arraial d-ajuda, excursions
Excursions available in Arraial d’Ajuda are pretty much the same ones available in Porto Seguro. Whether you book your excursion in Porto Seguro or Arraial is just a matter of comparing prices and options. Some agencies in Arraial are just re-selling an excursion that leaves from Porto Seguro anyway, so be sure to ask about the details and see the Porto Seguro section for more details. There are tour agencies all along the main village road.
The one thing that is probably better to book in Arraial d’Ajuda is a rental car or dune buggy. Most likely, you’ll be taking the buggy south to Trancoso and beyond, so renting it in Porto Seguro to the north is pointless. One excursion that is specific to Arraial is a horseback ride down the southern coast. Check with local agencies for details.
If you are a diver, you might consider working with Arraial Dive (Estrada do Mucugé 471, arraialdive@bol.com.br), since they are one of the three official groups in the area that have certified dive masters (the other agencies resell their excursions). The other two are in Porto Seguro, but the folks at Arraial Dive are excellent, professional, and speak English and German. They offer a full course in English for R$800 (4-5 days), and a baptism dive for R$100 in the ocean or a swimming pool. Dive excursions generally go from 9am–3pm and take-in two spots (including one of the two shipwrecks in the area) for about R$120, including a simple lunch. Talk to Osmar or any of the dive masters there.
excursions, sports
Brazil’s official tourism advocacy group, EMBRATUR (EMPresa BRAsileira, de TURismo), has recently declared Scuba Diving as one of nine principal tourism categories in Brazil. If nothing else, that means they recognize the value and importance of diving as an attraction in Brazil. With over 7000 kilometers of coastline, numerous islands and an untold number of shipwrecks in local waters, Brazil is, indeed, one of the South America’s best diving destinations. More and more areas of the Brazilian coastline are being turned into sanctuaries or aquatic parks, particularly for diving activities and preservation of marine life. There are official groups to protect the proliferation and habitats of sea turtles (TAMAR) and the Peixe Boi, or Sea Cow, a salt-water cousin of the Manatee. Numerous locations off Brazilian shores are favored by dolphins, and whales come to give birth to new calves in the warm, Brazilian waters between June and October.
Just about every major diving spot in Brazil is home to a school with dive masters. It’s easy to find equipment rentals, classes, and guides to take you out from 4–70 meters down, day or night. A full scuba course with recognized certification takes 4–5 days and costs about R$600. This is a great way to spend a week on the coast of Brazil. A single baptism dive goes for about R$90 and many are performed in shallow ocean water.
The best months in which to visit Brazil for diving purposes are from December through March, when the waters are clearest. Following are the best locations:
The Northeast Coast
The most famous location for diving on the Northeast coast (and perhaps in all of Brazil) is around the island of Fernando de Noronha. Designated as a natural preserve, the island’s waters are crystal clear with visibility of up to 50 meters and maintain an average temperature of 27*C. Fish range in size from small tropical species to dolphins, sharks and even whales (diving is not permitted with whales and dolphins but they can be seen off the coast in great numbers). There are over 250 species of fish and five different types of sharks in the area. It’s also common to see huge sea turtles of up to 300 kilos. Favorite locations include the many natural underwater trails, or corridors, that are full of sponges, coral, lobster tropical fish and small sharks. There are dive schools on the island and back in the port of Natal.
On the coast around Natal is the largest area of underwater reefs in Brazil at the Parrachos of Maracajaú. There are also two accessible shipwrecks in the area. The water is super clear and the bottom is a bed of white sand. Dive masters can be found in the Ponta Negra neighborhood of Natal.
Along the northern coast of Recife are a number of shipwrecks that are easily reached at about 30–40 meters. In fact, the Recife area is considered a ship cemetery due to the number of wrecks in the local waters. The area around the Island of Itamaraca has clear water with decent visibility and variety of fish. In the south, there are the natural pools in the area of Porto de Galinhas, a haven for snorkeling, but also excellent for less advanced scuba dives.
The Coast of Bahia
In the south of Bahia, off the coast of Porto de Seguro is one of Brazil’s Marine Parks, the Recife de Fora Marine Preserve. There is a great variety of crustaceans and reef species there. To the south is the unparalleled Archipelago de Abrolhos and the Abrolhos National Marine Park, about 70 kilometers from shore. Formed by an ancient volcano, the archipelago has shallow turquoise waters from as little as two meters deep (excellent for snorkeling as well as scuba diving). The area is considered to have one of the highest concentrations of fish on the planet and it’s common to see Manna Rays and sea turtles. In the winter months, Whales are commonly spotted splashing in these waters. There is even a shipwreck here of a 1939 Italian ship. Visibility in the summer months is as high as 30 meters. Boats generally leave from the town of Caravelas. Overnight trips are available with sleeping and dining arrangements on board. Dive masters can also be found in Porto Seguro and Arraial d’Ajuda.
