Santos tours and MSC Shore Excursions

Cruises from Santos, Brazil | MSC Cruises

Visitors to Santos will be swept away by the rugged mountains and curved beaches that greeted Portuguese settlers in 1532. Its wildly beautiful natural landscape draws comparisons with Rio de Janeiro, yet Santos retains an under-the-radar charm that makes exploring the city feel like a real voyage of discovery.

Santos tours take in glorious beaches and manicured gardens, famous sporting sites, and a historic centre whose museums and monuments reflect the city’s importance in key global trades. The city is rightly proud of its footballing history: Santos FC launched the career of iconic footballer Pelé, and MSC shore excursions invite guests to learn about the great player’s life at the Pelé Museum.

Excursions in Santos

With so many things to see in Santos, it’s best to discover the city in the company of an expert. That’s why our Santos tours are led by enthusiastic guides who know how to reveal the best of the city. Enlightening Santos excursions showcase the culinary and cultural delights of the historic centre, follow in the skilled footsteps of football legends at the Santos FC stadium, and can take a side trip to the big city to discover São Paulo attractions.

Santos tours, Gonzaga Beach | MSC Cruises
Santos tours, Gonzaga Beach | MSC Cruises
Santos tours, Gonzaga Beach | MSC Cruises

Stroll, swim or relax at palm-fringed Gonzaga Beach

Rio de Janeiro locals joke that São Paulo residents do nothing but work, but Paulistanos love their leisure time. And when they want to relax, they head down the coast to the beaches of Santos. Gonzaga Beach is one of the most popular spots, with locals and day-trippers flocking here to swim, play sports or just strut their stuff. Dotted with round-the-clock food and drinks kiosks, it merits an extended visit. Make like the locals and work on your tan by day, then sip caipirinhas and nibble petiscos (small, tapas-like snacks) by night.
Santos tours, Pele museum | MSC Cruises
Santos tours, Gonzaga Beach | MSC Cruises
Santos tours, Octavio Frias de Oliveira bridge in São Paulo | MSC Cruises

Discover the story of a football icon at the Pelé Museum

To football fans, the city of Santos is synonymous with one man: Pelé. The soccer superstar played for Santos FC from 1956 to 1974, and the Pelé Museum (located downtown) takes a deep dive into his life and unmatched football career. Photographs, medals and other artefacts shine a light on the career of a man who embodied the spirit of the ‘beautiful game.’ There’s a lot to interest even the most casual of football fans, and the setting inside the ornate, 19 th-century Casarões do Valongo building is an attraction in its own right. Book on to our ‘Grand Tour Santos’ excursion to make a visit here even more memorable. You'll begin the excursion with a ride on a vintage tram, before travelling past key São Paulo sights and landmarks, followed by time at the Pelé Museum.
Santos tours, Sao Paulo | MSC Cruises
Santos tours, Libertade | MSC Cruises
Santos tours, Libertade | MSC Cruises

Get to the heart of Brazil’s biggest city in São Paulo

Santos’s big sister city São Paulo is a fast-paced metropolis of more than 12 million people. Brazil’s largest city, ‘Sampa’ entices with one of the best cultural and culinary scenes on the continent. Browse thousands of pieces from the imperial era at the Ipiranga Museum, savour incredible ramen at the vast Japanese district in Liberdade, shop and sip your way along central Avenida Paulista, and admire the opulent neoclassical architecture of one of the world’s great cities.

Book your cruise to Santos (São Paulo)

Thanks to dreamy beaches, a thriving sports scene and luscious gardens, Santos can surprise and delight. And the electric city of São Paulo is a short hop away. Book a cruise to Santos to see for yourself.

Or keep adventuring to other Brazilian hotspots on a Santos cruise, from party city Rio de Janeiro to the colourful streets and Afro-Brazilian culture of Salvador. Continue a South American Odyssey to Uruguay and Argentina or island-hop across Europe via Madeira and Spain’s Balearic Islands.
Santos (São Paulo) itineraries | MSC Cruises
Visit Santos with MSC Cruises itineraries
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Why choose MSC Shore Excursions to Santos

Take a voyage of discovery with our Santos tours. Step on to the sandy shores to explore a tropical beach city, where handsome historic buildings and a bustling port provide a backdrop to serene beach scenes. MSC shore excursions reveal the charms of this alluring place.

Santos tours and excursions FAQ

In which language Santos excursions are conducted?

MSC Shore Excursions in Santos can be provided in 5 languages (English, German, French, Spanish and Italian) based on guide availability. We'll confirm the final language during your cruise.

Are Santos tours always available to be booked?

Due to their popularity, some Santos excursions may not always be available. For this reason, we strongly recommend booking your Santos tour in advance to ensure availability.

Can Santos excursion programme be changed?

The excursion programme only provides an overview of the tours that can be arranged in Santos.

The final tour descriptions and prices will be confirmed on board. MSC Shore Excursions programs and itineraries may vary due to local conditions or unforeseen events, which may impact the timing of the tour. Also, the program is subject to change in compliance with local regulations or other restrictions.

What is included in the Grand Tour Santos?

MSC Cruises’ ‘Grand Tour Santos’ excursion involves a guided tour of the city of Santos, allowing visitors to take in the city’s most famous sights, from the historic old town to the modern beach neighbourhoods.

The tour starts with a ride on a vintage tram, followed by a stop in a local cafe to sample the region’s famous coffee and learn about the coffee trade on which Santos built its wealth. There’s then a stop at the Pelé Museum, which celebrates one of the most decorated football players of all time, before the excursion passes various beaches of Santos and the neighbouring city of São Vicente.

What is included in the São Paulo Tour?

MSC Cruises’ ‘São Paulo Tour’ involves a guided sightseeing trip by coach, ending at São Paulo Guarulhos International Airport. The tour begins with a drive from Santos to São Paulo, travelling past impressive forest scenery and mountain ranges. Once in São Paulo, guests will be taken past the Ipiranga Monument, which commemorates Brazilian independence, and Ibirapuera Park, one of the city’s most-loved recreation spots, housing lakes, gardens and museums.
The excursion then embarks on a tour of central São Paulo. Sights will include Avenida Paulista (the city’s main thoroughfare and home to the acclaimed MASP art museum) and the neo-Gothic São Paulo Cathedral, before continuing to the airport.    

Does MSC offer a Gonzaga Beach tour?

MSC Cruises offers a ‘Transfer to Gonzaga Beach’ tour, where guests will be taken to see the charming neighbourhood around Santos’s Gonzaga Beach, as well as the beach itself. A generous allocation of free time allows for independent exploration of the area, which could include swimming in the ocean or sunbathing on the sands, or perhaps strolling the bustling streets, stopping by local restaurants and bars.

 

The beach itself is, understandably, a very popular spot within Santos, and there are plenty of opportunities for sports (on both sand and water) and pure relaxation.