PORTS OF CALL - South America
Portobelo, Brazil
Once just a small fishing village, Porto Belo was recently rediscovered by vacationing Brazilians drawn by the fabulous beaches here. The town itself is still quaint, but the surrounding waterfront communities are becoming larger and are the main reason to come. The beaches are beautiful and the surf is lukewarm year-round.
Don't Miss
The beaches are the main draw here. Perequê is the largest one, and you'll want to take the time to explore it. Open to the sea, it is great for sunning, swimming, and water sports of all sorts. Take one of our boat tours to Porto Belo island, the main attraction of the area. The rocks along the sand make the beaches appear as if they've been adorned with jewels. You'll stop at the gorgeous beach of Ponta do Estaleiro where the sand kisses clear green water perfect for swimming. And continue on to the beach of Caixa D'Áço, where you can swim among the small boats. Needless to say, anyone visiting Porto Belo should bring a swimsuit.
Sporting Adventures
In the sheltered coves of the area, jet skiing and sailing have become popular pastimes. The calm, warm water makes it an especially pleasant place for these sports. You can rent equipment at several places and even find instruction. Head out on a jet ski or sailboat for a fun tour of the beachfront from the water. You'll see the area in a whole new way. Rafting enthusiasts, be sure to pack your sense of adventure and grab your chance to practice this sport on one of our rafting tours through this regions breathtaking waters.
Shopping for Bargains
While it's not known as a shopping destination, Porto Belo does feature a string of beachfront shops with art, bikinis and locally made jewelry. It can be a fun way to spend an hour or two out of the sun if you grow tired of the beach.
Local Flavours
Make sure to sample Cachaça, a unique Brazilian spirit. Cachaça is a strong, 80-proof liquor distilled from sugarcane and aged for one year. Try it in a caipirinha, made with Cachaça, crushed limes, sugar and ice. The result is a sweet, tangy, potent cocktail that is fast becoming popular around the world.
Currency
Brazil's currency is the Brazilian real (BRL). Most stores will accept credit cards; however, traveler's checks are not usually accepted. You may get a discount if you pay with cash.