The area of Itacaré and Barra Grande is becoming known as a scuba diving haven. Dolphins are often spotted offshore, along with whales in the winter. There are underwater pools all along the peninsula of Barra Grande. Dive masters are based in Itacaré.
The Coast of Rio de Janeiro
The highlight in this area is the calm, clear waters of Ilha Grande and Angra dos Reis. On the island of Ilha Grande, you’ll find dive masters to take you all around the island, especially over to the far side, where there are a couple of shipwrecks. Around the islands in the Bay of Angra dos Reis there are locations for divers of all levels, including snorkeling in the shallow waters around the Ilha de Paquetá. There, you find a variety of sea life, including octopus and Manna Rays. For more advanced divers, there are a number of shipwrecks in these waters, and even an underwater cavern, some six meters below the surface. Other locations include the Ilha dos Meros and Laje Branca, both with clear water and depths of around 14–18 meters.
The bay of Paraty is equally calm and clear and there are some favorite diving spots among the local dive masters–including around Ilha Comprida, Ilha dos Cocos, and Ilha dos Ratos. There are 65 islands in the Bay of Paraty and many have excellent conditions for diving with depths of up to 15 meters and visibility of around 8 meters. The waters are replete with starfish, sponges, and coral, along with many tropical fish. Several dive schools are based in Paraty. Other locations off the coast of Rio include the plant-filled waters around Arraial do Cabo and Cabo Frio, where the visibility is around 20 meters and you can dive to over 80 different locations containing wreckage from ships. Seahorses, turtles, and colorful crustaceans are common here. Nearby are some interesting small islands around Buzios.
The São Paulo Coast
One of the best locations for diving off the coast of São Paulo is off the coast of Ubatuba. With various islands spotting the bay, the options for diving are numerous. Favored locations include Ilha Anchieta, Ilha Vitória, Ilha das Palmas and Ilha das Couves. Visibility in the area reaches 20 meters and the depths range from 5–25 meters.
Around the Island of Ilhabela is a marine sanctuary, where diving is actively encouraged. There is a great quantity of fish and lobster in this area and even a statue of Neptune six meters below the surface to honor the underwater world. There are several shipwrecks in these waters, including the Aymoré at a depth of only 12 meters. Others are resting peacefully in deeper waters.
The Santa Catarina Coast
The Arvoredo Marine Preserve is the largest of Brazil’s national marine parks and can be accessed from Bombinhas or Florianópolis. The visibility is the highlight here at around 30–40 meters. There are islands and rock formations to explore with depths from 4 to 50 meters. You can also dive near the island of Campeche off the coast of Florianópolis, where there are many sea turtles, sea lions, and even penguins in the winter months.
The Pantanal
Divers interested in fresh-water dives should not miss the incredible opportunities in the Pantanal. There, the water is said to be some of the clearest in the world. You can dive in Rio Formoso and Rio Prata with numerous species of fish and water plants and take a autonomous dive down into the Lagoa Misteriosa, where the water is transparent and the bottom of the lake has not yet been calculated (more than 220 meters deep). The highlights are the cave diving opportunities, including underwater caverns of 1800 meters in length and 50 meters in depth.
blog, excursions
If you’ve never been the type to take a cruise ship vacation, now may be the time to consider it. The cruise experience has changed considerably in the past decade and today there are cruises to fit every budget, lifestyle and interest. Cruising down to Brazil is an exciting way to see the eastern coastline of South America. Cruises stop at locations, such as:
- The Amazon Coastline: Full of animal encounters, regional festivals, exotic food (including local seafood dishes), crafts and music.
- Up the Amazon River (Manaus, Parintins, etc): Animal encounters, jungle adventures, piranha fishing, hammock swinging.
- Fernando de Noronha: Scuba and skin diving, amazing beaches, dancing at night, island ambiance.
- Bahia: Clear water, beaches, beach bars and cabanas, local food, music and dance, afro-brazilian culture, snorkling.
- Rio de Janeiro: Famous monuments, art & architecture, museums, nightlife, food galore, samba, non-stop beaches.
You get all sorts of time on-shore and plenty of choices that make cruising a real option for all types of travelers. It’s especially great for couples! Here are some cruises to look over from Cruise Vacation Center.
