A schooner ride in Búzios feels like play with purpose. I love the sheer variety packed into 2.5 hours—12 beaches, 3 islands, and three snorkel moments—and you’ll see the coast from a fun, no-motor-stress angle. The big family draw for me is the onboard 13-meter waterslide and kid’s pool, but one thing to plan around is that the live guide is Portuguese, so non-speakers may get less context during the trip.

What makes this tour worth your time is the mix of sightseeing and water time. You’re not stuck in a single cove for hours; you get quick looks along the route, plus time to hop in at the main snorkeling stops. It’s also a real “all together” boat: stereo sound, a central bar, benches under awnings, separate bathrooms, and space for a crowd (the schooner holds up to 120).

Before you go, know the logistics are part of the experience. There’s no hotel pickup, and you must check in at the Babylon Búzios store in Centro with your voucher before departure. Also, the route can change if weather turns ugly—plan to be flexible.

Key things that make this ride special

• 13-meter waterslide plus a kid’s pool onboard, so kids actually stay happy
• Three snorkeling sessions at the most stop-focused spots along the coast
• Schooner-style comfort: covered seating, stereo sound, and a central bar
• Big visual payoff fast: 12 beaches and 3 islands in about 2.5 hours
• Straightforward family pricing: kids under 5 free, ages 6–10 half price

A 13-Meter Waterslide on a Schooner in Búzios

This isn’t a quiet “look-but-don’t-touch” boat tour. The most memorable feature is the 13-meter-high water slide, built into the schooner experience, plus an onboard children’s pool that makes the trip feel like a small water park day. If you’re traveling with kids, that combination matters more than it sounds.

Even if you’re not sliding, the boat layout helps. The covered area with awnings gives you shade when the sun is strong, and the seating setup (tables and benches for passengers) makes it easier to stay comfortable during the sailing sections between stops. You also get stereo sound and a central bar, so the vibe stays upbeat without turning into a party circus.

Practical note: swimming rules can vary by conditions. One earlier experience included being required to wear life jackets while getting into the water, which can make it a little clunkier when you want to go under. If you’re sensitive to bulky gear, you’ll want to pay attention to the crew instructions when it’s time to snorkel.

Timing and Where to Board: Centro Pier and the Babylon Check-In

This ride has a single daily departure time listed at 11:45 AM and it lasts about 150 minutes (2.5 hours). Arrive early because boarding depends on check-in, not just showing up at the pier.

Here’s the key detail you don’t want to miss: there’s no hotel pickup, and you’ll check in using your voucher. You present it 30 minutes before departure at Babylon Búzios store in Centro, at Tv. dos Pescadores, nº 88. The meeting point for boarding is described as either the Centro Pier or Porto Veleiro, so if you’re unsure which one applies to your day, confirm ahead.

When you’re planning your day around this, give yourself cushion time for walking and getting organized in Centro. The store check-in happens before you even reach the boat, so don’t schedule the rest of your day too tightly.

One more tip: wear swimwear under your clothes. You’ll save time, and you’ll feel less rushed when the boat calls the snorkeling stops.

Your 2.5-Hour Route Along 12 Beaches and 3 Islands

The core promise here is fast, wide-angle coastal sightseeing plus three water breaks for snorkeling. The sailing route runs along many of Búzios’ well-known shorelines and islands, with a mix of sail-bys and three more stop-focused moments where you can get in the water.

You’ll start from Centro, then work your way along the coast in a loop that includes:

Ilha do Caboclo

This is an early island stop on the itinerary, giving you a first taste of the “see Búzios by sea” feel. Think of it as your warm-up: enough time to look around and get oriented with how the day will flow.

Praia da Armação, Praia dos Ossos, Praia da Azeda, Praia da Azedinha

These are part of the scenic stretches where you’ll get strong visual variety without needing to commit to long swim sessions. If you like comparing coves—how they look from the boat versus how they feel up close—these sail-by moments are where you’ll notice the differences.

Praia de João Fernandes (Snorkeling stop #1)

This is one of the three snorkeling-focused stops. The snorkeling time is about 25 minutes, so you’ll want to treat it like a quick mission: get your mask settled, get in safely, and make the most of the brief window rather than expecting a long leisurely swim.

Praia de João Fernandinho

This one comes between snorkeling moments and works well for taking photos from the boat and enjoying the coastal drive-by energy.

Ilha Branca, Ilha Feia (Snorkeling stops #2)

Ilha Branca adds another island view into the mix, then you reach Ilha Feia, which is the second snorkeling-focused stop (again, about 25 minutes). This is a good point in the day to double-check water comfort—if you get cold easily or you’re sensitive to rougher patches, pace yourself and keep an eye on crew guidance.

Praia das Moías, Enseada de Manguinhos

More shoreline views that help the route feel like more than a straight line. You’re seeing how the coast shifts from place to place, not just bouncing between the “big” stops.

Praia da Tartaruga (Snorkeling stop #3)

This is the final snorkeling-focused moment. By now, you’ll know how the timing works, so you can get your gear ready faster. If you’re deciding between snorkeling and photos, prioritize snorkeling here—it’s your last full chance to swim.

Praia das Virgens, Praia dos Amores, Praia do Canto

After the final water moment, you’ll get more coast views from the boat while the tour wraps.

Rua das Pedras, Orla Bardot (return to Centro area)

The itinerary closes by bringing you back into the area around Rua das Pedras and Orla Bardot. That’s helpful because it anchors the tour in the center of town, making it easier to grab lunch or walk after.

