Rio de Janeiro · RIO BOAT TOURS
From the water you finally see how the mountains fit together. The 15 below range from a two-hour bay sail to a full day at Ilha Grande, priced and clear about how much swimming time you actually get.
Sail from Marina da Glória with up to 12 people, passing Rio’s forts, Boa Viagem Island, and the Niterói Contemporary Art Museum. Guides such as Clarisse and Karina serve caipirinhas, sparkling wine, beer, soft drinks, and snacks while you watch the sun set near Sugarloaf Mountain.
“It was a really nice tour, the guides did a good job”
Leave Rio early for a schooner cruise around Angra dos Reis and Ilha Grande. Swim at the Blue Lagoon, visit Cataguases and Japariz or Araçá, enjoy a buffet lunch, and return by coach. Guides speak English, Portuguese, and Spanish, though the 14-hour day includes a long road journey.
“Everything was fine, the beaches are beautiful, We had fun.”
Travel from Rio with a multilingual guide to Arraial do Cabo, then board a traditional schooner for Ilha do Farol, Prainhas do Pontal, Gruta Azul, and Praia do Forno. Expect about four hours each way, swimming stops, crowded beaches, and optional local lunch.
“Great tour, guide pedro was superb! I had him for another tour with c2rio he was very helpful, and engaged well with the tour group Bus ride was a couple of hours but we stopped off at a grocery service stop which was good Lunch was decent Boat ride was fun, several oportuniotes to swim in the sea!”
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.…”
Meet the Sail in Rio crew at Marina da Glória for three hours on Guanabara Bay. Expect Sugarloaf Mountain, Christ the Redeemer views, beer, caipirinhas, snacks, and a weather-dependent swim. Guides such as Maria, Chloe, Pedro, and Daniel are praised for warm service and clear explanations.
“1000000% RECOMMEND, MUST DO while in Rio. Feels extremely private, relaxing, and beautiful. You get what you pay for, AND MORE, due to the wonderful and personable service.”
Leave Rio early for a 3-hour ride to Arraial do Cabo, then board a schooner for four beach and swim stops, including Forno, Farol, and Atalaia. English, Portuguese, and Spanish support is available, with guides such as Maira and Leonardo praised for keeping the day organized and fun.
“Even though the weather was not the best, this tour was fantastic. My guide, Maira was is 100% exceptional. She immediately turned the mood into a joyful and exciting experience. The entire crew on the boat was also extremely professional, helpful, and welcoming. When we visited, the beaches were empty, and it felt like a private beach. The sand was powdery white. This was an overall really fun experience, and I highly recommend it!”
Cruise Rio from Marina da Glória in a group of up to 11, with English or Spanish guiding, beer, water, soda, and snacks included. Stop at Niterói for photos, swim at Adão e Eva Beach, then pass Urca as the light fades. Paddle boards and pool noodles may be available.
“If you’re looking for a truly magical experience in Rio de Janeiro, a sunset sailing trip is an absolute must! From start to finish, this tour exceeded all expectations and provided one of the most breathtaking moments of our entire trip. As we set sail from Marina da Glória, the views of Rio’s iconic skyline were already stunning. But as the sun began to dip towards the horizon, the scenery transformed into something straight out of a dream. Watching the golden light reflect off Sugarloaf Mountain, Christ the Redeemer, and the beautiful coastline was simply unforgettable. The crew was professional, friendly, and incredibly knowledgeable about the city’s history and landmarks.…”
Board a modern catamaran at Marina da Glória for a 90-minute circuit of Guanabara Bay. You’ll pass the Museum of Tomorrow, Rio-Niterói Bridge, Niterói’s MAC, historic forts, and Sugarloaf Mountain. Portuguese, English, and Spanish audio commentary is included, with morning and sunset departures.
“Could not hear the tour narrator over the speaker.”
Leave Rio early for Búzios, cruise by schooner to up to four beaches, eat a buffet lunch, and browse Rua das Pedras. Guides speak English, Spanish, and Portuguese. Carla has earned praise for keeping groups together, while guide service can vary.
