Recife Shore Excursions
4 & 5* Recife Shore Excursions
Recife
Private Transport from Recife to Porto de Galinhas
Duration: 0.8 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 39.30
Recife
Private Transfer from Recife Airport to Maragogi
Duration: 2 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 70.74
Recife
Private Transport from Recife to Maragogi
Duration: 2 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 68.77
Recife
Full Day Tour to Olinda and Recife
Duration: 7 Hours
Physical difficulty: Medium
Free cancellation
From USD 22.60
Recife
City Tour Olinda and Recife
Duration: 7 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 29.00
Recife
City Tour of Olinda Including Instituto Ricardo Brennand
Port pick-up: Included
Duration: 5 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 100.00
Recife
Private Transfer from Recife Airport to Porto de Galinhas
Duration: 0.8 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 42.25
Recife
Transfer from Aeporoto to Chicken Harbour
Duration: 1 - 2 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 53.05
Recife
Recife & Olinda Highlights
Port pick-up: Included
Duration: 8 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 310.00
Recife
Tour to Praia De Carneiros
Duration: 8 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 32.03
Recife
Transfer Recife Airport to Praia dos Carneiros PE
Port pick-up: Included
Duration: 1 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 108.07
Recife
Half-Day Museum Tour in Recife
Duration: 5 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 80.00
Recife
Private Transfer from Recife Airport to Porto DE Galinhas
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 39.30
Recife
Private Transfer Recife Airport to Cabo de Santo Agostinho By RECIFE TRANSLADO
Duration: 0.8 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 30.65
Recife
Port of Chicken - Private Transfer
Duration: 0 - 2 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 32.22
Recife
Recife and Olinda City Tour
Duration: 6 - 8 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 33.40
Recife
Arrival Transfer from Recife Airport to Porto de Galinhas
Duration: 0.7 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 45.00
Recife
Private Transfer from Recife Airport to Praia dos Carneiros
Duration: 1 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 53.05
Recife
Jewish Tour Recife and Olinda Jewish Presence SEC XVI, XVII and XX
Port pick-up: Included
Duration: 5 - 6 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 235.79
Recife
Private Transfer from Recife Airport to Serrambi By RECIFE TRANSLADO
Duration: 1 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 41.26
Recife
Transfer Airport DE Recife/Port DE Galinhas (turn or return)
Duration: 1 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 108.07
Recife
Private and Guided Tour at Usina de Arte de Pernambuco
Duration: 3 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 328.14
Recife
Private Transfer from Recife to Maragogi 01 to 06 Pax by Geotur Receptives
Duration: 2 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 92.35
Recife
Arrival Transfer Recife Airport to Hotel in João Pessoa
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 60.89
Recife
Tour To The Harbor Of Hens
Duration: 8 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 32.00
Recife
Shopping Tour in Recife
Port pick-up: Included
Duration: 4 Hours
Physical difficulty: Medium
Free cancellation
From USD 51.29
Recife
Day Trip to Porto de Galinhas from Recife
Port pick-up: Included
Duration: 7 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 110.00
Recife
Tour to Praia do Capitao
Duration: 8 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 36.00
Recife
Transfer from Recife Airport to Itamaracá By RECIFE TRANSLADO
Duration: 1 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 45.19
Recife
Recife Airport Shared Transfer
Duration: 3 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 17.00
Related destinations to Recife
What should first-time visitors expect on a Recife shore excursion?
Arriving in Recife can be disorientating and exhilarating at once, especially for first-time visitors who want a concise introduction to the city and nearby Olinda. Many cruise passengers choose Recife shore excursions that combine a guided city orientation with time for photos and a short walking tour of historic districts. Expect cobbled streets, colonial façades, canal views and lively street music; distances are walkable but some gutters and steps are common. Plan for comfortable footwear, sun protection and a flexible schedule if you prefer a mix of guided commentary and independent exploration.
Which top attractions are usually included on shore excursions around Recife and Olinda?
Several must-see highlights define the cityscape, from the historic Recife Antigo waterfront to the Boa Viagem beachfront and the vibrant markets of São José. Many organised options list Recife tours that include a stop in UNESCO-listed Olinda for baroque churches, colourful houses and panoramic views. Other attractions worth scheduling are the Ricardo Brennand Institute for art and armaments, the Kahal Zur Israel synagogue, and local craft markets. Allocate time for short walks between sites, and check opening times, as some museums close one day a week or alter hours seasonally.
