Tourism in Arraial do Cabo

Arraial do Cabo has around 25.000 inhabitants. Fishing is still an income for many but the fish population has been severely diminished. Since the closing of the Álcalis factory in 2006 the unemployment rate has skyrocketed. Tourism has already become the most important income - This article I will discuss what attracts visitors to this special place, some potential problems and what may lie ahead in the future for tourism in Arraial.

The Attractions

Beaches: There are beautiful beaches here. The immense Praia Grande with cold crystal clear water and a good surf break. Prainha has calm and warm waters and is a perfect family beach. Praia do Forno is located a short hike from the port, waters here are warm, clear and good for snorkling. Prainhas are only reachable by car or by boat. It is one of the most beautiful beaches in Brazil - You have a transcending color of the water, white sand and green hills. Praia do Farol is located on an island and only reachable by boat.

Diving - The diving in Arraial is famous around Brazil. More than 10 operators can offer great marine life, shipwrecks and beautiful caves. It´s a good place to get a baptizing dive.

Boat Trips - Really nice and affordable. You go beach hopping and visit a big cave. Most of these stop at a floating restaurant where you have tasty seafood.
Problems

Environment

Garbage - Even though Arraial in general has very clean waters there are matters that still cause concern. The sand on the beaches does not get cleaned properly. Straws, bits of plastic and glass is all over the place. If Arraial wants to attract a more wealthy educated tourist it has to get cleaned frequently. The garbage collection system is beyond criticism. Residents throw their garbage on street corners resulting in trash blowing around the city and into the sea. On Praia dos Anjos you have a sewer pipe polluting what could be the best beach in town.

Construction - When you enter Arraial do Cabo by car you have the beautiful beach Prainha on your left. Up until 20 years ago it was scarcely constructed, now it´s full of ugly concrete apartment blocks. This may appeal to some Brazilian tourists that see it as positive modernity. But I know from experience that few gringos find it appealing. The first big blocks of apartments have started to be built on Praia Grande as well. Using history in other Brazilian beach towns as an indicator then soon these block apartments will grow like a cancer and destroy the beautiful rustic small beachtown feel that exists in Arraial. Therefor this type of development must stop for Arraial to retain its unique feel. It is obvious that beach fronts in tourist towns should be reserved for commercial, tourist friendly establishments.

Illegal Constructions - You also have an ever growing favela issue and these illegal constructions are covering the hills. On Praia do Forno, which is legally preserved against this illegal construction, you can actually see how buildings are starting to poor down over the hill towards the beach.

Consciousness - There has been a growth in environmental consciousness the last few years. Ibama (Brazilian Institute of Environment and Renewable Resources) is involved in various projects. A lot of work is to be done.

Future

Despite the problems mentioned the future looks bright. What it takes is one good mayor administration that start to think a few steps ahead. The beauty and charm of this town could attract vast numbers of tourists, thus generating income employing thousands of people. Understanding and protecting for the future has to take Presidence over earning fast money. It may be necessary that visionary forces from outside make this change of mindset happen. Already you have outsiders operating pousadas and dive shops. These new entrepreneurs together with the original citizens have the success of Arraial do Cabo as a major tourist destination in their hands.

Arraial do Cabo page on Gringo-Rio
Gringo-Rio is a travel information site about Rio de Janeiro. Go here to read more about Arraial do Cabo.