Rio de Janeiro · RIO BOAT TOURS

The 15 Best Rio Boat Trips, from Guanabara Bay to Ilha Grande

64 tours  ·  from $12 a head

From a two-hour sail across Guanabara Bay to a fourteen-hour day on the schooners at Angra or Arraial do Cabo, these 15 are priced and clear about how much of the day you spend on the water and how much on the bus.

Rio de Janeiro: Sunset Sailing Tour - Sunset, Sugarloaf and the view back to Rio
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Rio de Janeiro: Sunset Sailing Tour

1.Sunset Sailing Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 994 reviews · 3 hours · from $75Our pick

Sail Guanabara Bay for three hours from Marina da Glória, passing historic forts, Boa Viagem Island and Oscar Niemeyer’s Niterói museum before watching sunset over Rio. Groups are limited to 12, with a private option available. Caipirinhas, beer, wine, soft drinks and snacks are included. Hosts have included Clarisse, Karina and Samuel; the crew and route can vary.

“This is the best activity I did during my stay in Rio and I'm so glad I booked it. Probably the most beautiful way to see the city. You can even get in the water and swim. They serve delicious drinks on board as well as light snacks. Our guide Clarisse was so kind and friendly and excited to have us all on board. I can't recommend this activity enough! 5 stars.”

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From Rio de Janeiro: Angra dos Reis Boat Trip with Lunch - Boarding the schooner and entering Ilha Grande
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From Rio de Janeiro: Angra dos Reis Boat Trip with Lunch

2.Angra dos Reis Boat Trip with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 737 reviews · 14 hours · from $63

Leave Rio early for a three-hour drive to Angra dos Reis, then cruise Ilha Grande’s islands by schooner. Expect swimming stops at places such as Blue Lagoon and Cataguases, a buffet lunch, and a lively boat ride. English, Spanish, and Portuguese guides are available, though transfers and time at each beach can run long or feel rushed.

“The islands were beautiful , only problem it was too crowded on the boat , so getting on and off was time consuming which gave us less time to enjoy”

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From Rio: Arraial do Cabo Day Trip with Boat Tour - Ilha do Farol: time for a proper swim
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From Rio: Arraial do Cabo Day Trip with Boat Tour

3.Arraial do Cabo Day Trip with Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★3.8 · 400 reviews · 14 hours · from $65

Leave Rio by air-conditioned vehicle for a full day in Arraial do Cabo, then board a traditional schooner for beach stops and photo views of Ilha do Farol, Prainhas do Pontal, Gruta Azul, and Praia do Forno. A multilingual guide accompanies the road journey. Lunch is optional, and strong winds can cancel the boat portion.

“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…”

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Arraial do Cabo Day Trip from Rio de Janeiro: Boat Tour & Beach - Ilha do Farol: the water-first stop
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Arraial do Cabo Day Trip from Rio de Janeiro: Boat Tour & Beach

4.Arraial do Cabo Day Trip from Rio de Janeiro: Boat Tour & Beach

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 390 reviews · 14 hours (approx.) · from $70

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.”

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Rio de Janeiro: Guanabara Bay Sunset Sailing Tour & Drinks - Sailing past Sugarloaf and Corcovado
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Rio de Janeiro: Guanabara Bay Sunset Sailing Tour & Drinks

5.Guanabara Bay Sunset Sailing Tour & Drinks

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 331 reviews · 3 hours · from $70

Spend three hours aboard a cruising sailboat on Guanabara Bay, with a live guide in English or Portuguese. Take in Sugarloaf Mountain and Christ the Redeemer from the water, enjoy beer, caipirinhas, soft drinks and finger food, and swim if conditions allow. The crew has included towels on some trips, but they are not listed among the standard inclusions.

“Probably the best tour in Rio. Mind blowing. Sit on the front part of the boat”

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From Rio de Janeiro: Arraial do Cabo Boat Trip with Lunch - Four beach stops, with the boat as your base
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From Rio de Janeiro: Arraial do Cabo Boat Trip with Lunch

6.Arraial do Cabo Boat Trip with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★3.8 · 321 reviews · 14 hours · from $65

Leave Rio early for a three-hour drive to Arraial do Cabo, then board a schooner for four beach and swimming stops, including spots such as Praia do Farol and Forno. Look for the Blue Groot cave and watch for marine life in clear water. Lunch is included, but drinks, snorkel gear, and local cash fees are extra.

“Excelente tour. Arraial do cabo es increíble. La guía cumplió todo lo que nos habían prometido y los tiempos acordados fueron cumplidos. El lugar de almuerzo está ok.”

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Paraty Bay: Islands & Beaches Boat Tour with Snorkeling - Snorkeling is a bonus, not the whole point
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Paraty Bay: Islands & Beaches Boat Tour with Snorkeling

7.Islands & Beaches Boat Tour with Snorkeling

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 274 reviews · 5 hours · from $22

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”

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Sunset Boat Tour with Beer, Water, Soda and Snacks included - An hour at Adão e Eva Beach
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Sunset Boat Tour with Beer, Water, Soda and Snacks included

8.Sunset Boat Tour with Beer, Water, Soda and Snacks included

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 227 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $74Top rated

Spend about three hours on the water from Marina da Glória, passing Rio’s waterfront sights and Niterói’s striking Contemporary Art Museum. The route includes a one-hour swim stop at Adão e Eva Beach, plus beer, water, soda, snacks, and an English- and Spanish-speaking guide. Groups are capped at 11; guides have included Leo and Rafaela.

