Discover How Rio de Janeiro Becomes Even More Stunning from the Sea
Rio de Janeiro
Nautical tourism is one of the most fulfilling and enriching leisure activities to enjoy during a trip—especially when visiting the coastal cities of the Fluminense region.
Rio de Janeiro, the largest city along this coast, is a dream destination for any discerning traveler. Already celebrated as the “Marvelous City,” it’s blessed with a jagged coastline where the sun shines year-round—perfect conditions for sailing and nautical adventures.
To help you explore the full beauty of this seafaring paradise, we’ve crafted 11 incredible itineraries that are sure to be the highlight of your journey!
1 – Cultural Tour: A Dive into Rio de Janeiro’s History
Uncover the captivating mystery of Guanabara Bay on this thrilling cultural excursion. Aboard a comfortable boat, delve into the historical tales behind over 17 iconic monuments—masterpieces by renowned international architects spanning centuries of history and innovation.
As the vessel glides through the waters of Guanabara Bay, you’ll skirt Villegagnon Island and soon marvel at commercial jets taking off from Santos Dumont Airport. The journey continues past Praça 15, approaching the majestic Ilha Fiscal, then circles the Brazilian Navy’s nautical hub before nearing the futuristic Museum of Tomorrow.
Take in the bustling docks of Pier Mauá, where mega cruise liners dock alongside key historic landmarks of downtown Rio. Crossing the bay, you’ll pass beneath the imposing Rio-Niterói Bridge, heading toward Niterói’s architectural gem, the Teatro Popular Niemeyer.
Next, glide by Forte do Gragoatá, round Ilha da Boa Viagem, and catch sight of the enigmatic Museum of Contemporary Art—another Oscar Niemeyer creation. From here, the beaches of Adão and Eva come into view, perfect for a refreshing swim and a close-up look at the Fortaleza de Santa Cruz.
The return trip crosses the bay back to Rio, navigating the channel linking it to the Atlantic Ocean. You’ll skirt the laid-back Ilha da Lage, spot the Fortaleza de São João, and arrive at the foot of Sugarloaf Mountain in the charming Urca neighborhood.
This is a one-of-a-kind chance to experience the region as the Portuguese explorers once did—a breathtaking coastline framed by majestic mountain ranges, forming a skyline of indescribable beauty. Embark on this immersive 3-hour journey, complete with onboard service to make it truly unforgettable.
Book a boat that suits your style!
Duration: 3 hours
Additional Hours: +20%
2 – Sunset Tour in the Guanabara Bay: Unforgettable
Feel the sea breeze on your face and let the salty aroma ignite your thirst for adventure.
The waves sway to the infectious rhythm of Rio de Janeiro, lifting your spirit with a unique energy. As the sun dips behind the majestic mountains, painting the sky in vivid shades of orange and red, gaze upon the stunning view of Corcovado Hill.
Experiencing Guanabara Bay at sunset is nothing short of magical. Prepare for a special moment surrounded by natural beauty and the vibrant, positive vibes of this breathtaking setting. Without a doubt, this will be one of the most unforgettable highlights of your trip.
Book your spot on this boat of excitement and immerse yourself in pure magic and wonder on Guanabara Bay.
Book a boat that suits your style!
Duration: 3 hours
Additional Hours: +20%
3 – Sugarloaf Tour: Rio’s Iconic Postcard from a New Perspective
Discover Sugarloaf Mountain from an exclusive and captivating angle. Departing from Marina da Glória, you’ll be greeted by the spectacle of planes taking off from Santos Dumont Airport.
As the boat glides smoothly, it soon reaches Ilha da Lage and passes the imposing São João Fortress. This journey promises a breathtaking scene: the unparalleled view of Sugarloaf’s iconic 98-meter cliff rising from the sea, followed by the charming Praia Vermelha cove, where the vista transforms into a true postcard moment.
Don’t miss the picturesque Cláudio Coutinho trail tucked among the trees on your right—an utterly unique experience.
Perfect for enjoying special hours onboard with our exclusive service and refreshing swims. Seize the chance to book your spot on this one-of-a-kind adventure and see Rio de Janeiro in an extraordinary way!
