Arraial do Cabo, located in the state of Rio de Janeiro, is a paradise of beautiful beaches. Known for its crystal-clear waters and white sand, the city offers incredible tours, cinematic landscapes, and is a must-visit stop in the Lakes Region, which also includes Búzios and Cabo Frio. If you want to explore the best beaches in Arraial do Cabo, check out our comprehensive guide with a detailed list of beaches and essential tips to make the most of your visit.
Best Beaches in Arraial do Cabo, Brazil
1 – Farol Beach
Considered the best beach in Arraial do Cabo, Farol Beach (Praia do Farol) is renowned for its extremely clean and crystal-clear waters. Located on a naval preservation island, access is controlled, allowing only 250 visitors at a time with a maximum stay of 45 minutes. The only way to reach Praia do Farol is via boat tours.
2 – Prainhas do Pontal do Atalaia
Nestled in a region surrounded by the Atlantic Forest, the Prainhas do Pontal do Atalaia are some of the most beautiful beaches in Arraial do Cabo. With crystal-clear waters, fine white sands, and a magnificent view of the local landscapes, this beach is a true paradise. Access to the beach is via a beautiful wooden staircase, and the site also features the Gruta do Amor, a well-known tourist spot. Despite being a remote beach with no infrastructure and surrounded by nature, it is quite popular and often crowded.
3 – Forno Beach
Situated on Morro do Forno, Forno Beach (Praia do Forno) is one of the prettiest beaches in Arraial do Cabo. With its crystal-clear and calm waters, good infrastructure, and a stretch of white sand approximately 500 meters long, the beach is surrounded by jungle, enhancing its already stunning scenery.
4 – Praia Grande
Known for its fantastic sunsets and freezing waters, Praia Grande (Praia Grande) is one of the most frequented beaches in Arraial do Cabo by both tourists and locals. This is an urban beach with good infrastructure including beach bars, bathrooms, and restaurants along its promenade. The beach spans over 40 km, featuring white sand dunes and some vegetation in areas. The liveliest part is the promenade, where bars and restaurants are located, while the rest of the beach offers a more tranquil atmosphere.
5 – Prainha
Highly popular among the residents of Arraial do Cabo, Prainha is an urban beach that is easily accessible and fully equipped. It features restaurants, beach bars, street vendors, bathrooms, and showers along its coastline. While it may not be the most beautiful beach in Arraial do Cabo, it is an excellent choice for those who enjoy spending the day at a beach bar.
6 – Anjos Beach
Anjos Beach (Praia dos Anjos) is not the best option for swimming in Arraial do Cabo due to pollution from boat engine oil in some areas. However, nearby, you will find much better beaches, such as Praia do Forno. Despite this, due to its central location in Arraial do Cabo, it remains quite popular, especially among those who enjoy walking along the shore and visiting local bars and restaurants.
From the pier at Praia dos Anjos, boats depart for tours and water taxis. The beach has good infrastructure with bars, beach bars, and restaurants, making it a good option to visit after tours, to admire the sunset, and enjoy local cuisine or a drink. Additionally, this beach is the most convenient option for accommodation in Arraial do Cabo.
7 – Brava Beach
Brava Beach (Praia Brava) is a more secluded beach, ideal for those wanting to escape the busier beaches of Arraial do Cabo. With rougher seas, many waves, and a small strip of sand that becomes completely submerged during high tide, Praia Brava offers a different experience. Located near Prainhas do Pontal do Atalaia, access to the beach is via a somewhat hidden trail.
8 – Pontal Beach
Pontal Beach (Praia do Pontal) is located at the entrance to Arraial do Cabo. Although not one of the most popular beaches in the region, many people seeking a quieter and less crowded place choose this beach. The area features a large stretch of sand and maintains the characteristics of the region’s other beaches, with fine white sands, blue sea, and surrounded by vegetation. The beach lacks good infrastructure, but you can find some trailers or stands to buy drinks or snacks.
9 – Graçainha Beach
This is a small beach, surrounded by nature, seldom crowded, and without infrastructure, which preserves its natural beauty and authenticity. Access to Graçainha Beach (Praia da Graçainha) is via a 20-minute trail that starts on the right side of Prainha. With calm and crystal-clear waters, it is a perfect place to relax, swim, and snorkel.
Tips for Enjoying the Beaches of Arraial do Cabo
- Check the Tide Chart: Some beaches are less affected by tidal changes, but others can change completely and some even disappear during high tide. We suggest checking the tide chart on the Brazilian Navy’s website to identify the times of high and low tides.
- Always Ask the Price: Before consuming any product or acquiring a service on the beaches of Arraial do Cabo, ask the price. Also, pay attention to the minimum consumption value to use the chairs at restaurants and beach bars.
- Take Your Trash: Some of the more rustic beaches in Arraial do Cabo do not have trash bins or cleaning services. To keep the beach clean, take all your trash and dispose of it in an appropriate place.
- Bring Water and Snacks: Some beaches are accessible by trails or by water taxis. If you choose the trails, bring water and something to eat.
- Use Sunscreen: The sun in Brazil is quite strong, especially during the summer. Do not forget to apply sunscreen with an adequate SPF.
- Wear Sunglasses and a Hat or Cap: These items help protect your eyes and face from the intense sun.
- Water Taxi: One of the most common ways to get to the beaches of Arraial do Cabo is by water taxi. These boats leave from Praia dos Anjos and prices vary depending on the destination.
- Book Your Boat Tour in Advance: To visit Praia do Farol, the only way is by boat tour. We recommend booking at least three days in advance, especially in the high season.
- Bring a Camera or Mobile Phone: The landscapes in Arraial do Cabo are beautiful, so bring a camera or a mobile phone to capture your photos. Preferably, use water-resistant cameras, like a GoPro, as the waters in the region are extremely clear and perfect for photos.
Understand the Tide Table
The tide is a natural phenomenon that directly influences the beaches, affecting the volume, color, and clarity of the waters. Thus, some beaches are less influenced by tidal variation, but others change completely, and some even cease to exist during high tide.
If you plan to enjoy the beaches of Arraial do Cabo or other beaches in Rio de Janeiro, we suggest consulting the Tide Table on the Brazilian Navy’s website. Where it is possible to identify the times of high and low tides.
Low tide is always the best option to enjoy the beaches, as the sea is calmer, the waters are clearer, and there is a larger strip of sand. Some beaches like Praia Grande, Praia dos Anjos, Prainha, and Praia do Forno are not very influenced by the tide. However, at Praia Brava, the entire strip of sand is covered during high tide, and at Prainhas do Pontal do Atalaia, access to the Gruta do Amor becomes more difficult or even impossible.