And here are some more cruises to think about…
Norwegian Cruise Line
Royal Carribean Cruise Line
Hawaii Cruises
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beaches, excursions, islands
With so much coastline, it’s no wonder that Brazil has some remarkable islands to visit and explore. They all offer tropical flora and fauna, warm Atlantic ocean water and wonderful underwater adventures for those interested in diving and snorkeling. Here is a short list of some of the more popular offerings.
Fernando de Noronha
Famous the world over, Fernando de Noronha consists of an archipelago of 21 islands, the largest of which is the namesake. It has been the property of France, England and Holland and, because it was uninhabited, was a frequent port of entry for invaders into colonial Brazil. In the 18th century, a series of battlements were built on the archipelago to help stave off further invasions.
In 1988, a large piece of the island was transformed into a national park to preserve the flora and fauna of the island. It’s possible to visit the park and the various islands to see the sparkling blue water and amazing sea life. One of the most recognized characteristics of this island is the superb scuba diving available for beginners, intermediate and advanced divers. Visibility under water remains a cool 98 feet year ‘round, and you’re likely to see sea turtles, dolphins, sharks, and many other species.
You can take a hike or natural walk along the coastal paths or boat out to see thousands of dolphins swim in and out of the channels every day. You can drive a dune buggy around part of the island, visiting the many beaches and the few settlements there. There are approximately 2,000 inhabitants on the island and no more are allowed there, except by marriage to an existing resident.
Morro de São Paulo
One of the most festive islands on the Brazilian coast, Morro de São Paulo is a favorite tourist location, offering beaches full of beautiful Brazilians and beaches nearly deserted and uninhabited. Its close proximity to Salvador makes it a favorite get-away for those visiting the city. You’ll find traditional dance, festivals and food and plenty of beaches and island excursions to keep you busy for days or even weeks.
Morro de São Paulo is actually the name of the principal tourist town on one of the three main islands that make up the Archipelago of Tinhare. Like Fernando de Noronha, Morro de São Paulo was a primary target of pirates and invaders of the past centuries. The island’s principal fortress is in beautiful ruins near the entrance to the island and makes for one of the most pleasant excursions of the island.
The nightlife on the island is quite ample, especially during peak season, and locals get together with tourists to dance and drink until the sun rises. Then it’s back to the beaches to sleep it off. There are many hotels, inns and restaurants on the island, located in the village or on the three principal beaches, known as Beach One, Beach Two, and Beach Three.
Abrolhos
Located in the southern end of the state of Bahia, the archipelago of Abrolhos is a highly prized location for diving and snorkeling—said to be ranked among the ten best in the world. The water here is warm and transparent and visibility generally registers at around 90 to 100 feet. The entire group of islands (which are pieces of the outer rim of an ancient volcano) and the surrounding waters are a national aquatic park and protected wildlife area, harboring such wonders as giant rays, sea turtles and whales. You’ll also encounter a form of coral that is unique in the world.
Even if you don’t swim, a trip out to Abrolhos is worthwhile. There are plenty of sea animals you can see from the boat and areas that are only four or five feet deep. You can take a speed boat out for the day or a larger vessel for overnight adventures.
Ilha Grande
Brazil’s second largest island, Ilha Grande is also one of its most un-developed. A small and charming central village known as Abraão is your point of entry and likely resting place with numerous inns and hotels to choose from. You can walk around the town easily and visit the many different shops and restaurants, specializing in seafood, of course. When you’re ready to visit the outer reaches of the island, you can choose between hiking and boating. Hikes range from a single day to beaches in the near vicinity to multi-day trips to the outer shores. Single and multi-day boat trips are also available, including excursions for diving and snorkeling. Fortunately, some of the best beaches and diving locations are not too far from the village, so hiking is a popular option.
No cars are allowed on the island, so the entire place is tranquil and very rustic. A favorite excursion is out to the pristine beaches of Lopes Mendes, said to be one of Brazil’s most beautiful beaches. But the beaches you pass on the way to Lopes Mendes are just as compelling in this guide’s opinion. You get to Ilha Grande from the coastal city of Angra dos Reis on the coast of Rio de Janeiro.
Ilhabela
Ilhabela is the local name for the Island of São Sebastião, off the coast of São Paulo state on the way to Rio de Janeiro about 45 kilometers from São Paulo city. The island is divided into the “inner” and “outer” experiences, the inner being more populated and touristy and where you’ll find all the hotels and restaurants and many of the beaches. There are numerous inns and beach cabanas, camp grounds, and homes to rent.
