Armação dos Búzios: 3-Stop Schooner Boat Ride

Búzios looks different from the water: this 2.5-hour schooner ride traces a long stretch of coast, passing 12 beaches and three islands before stopping three times for swimming and snorkeling. I like that you get both a broad look at the shoreline and time to cool off, rather than spending the whole trip at sea.

I also like the boat’s 13-meter waterslide and children’s pool, unusual extras on a sightseeing cruise and a welcome distraction for families. The trade-off is time: each swim stop lasts about 25 minutes, and the guide speaks Portuguese, so the trip may feel rushed or hard to follow if you want long swims or English commentary.

At a glance

• Three swim stops: Plan on roughly 25 minutes at each, with masks and snorkels available to rent.
• A wide coastal circuit: The schooner passes 12 beaches and three islands in 150 minutes.
• Built for a crowd: The boat holds up to 120 people and has covered seating, a bar and separate men’s and women’s bathrooms.
• Family extras: Children can use an onboard pool, while the 13-meter waterslide adds a splash of amusement.
• Bring your own beach kit: Swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses are useful; drinks, snacks and snorkel gear cost extra.
• Budget for add-ons: The listed price is $19 per person, but a boarding fee is not included, and neither are transport to the pier, food or drinks.

A broad view of Búzios from the schooner

This is a coast tour, not a beach-hopping excursion by land. You board in the Centro area, then see a string of coves and shorelines from the water, with three scheduled chances to swim. The route is designed to show you many places in a short time, so expect a moving overview more than a deep visit to any one beach.

The boat’s listed capacity is 120. That makes this a social, potentially busy outing rather than an intimate sail, though the spacious layout, tables and benches give you somewhere to sit during the cruise. A covered area with awnings helps provide shade, but you should still bring sun protection for time on deck and in the water.

The onboard bar sells drinks and snacks, and there is stereo sound. Separate bathrooms for men and women are provided, though the vessel has only a limited number of facilities for a large group. If bathroom access is important to you, it is sensible to use one before boarding.

Following the route from Rua das Pedras

The tour starts near the Centro pier, around Rua das Pedras, and the schooner heads along the coast past Ilha do Caboclo, Praia da Armação and Praia dos Ossos. These opening stretches give you a sense of how the town’s waterfront connects with the beaches and islands beyond it. The boat then continues by Praia da Azeda and Praia da Azedinha toward João Fernandes.

The route names 12 beaches and three islands, but that does not mean you step ashore at all of them. Most are viewed from the boat as it sails between the swimming stops. That distinction matters if you are picturing a series of beach visits: this is a cruise with swim breaks, not a shore excursion at each named place.

The first scheduled stop is at Praia de João Fernandes. The itinerary then passes Praia de João Fernandinho and Ilha Branca before continuing toward Ilha Feia, where the second swim stop is marked. After that, the schooner heads past Praia das Moías and Enseada de Manguinhos toward Praia da Tartaruga, the third stop.

The final stretch includes Praia das Virgens, Praia dos Amores and Praia do Canto, before the boat returns past Rua das Pedras and Orla Bardot. You get a lot of names and coastline in 2.5 hours, but the pace is brisk. If you want a long, unhurried swim or a quiet stretch on a beach, you may prefer to set aside another day for that.

Three 25-minute breaks in the water

Each of the three stops is planned for about 25 minutes. That is enough time for a swim and a quick look below the surface, but it is not a long snorkeling session, especially if you need to rent equipment or get comfortable in the water. Masks and snorkels are available onboard for an extra charge.

Bring your own gear if you have it, and have your swimwear on before the boat leaves. A towel and a change of dry clothes are handy after the last stop, while sunscreen is worth reapplying between swims. The boat’s bar also sells snacks and drinks, so you can buy refreshments onboard, though they are not included in the ticket.

One practical point to check before you board is the use of life jackets during swimming. A report from one departure described them as required in the water, which can make snorkeling less comfortable. Rules may depend on conditions or crew instructions, so ask before you pay to rent gear if swimming without a vest matters to you.

The waterslide, kids’ pool and family appeal

The schooner’s standout family feature is its 13-meter-high waterslide, paired with a small children’s pool. These are included with the boat tour, so you are not paying an extra fee just to use them. For children who tire of simply watching the coast, the onboard play options can make the sailing time part of the fun.

