Rio de Janeiro · CANOES & KAYAKS

5 Kayak Trips in Rio de Janeiro to Book Next

5 tours  ·  from $37 a head

The best kayak trips sell out first in high season. Below: the 5 to book early, what each includes and where they differ.

Kayaking to the mangroves - Returning by the Perequê Açu river
Canoes & Kayaks, Paraty Tours, Rio de Janeiro Tours, Tour Reviews

Kayaking to the mangroves

1.Kayaking to the mangroves

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 85 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $36Our pick

Set out from Pontal beach with a guide such as Brenda or Mateo, basic instruction and kayaking gear included. Paddle around Ilha dos Pombos, look for birds, crabs and capybaras in Paraty’s mangroves, then follow the river canals past the historic center. The two-hour outing suits beginners, with a moderate amount of effort and time for photo stops.

“Very nice outing with Brenda. A bit sporty but still easy to access. Very nice way to discover the islandsAuto-translated”

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Rio de Janeiro: Stand-Up Paddle - Copacabana Beach Sunrise - Meeting at Posto 6 before first light
Canoes & Kayaks, Morning, Rio Beach Tours, Rio de Janeiro Tours, Rio Sunrise Tours, Tour Reviews

Rio de Janeiro: Stand-Up Paddle – Copacabana Beach Sunrise

2.Stand-Up Paddle – Copacabana Beach Sunrise

★★★★★★★★★★3.7 · 39 reviews · 1h 30m · from $70

Meet near the Fairmont Hotel at Posto 6 for a 90-minute sunrise paddle toward Copacabana Fort. An instructor explains basic technique, then you paddle out to watch first light from the water. Boards, paddles, life jackets, lockers, and photos and videos are included. Instruction is offered in six languages, though clear communication is worth confirming.

“Fue una gran experiencia, lo único que pienso de puede mejorar es la puntualidad para comenzar la actividad ya que el amanecer estaba por salir y aún seguíamos en tierra.”

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Sunset Kayaking - Jabaquara’s mangrove and the chance of capybaras
Canoes & Kayaks, Evening Experiences, Paraty Tours, Rio de Janeiro Tours, Rio Sunset Tours, Tour Reviews

Sunset Kayaking

3.Sunset Kayaking

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 37 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $36

Set out from central Paraty with a professional kayak guide for an easy-paced sunset paddle. After basic instruction and a safety briefing, you head across the bay toward Jabaquara’s mangroves and Ilha dos Pombos, where you may spot capybaras, grebes and other wildlife. Equipment is provided; allow up to two hours, with about 60 minutes of paddling.

“Fine kayak tour - as expected all the way through. No real sunset, but that cannot be blamed on them ;)”

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Kayaking Mangroves tour ( Natural Reserve ) - Choosing the two-hour or three-hour route
Canoes & Kayaks, Paraty Tours, Rio de Janeiro Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Kayaking Mangroves tour ( Natural Reserve )

4.Kayaking Mangroves tour ( Natural Reserve )

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 36 reviews · 2 to 3 hours (approx.) · from $36

Set out from Pontal in Paraty for a guided kayak trip among bay islands, beaches, and mangroves. Choose the two-hour route, where capybaras are commonly spotted, or the three-hour route through quieter shores and the mangroves near Itú island and Várzea do Corumbê. Kayaks and other necessary equipment are provided. Guides include Brenda, Paulo, Lumila, and Sergio.

“the beautiful nature in its purity the beautiful nature in its purity the beautiful nature in its purity”

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Paraty Bay: Half-Day Mangroves and Beaches Tour by Kayak - A beach stop for swimming and a breather
Canoes & Kayaks, Half-Day, Paraty Tours, Rio Beach Tours, Rio de Janeiro Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Paraty Bay: Half-Day Mangroves and Beaches Tour by Kayak

5.Half-Day Mangroves and Beaches Tour by Kayak

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 15 reviews · 4 hours · from $90

Meet your bilingual guide at Pontal Beach for a four-hour paddle in a double kayak. You’ll cross Paraty Bay’s calm waters, stop at a beach for a swim, and aim for mangroves where red crabs scuttle among the roots. The route depends on the tide. Kayaks, safety gear, insurance, and a group capped at five are included.

“It was great! We went to a beautiful beach and get to swim there. We went to an other part of the mangroves when we could not enter the original one due to the tides, which was super nice and thoughtful. We saw a bunch of birds and other animals and Giuliano told us so much about the nature around Paraty. Highly recommend the tour! Muito obrigada Giuliano”

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