Things to do in José Gonçalves

Activities, attractions and tours

Explore thousands of activities with free cancellation and no added fees.

Design your experience with airport transfers, excursions, day tours & more.

Get an insider's look in what to book before you travel.

Top places to visit

1. Geriba Beach

Geriba Beach is a large stretch of golden sand with bars serving shrimp and empanadas. The tranquil sandy haven has warm water and fairly large waves that lure surfers to its shores. Rent a surfboard or stand-up paddleboard to join your fellow watersports enthusiasts on the waves.
Learn more
Geriba Beach featuring a beach, general coastal views and a coastal town

2. Japanese Island

Japanese Island is a picturesque landmass in the center of a beachside lagoon in Cabo Frio. It is popular with stand-up paddleboarders and kayakers as well as sunbathers, who flock to its stunning beach. Walk the circumference of this tiny islet to take in its spectacular scenery.
Learn more
Japanese Island featuring general coastal views and a beach

3. Rua das Pedras

Rua das Pedras is the most famous street in the picturesque resort town of Búzios. Come here to shop for souvenirs in independent stores and galleries, sip coffee outside pretty cafés and experience Búzios’ lively nightlife.
Learn more
Rua das Pedras which includes night scenes and a small town or village

4. João Fernandes Beach

Praia de João Fernandes, or João Fernandes Beach, is one of the best-loved stretches of sand in the resort town of Búzios. Choose your spot here on the golden sand beneath a brightly colored beach umbrella. Prepare for a day of basking in golden sunlight, swimming in clear blue waters and taking photo after photo.
Learn more
Joao Fernandes Beach which includes general coastal views and a beach

5. Forte Beach

Long, scenic Forte Beach is the main strand of Cabo Frio. The busy bay, which takes its name from its historic fort, is packed with huts, lodgings and stores. Come here to enjoy stunning views of the verdant promontories overlooking the turquoise waters of the Atlantic Ocean.
Learn more
Forte Beach showing surf, surfing and general coastal views

6. Ferradura Beach

Praia Ferradura, or Ferradura Beach, is an idyllic crescent of sand on Búzios’ least busy coast, to the southwest. Located in one of the resort town’s wealthiest and most stylish neighborhoods, this glamorous beach is rumored to be a favorite with celebrities. It’s also an excellent place for a family day out. Bring or rent snorkeling masks and spend hours exploring the calm turquoise waters of this lovely cove.
Learn more
Ferradura Beach which includes general coastal views, a sandy beach and a coastal town

7. Orla Bardot

Orla Bardot is a waterfront promenade that pays tribute to one of its glitzy patrons, the iconic French actress Brigitte Bardot. Featuring a scenic view of the sea and a statue of the actress, the boardwalk is among the highlights of the town. Walk up and down this ritzy promenade and revel in the Bardot-esque aura.
Learn more
Orla Bardot which includes a sunset, general coastal views and a sandy beach

8. Dunas Beach

Dunas Beach is a stunning coastal strand featuring spectacular turquoise waters and soft, white sand. Located in the quiet southern outskirts of Cabo Frio, the beach is known for its utter seclusion and peaceful setting. Snap photos of the dense verdant vegetation that encloses the sandy bay.
Learn more
Dunas Beach showing general coastal views, a coastal town and a sandy beach

What to do in José Gonçalves

Popular places to visit

Geriba Beach featuring a beach, general coastal views and a coastal town

Geriba Beach

5/5(1 review)

Revel in the lively ambiance of the bars and restaurants of one of the most popular beaches in the Búzios region.

Geriba Beach
Rua das Pedras which includes night scenes and a small town or village

Rua das Pedras

4.5/5(4 reviews)

Spend a relaxed afternoon exploring the charming stores, galleries and cafés of this busy and colorful street, or head to one of the bars here that come alive after dark.

Rua das Pedras
Ferradura Beach which includes general coastal views, a sandy beach and a coastal town

Ferradura Beach

4.5/5(2 reviews)

The calm waters that lap this gorgeous horseshoe-shaped beach in an upmarket Búzios neighborhood are perfect for swimming, kayaking and snorkeling.

Ferradura Beach
Orla Bardot which includes a sunset, general coastal views and a sandy beach

Orla Bardot

4.5/5(6 reviews)

Enjoy the ocean views and admire the fascinating statues of iconic figures and fishermen in this walkway tribute to a French diva.

Orla Bardot
Ferradurinha Beach featuring a beach, rugged coastline and a sunset

Ferradurinha Beach

5/5(2 reviews)

Examine the unusual rocks, rent kayaks and stand-up paddleboards, and see the turtles and colorful fish in this calm, protected bay.

Ferradurinha Beach
Forno Beach showing a sandy beach, general coastal views and rocky coastline

Forno Beach

Hone your photography skills at this beach where the striking and unusual pink tinge to the sand makes for interesting vacation pictures.

Forno Beach
Brava Beach featuring a sandy beach and general coastal views as well as a small group of people

Brava Beach

Surf on the wild waves that meet this scenic stretch of sand, which is pleasingly quiet compared to some of Búzios less secluded beaches.

Brava Beach
Tartaruga Beach

Tartaruga Beach

4/5(1 review)

Why not spend a care-free afternoon at Tartaruga Beach during your travels in Búzios?

Tartaruga Beach
Armacao Beach which includes a bay or harbour and general coastal views as well as a couple

Armacao Beach

Look out across the ocean from this golden beach in the liveliest area of Búzios and enjoy views of bobbing boats and a delightful statue.

Armacao Beach
Prainha Beach showing a beach, a coastal town and general coastal views

Búzios