Ilhabela is a favorite location of the Paulistas (residents of São Paulo) who go there to practice boating, tanning, and beach sports on weekends. There are some very popular diving spots all around the island, including a number of shipwrecks to explore. In the middle of the island is a rustic piece of the Atlantic Forest, with animals and strange plant life to prove it. You can find wonderful trails with incredible views from the island’s peaks. In most cases, you’ll be rewarded with clear, cool waterfalls along the way.
Access to the island is via ferry boat that takes off from the city of São Sebastião several times per day.
Rio, Sao Paulo, beaches, excursions
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The Road from São Paulo to Rio de Janeiro
The road between Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo is one of Brazil’s most traveled tourist destinations. Called the Rio-Santos road, the trip is perfect for many visitors who want to see the big cities of Brazil, some excellent beaches and tropical islands (including some that are touristy and full of beautiful people and others that are remote and deserted), and also a touch of the interior. You can rent a car and take the trip at your own pace, visiting the highlights that you set for yourself. In this article, I’ll try to answer some of the most common questions about this trip. I’ll add more as they come in, so this will be a work-in-progress.
The road between São Paulo and Rio is a popular road trip for tourists and Brazilians alike. It’s about 450 kilometers of coastline and takes you past some of the most beautiful beaches and beach towns in the country. The water gets greener and warmer the closer you get to Rio, but the beaches near São Paulo are not to be missed either — for their water sports, beautiful people and great boardwalks.
The road itself is in good shape, but it can get a bit windy along the mountain passes around the São Sebastião area, so take it slowly and carefully and enjoy the time.
While you’re in Sao Paulo, you can take the Walking Tour of Downtown Sao Paulo. Also, I’ve listed some good hotels in the Sao Paulo area in my article on The Accor Hotels. I always suggest starting in São Paulo and driving to Rio. This way, your trip will keep building and building to the end, saving the most spectacular for last. There are so many things to see and do between these great cities, that you may want to make the trip twice to get it all in. You wouldn’t be the first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a lot of violence in this region?
Outside of Rio, there is nothing excessive and even inside Rio, the problems are mostly located in the Copacabana Beach area. Of course, you should always be aware and careful. Keep a minimum amount of cash on you and no significant valuables. Split up your cash and when you drive, leave as much in the trunk as possible (your bags, valuables, and credit cards).
What are THE best places for snorkeling?
I’d say that the top snorkeling on this trip would be around Ilha Grande and Angra dos Reis. It’s hard to say which of these is best, but I can say that Ilha Grande requires a bit more time and commitment. If you have the time, it’s totally worth it. If you choose Angra, then be sure to take a boat out to the islands AWAY from the mainland — so you get away from the Angra pollution. That said, there are some wonderful dives there.
The next best place would be the north coast around Ubatuba. There are some wonderful waters there and you can charter boats out for great snorkeling.
How are the roads in this area?
The BR freeways (called rodovias) are much faster and in better condition than the small roads. Also, this is a mountainous region and the roads can be difficult at times. I suggest sticking to the main estradas that will offer the smoothest ride. However, the roads in general in this area are well maintained and generally problem free. You have to get used to maneuvering in two-lanes of traffic is all.
How do Ilha Grande, Paraty, and Buzios compare?
These are all different from one another and Buzios is completely different than just about any other place on the coast. It’s a great place for adults and offers a lot of shopping, modern facilities, great hotels and lots of beaches — both crowded and secluded. You also have some economical options for hotels, so it’s not only for the spenders. A lot of Brazil’s TV stars can be seen at Buzios.
Paraty is an excellent place for tourists and provides a bit of the historical side of Brazil along with beaches and great restaurants. It’s a small town, but the best beaches are outside of town to the north or south. Don’t miss the waterfalls in Paraty, as well as the boat trips.
Ilha Grande is the most remote of the three. There are very few cars on this huge island and only one major town — called Abraao (Abraham). The town, hotels, and eating establishments are all very quaint and you can walk around town with no problem to take it all in. There are beaches all around the island and you can hike or take boats out to them. Some of these are among the prettiest in Brazil and offer great snorkeling, diving, and other fun activities. You really feel the island experience at Ilha Grande because of the lack of cars.
What is the best rental car service to use there?
Here’s a comment from one of my readers about that…”We used Unidas rent-a-car and they were great and about 50% cheaper than Hertz or Avis (12 day rental of a Chevy Meriva was $500, including insurance). It was practically new and they gave us an 800 number to call in case of problems. We booked them through Autoeurope.com.”
