Cruise port · Brazil · South America
Búzios cruise port guide
Búzios is a chic beach town on a peninsula about 100 miles (160 km) east of Rio de Janeiro, with more than 20 beaches tucked into coves and bays. Ships anchor offshore and tender passengers to the town pier, and the appeal is a relaxed day of beach-hopping by boat or taxi, snorkeling and strolling the cobbled Rua das Pedras.
- Beaches
- Snorkeling
- Boat tours
- Relaxed pace
Photo: Mariordo Mario Roberto Duran Ortiz, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Country
- Brazil
- Region
- South America
- Type of stop
- Cruise port
- Language
- Portuguese. Spanish and some English are spoken in tourist businesses.
- Currency
- Brazilian real (BRL). Cards are widely accepted in shops and restaurants; carry cash for beach vendors.
- Best time to visit
- January–December
- Average highs
- 79–86°F through the year
About Búzios
Once a simple fishing village, Búzios became famous after French actress Brigitte Bardot visited in the 1960s, and it has kept a stylish, slightly bohemian vibe ever since. The town center is compact, with boutiques, restaurants and bars, while beaches range from sheltered family coves to surf spots facing the open Atlantic.
Cruise visitors usually spend the day beach-hopping. Schooner boat tours stop at several beaches for swimming and snorkeling, or you can take a taxi or water taxi to favorites such as João Fernandes, Ferradura or Geribá. In town, the Orla Bardot waterfront walk has a bronze statue of the actress and views of the fishing boats.
It's a great port for beach lovers, couples and anyone looking for a slower pace after big cities like Rio. If you're after major sights or cultural depth, Búzios is light on both, and as a tender port it can be affected by weather.
Where cruise ships dock in Búzios
Búzios is a tender port. Ships anchor in the bay and tender passengers to the pier in the center of town, near Rua das Pedras and the Orla Bardot waterfront. From the pier, the shops, restaurants and nearby town beaches are a short walk away. Many beaches are a few minutes away by taxi or water taxi, and schooner tours leave from near the pier. Distances are short, so you can visit two or three beaches on a typical port day. Wind and swell can sometimes slow or cancel tendering.
Best things to do in Búzios on a cruise
- 1
Schooner beach-hopping tour
beach
Colorful wooden schooners, called escunas, cruise along the coast and stop at several beaches and coves for swimming and snorkeling. It's the easiest way to see a lot of Búzios in a few hours, and drinks are usually available on board.
- 2
João Fernandes Beach
beach
This sheltered beach has calm, clear water that's good for snorkeling, with fish around the rocks at either end. Beach restaurants rent chairs and serve seafood. It's a short taxi or water taxi ride from the pier.
- 3
Rua das Pedras
shopping
The town's main cobbled street is lined with boutiques, art galleries, ice cream shops and restaurants. It's at its liveliest in the evening, but makes a pleasant daytime stroll from the pier.
- 4
Orla Bardot and the Brigitte Bardot statue
culture
The waterfront walk named for the actress has a bronze statue of her sitting on a suitcase, a nod to the visit that put Búzios on the map. It's a short, scenic walk with views of fishing boats and the bay.
- 5
Geribá Beach
adventure
Facing the open ocean, Geribá is Búzios's surfing beach, with a lively scene, beach bars and surf schools. It's best for watching or catching waves rather than calm swimming.
- 6
Azeda and Azedinha beaches
nature
These two small coves near town are reached by a short path and have clear water and good snorkeling. They're small and can get busy, so go early.
Búzios weather by month
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F (°C) | 8630 | 8530 | 8529 | 8328 | 8027 | 7926 | 7926 | 7926 | 8228 | 8228 | 8228 | 8329 |
| Low °F (°C) | 7524 | 7524 | 7524 | 7323 | 7021 | 6820 | 6719 | 6719 | 6920 | 7021 | 7122 | 7323 |
| Rain in (mm) | 4.9124 | 4.7119 | 4.6118 | 2.973 | 2.769 | 1.537 | 1.026 | 1.948 | 2.255 | 4.1104 | 6.7170 | 5.4138 |
| Daylight (hrs) | 13 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 14 |
What to eat and drink in Búzios
Seafood is the star: try grilled fish, shrimp and moqueca, a Brazilian fish stew cooked in coconut milk. Beach restaurants serve fresh fish of the day, and açaí bowls make a refreshing snack. The caipirinha, made with cachaça, lime and sugar, is the classic drink. Rua das Pedras has a good choice of restaurants for a relaxed lunch.
Tips for your port day
- Get tender tickets early if you're exploring on your own, and plan to be back well before the last tender.
- Agree on fares with water taxis and taxis before setting off.
- Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a hat and water shoes for rocky snorkeling spots.
- Carry Brazilian reais in small bills for beach vendors, as not all accept cards.
- Check visa requirements for Brazil well in advance of your cruise.
Cruise lines that visit Búzios
Often on the same itinerary
Búzios cruise FAQs
Is Búzios a tender port?
Yes. Ships anchor offshore and tender passengers to the town pier, close to Rua das Pedras and the Orla Bardot waterfront.
What is the best beach in Búzios for cruise passengers?
João Fernandes is a favorite for calm water and snorkeling, and Ferradura is good for families. Geribá is the place for surfing.
How far is Búzios from Rio de Janeiro?
About 100 miles (160 km), roughly three hours by road. Cruise ships often call at Búzios on itineraries that begin or end in Rio.
Is Búzios safe for cruise passengers?
Búzios is generally regarded as relaxed and safe compared with big Brazilian cities, but petty theft can happen. Keep belongings secure and check the U.S. State Department advisory for Brazil.
What is the best excursion in Búzios?
A schooner beach-hopping tour is the most popular, letting you swim and snorkel at several beaches in a few hours.
Updated November 2026 by the BookMyDreamCruise editorial team. How we research and fact-check.
Sources: Wikipedia, Wikidata, NASA POWER climate data.