Rio de Janeiro · RIO BEACH TOURS
A short list you could hand a friend flying into Galeão: 15 rio beach tours, each priced, with what past travellers say and the one detail to check before you pay.
In Ipanema, instructors Carla, Ranaa, and Gaby teach a one-hour beginner samba lesson in Portuguese or English. Learn basic steps, rhythm, and body movement in a small group, then pose in Carnival costumes. Photos are included, and class videos are also shared.
“Gaby is a great teacher. It was so much fun. I am ready for Rio and the Carnival.”
Ride from selected Rio neighborhoods to Pedra Branca State Park, then hike about an hour uphill to Pedra do Telégrafo and its famous viewpoints. Guides such as Dayvison, Erick and Nicolas have helped set a steady pace and take group photos. Afterward, spend time at Grumari or Prainha Beach. Bring water, hiking shoes, swimwear and your own snacks.
“This was great! I’m not a hiker, I wouldn’t consider myself one as I maybe do a basic simple hike like once a year, if that. I was initially worried if I would be able to keep up but Erick made sure we all were good. I actually did well…I think haha. The hike it self is very tiring, very steep incline but that’s it. There’s no climbing or any other physical activity needed. I truly appreciate our guide Erick as from the start, he was very prompt. He arrived exactly on time and kept great communication with me. My friend with me struggled with the hike and Erick kept…”
Leave Rio early for Arraial do Cabo, then board a schooner for swims and photo stops at Ilha do Farol, Pontal do Atalaia, Gruta Azul, and Praia do Forno. Hotel pickup is offered in several South Zone neighborhoods. Guides such as Newton, Andrea, Karla, and Vivi have led trips, but the boat crew may not speak English.
“It was a great ride from our hotel (3 hours). We got to see the other side of Brazil. The boat ride and the lunch we purchased was great. Our host was attentive to us. She spoke in English.”
Set out from Paraty Tours for a five-hour cruise around Paraty Bay, with planned stops at two beaches and two islands for swimming and snorkeling. The boat has restrooms, a bar and restaurant, music, and floating aids; fruit and coffee are included. Lunch, a caipirinha, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards may cost extra or depend on your chosen option.
“very fun and lovely day on the water. good swimming spots very nice caring staff highly recommend”
Join a one-hour samba class in Copacabana led in English, Portuguese, or Spanish. Instructors such as Marco and Thiago teach basic steps at a beginner-friendly pace, then bring the group together to dance. Expect a lively, social lesson, not a full dance course. Water and restroom access are included; transfers are not.
“Had a lot of fun and it was very clearly explained.”
Meet a professional samba instructor at a studio on the sixth floor of a Copacabana office building for an upbeat, one-hour beginner-friendly class. No partner or dance experience is needed. You’ll learn basic steps, hear about samba culture, and, in daytime classes, may try a Carnival costume. Instructors have included Carla, Marcos, Carmen, and Bem Vind.
“This was so awesome we would definitely do it ago. A hour is not nearly long enough for all the fun we had. Marcos was an excellant instructor!”
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.”
Surf Matrix teaches you the basics on the sand, then helps you practise in the sea at Arpoador, choosing conditions suited to your level. Groups are limited to six, all equipment is provided, and Rafael is one instructor known for energetic, patient teaching. You need to be confident swimming in ocean waves.
“We had Rafael as a surfing instructor with this company. I could not recommend enough! They were flexible with the timings as it is weather dependant. Rafael was fabulous, full of energy, spoke English very well and was a wonderful teacher. Worth every penny!”
Take a one-hour surf lesson near Copacabana or Ipanema with local instructors. Choose a group or private class, practise your first pop-up on the sand, then head into the sea with guidance on wave selection and safe returns. Equipment is included, but expect to pay R$200 per person at the meeting point, with a 5% card fee.
“En fait je n’ai pas trouvé le guide!parce qu’il n’y en avait pas!sur votre site ce sont des photos de toutes les écoles de surf d’ipanema!et personne ne représente ce site!il n’y avait pas de numéro de téléphone pour avec des explications!j’ai dû repayer pour avoir un cours! Je ne comprends pas car j’ai réservé plusieurs activités avec vous! mais pour le surf c’est à revoir! Pourriez-vous procéder à mon remboursement?”
Start at 6:00 am for a roughly six-hour outing to Pedra do Telégrafo, a 354-meter peak in Pedra Branca State Park. The 2.3-kilometer trail takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes, with guide Alessandra offering support and photo help. Pickup is offered, and the group is capped at five.
“A Alessandra é a melhor guia que existe!! Sempre solicita, caminhando no nosso tempo, simpática e competente. Seu irmão, que nos levou ao passeio, é outra pessoa maravilhosa. Foi uma experiência única que indico a todos.”
Set out from Urca Pier on a three-hour speedboat tour past Rio landmarks, beaches and islands. Your captain-guide shares stories in English, Spanish or Portuguese, and the boat makes stops for underwater exploration. Beer, soda and mineral water are included. Captain Rafael has been praised for his careful handling and lively local commentary, though captains may vary.
“Rafael es encantador! La excursión fue genial y dinámica. La pasamos increíble”
Walk about 12 km from Vila do Abraão through Atlantic Forest, past the Lazareto ruins and the 19th-century Aqueduct, to Feiticeira Waterfall and beaches including Camiranga, Pereque and Fora. A private guide leads the moderate hike in English, Portuguese or Spanish. Guides such as Quintino and Matteus have tailored the pace and shared local nature and history.
“Wonderful to hear — we’re glad you loved the hike! 🌴”
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”
Take a private speedboat along Búzios’s north coast, with room for up to 11 people, a bathroom, snorkels, floats and a grill. Stops include Tartaruga, Azeda, João Fernandes and Ilha Feia. Bring your own food and drinks; water, ice and charcoal are provided. Captains named Micael and Matías have led trips, but your assigned captain may differ.
“It was a fun boat tour and our group of 10 people had so much fun.”
Ride from your Rio accommodation to Guaratiba, then hike a roughly 3-kilometer forest trail to Telegrafo Rock, 354 meters above sea level. Guides such as Dudu and Eduardo help with photos and local context. Afterward, choose an optional 30-minute stop at Grumari, Prainha, Reserva, or Barra da Tijuca.
“I was the only person who booked and they did not cancel or have me move to another group. My guide Dudu was amazing. he took such great pictures and made the hike very enjoyable. He is very knowledgeable and really cares for his group. Definitely one of my favorite adventures here in Rio!”
Peaks, trails, the bay or the samba floor.
