Rio de Janeiro · RIO BEACH TOURS
Copacabana and Ipanema are free and five minutes apart. The money goes on reaching the wild sand further west and the coves you can only get to by boat. These 8 compare transport, time in the water and what is included.
Spend one lively hour at Samba Fit in Ipanema learning samba basics from Carla, Ranaa, or Gaby, instructors who have performed with major samba schools. The small group class includes photos, videos, and a chance to wear Carnival costumes at the end.
“Gaby is a great instructor! Really makes samba 101 fun and we even got to try on some costumes and got a little gift at the end. 10/10 would recommend :)”
Start early for a guided hike from Guaratiba Beach to Pedra do Telégrafo, where Rio’s wild western coast opens below you. Guides such as Erick, Nicolas, and Dayvison are praised for patient pacing and great photos. Finish with swimming or lunch at Grumari or Prainha Beach.
“It was good. Nice views. Dayvison was a great guide”
Travel from Rio to Arraial do Cabo for a full day of turquoise water, beach stops, and a schooner cruise past Ilha do Farol, Pontal do Atalaia, Blue Grotto, and Forno Beach. Guides such as Newton and Andrea have provided helpful English translation, though boat commentary is not guaranteed in English.
“Newton was a wonderful tour guide! He speaks multiple languages so don’t worry if you don’t speak Portuguese. The journey to get there is long but totally worth the experience! Please pack a portable charger, swimming suit and snacks. Although they will stop along the way for you to eat and they have meat skewers on the boat. If you buy dinner included in the excursion you’ll have that as well. This was sooo fun. Please note it is an all day activity. Pick up was 5:30 am we arrived back to our hotel 9:30pm. If you have children they are welcomed! Just keep in mind the journey is long.…”
Join a one-hour beginner-friendly samba class in Copacabana with instructors such as Marco, Thiago, or Mauricio. You will learn basic samba no pé steps, dance with an international group, and may finish with a festive circle and carnival-style photos. Water and bilingual instruction are included.
“This class was very fun. The teacher was energetic and entertaining. He taught us some basic moves and we ended with a little celebration of our new skills by dancing in a big circle together.”
Meet Surf Matrix at the yellow tent on Arpoador Beach for a one-hour lesson with up to six people. Rafael may lead your class, covering ocean safety, board position, paddling, and standing up before you practice in the waves. English, Portuguese, and Spanish instruction is available.
“We had Rafael as a surfing instructor with this company. I could not recommend enough! They were flexible with the timings as it is weather dependant. Rafael was fabulous, full of energy, spoke English very well and was a wonderful teacher. Worth every penny!”
Meet a local surf instructor in Copacabana or Ipanema for a one-hour lesson covering stretching, board technique, ocean safety, and your first waves. Group and private classes are available, with boards, leashes, surf clothing, storage, and optional photos and videos.
“En fait je n’ai pas trouvé le guide!parce qu’il n’y en avait pas!sur votre site ce sont des photos de toutes les écoles de surf d’ipanema!et personne ne représente ce site!il n’y avait pas de numéro de téléphone pour avec des explications!j’ai dû repayer pour avoir un cours! Je ne comprends pas car j’ai réservé plusieurs activités avec vous! mais pour le surf c’est à revoir! Pourriez-vous procéder à mon remboursement?”
Start early for a guided 2.3-kilometer Pedra do Telégrafo hike in Rio’s Pedra Branca State Park. Alessandra leads the small group, helps with the trail and photos, and pickup is offered. Expect about six hours overall, with the main walk lasting roughly 1 hour and 10 minutes.
“The city is beautiful and the guide Alessandra from Outer Ecotrip Turismo, with all her knowledge, professionalism, charisma and care, managed to capture wonderful and memorable moments. I just have to thank you.”
Meet at the Fairmont Copacabana and ride Rio’s bike lanes past Copacabana, Arpoador, Ipanema, Leblon, and Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon. Your English, Spanish, or Portuguese-speaking guide pauses for local context and photos, including a coconut-water stop at the Leblon viewpoint.
“The tour was incredible! The people who help you book your trip are very friendly and helpful, and the tour itself is amazing! Our guide, Ulysses, was very friendly and took us through Rio's scenic neighborhoods (Botafogo, Flamengo, Copacabana, and the beautiful center of Rio downtown). You will see views of Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf, and much more!”
Pick a summit, a hillside, a beach or a bar.
