The coastal gem of Buzios serves up Brazil’s best touring options within a compact peninsula. Skip the usual tourist traps and focus on three standout experiences: the essential boat tours connecting hidden beaches and crystal-clear coves; the efficient city tours that bring you straight to the heart of this former fishing village; and the practical buggy rides that let you explore at your own pace.
Small-group boat excursions deliver the best value, particularly the half-day trips that visit multiple swimming spots. For first-timers, the trolley tours efficiently cover downtown highlights, while serious explorers should opt for private buggy rentals to reach secluded beaches.
Let’s examine the top-rated tours worth your time and money in Buzios.
Key Points
- Boat tours in Arraial do Cabo and Búzios offer scenic coastal views, snorkeling, and opportunities to visit landmarks like the Blue Grotto.
- Buzios city tours provide a rundown of the town’s history and landmarks, including monuments dedicated to Bridgette Bardot and Juscelino Kubitschek.
- Buggy and trolley tours in Buzios provide a unique way to explore the winding roads and picturesque settings of the town.
- Full-day tours to Cabo Frio and Rio de Janeiro offer a chance to discover the region’s natural beauty and cultural attractions.
- Most tours have accessibility considerations, with some not wheelchair-friendly but allowing strollers, and some requiring additional fees like the environmental fee in Arraial Do Cabo.
Boat Tour in Arraial Do Cabo From Buzios With Lunch
Although Búzios is renowned for its stunning beaches, visitors can venture beyond the shore to explore the nearby town of Arraial do Cabo on a captivating boat tour.
The “Boat Tour in Arraial do Cabo from Búzios with Lunch” offers a 4-hour excursion through the turquoise waters, often dubbed the “Brazilian Caribbean.” Highlights include visiting the Blue Grotto, Fenda da Nossa Senhora, and various beaches, as well as swimming in the crystal-clear waters.
The tour includes a boat trip, lunch, and use of snorkeling equipment, with pickup available from most Búzios-area hotels. While the tour primarily operates in Spanish, some English translation is provided.
Reviews are generally positive, praising the beautiful scenery and friendly guides, though some guests have reported delays in boarding and mixed feedback on the lunch.
With a badge of excellence and a 4.3-star rating, this boat tour offers an exhilarating way to discover the natural wonders beyond Búzios’ renowned coastline.
Read our full review: Boat Tour in Arraial Do Cabo From Buzios With Lunch Review
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Catamaran Boat Tour in Búzios
For those seeking a unique experience in Búzios, the Catamaran Boat Tour offers an exhilarating way to explore the coastal region. This 33-reviewed tour boasts a 4.1 out of 5 rating, promising swimming, snorkeling, and the chance to observe local marine life amidst crystal clear waters and white-sand beaches.
The tour includes transportation from downtown hotels, a catamaran ride with stops for diving, and the availability of snorkel and diving masks for rent. Passengers can purchase food and drinks on the boat, though a boarding fee is payable in cash at the Porto Veleiro Pier.
Departures are daily at 11:30 am from the Píer do Centro, with check-in at Rua Manoel Turíbio de Farias, 263.
While some reviewers reported issues with the tour, such as loud music and delays, others highlighted the catamaran’s safety and the attentive staff. With a maximum capacity of 150 travelers, this tour is operated by C2Rio Tours & Travel, and confirmation is received at the time of booking.
Read our full review: Catamaran Boat Tour in Búzios Review
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Tour in Buzios: Buzios City Tour, Lunch and Transfer
What better way to experience the natural beauty and cultural history of Búzios than the Búzios City Tour, Lunch and Transfer? This panoramic tour is perfect for first-time visitors, providing an overview of the city’s key sights and landmarks.
Highlights include monuments dedicated to Bridgette Bardot, Juscelino Kubitschek, and the Three Fishermen, as well as an insightful commentary from a knowledgeable guide.
The tour includes hassle-free hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as an air-conditioned vehicle and a delicious lunch. Just keep in mind that drinks and desserts aren’t included.
With a maximum of 46 travelers, this tour offers a stress-free and personalized experience. While it’s not wheelchair accessible, it’s stroller-friendly, and children under 3 can join for free.
Just be sure to bring your ID, swimwear, sunscreen, and other recommended items. Offered year-round, except for a few holiday periods, this tour promises to be a memorable way to explore the wonders of Búzios.
Read our full review: Tour in Buzios: Buzios City Tour, Lunch and Transfer Review
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Tour in Buzios: Boat Tour in Buzios
One of the best ways to experience the stunning natural beauty of Búzios is through a captivating boat tour. The afternoon boat tour offers a capacity of up to 120 travelers, providing ample space to enjoy the sights and activities. Guests can look forward to swimming, sightseeing, and observing the diverse marine life.
