Búzios by schooner is a full-day ocean fix. This is a long, well-structured day that pairs a schooner boat tour with multiple beach stops and an included meal, so you get coastline time even if you don’t want to plan Búzios on your own. It’s designed as a shared tour with a professional bilingual guide, starting early from Rio.

I like two things most: the professional bilingual tour guide (English, Spanish, and Portuguese) who keeps the day organized, and the included Brazilian buffet lunch once you reach Búzios. I also find the mix of calm beaches useful if you’re traveling with different comfort levels in the water.

One thing to weigh: it’s a 12-hour, shared day trip, and the water time can feel brief if you’re hoping for a long snorkeling session at each stop. Also, snorkeling gear and some on-site extras aren’t included, and you’ll pay an environmental fee during the tour.

Key Highlights Worth Your Attention

• Shared group size capped at 45 people helps the day feel organized on the ground.
• Schooner tour with multiple beach stops means you’re not stuck on one viewpoint.
• Included buffet lunch in Búzios with fish, meats, sides, and salads keeps you from hunting food later.
• Free floaters are provided for water comfort, while life vests are emergency-only.
• Praia da Tartaruga and João Fernandes are calm-water choices that work well for families.
• Praia dos Ossos + a low-tide trail beach adds a quieter, more nature-driven side of Búzios.

The 12-Hour Búzios Schooner Plan: What You’re Really Buying

You’re paying for a very specific kind of value: transportation from Rio, coordinated beach time in Búzios, a boat day on a schooner, and an included buffet lunch. With a roughly 12-hour schedule and pickup starting at 7:00 am, this is the kind of day trip that turns into a full day of “ocean time” rather than a quick taste.

Because it’s shared, you get a bigger social atmosphere on the bus, plus a guide who’s managing timing for everyone. That can be good—when the day is moving, you’re not waiting around wondering what happens next. It can also mean less flexibility if you want to linger somewhere extra.

Also note the tour’s rhythm: your stops include beaches where swimming is a main activity, plus at least one beach with snorkeling opportunities. If you want maximum time underwater, you’ll want to plan for the fact that stops are timed, not open-ended.

Price and Logistics: Early Pickup, Shared Boat, and Time Windows

The price is $114.14 per person, which becomes more reasonable when you compare what’s included: air-conditioned transport, guide service, the schooner tour, lunch, and a walk on Rua das Pedras. The tradeoff is that you’re committing to a long day, with a start time of 7:00 am and a lot happening between Rio and Búzios.

Traffic in Rio can be a real factor during peak season. The tour’s collection route is described as starting in Leblon, passing through multiple neighborhoods, and ending with the final boarding in Lapa before heading to Búzios. That’s why the time shown at booking is only indicative. The day before, they contact you to confirm the exact pickup time via WhatsApp or the booking platform.

If you’re staying in Barra da Tijuca or Recreio, keep in mind pick-ups there aren’t included. You’ll want to factor in how you’ll reach the tour’s pickup/boarding area on your own.

Rua das Pedras Stroll: A Short Break Between Ocean Stops

One of the included extras is a walk on Rua das Pedras. Even if beaches are your main mission, I like having at least one land-based break in the middle of a sea-heavy day. It gives you a chance to stretch your legs, reset, and enjoy Búzios at human pace instead of only from the water.

This is especially useful after lunch, when you might feel a little beach-baked. A short walk also helps you get your bearings for the day’s layout: where you are, where you’ll be moving next, and what you might want to explore on a separate trip.

Because the schedule doesn’t list exact timing for the Rua das Pedras walk, treat it like a planned pause rather than a free afternoon. If you’re the type who likes to linger and browse, you may find yourself wanting more time—but at least this tour builds in a taste.

Praia da Tartaruga: Warm, Calm Water for Fish Spotting

Praia da Tartaruga is described as a 2 km beach with calm, green and warm waters, a good choice for swimming. This is also the stop where the snorkeling vibe fits naturally, since the area is known for fish and corals and includes easy beach activity options.

What I’d love about this stop is how family-friendly it sounds. Calm water usually means less drama for people who don’t want to fight waves, and it also makes it easier to supervise kids while still enjoying the water.

The visit time listed here is 40 minutes, with admission ticket free. That’s not a full-day beach break, but it’s long enough to do a quick swim or a short snorkeling session if you’re prepared.

Practical tip: if you’re serious about seeing fish closely, remember that snorkeling gear is not included, so plan either to rent/bring your own equipment or accept that you may stay in the water without a focused snorkeling session.

Azedinha and Azeda: Natural Pools Around Golden Sand

Next up are Azedinha and Azeda, two beaches known for striking views and rock formations that form natural pools. That matters because natural pools often create the kind of calmer water where you can stand, float, and swim without constantly adjusting to choppy conditions.

The beaches are described as having golden sand and clear, calm waters, which is exactly what you want when you’re balancing swim time with relaxed sightseeing. The rock formations also mean there’s more to look at besides just the horizon line.

Just like Tartaruga, the planned stop time is 40 minutes and admission is free. That’s a fair window for dipping in, taking photos, and moving on without dragging the day out further.

One caution: natural pools can still be rocky. Wear water shoes if you have them, especially if you’re prone to slipping on uneven surfaces.

João Fernandes Beach: Kid-Friendly Calm and Snorkel Cliffs

Praia João Fernandes is another family-oriented stop. It’s relatively small, with calm, clean, warm water and a bluish tone with plenty of small fish. The description also mentions kayaking-friendly water and cliffs where snorkeling is possible.

