Guanabara Bay: Our most recommended tours and activities

Rio de Janeiro: 6-Stop Highlights of Rio with Lunch

1. Rio de Janeiro: 6-Stop Highlights of Rio with Lunch

Start your adventure with a pickup in the morning from hotels located in the South Zone and head towards your first stop at Christ the Redeemer.  Enjoy great jungle views in the minivan ride through the Tijuca Forest that surrounds the Corcovado Mountain. Reach the peak of the mountain and meet the statue of the Christ the Redeemer with its arms right open over the city. Admire the sweeping views and take breathtaking pictures. Head to a nice walk outside the Maracanã Stadium and find out more about the passion of the Brazilians for football. Learn about the samba tradition in Rio by visiting the Sambadrome, the place with the biggest Carnival parade on the planet. Marvel at the beautiful street art of the Selarón Steps, a gigantic mosaic work of the Chilean artist Jorge Selarón. He started dedicating himself to decorate the stairs in the early 90s. The 250 steps have become a monument and an icon of Rio. Stop at the Metropolitan Cathedral of Rio de Janeiro to revel at the biblical passages on the stained-glass inside it, following a stop for lunch in an all-you-can-eat buffet restaurant. With the batteries recharged, there is still one place left.  Head to Urca neighborhood and marvel at the beauty of the Sugarloaf Mountain and be amazed by the cable ride to the top. From 220 meters above sea level take in the breathtaking 360-degree view of Rio de Janeiro, Guanabara Bay, the city of Niteroi, and the blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean.

Rio: Christ the Redeemer Official Ticket by Cog Train

2. Rio: Christ the Redeemer Official Ticket by Cog Train

Go all the way up to the iconic statue of Christ the Redeemer by the Corcovado Train. The train rides through a railway inside Tijuca National Park, the largest urban forest in the world, making a unique view over Rio de Janeiro city. Enjoy an amazing ride on a train that takes you right up to the foot of the statue of The Christ, one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World and one of the most famous sights in Brazil. Besides admiring one of the most beautiful landscapes of the city, you will take a walk through Brazil's history. The Corcovado Railroad was the first electrified railroad in Brazil. Inaugurated in 1884 by D. Pedro II, it is older than Christ the Redeemer itself. In fact, it was the train that, during four consecutive years, transported pieces for monument’s construction. Your visit starts on the century-old electric locomotive, riding across the preserved Atlantic Forest, part of the Tijuca National Park. At the foot of the statue of Christ, you'll be able to take in the most beautiful view over the city, and see from above what makes Rio de Janeiro so special.

Rio de Janeiro: Sugarloaf Cable Car Official Ticket

3. Rio de Janeiro: Sugarloaf Cable Car Official Ticket

Discover the world-famous Sugarloaf Mountain with prebooked official tickets for the cable car, and explore one of Brazil's most popular attractions. Admire stunning views of Rio de Janeiro as you ride the cable car to the summit. Take incredible photos from the lookout point as you enjoy the panorama of the city and the ocean below. Make your own way to the foot of Sugarloaf Mountain, and head directly to the ticket office to exchange your printed voucher. Board the next cable car up the mountain, riding in the fully-enclosed cabin as you take in panoramic views of the city, Copacabana Beach, and Guanabara Bay.  Disembark at the top, where you can spend as much time as you wish. There is a food court and restaurant at the summit where you can purchase snacks and drinks. Once you have finished exploring the summit, your ticket is valid for any returning cable car.

Rio de Janeiro: Hang Gliding Tandem Flight

4. Rio de Janeiro: Hang Gliding Tandem Flight

Benefit from pickup from your hotel, São Conrado Subway station, or make your own way to the Brazilian Confederation of Hang Gliding headquarters to meet your instructor.  Then take a 15-minute jeep ride into Tijuca National Park, arriving at the Pedra Bonita Ramp, 1,700 feet (520 meters) above sea level. After a safety briefing and a rehearsal, it's time for takeoff. Take the leap and experience incredible views of the Atlantic Ocean, Rio’s famous beaches, the statue of Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf Mountain, Guanabara Bay and much more.  Your tandem flight ends with a smooth landing on the beach at São Conrado and the entire adventure will be captured by GoPro cameras attached to the wing. Enjoy an unforgettable sightseeing experience in Rio de Janeiro.

Rio de Janeiro: Sunset Sailing Tour

5. Rio de Janeiro: Sunset Sailing Tour

Marvel at the scenery of Rio de Janeiro, the Marvellous City, on a sunset sailing tour in Guanabara Bay. Admire the beautiful sunset, and savor all-inclusive drinks and snacks aboard your boat. Enjoy a small group tour or opt to splash out on a private tour to make your experience extra special. Set sail from Marina da Glória and pass by 3 fortresses — São José, Lage, and Santa Cruz — on your way to Boa Viagem Island in Niterói. Cruise past Oscar Niemeyer's striking Niterói Museum of Contemporary Art and enjoy the views in Guanabara Bay. Then, sit back and appreciate the sunset over the city of Rio de Janeiro. Delight in scenic views of the city's most famous landmarks, such as Sugar Loaf Mountain and Christ the Redeemer, as the sun sets on the horizon. Throughout the tour, relax with drinks on board, such as the famous Brazilian cocktail Caipirinha, beer, and sparkling white wine. The tour concludes back at the marina in Glória. Hotel pickup and drop-off options are available.