Onboard amenities include bathrooms, a stereo system, shaded areas, and a central bar for drinks and snacks. The tour includes hotel pick-up and drop-off, as well as a complimentary lunch. However, visitors will need to pay the city tax of R$4 per person in cash.
While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s conveniently located near public transportation. Infants must sit on laps, and children under 3 are complimentary with an adult. Guests are encouraged to bring swimwear, sunglasses, and sunscreen, and snorkeling equipment can be rented on-site.
Booking is easy, with confirmation received at the time of booking and a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the experience.
Read our full review: Tour in Buzios: Boat Tour in Buzios Review
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3-hour Small Group Buzios Peninsula Open Air Trolley Tour
Travelers seeking a rundown of Búzios can embark on the 3-hour Small Group Búzios Peninsula Open Air Trolley Tour. This family-friendly experience provides a great orientation of the city, with multiple tour times available throughout the day.
The open-air trolley ride, led by a professional guide, offers scenic views and photo stops along the peninsula. With a maximum of 15 travelers per tour, the experience ensures a personalized and intimate atmosphere.
While the tour doesn’t include food or drinks, the pickup and drop-off service from hotels is a convenient feature. However, the experience may not be suitable for those with mobility issues, as it’s not wheelchair accessible, and infants must sit on laps.
The tour’s positive reviews highlight the knowledgeable and enthusiastic guides, as well as the scenic highlights. Travelers are advised to bring a camera to capture the natural beauty of Búzios.
Read our full review: 3-hour Small Group Buzios Peninsula Open Air Trolley Tour Review
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Buggy Ride in Buzios by Buziana Tour
For travelers seeking a thrilling way to explore the scenic landscapes of Búzios, the Buggy Ride in Buzios by Buziana Tour offers an exhilarating and personalized experience. Priced from $17.27 per person, this private guided tour provides participants the opportunity to navigate the region’s winding roads and stunning vistas in a buggy.
With only your group taking part, the tour offers a more intimate and tailored adventure. The tour departs from Praça Santos Dumont, with the buggy dropping participants back at the same location upon completion.
While not wheelchair accessible and unsuitable for those with back problems or pregnant travelers, the experience receives positive reviews, with customers praising the knowledgeable guide and picturesque settings.
Travelers can secure their spot while maintaining flexibility, as free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour. Whether seeking an adrenaline-fueled excursion or a chance to immerse in Búzios’ natural beauty, the Buggy Ride in Buzios delivers a memorable adventure.
Read our full review: Buggy Ride in Buzios by Buziana Tour Review
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Buzios Trolley City Tour
The Buzios Trolley City Tour offers travelers a scenic and informative way to explore the charming coastal town of Búzios, Brazil. Operated by Tangol, this 3.9-rated tour takes visitors on a trolley bus journey through the city’s stunning bays and landscapes. Priced at $28 per person, the tour accommodates a maximum of 20 travelers.
Pickup is available upon request, making it convenient for cruise ship passengers. The experience includes a knowledgeable guide, lunch, and drinks. Travelers can expect a commentary-filled ride showcasing Búzios’ natural beauty.
However, some reviewers desired more beach stops and found the comfort level of the trolley could use improvement. While the tour receives positive feedback for its scenic views and excellent staff, a few guests found it “boring” with insufficient beach access.
The Buzios Trolley City Tour provides an efficient way to sightsee the coastal destination, though passengers may want to inquire about specific itinerary details to align with their preferences.
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Full-Day Christ the Redeemer and Rio City Tour From Buzios
Although located about 2.5 hours from Búzios, the Full-Day Christ the Redeemer and Rio City Tour offers visitors an efficient way to explore Rio de Janeiro’s iconic landmarks.
The tour includes transportation from Búzios, entrance fees to Christ the Redeemer, Sambadrome, and Sugarloaf Mountain, as well as a lunch.
Travelers can expect panoramic views of Rio and Sugarloaf Mountain from the Christ the Redeemer statue. The tour also allows guests to explore Rio’s beaches, streets, and football stadium.
With a maximum group size of 46 travelers, the tour provides a hassle-free experience, especially for those on a tight schedule.
While drinks and desserts aren’t included, the tour offers a convenient opportunity to see the highlights of Rio in a single day.
Comfortable clothing and walking shoes are recommended, and the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible but stroller accessible.
Read our full review: Full-Day Christ the Redeemer and Rio City Tour From Buzios Review
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Boat Tour in Arraial Do Cabo Panoramic City Tour in Cabo Frio
Boasting panoramic views of Arraial do Cabo and Cabo Frio, this tour offers visitors a chance to explore the picturesque coastal region. The package includes a boat tour and a panoramic city tour, with pickup from all hotels in Buzios.