The boat also has a bar, covered seating, tables and benches, which helps make the trip manageable for a mixed-age group. Still, it is a shared vessel with room for as many as 120 people. If your ideal family outing means a quiet boat and plenty of personal space, this may not be the right fit.

Age pricing needs a quick check before you book. The information gives two different descriptions: one says children up to age five ride free and children aged six to ten pay half, while another says children under three are free. Confirm the applicable rule for your child rather than assuming one age cutoff applies.

What $19 buys, and what it does not

At $19 per person, the basic fare covers 150 minutes on the schooner, the coastal circuit, three swim stops, the children’s pool and the waterslide. For someone who wants a simple way to see a long section of coast without arranging separate boat transport, that is a useful bundle. The advertised price does not include the boarding fee, however, and the amount of that fee is not specified here.

You will also need to budget for transport to the pier, since hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. Drinks, snacks, mask and snorkel rental, guided scuba diving and underwater photos are optional purchases. If you plan to buy several extras, the final cost can climb beyond the starting fare.

The value depends on what you want from a boat trip. If you like seeing many beaches in one outing and are content with short water stops, the price covers a lot of coastline. If you mainly want snorkeling time, a smaller boat or a longer excursion may be better value, even if it costs more.

Timing, language and boarding details

The stated departure time is 11:45 a.m. The activity information says to arrive 20 minutes early, while check-in instructions say to present your voucher at the Babylon Búzios store 30 minutes before departure. I would follow the stricter instruction and plan to check in 30 minutes ahead.

The check-in point is Babylon Búzios, at Tv. dos Pescadores, nº 88, in Centro. The boat boards at Centro Pier or Porto Veleiro, so confirm which boarding point applies to your departure. Bring your voucher on a phone or in print. There is no included transport to the pier.

The guide speaks Portuguese. If you do not understand Portuguese, you can still follow the basic shape of the outing from the route and scheduled swim stops, but you should not expect commentary in English or another language. A French-speaking visitor found the lack of explanation a drawback, so consider this if learning about the area is a priority for you.

Weather can change the plan. The itinerary may be altered, or the tour may be canceled, in adverse conditions. The booking terms allow free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, with a full refund, and offer a reserve-now, pay-later option.

Who will enjoy this schooner ride most

I would choose this trip if I wanted an affordable overview of Búzios’ coastline, a few chances to swim and a boat with family-oriented features. The spacious schooner, lively atmosphere, onboard refreshments and unusual waterslide make it more than a simple transfer from one point to another. The route also gives you a useful first look at beaches you might want to visit later on land.

It is a less natural fit for anyone seeking a quiet sailing trip, long snorkeling sessions or detailed guiding in English. Three stops in 150 minutes leave little room to linger, and the boat can carry a large group. Cold water can also make swimming less appealing at some times of year, even when other people are willing to get in.

Should you book the Búzios schooner?

Book it if you value variety, a modest starting price and a relaxed outing that combines coastal views with short swims. The strongest reasons to go are the long route, the three water breaks and the boat’s family extras. Just treat the beaches as sights along the way, not as a set of places where you will spend the afternoon.

Skip it if the Portuguese-only guide, possible crowding or brisk stop schedule would frustrate you. Before paying, confirm the boarding point, the separate boarding fee, the child fare that applies to your family and any swimwear or life-jacket rules. Pack your towel and sunscreen, arrive early for check-in, and keep expectations in line with a lively coastal cruise rather than a private snorkeling tour.

FAQ

How long is the schooner tour?

The ride lasts 150 minutes, or 2.5 hours.

What time does the boat leave?

The stated departure time is 11:45 a.m. Check-in instructions say to arrive 30 minutes early at the Babylon Búzios store.

Where do I check in?

Present your mobile or printed voucher at Babylon Búzios, Tv. dos Pescadores, nº 88, in Centro, Búzios. The boarding point is Centro Pier or Porto Veleiro, so confirm which one applies.

What language does the guide speak?

The live tour guide speaks Portuguese.

How many beaches and islands does the route pass?

The route passes 12 beaches and three islands along the Búzios coast.

How many swimming stops are included?

There are three stops, each planned for about 25 minutes.

Is snorkel equipment included?

No. Masks and snorkels are available to rent onboard for an extra charge.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Drinks and snacks can be purchased at the boat’s bar.

Is transport to the pier included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as transportation to the boarding pier, are not included.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The itinerary may be changed or the tour canceled because of adverse weather. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.