Rio de Janeiro Hang Gliding Adventure

6. Rio de Janeiro Hang Gliding Adventure

First, listen to a short briefing from the world's most safe and experienced Hang Glider tandem pilots. They will tell you about the take-off and other aspects of hang gliding before you get airborne. Then, glide smoothly through the tropical air after about 7 steps over the edge of the platform. Any fear you may have will soon disappear and you will experience a very unique sense of tranquility. Enjoy bird's eye views of Rio de Janeiro's main attractions, including Sugar Loaf Mountain, Corcovado, Copacabana, Ipanema, Lagoa and Niteroi city on the other side of Guanabara Bay. Land safely on a sandy beach in São Conrado and enjoy some refreshments as you watch others come in to land. The entire activity will be photographed and recorded on cameras attached to the glider so that you can share your adventure with your friends and family back home. 

Rio: Jeep Tour to Botanical Garden and Tijuca Forest

7. Rio: Jeep Tour to Botanical Garden and Tijuca Forest

Immerse yourself in a botanical wonderland! Join us on a captivating journey to the Botanic Garden (Entrance ticket is not included), a royal gem created in 1817 by King John VI of Portugal. This lush paradise is devoted to nurturing exotic plants from across the globe, making it a unique sanctuary of rare species. Witness the awe-inspiring Imperial Palm Trees, the colossal water lilies (Victorias-Regias), and the endangered Brazilian Red Wood trees (Pau Brasil) from the Atlantic Forest. Marvel at the famous greenhouse, home to over 500 delicate orchid species, meticulously cared for by our experts. Next, we'll venture into the Tijuca Atlantic Forest, a breathtaking urban forest that stands as the world's largest. At the mesmerizing Chinese View Belvedere, embrace panoramic vistas of Ipanema and Copacabana beaches, the picturesque Guanabara Bay, and the majestic Sugar Loaf Mountain. Prepare to encounter tropical wildlife, including playful monkeys, graceful sloths, and exotic birds, creating unforgettable moments during the tour. On our way back to your hotel, we'll make a stop at Pepino Beach, where you can watch exhilarating hang gliders take flight, adding a touch of adrenaline to the experience. Embark on this enchanting adventure and discover the natural treasures that Rio de Janeiro has to offer. Book now to secure your place on this botanical and wildlife-filled escapade!

Rio: Christ the Redeemer Official Ticket with Van Transport

8. Rio: Christ the Redeemer Official Ticket with Van Transport

Guarantee a visit to Rio de Janeiro‘s iconic Christ the Redeemer statue with official tickets and official transportation. Choose one of the two departure points in Copacabana or Largo do Machado, which are located in strategic points easily accessible by public bus and subway. Experience breathtaking views of the city from the top of Corcovado mountain during your journey to the statute. Enjoy the exuberant nature and cultural landscapes throughout the trip.  When passing through the historic and cultural neighborhood of Santa Teresa, be sure to record the panoramic view from Mirante dos Prazeres. On your way to Tijuca National Park, you will see the Caixa da Mãe D’água Aquifer, built-in 1774 by the Portuguese Crown. This structure was, at the time, mainly responsible for the large-scale water supply reaching the city of Rio de Janeiro. Arrive directly at the visitor's center of Paineiras Corcovado, a new adjacent structure with restaurants, a cafe, a gift shop, and a museum. Be sure to explore the Paineiras Visitor Center displaying exhibitions and models of the city of Rio de Janeiro. From the Visitors Center, board another van to the top of Corcovado Hill, for a closer look at the Christ the Redeemer statue.  Learn about how the art deco statue was first opened to the public in 1931 atop a 710 m high granite dome. Get spectacular 360 views from Rio of the Tijuca Forest, Sugarloaf Mountain, Guanabara Bay, and the most stunning beaches in the city such as Copacabana and Ipanema.  After your day of exploring one of the 7 Wonders of the Modern World, be comfortably driven back to your initial pickup point at either Copacabana or Largo do Machado.

Rio de Janeiro: sunset sailboat tour with drinks

9. Rio de Janeiro: sunset sailboat tour with drinks

Ride off to the sunset on this sailboat tour of Rio de Janeiro most iconic views. Start your afternoon in Urca where you’ll get taken to a spacious and beautiful sailboat. Experience a 3 hour tour of Baía de Guanabara while sipping caipirinhas and learning a little about the history behind some of the most iconic views in Rio, you can also go for a swim in this amazing scenario. Follow the sunset to get amazing shots of Corcovado, Christ the redeemer, aterro do Flamengo and get back to Mureta da Urca tô explore one of the famous points for early evening gathering in Rio.

Rio de Janeiro: 3-Hour Sailing Trip on Guanabara Bay

10. Rio de Janeiro: 3-Hour Sailing Trip on Guanabara Bay

Enjoy a 3-hour sail and see the iconic sights of Rio de Janeiro from Guanabara Bay. You will meet your guide at the Marina da Gloria, downtown Rio, at the pre-arranged time and board the Kamehameha for a short introductory session to the boat’s main facilities and safety systems. You will motor out of the marina and then sail towards the protected, calm waters of the bay. Your guide will point out the sights of Rio surrounding the bay, including Sugarloaf Mountain, and the Christ the Redeemer statue atop Corcovado Hill. You will also learn a bit about local history. At the end of the tour, you’ll be dropped off back at the starting point at the marina.

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What people are saying about Guanabara Bay

Overall rating

4.6 / 5

based on 1,786 reviews

Mauricio was super smooth, seemed like one of the best gliders. He gave me clear simple instructions and we had a great flight. Very freeing. The only bad part was how short the flight itself was, under 10 minutes.

I had a great time, the places are beautiful and Rio was hot, the van had a good air conditioner what helped me a lot. The guide was polite even though some people weren’t that polite. Had a great time

Brilliant well-organised experience. Our guide was very knowledgeable and friendly. The driver drove safely. Value for money. Definately recommend to do this tour.

Amazing tour. We had a lovely day and saw everything we wanted to see. Very well organized and loved our guide Lavina. Lunch was very good as well, thanks!

Good organisation, friendly crew A must in Rio de Janeiro!