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Rio de Janeiro Sailing trips & boat tours

Our most recommended Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Sailing trips & boat tours

Rio de Janeiro: Sunset Sailing Tour

1. 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: Boat Tour of Guanabara Bay

2. Rio: Boat Tour of Guanabara Bay

Get a new perspective of Rio on a catamaran tour, on which you'll check out all the bright spots while exploring stunning Guanabara Bay. Your tour begins at Marina da Gloria, boarding a modern and well-equipped catamaran. Depart in the direction of the Museum of Tomorrow, one of the architectural icons of Porto Maravilha, Rio's port region. On the way, get a look at amazing Villegagnon Island, Santos Dumont Airport, Fiscal Island, and the Arsenal of the Navy. Continue towards Niterói, passing beautiful Rio-Niterói Bridge and the famous Concha Acústica (Acoustic Shell) before heading to the MAC, the Museum of Contemporary Art, designed by Oscar Niemeyer. Be enchanted by its unique disc shape. Before returning to Rio de Janeiro, get to know other remarkable sights that surround the shores of Guanabara Bay, such as Adão and Eva Beaches, Santa Cruz Fortress, Lage Fortress,São José Fortress, and São João Fortress. Take in views of the famous Sugarloaf, where you'll have a few minutes to take pictures of the mountain from the catamaran. Before returning to Marina da Gloria, you'll pass the old Urca Casino and Flamengo Beach.

Rio de Janeiro: Unforgettable Sunset Boat Tour

3. Rio de Janeiro: Unforgettable Sunset Boat Tour

Start the tourt in the middle of the afternoon at the pier in Urca. Board the charming sailboat and pass by the Fortress of São José, Fortress Lage, Fortress Santa Cruz, and close to the Boa Viagem Island in Niterói. Here is the perfect stopping point for taking pictures and enjoying a spot of swimming.  Next, you will pass by the Niterói Contemporary Art Museum and sail back to the pier with an amazing view of the sunset on the horizon. Central to the scenery of Rio's coastline, there are many gorgeous views of Sugar Loaf and Christ the Redeemer throughout the ride. Along the way, enjoy a refreshing selection of drinks and snacks from your friendly onboard host. The tour finishes after sunset allowing you to make the most of the amazing views of the city.

Rio de Janeiro: Ilha Grande with Boat Tour and Lunch

4. Rio de Janeiro: Ilha Grande with Boat Tour and Lunch

Begin your full day tour with a 130 km ride from Rio de Janeiro to Costa Verde region. Once there, onboard your schooner to Ilha Grande in Angra dos Reis. Sit back and enjoy the views of this paradisiacal landscape. Make your first stop at Cataguases Islands. Its calm blue waters are a perfect invitation for a swim. Then, discover the Blue Lagoon and its colorful fish, corals and starfish. This natural pool is perfect for snorkeling and swimming. Visit the Freguesia de Santana, a small beach that houses the first church of Angra dos Reis, built in 1843. Then, enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant in Japariz Beach. Later, take a refreshing dip in the sea. After a day in paradise, begin your comfortable return to Rio de Janeiro.

Búzios Day Trip from Rio de Janeiro

5. Búzios Day Trip from Rio de Janeiro

Visit the city of Armação dos Búzios, located on a peninsula on the northern coast of Rio de Janeiro, during this 12-hour excursion. Búzios grew from a fishing village into a charming tourist destination after a visit by the renowned French actress Brigitte Bardot in 1964. Take a walk in Búzios with your guide and enjoy a schooner ride that passes the main Búzios beach. Enjoy a lunch buffet at one of the best restaurants the city. You’ll have a choice of meat, fish or chicken, with an option for vegetarians. On the schooner ride you’ll see Bones Beach, Azeda, Azedinha, João Fernandes, Tartaruga, Boi and Rasa.

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

6. 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.

Búzios: Catamaran Boat Tour with Snorkeling

7. Búzios: Catamaran Boat Tour with Snorkeling

Board at the downtown pier for a catamaran ride in Búzios, a city known for being one of the most charming seaside resorts in Brazil. Enjoy the paradisiacal views on a panoramic tour passing by Caboclo Island, Armação, Ossos, Azeda, Azedinha, and João Fernandes Beaches. Make a 30-minute stop to dive into the crystalline waters and observe the marine life of the Parque dos Corais (Coral Park). Continue toward João Fernandinho Beach, Branca Island, and Ilha Island. Enjoy another 30 minutes of diving. Then, head to Moças Beach, Enseada de Manguinhos, and Tartaruga Beach, the last diving stop. End the tour by exploring the unique scenery of the beaches of Virgens, Amores, and Canto. Finally, return to the pier in Búzios.

From Rio de Janeiro: Arraial do Cabo Tour with Lunch

8. From Rio de Janeiro: Arraial do Cabo Tour with Lunch

Escape the urban hustle and bustle of Rio de Janeiro and journey to the beautiful beaches of Arraial do Cabo in this full day tour. Enjoy a delicious lunch as you see the more of the Brazilian coast. Meet your guide from the comfort of your accommodation, and sit back and enjoy the ride to Arraial do Cabo. Go by Farol Beach and see its picturesque lighthouse, pass the Crevice of Our Lady of Assumption, and see brilliant blue sea cave at Gruta Azul. Stop for a relaxing swim or a break on the beach at Prainhas do Pontal do Atalaia. Visit the gorilla stone at Pedra Perfil do Gorila. Eat a scrumptious lunch in this paradise-like region.

Frequently asked questions about Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

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What are the best day trips and excursions from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil?

The best day trips and excursions from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil are:

Petrópolis

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Other Sightseeing Options in Rio de Janeiro

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What people are saying about Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Overall rating

4.4 / 5

based on 212 reviews

Very special tour, the captain speaks Spanish and English, the helper makes the greatest classic capirinhas, takes you around other parts of Rio that majority of tourists don’t go to and are very nice to see ❤️ highly recommend it for couples as it’s very romantic, also a great way to make new friends and just have some drinks and talk on the way. In my case I met two girls onboard and we ended up having dinner after the tour, and on the next day and became really good friends.

An amazing afternoon spent with super amazing hosts. The boat was excellent and Karina and her companion really looked after all the travellers. Breathtaking views and excellent overall experience

The tour is very beautiful and I recommend it to have a pleasant experience at sea and see Rio de Janeiro from another perspective.

I was able to enter smoothly and go to see the whole building, so it was very good!

Very lively trip. With good music and caipirinhas.