Snorkeling Sessions: How to Make the Most of Short Stops

The snorkeling time is the big question mark for many people, because the total sailing is short and the water moments are measured. You get three stop events, each about 25 minutes snorkeling time.

That’s long enough to see the basics, but not long enough for a slow start. So plan your “snorkel rhythm” before you’re in the water:

• Keep your towel and sunscreen reachable so you’re not scrambling after.
• If you rent masks and snorkels onboard, give yourself extra moments to get fit right.
• Don’t over-focus on going far. The stop is brief; the goal is to enjoy what you see near where the boat sets up.

Water temperature can also affect comfort. One experience described the water as too cold for some swimmers, even though many still made it work. If you’re prone to getting chilled, consider wearing what you can tolerate in cold water and be ready to treat the snorkeling as a shorter, warmer-up session rather than a long underwater hangout.

Also, follow the crew’s swimming instructions. If life jackets are required at the moment you enter the water, accept that tradeoff. It may be less streamlined for going under, but it keeps things safer—especially with a busy boat and multiple people entering at once.

Bar, Snacks, and Optional Add-Ons (What to Budget For)

Food and drinks are not included in the ticket price. That doesn’t mean you’ll go without—there’s a bar onboard where drinks and snacks can be purchased.

If you’re traveling with kids or you want to avoid hangry mid-ride moods, budgeting a little for drinks or snacks can smooth the day. One earlier experience noted there were paid options available onboard, so you can expect to spend something if you want extras rather than relying on what you packed.

There are also add-ons if you want more than basic snorkel time. Masks and snorkels can be rented onboard, and there’s optional guided underwater diving and underwater photo service listed as available. If you’re a “one and done” swimmer, you might skip these and just enjoy the sea time. If you like capturing photos, ask onboard about how the photo service works so you’re not surprised later.

Value in Real Life: Is $19 Worth It?

At about $19 per person, this tour is priced like an affordable highlight, and it can actually deliver more value than it looks like on paper. You’re paying for three things at once: a long-ish ride, multiple coastal views, and structured swim/snorkel stops.

What boosts the value is that the boat isn’t just “transport.” The schooner includes family-friendly water fun with the 13-meter slide and kid’s pool. For families, that can replace spending on separate kid entertainment. For couples or solo travelers, it’s a way to do a lot of coast sightseeing without committing to a full-day excursion.

Keep your expectations aligned with the format. The snorkeling sessions are short, so this isn’t the choice if you’re chasing hours of underwater exploration or a lot of beach time. If your priority is long, slow relaxation on one beach, you’ll likely feel the stop timing is too brief.

Still, for the price, the mix is hard to beat: 2.5 hours of sailing, three snorkeling moments, and broad coast coverage in one go.

Who Should Book This Schooner Ride (and Who Might Prefer Something Else)

This tour fits best if you want:

• A family outing where kids have a major onboard activity with the waterslide and kid’s pool
• A “see the coast quickly” plan without needing private transport
• Light snorkeling that feels planned, not complicated

It may be less ideal if you want:

• Lots of detailed commentary in a language you understand. The guide is Portuguese, so plan to go with more visual learning than narrative.
• Long time in the water or long beach hangs. The snorkeling stops are about 25 minutes.
• A fully included meal experience. Snacks and drinks are for purchase.

If you’re flexible, you’ll have a smoother time. And remember: the itinerary can change or the tour can be canceled due to unfavorable weather.

Should You Book This Schooner Ride?

I’d book it if your ideal day includes boat views, quick snorkeling breaks, and family-friendly onboard fun—especially if you’re traveling with kids who will use the 13-meter slide. The coast coverage in a short window is the big win, and the ship layout makes it comfortable enough to enjoy the ride between stops.

I’d think twice if you need extensive instruction, you want long swim time, or you’re allergic to the idea of a brief snorkeling window. In that case, consider a slower beach-based plan instead.

If you do book, dress for the water, bring your voucher, and aim to arrive early for check-in. You’ll spend less time organizing and more time enjoying the Búzios coastline from sea level.

FAQ

How long is the 3-stop schooner boat ride in Armação dos Búzios?

The duration is about 150 minutes (around 2.5 hours).

Where does the tour leave from?

It departs from Centro (Rua das Pedras area). Boarding is listed as Centro Pier or Porto Veleiro (ask which applies for your day).

What time does the tour depart?

The departure time is 11:45 AM, and you should arrive about 20 minutes early for boarding.

Do I need transportation or hotel pickup?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

Where do I check in before boarding?

You check in at Babylon Búzios store in Centro, at Tv. dos Pescadores, nº 88. You must present your voucher 30 minutes before departure.

What is included on the boat?

The boat tour is included, along with a children’s pool onboard and a 13-meter water slide.

Are snacks or drinks included?

Food and drinks are not included. Drinks and snacks can be purchased onboard at the bar.

How many snorkeling stops are there, and how long are they?

There are 3 snorkeling stops, each for approximately 25 minutes.

Is there a life jacket provided or required?

The information provided does not specify, but swimmers may be required to wear safety gear based on on-the-spot crew instructions.

What should I bring and what should I wear?

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. Wear swimwear, and plan to bring what you need for the water.

What is the child pricing?

Children up to 5 years old go free. Children from 6 to 10 years old pay half price.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The itinerary may be altered or the tour can be canceled due to unfavorable weather conditions.