Book a boat that suits your style!
Duration: 3 or 5 hours
Additional Hours: +20%
4 – Itaipu Cove Tour: A Sea of Tranquility and Delight
To experience one of Rio de Janeiro’s most stunning vistas, don’t miss the Itaipu Cove on the northern Fluminense coast.
Hard to reach by land, this region is a sheer pleasure to explore by boat. Enjoy a peaceful cruise along beaches like Piratininga, Sossego, Camboinhas, and Itaipu, arriving at a serene cove framed by three islands—Pai, Mãe, and Filha—home to over 183 documented fish species.
Anchoring in this paradise, you’ll catch sight of a preserved stretch of Atlantic Forest within the Serra da Tiririca State Park. It’s an unforgettable moment to bask in the sun, listen to great music, and savor our exclusive onboard service—available only on this tour.
At Itaipu Cove, indulge in a delicious barbecue or order mouthwatering snacks and authentic Caiçara cuisine, specially prepared by a local restaurant and served right on the boat. This trip blends countless pleasures into one extraordinary experience.
Book a boat that suits your style!
Duration: 5 hours
Additional Hours: +20%
5 – Cagarras Islands Archipelago Tour: A Dive into Nature
Visiting the Cagarras Islands Archipelago Natural Monument, a fully protected environmental reserve, is an unmissable experience. Sailing the 4 km that separate the mainland from this archipelago evokes an indescribable sense of freedom and adventure.
This paradise, inhabited solely by global migratory birds, comprises seven islands: Lage da Cagarras, Ilha Redonda, Filhote da Cagarra, Matias, Praça Onze, Comprida, and Palmas.
Surrounded by emerald-green waters, the rocky shores teem with a vast array of fish, crustaceans, mollusks, algae, starfish, and frequent visitors like turtles, dolphins, and even whales. It’s the perfect setting to spend a day with family or friends—diving, soaking up the sun, embracing nature, and gazing at Rio de Janeiro, which, from this vantage point, offers a soul-stirring view.
Book a boat that suits your style!
Duration: 5 hours
Additional Hours: +20%
6 – Rio from the Sea Tour
If Rio de Janeiro is already renowned for having some of the world’s most beautiful beaches, it’s about to get even more famous once this itinerary goes viral.
The Rio from the Sea Tour combines the best of the Fluminense coast’s stunning landscapes into one incredible journey. Spanning 4 hours, the first leg is a cultural dive into Guanabara Bay, where you’ll enjoy a privileged vantage point of the elegant Ilha Fiscal, the striking Museum of Tomorrow, and the enigmatic Museum of Contemporary Art, designed by architect Oscar Niemeyer. As we round Jurujuba Hill and the imposing Fortaleza de Santa Cruz, we venture into oceanic waters.
The boat glides smoothly through Copacabana’s crystal-clear seas up to the Copacabana Fort, where we’ll pause for a refreshing swim in the azure waves. And if that’s not enough, brace yourself for a truly magical moment as the sunset paints the sky in spectacular hues.
Book a boat that suits your style!
Duration: 4 hours
Additional Hours: +20%
7 – Rio Branco Cove Tour: The Hidden Paradise
Amid the mysteries of Niterói’s oceanic waters lies the enigmatic Rio Branco Cove, enveloping the 400 magical meters of the elusive Praia de Fora.
Just beyond the mouth of Guanabara Bay, past the majestic Fortaleza de Santa Cruz and nestled between the imposing Pico and Ourives hills, this cove conceals countless secrets within its dense forest, crystal-clear waters, and restricted access.
The pristine, mystical aura of this region sparks the curiosity of adventurers, unveiling a rare blend of natural beauty and historical significance. The silent guardians of the cove—Forte de São Luiz, Forte do Pico, and Forte do Imbuí—whisper tales of the past and harbor ancient secrets.
Feel as though you’ve been whisked away to an idyllic island in Angra dos Reis as you spend hours unraveling the enigmas and wonders of this cove. Here, nature reigns supreme, and tranquility soothes the soul, offering an unforgettable vista that challenges the senses and ignites the imagination.
