Brazil · CRUISES & BOAT TOURS
Half this coast only makes sense from the water. The 15 below range from a two-hour sail across Guanabara Bay to a full schooner day between the islands at Angra, each priced and clear about how much swimming time you get.
Sail Guanabara Bay from Marina da Glória aboard Chama, a small-group boat capped at 12 people. Expect fortresses, Niterói’s Oscar Niemeyer museum, Sugarloaf Mountain, Christ the Redeemer, drinks, snacks, and a sunset stop. Guides including Clarisse and Karina help create a relaxed, friendly outing, with private bookings available.
“Best planed tour, very timely managed. Guide was good English speaking & punctual”
Spend three hours sailing from Urca across Guanabara Bay with an English- or Portuguese-speaking host, open drinks, fruit, snacks, music, and a possible swim stop. Hosts such as Paola, Lohanny, Mariana, and Jhulia are known for friendly service and local stories. Bring a towel and jacket for the cooler ride home.
“The sunset sailboat tour was so much fun and a highlight of my trip to Rio! The crew were amazing very friendly, helpful, and informative and made the experience a great time!”
Spend a full day sailing among Angra dos Reis and Ilha Grande, stopping at Blue Lagoon, Cataguases, and other beaches for swimming and snorkeling. Round-trip hotel transport, a multilingual guide, schooner cruise, and buffet lunch are included. Expect a long coach ride, lively boat music, and a late lunch.
“The tour was nice, lovely beaches and great atmosphere on the boat but a minus point was that we waited for one hour for the boat.”
Travel from Rio with a multilingual guide, then board a traditional schooner in Arraial do Cabo. Swim near Ilha do Farol, photograph Gruta Azul and Pontal do Atalaia, and stop at Praia do Forno. The day lasts about 14 hours, with optional buffet lunch and hotel pickup from selected Rio neighborhoods.
“We got on time to the meeting point but the bus that was supposed to pick us up had an issue. Luckily the guide contacted us straight away and kept us in touch and in the end we re-arranged the pick up a few hours later. Despite the delay the whole activity still went ahead and we managed to visit all the beaches. Just know that there might be a lot of people on the beaches you visit (that is out of your control though) but overall it's quite well organised and we got enough time to swim and enjoy the natural beaches we visited. Make sure to bring some…”
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, Gruta Azul, and Praia do Forno. Hotel pickup, ground transport, and a guide are included. Expect a very long day, possible crowds, and Portuguese-led boat commentary.
“What a delightful day! Even though the wind was too high for the boat excursion,Vivi took us to three wonderful beaches, each with something different to offer. There was plenty of time to make friends, relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. This was a day we’ll never forget, thank you to Vivi and our fellow travelers”
Travel from Foz do Iguaçu into Brazil’s Iguaçu National Park, walk the falls, and take the Macuco Safari Zodiac toward the cascades. You’ll ride through Atlantic Forest, visit the Devil’s Throat viewpoint, and get thoroughly soaked near the falls. Groups reach 15 people, with English, Portuguese, or Spanish guides.
“We are travelling the world and this is up there with some of the best thing we have done. A mistnis to do the boat ride. Amazing to be in (under) mother natures glory. You get drowned but as its so hot it's perfect. Very well organised. Great boat driver. Worth every cent. Amazing views of the falls from the Brazilian side as you can see the falls on the Argentinian side which have 80% of the falls. The bird park was beautiful, colourful birds flamingos, toucans and butterflies. Do the 3 things on this tour.”
Spend three hours aboard a blue-water cruising sailboat from Marina da Glória. Your English or Portuguese-speaking crew guides you past Sugarloaf Mountain and around Guanabara Bay, serving beer, caipirinhas, soft drinks, water, and finger food. Weather permitting, you can swim before returning at sunset, with towels and pool noodles sometimes provided.
“Excellent sailing in a super-relaxed atmosphere, with a fabulous and very attentive all-female crew! It was a truly fantastic experience that included snacks, drinks and a swim (towels provided). Highly recommended!!!”
