Búzios is more than just beaches. The peninsula offers activities for every type of traveller: from the adventurer who wants to dive in open water to the couple who prefers a relaxed sunset boat ride. This guide covers the most popular activities and how to make the most of them.
Schooner Tour
The schooner tour is the classic Búzios experience. Boats depart from Marina de Búzios and visit 6 to 9 beaches over 4 to 5 hours, with stops for swimming and snorkelling. The most popular routes combine calm beaches (João Fernandinho, Azeda, Azedinha) with snorkelling spots. Tickets range from R$ 80 to R$ 150 per person; Sea Tiger is one of the most well-known operators.
Diving at João Fernandes
Praia de João Fernandes and the adjacent reefs are Búzios’s main diving destination, with visibility up to 15 metres on calm days. Beginners can do a discovery dive for around R$ 120 to R$ 180; certified divers can explore wrecks and coral walls. Operators like Búzios Dive offer full equipment.
Buggy Tour
One of the most fun ways to explore Búzios is by dune buggy — the off-road vehicles that cruise the coastline and roads connecting the beaches. Routes of 2 to 4 hours cover more than 20 beaches, viewpoints, and scenic spots. The buggy holds 2 to 4 people and costs R$ 150 to R$ 250 per vehicle, making it good value for groups.
Stand-up Paddleboarding
The calmer beaches of Búzios — João Fernandes, Ferradura, and Rasa — are ideal for stand-up paddleboarding. Beginner lessons last about 1 hour (R$ 80–120 per person) and board rental starts from R$ 50 per hour. The best time is calm mornings without wind.
Trails and Viewpoints
For those who prefer land-based activities, Búzios has trails with impressive views. The trail to Praia do Forno, starting from Praia da Ferradura, offers one of the best panoramas of the peninsula. The trail from Praia Brava to Praia do Olho de Boi leads to the city’s most famous naturist beach — about 20 minutes of steep walking with great views.