Is it worth going inland to Teresopolis?
Absolutely! Teresopolis has a lot to offer and is completely different than the coastal sights. The feature there is hiking and rafting and you should probably set this up ahead of time — like while you’re in Buzios or Rio — with one of the agencies that offer packages or trip planning. For most people 48 hours is enough, but if you’re really into hiking and rock climbing, you might want more.
excursions, minas gerais, minas-todo
The cities of Ouro Preto and Mariana have recently inaugurated their very own Maria Fumaça train ride between the two towns. The train, which is a replica of a 19th century locomotive, takes about 20 minutes to make the trip and leaves from the Ouro Preto Estação do Trem in the lower part of town. It passes through the mountainous region between the towns and provides some spectacular views of the hills and small towns of Central Minas. The cost, for now, is a bit high at R$30 per person, but it opens up Mariana as a real option for an excursion while you are staying in Ouro Preto. Previously, one had to take a bus between the two (an increasingly dangerous proposition), pay for a taxi (about R$40 round trip), or get a ride with a packaged tour.
Rio, excursions
RIO DE JANEIRO–Over 4,000 European travelers were taken into “Rocinha,” Rio de Janeiro’s oldest slum, so far this year. And that’s just by one of several agencies specializing in the favela tour. Now, it seems, the city’s official tourism office, Riotur, is including the favela in their list of approved tours for international travelers. It seems visitors want to see “all” of Rio de Janeiro.
And see they will. The favelas in Rio de Janeiro are famous for their incredible views. They are located on the choicest highlands overlooking the coastline. Dangerous as they may be for the uninvited, the official favela guides have been operating these chaperoned visits for over a dozen years without a hitch. Tourism, in fact, is a legitimate and promising source of income for the favelas and it doesn’t hurt to have international visitors see, first hand, the conditions of the big city slums.
Marcelo Armstrong of Favela Tour is one such “official” guide and leads people into and around the Rocinha favela by van and on foot…through the street markets and all the way up to the highest viewpoint. It’s more than worth half a day while you’re in the marvelous city–if not for the eye-opening educational content, then for the panoramic ocean views.
Coffee, excursions
Brazil has been producing its unique variety of coffee since the bean was introduced into the country in 1727. Since then coffee has become a national passion, not to mention an important export and once the driving force behind a great economic and cultural boom. Coffee is the principal reason why São Paulo grew into the most important financial center in Brazil and the third largest city in the world. At the end of the 19th century coffee overtook sugar as Brazil’s leading agricultural product. Today, Brazil produces over 25% of the world’s coffee, making it the largest coffee producer on the planet. Almost every blended coffee in the world and most espresso blends contain Brazilian coffee.
Originally oriented to mass production of Arabic beans, Brazil recently began competing in the world market with high-end and specialty coffees. In fact, the hills of São Paulo state are known for producing high-quality coffee. Besides São Paulo, the hills of Paraná, Minas Gerais, Espirito Santo, and Bahia states are loaded with coffee plantations and some are becoming known for their special brews. Fortunately for Brazil’s coffee trade, most of these coffee plantations are relatively small, with anywhere from 1-5 square kilometers of land, and are often run by families that have been producing coffee for generations. Only a small number of Brazil’s plantations are large and industrialized, which means a rich future is brewing for specialty Brazilian coffees.
As the region grows and develops, more opportunities open up for travelers to visit and experience the wonders of this region—from planting time to harvest activities. The coffee harvest takes place in June and July and travelers can visit various coffee plantations during this season and even participate in the harvest and production. At other times of the year, activities may include hiking through plantations and their surrounding coutrysides, coffee roasting and tasting, horeback riding, barbecues and ecological expeditions.
Brazil’s Coffee Harvest
June is the month of the great coffee harvest in Brazil. The principal coffee growing regions are in Southern Minas Gerais and Northern São Paulo states. The area between Minas and Rio is also abundant wth the bean. You can partake in the harvest by staying at one of the many hotel fazendas in the region. Harvest time activities include bean picking, horseback riding, and of course, lots of coffee roasting and tasting.
The adventure starts in São Paulo, where much of Brazil’s rich history during the coffee boom are based. You learn about the myths and legends of the coffee trade and how Brazil became the largest producer of coffee in the world. You then journey to various coffee plantations of different sizes, from the interior of São Paulo to Southern Minas Gerais, to the hills of Espirito Santo and Rio de Janeiro. You stay overnight at different working ranches and learn about coffee growing, cultivating and processing. The countryside is magical and the hosts are traditional folks from the region..
