City of Arraial do Cabo

Diving Capital

Arraial do Cabo is located 170 km from Rio de Janeiro, in Regiao dos Lagos (Lakes Region). The small town has a fishermen village atmosphere and offers beautiful beaches of white sand and crystal-clear waters, great diving spots with rich marine life and anchovy artisanal fishing.

History

In the past, it was occupied by tupinamba Indians and filled with high quality Brazilwood. The town was a stage for the colonial times, when it witnessed piracy episodes and shipwrecks.

According to the Navy Museum, in Arraial do Cabo, deep in the sea, rests the highest number of galleons, caravels and frigates of Portuguese, French, Dutch, English, and even Brazilian origin in our coast. This is only outnumbered by Bay of All Saints (Baia de Todos os Santos), in the state of Bahia.

Arraial do Cabo was the disembarking point for the voyage of Amerigo Vespucci, who built a house of clay and stone in the Rama neighborhood, now known as Praia dos Anjos (Angels’ Beach). There the first feitoria (factory) was established in Brazil.

Natural beauties

Surrounded by mountains, Arraial offers white sand dunes, restingas, lagoons, clean beaches and beautiful cliffs, such as Pontal do Atalaia, where the beaches are among the most beautiful of the Brazilian coast, and the surrounding mountains give an incredible view of the region.

Diving

The extremely cold and clear waters allow for a diverse marine life. It’s not by chance that Arraial is considered the Diving Capital. According to professional divers, the water temperature usually varies from 15º to 22ºC all year long, but it can drop to 9ºC or less, depending on the season.

One of the main diving spots is Forno Beach, surrounded by woods, which helps preserve and protect its cove. To get there you have to take a hiking trail from the pier at Praia dos Anjos. The effort is rewarded with a refreshing swim in its green waters.

Boat rides can be a pleasant way of seeing all the coast of Arraial. Some depart from the dock at Praia dos Anjos toward Pontal do Atalaia, stopping at its beaches, in Cabo Frio Island, at Farol beach and at Gruta Azul, and, if you’re lucky, you can see dolphins during the ride.

Besides visiting the beaches, you can also take the opportunity to stand up paddle or go snorkeling.

Where to stay

Since it’s a small town, Arraial do Cabo doesn’t offer luxurious lodgings. However, you can find several B&Bs;, hostels and hotels with reasonable prices.