Schooner Tour in Buzios – Departure from Buzios

Búzios Schooner Tour: A Scenic Sea Adventure with Mixed Reviews

If you’re wandering through the charming streets of Búzios or already soaking up the sun on its renowned beaches, a schooner tour offers a different perspective—floating along the coast with a breeze in your hair and views of 23 beaches and islands. Priced at around $51.29 per person, this 2-hour 30-minute voyage takes you past some of the most iconic sights of the peninsula. The itinerary includes 12 beaches and 3 islands, with three swimming stops that last approximately 25 minutes each, making it a good way to cool off and enjoy the water.

What we particularly like about this experience is how it offers a laid-back way to see many of Búzios’ highlights in one go, especially if you’re short on time. Plus, the group size tends to be small enough to enjoy some intimacy, and the inclusion of a certified guide adds a layer of safety and local insight. On the flip side, a snag is the mixed reviews about guide helpfulness and language barriers, which can affect the overall experience. Also, the weather dependency means you might find your trip cut short or less enjoyable if rain or wind disrupts plans.

This tour is best suited for travelers who want an affordable, scenic overview of Búzios and don’t mind the possibility of less polished guides or weather-related changes. If you’re seeking a relaxing, social boat ride with some swimming, it can fit the bill—just keep expectations realistic.

Key Points

• Affordable price point offers good value for exploring many beaches quickly
• Includes swimming stops, perfect for cooling off or snorkeling
• Guide quality varies, impacting overall experience
• Weather sensitive, so be prepared for possible cancellations or changes
• Ideal for short-term visitors seeking a scenic overview
• Boarding at Rua das Pedras makes it accessible for those staying downtown

Exploring the Búzios Schooner Tour in Detail

What the Tour Offers

The schooner trip is a relatively short but packed adventure that covers the highlights of Búzios’ coastline. Starting at Rua das Pedras, the lively heart of Búzios, the boat departs at 12:00 pm, giving you a midday escape from the bustling streets to the serenity of the sea. The itinerary includes visits to Caboclo Island, Armação Beach, and Bones Beach, among others. You’ll also see Azeda and Azedinha beaches, which are well-loved for their calm waters—ideal for swimming.

The three swimming stops at João Fernandes Beach, Feia Island, and Tartaruga Beach are highlights, giving you time to jump into the water, relax, or snorkel if you wish. Each stop lasts about 25 minutes, which is enough to enjoy a quick swim without feeling rushed.

The Itinerary Breakdown

• Start at the pier in downtown Búzios, a convenient location for most travelers.
• Pass by Caboclo Island and Armação dos Buzios Beach, giving you a chance to see the coastline from the water.
• First Stop: João Fernandes Beach — often praised for its beauty, but some reviews suggest that you might need to swim to reach beaches rather than just step onto them.
• Continue past White Island and Feia Island—less well-known but interesting landforms.
• Second Stop: Feia Island — a good spot for a quick dip, though weather can affect visibility and comfort.
• Several other beaches, including Moças Beach, Manguinhos Cove, Tartaruga Beach, Virgens Beach, Amores Beach, and finally Canto Beach—each with their own charm.

Authentic Experiences and Drawbacks

While the itinerary sounds enticing, some reviews point out issues. A visitor in December 2019 described the guides as not very helpful and not fluent in English, which can be frustrating if you’re looking for local insights or explanations. The reviewer also mentioned that the tour seemed more interested in local kickbacks and BBQ rather than delivering a memorable experience—this suggests that quality of guide service can vary widely.

Another traveler in January 2020 wished for more beach relaxation time, lamenting the rainy weather and the fact that they had to jump into the sea from a three-meter-high platform. Despite the weather, they still felt the trip “was worth it,” highlighting that weather can be a significant factor in enjoyment.

Practical Considerations

• Price: At just over $50, this tour offers decent value, especially given the number of stops and swimming opportunities. But it’s worth noting that there’s no included lunch or drinks, so plan accordingly.
• Weather Dependency: Rain or wind can cause cancellations or reduced enjoyment—be flexible with plans.
• Group Size & Comfort: The tour is designed for small groups, which is nice for chatting and sharing the experience, but the quality of guide interaction can make or break your day.
• Timing & Duration: The midday departure is convenient, but the entire experience is a bit rushed, especially with the three swimming stops.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This schooner trip is perfect if you’re looking for a cost-effective way to see the coastline of Búzios in a relaxed setting. It’s best suited for adventurous travelers comfortable with basic boating, willing to swim in the sea, and prepared for potential weather hiccups. If you’re after informative guides or a luxurious experience, you might want to look elsewhere, but if you want a fun, group outing with scenic views, this tour fits the bill.

Final Thoughts

The Búzios schooner tour offers a laid-back, scenic jaunt along the coast, with the chance to dip into the water at several points. The value for money is notable, especially since it combines multiple beach visits into a single outing, which could otherwise require hours of hopping around on land.

However, guide quality and weather are factors that can affect your experience. The reviews suggest that while some travelers find it a great way to see Búzios, others feel the service could be more polished and the experience more memorable. It’s a tour that delivers on the basics—beautiful views and swimming—but doesn’t necessarily excel in guiding or comfort.

This tour is best for those on a tight schedule, looking for a budget-friendly sea adventure, and who don’t mind a little unpredictability. If you’re seeking a relaxed, social experience with some swimming and sightseeing, it’s worth considering.

FAQ: Your Questions About the Búzios Schooner Tour

Is the tour suitable for children?
While the tour is generally accessible, children who are comfortable in the water and can handle a boat trip of this duration should be fine. Always check with the operator if you have concerns about age or safety.

What’s included in the price?
Your ticket includes admission to the tour and a certified guide. There’s no mention of lunch or drinks, so you might want to bring snacks or water.

Can I swim at the beaches visited?
Yes, the itinerary features three swimming stops at beaches and islands, each lasting about 25 minutes. Be prepared for potential jump-offs from the boat, sometimes from heights like 3 meters.

What about guide language skills?
Reviews note that guides may not have strong English skills, which could affect the clarity of explanations or insights during the trip.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The tour is weather dependent. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. Always check the forecast before your trip.

Is the tour suitable for solo travelers?
Absolutely, small groups tend to be welcoming, and solo travelers often enjoy chatting with others on board.

How flexible is the schedule?
Departures are daily at 12:00 pm. The itinerary might change depending on sea conditions, so flexibility is helpful.

Are there any hidden costs?
Not explicitly mentioned, but keep in mind that lunch and drinks are not included—so budget accordingly.

What should I bring?
Bring swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, and maybe a waterproof camera to capture the scenery. Also, a light jacket could help if the breeze picks up.

To sum it up, this Búzios schooner tour offers a straightforward, affordable way to explore the coastline’s key sights. It’s best suited for travelers who prioritize value and scenic swims over professional guiding or luxury. With a bit of patience for weather and guide variability, you’re likely to come away with some memorable water views—and hopefully, a few good swims.