Arraial do Cabo: Don Juan Boat Trip with Dogs & Beach Stops

Summary

Gentle boat ride in arraial do cabo with friendly dogs and clear water stops

You’ll ride a spacious saveiro through Arraial do Cabo’s turquoise waters with gentle music and friendly golden retrievers for company. Swim at navy-protected beaches, spot quirky rock formations, and share laughs with locals and fellow travelers. It’s relaxed but full of small surprises — you might end up thinking about those dogs long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to meet two golden retrievers before even leaving the dock — Marujo and Marujinho, tails wagging like they owned the place. That set the mood for our Don Juan boat trip in Arraial do Cabo. We climbed aboard this big wooden saveiro, music playing softly (not blasting, thankfully), and families already settling in with beach bags and a couple of sleepy kids. The crew handed out life jackets without fuss. I caught a whiff of grilled meat from the bar — someone was already ordering kebabs at 10am, which honestly made me hungry too.

The first stop was Ilha do Farol. The sand looked almost fake, so white it hurt my eyes in the sun. Our guide pointed out this tiny statue tucked into a crevice — Nossa Senhora da Assunção — said fishermen found her ages ago. I tried to ask how she got there but my Portuguese is… well, not great. Li laughed when I tried anyway. The water was clear enough to see little fish darting around my ankles; I stood there for a while just letting the salt sting settle on my skin. There’s this rock that looks exactly like a monkey’s head up on Pontal do Atalaia — once you see it you can’t unsee it.

Later, we drifted by another crack in the rocks where people say a meteor hit (I mean, maybe?), and everyone leaned over the rail for photos. The crew kept things chill — no loudspeaker yelling or anything — just pointing stuff out if you were interested. Kids splashed off the back ladder during our last beach stop; Marujinho jumped in after them like he’d done it a thousand times before. Sunburned shoulders, salty hair, everyone smiling for no reason except maybe because it felt easy to be there.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Boat trip with beach stops and sightseeing

• Stop at beautiful navy-preserved beach
• Pass by Nossa Senhora da Assunção crevice
• Pass by monkey head rock formation
• Pass by blue sea reflection crevice
• Pass by meteor-formed hole on Ilha do Farol
• Stop for recreation at calm beach

Top questions

Is there music on the Don Juan boat trip?

Yes, there is pleasant music onboard but it isn’t loud or disruptive.

Are children allowed on this Arraial do Cabo boat tour?

Yes, children of all ages are welcome and life jackets are provided for everyone.

Can I bring my stroller on board?

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller during the tour.

How many people are usually on the boat?

The boat has space for 80 but usually takes up to 60 passengers for comfort.

Are pets allowed on this tour?

The owners’ golden retrievers are always onboard; other pets aren’t mentioned.

Is lunch included on this day trip?

No lunch included, but there is an onboard bar selling drinks and kebabs.

How long do we stop at each beach?

You’ll spend about one hour at one of Arraial’s most beautiful beaches during the trip.

Does this tour include hotel pickup?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; public transport options are nearby.

What’s included

Your day includes soft music as you cruise aboard a comfortable saveiro with two friendly golden retrievers for company, life jackets for all ages, Wi-Fi access if you need it, an onboard bar serving drinks and kebabs (not included), use of support boats to reach protected beaches safely, separate bathrooms for men and women, plus life insurance throughout your excursion before returning to port later that day.