Embark on this journey of discovery and mystery by reserving your spot for a truly unique experience in the Rio Branco Cove.
Book a boat that suits your style!
Duration: 3 or 5 hour
Additional Hours: +20%
8 – Copacabana Coastline Tour: Pure Seduction
Let yourself be captivated by the alluring Copacabana coastline, a treasure nestled between the sea and mountains that enchants and mesmerizes all who encounter it.
If strolling along Copacabana’s famous boardwalk is a must-do, imagine experiencing it aboard a comfortable boat, with the sea breeze whispering intimate secrets of this iconic shore.
The journey begins in Guanabara Bay, ventures into the open sea, and finally unveils the “Little Sea Princess,” Copacabana. With your sands, your sky is so lovely; your mermaids always smiling…
At Posto 6, we drop anchor for a refreshing dip in the waves and a toast to the magic of this place. If this tour is already unforgettable, wait until the next stop off Arpoador Beach—a stunning view of Ipanema framed by the Dois Irmãos hills in the distance.
Book a boat that suits your style!
Duration: 3 or 5 hours
Additional Hours: +20%
9 – Tijucas Islands Tour: Adventure and Fun
For those who crave adventure, the Tijucas Islands Tour is pure excitement. Though close to the mainland, this small archipelago hides a diver’s paradise.
Comprising three islands—Ilha do Meio, nearest to São Conrado; Pontuda, the tallest, crowned with a navigational lighthouse; and Alfavaca, perfect for a swim—plus the tiny Tijucas slab, a dream spot for freediving enthusiasts. Nestled between Barra da Tijuca and São Conrado, the islands sit nearly 2 km from the Joatinga Channel and 6 km from Guanabara Bay, the closest departure port.
This little oasis deserves time to soak in its crystal-clear waters, rocky cliffs, and the distant silhouette of the city skyline.
A paradise of lush nature, it’s ideal for a refreshing dive, sunbathing, and unwinding onboard while enjoying a delightful onboard service that caters to all your culinary desires.
Book a boat in your style now and come explore this hidden gem!
Duration: 6 hours
Additional Hours: +20%
10 – Piratininga Tour: A Nature’s Surprise
Embark on a Journey of Discovery in Piratininga! Prepare to be enchanted by an unforgettable experience onboard, exploring a route that will both surprise and delight.
Setting off from the stunning Guanabara Bay, our cruise hugs the breathtaking Niterói coastline.
We’ll skirt the captivating Rio Branco Cove, then head toward the striking Ponta do Tabaiba, the welcoming Piratininga Beach, and the imposing Forte de Imbuí, guarded by the charming Two Sisters Islands. From here, the adventure truly begins.
Sailing between the towering rock formations of Ponta do Papagaio and the majestic Pedra do Veado, the journey unveils jaw-dropping landscapes.
As we navigate the narrow passage, the shallow waters grow increasingly crystal-clear, leading to a quaint cove near the enchanting Ponta da Galheta.
The scene unfolds into something astonishingly beautiful: a small beach with pristine waters and light sands that beckon you to pause and unwind. Here, we drop anchor, inviting everyone for a revitalizing swim in the sea.
Experience unforgettable moments in this paradise called Piratininga, where joy and serenity elevate life into something truly meaningful. Book your spot and come celebrate in this idyllic setting!
Book a boat that suits your style!
Duration: 3 or 5 hours
Additional Hours: +20%
11 – Humpback Whale Watching Tour (Available only from June 1 to July 31)
Every year, humpback whales migrate from Antarctica to the northeastern coast of Brazil, and in recent years, these incredible cetaceans have been gracing the waters near Rio de Janeiro’s shores.
If the stunning views of Rio from the sea were already a compelling reason for nautical tourism, imagine experiencing it alongside humpback whales.
This tour has become a spectacle in its own right! Conducted on private vessels, it includes a biologist from the Jubarte Institute, who enriches the journey with fascinating insights about the whales.
To catch the prime whale-watching window, boarding begins at 7 a.m.—but don’t worry, a delicious onboard breakfast is provided to start your day right.
Book a boat that suits your style!
Duration: 5 hours
