide did not speak English, which could be a consideration for international visitors.

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Is It Worth the Price?

At $96 per person, this experience offers a range of sights and activities that would be challenging to replicate independently. The boat cruise alone is a relaxing way to see many beaches from a different perspective, and the included lunch provides good value—assuming the organization makes the day flow smoothly. Still, travelers should be aware that the experience’s quality can vary depending on crowd levels and weather conditions.

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Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is best suited for travelers who want a quick, scenic overview of Búzios, especially if they appreciate beach hopping, coastal views, and a boat cruise. If you’re looking for a structured, seamless experience or have limited patience for delays, this might not be your first choice. It also works well for those who enjoy informative guides and scenic photo stops, but not as much for those seeking an ultra-organized, luxury experience.

A Closer Look at the Itinerary

Morning: Land Exploration & Lookouts

The tour begins at the designated meeting point, where a licensed bilingual guide greets you. From there, you’ll hop onto the open trolley—a fun, breezy way to start your journey. The trolley’s open design allows for unobstructed views of the coastline, perfect for snapping photos of the sparkling waters and lush hills.

The first stops are at João Fernandes and Brava lookouts, where the panoramic views offer a stunning introduction to Búzios’ geography. These spots are ideal for taking pictures or simply soaking in the scenery. The guide often shares interesting tidbits about the area’s history or local anecdotes, which enrich the experience.

Next, you’ll hike a trail at Lagoinhas, where nature lovers can enjoy a short walk amid native flora. This trail offers a different perspective—closer to the natural environment—though it may be less appealing if you prefer a more leisurely day.

Then there’s a swim stop at Forno Beach, one of the quieter beaches with clear waters and a laid-back vibe. This is a welcome break to relax and cool off before heading back to the trolley.

Midday: The Schooner Cruise & Beach Hopping

After the land tour, you’ll board a traditional schooner, which carries you along the coastline for the next couple of hours. The boat cruise is a chance to see Búzios from the water, passing 12 beaches and 3 islands, including well-known spots like Ossos Beach, Azeda, and João Fernandes.

The boat does not get very close to the beaches, as regulations restrict schooners from approaching the sand strips. You’ll only be able to swim in the water around the boat, making it a relaxing experience without the crowd. Swimmers can enjoy three designated spots: João Fernandes Beach, Feia Island, and Tartaruguinha Beach.

One of the common delights is simply floating in the calm waters or snapping photos of the coastline’s rugged beauty, with small islands and rocky formations creating picture-perfect scenes.

Afternoon: Lunch & Free Time

After the boat ride, the tour includes a lunch at a scenic restaurant by the sea. Travelers generally enjoy the fresh seafood, with views over the water making the meal more than just sustenance but a memorable part of the day. However, some reviews noted the meal was rushed or limited for vegetarians, so manage your expectations if you have dietary restrictions.

Post-lunch, you’re free to explore Rua das Pedras, the lively street lined with shops, cafes, and local crafts. It’s a good opportunity to pick up souvenirs, enjoy some coffee, or simply people-watch.

End of Tour

The tour wraps up back at your original meeting point, with no hotel pickup or drop-off included. Be sure to arrive early and plan your transportation accordingly, especially if you need to catch a cruise or have other plans.

The Sum Up: Who Will Love This Tour?

This combined land and sea experience offers a broad overview of Búzios—perfect for first-timers or cruise visitors who want to see many beaches and scenic spots without booking multiple tours. It’s especially suited for those who appreciate photos, scenic vistas, and a relaxed boat cruise.

However, travelers should be prepared for some organizational hiccups and long waits, as some reviews highlight delays and uneven guide service. If you are flexible and enjoy a casual, scenic day, this tour can deliver a memorable taste of the Brazilian Riviera.

On the flip side, if you prefer a more polished, smooth experience or need strict timing, you might want to explore other options or consider private tours that could offer more personalized service.

In essence, this tour balances spectacular scenery and a fun boat ride with the realities of a busy, popular destination—making it a reasonable choice if your expectations and patience are aligned.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, generally, it’s suitable for most ages, but the hike at Lagoinhas and boat rides may be less comfortable for very young children or elderly travelers.

Do I need to bring any essentials?
Yes, bring your passport or ID, sunglasses, a towel, sunscreen, and a waterproof camera for photos.

Are drinks or desserts included?
No, drinks and desserts are not included, so you might want to bring some water or snacks, especially if you’re hungry after the boat cruise.

What if the weather is bad?
Tour operation depends on weather conditions. Bad weather could lead to cancellations or delays, so keep an eye on the forecast and stay flexible.

Can I swim during the boat cruise?
Yes, you can swim around the boat at three designated spots, but schooners are not allowed to get close to the beaches’ sand strips.

Are guides available in English?
Yes, the tour includes a bilingual guide, but one review noted that the guide on the boat did not speak English, so language might vary.

Is this tour good for vegetarians?
Vegetarian options at lunch may be limited, so if you have dietary restrictions, check in advance or prepare accordingly.

This Búzios tour offers an engaging way to see the highlights of Brazil’s beloved Riviera. While it’s not flawless, it delivers enough scenic beauty, beach time, and local flavor to make it worth considering, especially if you enjoy a relaxed pace and picturesque moments.