Time-honored fishing traditions, modern-day trading and tourist boat excursions combine at Forno Port. This is the epicenter for Arraial do Cabo’s daily marine activities, where huge freight ships moor and dockyard workers prepare the loading and unloading of cargo. Watch fishermen at work, catch a boat to isolated bays and hike a scenic trail.
The fisherman’s wharf offers some of the most interesting action at the port. Hundreds of colorful trawlers squeeze up against each other in rows along the jetties. Observe as the boat owners chat animatedly with friends, haul huge nets onto the wooden jetties and sort and gut their day’s catch. Large quantities of the catch gets purchased by local restaurant owners and sold at the city’s markets.
Unite with other vacationers that line up on the piers and wait eagerly to board boats to the natural treasures of Arraial do Cabo. Just a short ride around the headland is Forno Beach, famous for its powdery white sand, transparent water and floating restaurant. It’s also possible to walk to Forno Beach via a hiking trail.
Another beach to visit is Pontal do Atalaia Beach. Its stunning natural landscape is one of the reasons why the city is known as the Brazilian Caribbean. Spend a day at Cabo Frio Island. The caves of Gruta Azul are popular locations for scuba-diving and snorkeling. Follow the trail to a lighthouse at the southern tip of the island. Or, hike to the island’s highest point and enjoy panoramic coastal views.
Forno Port is easy to reach by foot from downtown Arraial do Cabo. The city’s central bus terminal is less than a mile to the west. Daniel Barreto de Marco Square (Praça do Cova) and Our Lady of Remedies Church are among other nearby attractions. An annual Calamari Festival takes place at the port and on Dos Anjos Beach.