How do half-day and full-day shore excursions differ in Recife?
Choosing between a half-day and full-day option depends on interests, stamina and your ship's schedule rather than a single right answer. Shorter Recife shore excursions are ideal for a focused city orientation, a visit to Recife Antigo, or a quick trip to Olinda, typically lasting three to four hours. Full-day outings allow deeper exploration, museum visits, meals at local restaurants and time in neighbourhoods beyond the port, but require more walking and a later return. Confirm pick-up times, traffic conditions and any included transfers to avoid missed departures.
What cultural and historical highlights should I look for during excursions?
Local culture is playful and layered, shaped by Portuguese, African and indigenous influences that are audible in music, evident in architecture and visible in religious festivals. Many itineraries labelled Recife tours showcase frevo and maracatu rhythms, baroque churches in Olinda, colonial mansions, and the historic Jewish heritage of Recife Antigo. Expect lively street scenes, public squares and interpretive signage at major sites; guides often explain how commerce and sugar plantations shaped the region. Respect for religious observances and modest dress in churches will enhance interactions and photographic opportunities.
Can I see natural scenery and wildlife on shore excursions from Recife?
Coastal panoramas and nearby wetlands offer a contrast to Recife’s urban energy, with mangrove-lined rivers, tidal canals and sandy beaches defining much of the local scenery. Several itineraries marketed as Recife shore excursions include boat rides through mangroves, lookout points in Olinda and short drives to natural pools or coastal lagoons where birdlife is abundant. Bring binoculars for wading birds, sun protection for exposed viewpoints and insect repellent for shaded marsh trails. Seasonal tides and rains affect accessibility to some areas, so check timing before setting out.
What local dishes and snacks should I try while ashore?
Local food blends northeastern Brazilian flavours with seafood and Afro-Brazilian influences, offering dishes that range from hearty stews to light snacks suited for walking around. Many food-focused Recife tours include tastings of acarajé, tapioca pancakes, regional seafood moquecas and street snacks sold at markets. Vegetarians can find tapioca and vegetable options but should verify ingredients as some broths use seafood stock. Allow time to sit at a simple restaurant for a relaxed meal and carry small change for market vendors selling fresh juices and sweets.
What level of physical activity is required for typical excursions?
Activity levels vary widely between gentle city walks and more intensive full-day programmes involving several miles of walking, stairs and uneven surfaces. Standard Recife shore excursions often include short walking tours on cobbled streets, steps in Olinda and occasional boat transfers; moderate fitness and comfortable shoes are recommended. If you have mobility restrictions choose options described as low-impact or vehicle-based, and confirm how much walking and standing the itinerary requires. Bring water, sun protection and allow extra time if you move at a slower pace to fully enjoy the sites.
How accessible are attractions for travellers with mobility needs?
Accessibility varies by site and operator, with older parts of the city such as Recife Antigo and Olinda featuring narrow cobbled streets and steps that present challenges for wheelchairs. Several providers of Recife tours note which vehicles, ramps and toilets are accessible, but standards differ and advance confirmation is advisable. Port transfer areas and modern museums may be easier to navigate than colonial hills. Request specific details about door widths, assistance for boarding boats and the availability of accessible restroom facilities before committing to an excursion so you can plan with confidence.
When is the best time of year to take a shore excursion from Recife?
Weather and cruise schedules define the practical best times to visit, with a tropical climate that is warm year-round and a rainy season from April to July that can affect outdoor plans and road conditions. Many passengers find Recife shore excursions more comfortable between August and March when rainfall is lower and sea conditions are calmer, though humidity remains. Festivals such as Carnival and local religious events draw crowds and lively street performances, so decide whether you prefer quieter visiting conditions or wish to experience major cultural celebrations.
Should I take a guided excursion or explore independently from the port?
Deciding between a guided excursion and independent exploration depends on your comfort with navigation, language and time management at port stops. Popular Recife tours provide local context, easier access to certain sites and coordinated transport, which can reduce the stress of logistics and save time when ports are distant from attractions. Independent visits offer greater flexibility, lower cost and the chance to linger where you please, but require careful planning for transport, opening hours and safety. Check maps, local transit options and allow extra time for unexpected delays.
Which cruise lines visit Recife?
P&O Cruises, Holland America Line, Azamara and Oceania Cruises will all visit Recife this year.
What cruise ships will sail to Recife in 2026?
Recife will be visited by Aurora, Volendam, Azamara Quest and Oceania Marina.