“Ainda não acabou mas foi o horror da minha vida tenho 71 anos, já viajei pelo mundo todo. 10 vezes no Brasil e nunca tive uma guia tão horrível, como mandei mensagem devido a um atraso de 1 hora a senhora RAQUEL péssima guia quando chegou e depois de lhe dizer que não me avisaram do atraso, simplesmente me mandou sair do bus, dizendo que seria uma pena eu continuar (somos 4 pessoas de 72, 71, 72e 74 anos chamou-me por imensas vezes merda de portugueses, vocês são uma merda. Acham isto normal. O mínimo que a agência devia ter feito era mudar-nos a excursão. Tive medo de seguir com…”
Leave Rio early for Angra dos Reis, then board a speedboat with up to 19 people for Ilha Grande. Guides such as Lucas, Jessie, Erica, and Kayua have led lively days among the Blue Lagoon, Botinas Islands, and Green Lagoon. Bring snacks, swimwear, and a change of clothes.
“it was honestly such an amazing experience. i had the best time and met people from all around the world. you have to do this tour!”
Set out from Marina da Glória for about three hours aboard a small boat limited to 11 people. Rio Sun Sail serves caipirinhas, drinks, fruit, and sandwiches while you view Sugar Loaf, Christ the Redeemer, Guanabara Bay forts, and the Museum of Contemporary Art.
“Great experience- relaxing and lovely views and Pedro was entertaining. Felt safe throughout and offered drink top ups.”
Cruise Guanabara Bay for about two hours, passing Sugarloaf, Christ the Redeemer, Copacabana, Niterói, historic forts, and the Rio-Niterói Bridge. Hotel pickup covers much of Rio’s South Zone. You can add a Brazilian barbecue lunch, but confirm the menu before booking.
“The hotel pick up was on time and the tour guide was very nice. The cruise itself was fantastic and it was lovely to see Rio from the water. Afterwards we had opted for the seafood lunch however this was more Rodizzio than seafood but altogether very good. Definately worth doing whilst visiting Rio.”
Set out from Urca at 10:00 am on a shared speedboat for roughly three hours. You’ll cruise toward the Cagarras Islands, stop for swimming, and enjoy cold beer, water, soda, and inflatable floats. Captains such as Ricardo and Antonio have earned praise, but route and commentary can vary.
“Great views of Rio de Janeiro from the water. Swimming was fun out by the islands. Good opportunity to meet and chat with other travelers. Cold beers included on the tour were a nice bonus too.”
Travel from Rio to Angra dos Reis for a five-hour schooner cruise through Ilha Grande Bay. Swim at Lagoa Azul, Cataguases, Freguesia de Santana, and Lagoa Verde, with buffet lunch at Praia de Japariz. Guide Diego Silva has been praised for attentive service, but boat capacity and music levels can vary.
“The guide was very good but the boat was so packed with people we could hardly find a seat and it was very uncomfortable- the bathrooms were so gross and dirty that it was obscene- I do not recommend for older folks who like a little comfort but for the younger folks it seemed to be fun according to my kids- the speaker for music was broken and the bus smelled like feces as the bathroom was not clean- I would not recommend”
Join an English-speaking crew, often including Clarisse, Karina, or Captain Apolo, for a three-hour cruise from Marina da Glória. You’ll see Sugar Loaf, Christ the Redeemer, Niterói’s museum, and bay fortresses, with caipirinhas, beer, wine, snacks, and a possible swim.
“We had a lovely boat ride with Clarisse & Cpt Apolo which took us around the bay in Rio, seeing all the main sights (Sugar Loaf / Christ the Redeemer) from the sea. We also saw the fortresses at the mouth of the bay along with the elevated road bridge & naval ships. Clarisse provided us with lots of drinks & snacks (all incl in the price). It was a great relaxing way to spend our last morning in Rio - highly recommend this tour!!”
Pick a summit, a hillside, a beach or a bar.
