Rio de Janeiro · SAILING
Good sailing trips fill up weeks ahead and the great ones go first. Below: the 7 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.
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”
Meet your host in Urca for a three-hour sail around Guanabara Bay. Expect Christ the Redeemer views, a swim stop, caipirinhas, beer, snacks, music, and stories about Rio. Hosts such as Paola, Lohanny, Mariana, and Jhulia are praised for attentive service and friendly English guidance.
“It was well managed and the view of Rio from the sea was great. The staff were friendly and informed and it is a trip I would recommend”
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.”
Spend about three hours on a small boat from Urca, passing forts, beaches, Niterói, MAC, and Santos Dumont Airport. The crew, including hosts such as Louise and Lou and captains Carlos or Marcelo, serves snacks, fruit, beer, soda, and flavored caipirinhas. A swim stop and sunset views add to the appeal.
“Always a great day on the water. Tour was operated by the owner, and wife of the boat. Abundant food and beverage with spectacular views. Opportunity to swim”
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!!”
Travel from Rio’s South Zone to Búzios, cruise three hours by catamaran with a DJ, swim at three beach stops, enjoy a buffet lunch, then explore the Bardot Promenade and Rua das Pedras. A multilingual guide provides commentary in English, Portuguese, and Spanish.
“Estuvimos esperando dos horas y cancelaron de la nada”
Set sail from Urca with guide Rodolpho Villanova Machado and a small group of up to eight. Enjoy caipirinhas, beer, soft drinks, fruit, and snacks while cruising Guanabara Bay, stopping for a swim before watching the sun set over Rio and Niteroi.
“We had a great time! Rodolpho was super flexible and took us out even though it was raining. The fruit platter was lovely! Would absolutely book again!”
Pick a summit, a hillside, a beach or a bar.
