Hotels in Arraial do Cabo

Arraial do Cabo: Coastal Clarity on the Costa do Sol

Arraial do Cabo sits on a rocky peninsula 160 km east of Rio de Janeiro in the state of Rio de Janeiro, at the point where the cold Falkland Current meets warm tropical waters. That collision produces visibility up to 30 metres underwater, earning the town a reputation as Brazil's premier scuba diving destination. Praia do Farol, reachable only by boat, and Gruta Azul — a sea cave lit by refracted blue light — draw divers and snorkelers year-round from across South America.

Where to Stay in Arraial do Cabo

Most hotels and pousadas cluster along Praia dos Anjos, the sheltered bay where fishing boats anchor and dive operators launch daily trips. A smaller set of properties occupies the hillside above Praia Grande, a 7 km arc of white sand backed by dunes. Accommodation skews toward small boutique pousadas rather than large resort blocks; the municipal centre limits high-rise development to protect sightlines.

Practical Tips

• Getting there: Buses run from Rio de Janeiro's Novo Rio terminal to Cabo Frio (2.5 hrs), then local connections or taxis cover the final 12 km to Arraial do Cabo.
• Best months: October to March for calm seas and peak dive visibility; July brings cooler winds off the Cabo Frio upwelling.
• Boat access: Reserve island-hopping boats the evening before — capacity limits apply at Praia do Farol daily.