Schooner Beach Cruise

Schooner trips are the classic Búzios outing and the easiest way to see the peninsula's many coves in one go. The big wooden boats leave from the waterfront by the pier several times a day and spend about two and a half hours cruising past a dozen beaches and islands, usually stopping for a swim at two or three of them, such as Azeda, João Fernandes or Tartaruga. Buy tickets from the kiosks and sellers along the waterfront; you do not need to book ahead unless a big ship is in. Many boats have a bar on board, a water slide and a party atmosphere; if you want something quieter, ask about smaller boats or the taxi boats instead. Take a morning departure, when the sea is calmer, and check the return time against your last tender.