This stop reads like a strong “middle ground.” You get calm water for swimming, plus a chance for more adventurous snorkeling for people who want it. If your group has mixed comfort levels, this is the kind of beach that can satisfy both.

The stop window is 40 minutes and admission is free again. Also, if you want to do snorkeling, remember it requires gear that isn’t included. And if your goal is kayaking, the tour listing doesn’t say that gear or rentals are included, so treat that as something you’d arrange independently once you’re there.

Overall, this is one of the best choices on the list if you’re looking for a beach where you can keep things simple: swim, float, look around, and move on.

Praia dos Ossos and the Low-Tide Trail Beach

This day isn’t only about classic swim beaches. You also get time at Praia dos Ossos, a famous spot in Armação dos Búzios. The name comes from the whaling activity carried out in the area from 1730 onwards, when bones were scattered on the sand.

That historical detail matters because it gives the beach a different emotional tone than the purely postcard stops. It’s a place where you’re more likely to notice texture, shells, and remnants of how this coast was used long ago.

The itinerary also includes another small, quieter beach that keeps its native vegetation and is accessible only on foot at low tide via narrow trails from Praia do Canto or Praia da Tartaruga. That’s a big deal: low-tide-only access means you may not be able to reach it in every condition, and you’ll want to follow the guide’s instructions on timing.

If you like a peaceful, less crowded feel, this section of the day offers that. If you hate uncertainty around where you can walk, focus on using it as a scenery stop rather than a must-reach target.

Lunch and Drinks: The Included Buffet and the Extra Costs

Lunch is one of the real wins of this tour. You’ll have a buffet with fish, meats, sides, and salads typical of the region. This is the kind of included meal that helps a day trip feel worth it because you’re not hunting for food between swims.

What’s not included: drinks and dessert. So if you’re someone who likes iced drinks or coffee after a long morning, budget extra money. Also, if your appetite runs big, a buffet is great, but pace yourself—water activities can make you hungrier later.

An extra practical note: there’s a quick stop on the way to Búzios described as a chance for snacks and a restroom break. That matters because leaving Rio at 7:00 am can make the day feel long before you even reach the beaches.

Snorkeling Gear, Floaters, and Vests: Spend Smart

Snorkeling is a major theme on the calmer beaches like Tartaruga and João Fernandes, but the tour doesn’t include snorkeling equipment. So the most important thing to do is mentally separate the beach water time from the snorkeling gear time.

Here’s what is included for comfort: free floaters. Life vests are provided for emergency use and must stay available. If you want more comfort, there’s an option to rent a recreational vest for R$ 35.

There’s also an environmental fee of R$ 10.50 per person, paid only during the tour. The tour description says this supports local fishermen and helps maintain the city.

If you’re the type who wants to maximize what you see in the water, I’d recommend bringing your own goggles if you already use them. Otherwise, plan for gear-rental decisions once you’re on site.

Also, don’t assume that snorkeling is available the same way at every stop. Some beaches are better for casual swimming; others may have more structured snorkeling areas. Your safest plan is to treat snorkeling as “possible,” not guaranteed.

Safety Notes: Fleet Sizes and Military Navy Approval

One detail I appreciate in the tour information is the emphasis on safety standards. The company says that, before each trip begins, they get approval from the Military Navy. That requirement is described as a way to ensure they operate with boats that meet high standards and maximum safety for customers.

On top of that, they use a diverse fleet. Boat capacity can be 50, 60, 80, or 90 passengers, and the selection process is adapted daily based on demand. In practice, that means your exact vessel may vary depending on the day.

Another helpful number: the tour itself has a maximum of 45 travelers, which is smaller than typical full-size group tours. That doesn’t change bus logistics, but it can make coordination easier and can reduce crowding while moving between stops.

Also keep in mind this is rain or shine. If weather is rough, the schedule still runs, so pack something light for sun and a backup layer for wind.

Should You Book This Búzios Boat Tour With Lunch?

Book it if you want one guided day in Búzios that mixes calm swimming beaches, a schooner boat tour, and a proper buffet lunch without having to plan logistics yourself. The included Rua das Pedras walk is a nice bonus that breaks up the day, and the group size cap (up to 45) helps it stay organized.

Think twice if your top priority is long, uninterrupted snorkeling time. Snorkeling equipment isn’t included, and stop durations are set (with several 40-minute windows), so you’ll need to be comfortable with short bursts of water activity. Also, since drinks and dessert aren’t included, you should expect to spend a bit more on the side.

If you’re flexible, early starts don’t crush you, and you want a “Búzios highlights” day, this is a solid value buy at $114.14—especially because lunch and transport are handled.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

Pickup starts at 7:00 am.

Is pickup included, and where is it not available?

Pickup is offered, but pick-ups in Barra da Tijuca and Recreio are not included. The tour route described starts collecting in Leblon, passes through several neighborhoods, and ends with last boarding in Lapa at the Hotel Socialtel.

How long is the tour?

The duration is approximately 12 hours.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

No. Snorkeling equipment is not included.

Is lunch included, and are drinks included?

Yes, lunch is included as a buffet. Drinks and dessert are not included.

What is the environmental fee?

There is an environmental fee of R$ 10.50 per person, paid during the tour.

Is the tour private?

No. It’s not private and is run as a shared tour (maximum 45 travelers).

What languages will the guide speak?

The tour is offered in English, and the guide speaks English, Spanish, and Portuguese.

Does the tour run in bad weather?

Yes. The tour runs rain or shine, and they state no refund is generated for bad weather.