Leave Rio early for a 3-hour ride to Arraial do Cabo, then board a schooner for four beach and swimming stops, including Forno, Farol, and Atalaia. You get a guide, lunch, hotel transport, and time on clear water. Maira and Leonardo have led especially well-received trips, though English service can vary.
“I liked it a lot! The boat trip itself is short in comparison with the time of the whole trip, however, views and beaches were stunning. It is totally worth it. I went in July and the water temperature was just fine. The lunch is also delicious! Thanks for everything!”
This nine-hour small-group tour takes you from Foz do Iguaçu across the border to Argentina’s Iguazú National Park. Your guide, often Fabio, Claudio, or Jair, leads the Devil’s Throat and Upper Circuit walks before the Great Adventure boat ride, which takes you close enough to the falls for a full tropical shower.
“A must do experience. Fabian was just super. The pace of the day was perfect. His knowledge of the area was impressive. The boat ride was great fun...overall a highly recommended day.”
Spend five hours aboard a comfortable boat in Paraty Bay, with four planned stops at beaches and islands. Swim, snorkel, use floaties, and add lunch, a caipirinha, kayak, or stand-up paddleboard. The Portuguese-speaking crew serves fruit and coffee, with a backup boat available at every stop.
“it was an amazing experience! The beaches were beautiful, it was cool that they had stand up paddel boards and more equipment we could use. At one beach we could snorkel and see beautiful fish. The food served for lunch was nice. And all (Tour itself and food and drinks on board) were good value for money. Also we booked the night before and even that worked out smooth. Just one info. They say the meeting point is in the City. Bit there is just the office. You then still have to get to the boat in the harbour until the given time. So better be half an hour early.”
Join a small group of up to 11 people at Marina da Glória for a three-hour Rio boat tour with an English or Spanish guide, beer, water, soda, and snacks. You’ll pass the Museum of Tomorrow and Niterói, swim near Adão e Eva Beach, and finish with views around Urca as the sun fades.
“Even though the weather wasn’t the best, the trip was still amazing. Our tour guide spoke English and was very friendly. I would definitely recommend.”
Board a modern catamaran at Marina da Glória for a 90-minute cruise around Guanabara Bay. You’ll pass Rio’s port, Niterói, historic forts, and Sugarloaf Mountain, with Portuguese, English, and Spanish audio guidance. Choose a morning ride or an afternoon departure timed for sunset, though the 4 p.m. trip may finish before sunset.
“Boat too big for 6 persons and too impersonal. Nobody talk to us during the tour. I imagine a better experience, the itineray is great. Before the tour the person who was in charge speak spanish y attentive”
Travel from Foz do Iguaçu to Argentina’s Iguazu National Park in a small group of up to 15. Guides such as João, Junior, Marcos, and Valdomiro handle the border and park logistics, while you walk the falls and ride Gran Aventura boats close to San Martín Falls. Bring dry clothes and a towel.
“Iguazu falls has been a highlight of our trip. The boat ride was incredible, well worth it. Our guide Mauricio did an amazing job. He had great knowledge of the park and we feel we got the most out of our day. Thanks again. Highly recommended!”
Leave Rio early for Búzios, a three-hour drive away, then board a schooner for swimming stops near João Fernandes, Azeda, Azedinha, Tartaruga, or Ossos. Lunch and free time on Rua das Pedras follow. English, Spanish, and Portuguese guides lead the 14-hour outing, with pickup from selected Rio hotels.
“Thanks Carla for your great heart and trying to keep the group together and happy.”
Leave Rio early for a three-hour transfer to Angra dos Reis, then board a fast boat with up to 19 people. Your bilingual guide and local sailor may take you to five Ilha Grande stops, including Blue Lagoon, Green Lagoon, Cataguases, Botinas, and Japariz. Bring snacks, swimwear, sun protection, and a change of clothes.
“Everything was great. Great trip and guides and beautiful beaches. Definitely recommending.”
Pick a summit, a coast or a waterfall.