Travelers should note the environmental fee of R$10.00 per person, payable in cash upon boarding, which isn’t included in the tour price.
While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, infant seats are available. With a maximum of 20 participants, the tour may experience waiting times at the pier due to environmental reserve regulations.
In the event of weather cancellations, the boat trip will be replaced with free time on a beach in Arraial do Cabo, and if it rains, the beach time will be substituted with a land city tour.
Customer reviews have been mixed, with some complaints about poor organization, lack of English-speaking guides, and additional costs for beach amenities.
The tour operator has acknowledged these challenges and expressed a commitment to improving services based on customer feedback.
Read our full review: Boat Tour in Arraial Do Cabo Panoramic City Tour in Cabo Frio Review
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Schooner Tour in Buzios – Departure From Buzios
Departing from Buzios, this schooner tour offers travelers a unique opportunity to explore the coastal region from the water.
Operated by Brasil Show Turismo – Agência de Turismo Rio de Janeiro, the tour takes guests on a scenic journey on a schooner. Priced at $51.29 per person, the tour includes a certified guide, lunch, and alcoholic beverages.
The tour starts at 12:00 PM and isn’t wheelchair accessible, though strollers are allowed, and infants must sit on laps. The tour is near public transportation, making it easily accessible.
Guests will receive confirmation at the time of booking, and they can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the experience.
Most travelers can participate in this tour, and the reviews indicate an overall rating of 3.0, with no 5-star ratings. The operator has performed reviews integrity checks, ensuring the authenticity of the feedback.
Read our full review: Schooner Tour in Buzios – Departure From Buzios Review
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Cabo Frio Full-Day Tour From Buzios With Lunch
The Cabo Frio Full-Day Tour from Búzios offers travelers a chance to explore the charming coastal town of Cabo Frio, located just an hour and a half from Búzios.
The tour lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes and accommodates a maximum of 25 participants, with prices starting at $68.00 per person. Pickup is available from most hotels in Armação de Búzios, with the pickup time between 7 am to 10 am.
The tour includes a delicious lunch, an air-conditioned vehicle, and alcoholic beverages. However, drinks and dessert aren’t included.
The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but it’s stroller accessible and near public transportation. Most travelers can participate, and an ID copy may be required if requested.
Please note that the tour is unavailable on certain holidays, such as Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day, and Carnival season.
Confirmation is received at the time of booking, and travelers should check their emails and/or cell phone for pickup details.
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Tour of the Most Beautiful Beaches and Islands of Buzios by Buziana Tour
What better way to experience the stunning beauty of Búzios than through the Tour of the Most Beautiful Beaches and Islands by Buziana Tour?
This 7-rated tour takes travelers on a journey to Búzios’ captivating beaches and islands, with a maximum capacity of 120 people. Starting at 11:00 am from the Juscelino Kubitschek statue, the tour includes floating buoys for sea bathing assistance, masks and snorkels, and an onboard photography service.
Alcoholic beverages and snacks are also available on the tour.
While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s stroller accessible, and service animals are allowed. The tour deck is accessible to those with mobility needs, though bathroom access is below deck.
With a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the experience, and a lowest price guarantee starting at $10.36 per person, the Tour of the Most Beautiful Beaches and Islands of Búzios by Buziana Tour is an excellent choice for those seeking to explore the natural beauty of this stunning Brazilian destination.
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Full Day Private Shore Tour in Rio De Janeiro From Buzios Port
This full-day private shore tour in Rio de Janeiro allows travelers to explore the city’s top attractions directly from the Búzios port.
With modern, air-conditioned transportation and a professional local guide, visitors will enjoy a comprehensive sightseeing experience. The tour includes pickup and drop-off at the cruise terminal, as well as an hour of free time for shopping and dining.
Priced from $822.09 per person, the tour is a private experience, ensuring that only your group participates. Confirmation is provided at the time of booking, and the tour is suitable for most travelers, though it’s not wheelchair accessible.
Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start, and a full refund is available if the ship can’t dock.
This tour offers a convenient and personalized way to discover the highlights of Rio de Janeiro during a cruise stop in Búzios.
With no entrance fees required, travelers can maximize their time and enjoy a seamless sightseeing experience.
Read our full review: Full Day Private Shore Tour in Rio De Janeiro From Buzios Port Review
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The Sum Up
Buzios offers a variety of tours that allow visitors to explore its stunning natural beauty. From boat tours to city tours, there’s something for all. Whether you’re interested in scenic views, beach-hopping, or learning about the local culture, Buzios has a tour to suit your preferences. With so many options, it’s easy to find the perfect way to experience this captivating destination.