“Excellent small group boat ride experience. Wonderful views of the city and Niteroi. Even though the day was cloudy and cold, it was very worth it! Rio Water Fun are very professional. I recommend 100%Auto-translated”

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Rio: Boat Tour of Guanabara Bay - Rio’s port from the water
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Rio: Boat Tour of Guanabara Bay

9.Boat Tour of Guanabara Bay

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 214 reviews

Board a catamaran at Marina da Glória for a 90-minute circuit of Guanabara Bay. Pass Rio’s port, the Rio-Niterói Bridge, Niterói’s Oscar Niemeyer-designed art museum, historic forts and Sugarloaf Mountain. An audio guide is offered in Portuguese, English and Spanish. Choose a morning or sunset departure; the boat does not stop for swimming or shore visits.

“Hermoso paseo por la bahía, aunque el día estaba nublado y no pudimos ver el atardecer en el mar, pero valió la pena de todas maneras.”

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Paraty: Saco do Mamanguá Speedboat Tour - Praia do Engenho: a quieter beach stop
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Paraty: Saco do Mamanguá Speedboat Tour

10.Saco do Mamanguá Speedboat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 182 reviews · 6 hours · from $49

Spend six hours exploring Saco do Mamanguá and nearby beaches by shared speedboat, with stops at Ilha dos Cocos, Praia do Engenho, Praia do Cruzeiro and a surprise spot. Snorkel gear, water and a cooler with ice are included. At Cruzeiro, choose lunch or the steep 1.5 km Pico do Pão de Açúcar trail.

“The activity is good generally. I need to mention that the guide (who is the boat captain) does not speak english”

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Schooner ride with or without Lunch Included - Angra dos Reis and Ilha Grande - Timing, group size and a little flexibility
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Schooner ride with or without Lunch Included – Angra dos Reis and Ilha Grande

11.Schooner ride with or without Lunch Included – Angra dos Reis and Ilha Grande

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 132 reviews · from $12Best value

Set out from Angra dos Reis at 11:30 am for an approximately six-hour schooner ride around Ilha Grande Bay. Stops include Lagoa Azul, Praia de Araçá, the Botinas Islands and Gipoia Island, with time for snorkeling and beach visits. The $12 starting price does not establish whether lunch is included, so confirm the meal option and beach before booking.

“Passeio básico para quem vai a Angra, pelo preço vale a pena e você consegue mergulha e curtir um pouco a praia. Porém, levem lanches. No barco a única opção de compra era fandangos e o preço do almoço (se não estiver incluso) é absurdo. Um prato simples de filé de frango com batatas fritas é 170 reais, e não há outra opção para se alimentar. De resto, o passeio vale a pena.”

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From Rio de Janeiro: Búzios Boat Trip with Lunch - Boarding the schooner and choosing a beach
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From Rio de Janeiro: Búzios Boat Trip with Lunch

12.Búzios Boat Trip with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★3.8 · 129 reviews · 14 hours · from $68

Leave Rio by bus for Búzios, then board a schooner for up to four swim stops, chosen by the captain according to weather and crowding. After a buffet lunch, spend free time on Rua das Pedras before returning to Rio. Pickup covers many central and southern hotel areas. Guides speak Portuguese, Spanish, and English.

“Thanks Carla for your great heart and trying to keep the group together and happy.”

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Angra dos Reis and Ilha Grande: Small-Group Fast-Boat Tour - Why the speedboat changes the day
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Angra dos Reis and Ilha Grande: Small-Group Fast-Boat Tour

13.Angra dos Reis and Ilha Grande: Small-Group Fast-Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 119 reviews · 14 hours · from $200

Leave Rio early for Angra dos Reis, then explore Ilha Grande by speedboat, with up to five stops chosen around weather and crowds. Swim, snorkel and rest on the shore, with a bilingual guide and local sailor on board. Lucas, Jessie, Erica and other guides have led past departures, but your team may differ. Bring lunch and drinks unless you choose the all-inclusive upgrade.

“The booking was easy and the meeting point was easily found. Communication thru WhatsApp was no problem and replies were done in a timely manner. Our guides Jessie and Erica were lively and fun. They kept the party mood alive and was always willing to help. The islands were absolutely beautiful. Pictures don't do these islands justice. It's simply paradise. The third island stop was a wonderful and filling lunch. The dive mask/snorkel are a must. I highly recommend this tour.”

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Ilha Grande: 7h Speedboat Tour of Paradise Islands - From Vila do Abraão into the bay
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Ilha Grande: 7h Speedboat Tour of Paradise Islands

14.7h Speedboat Tour of Paradise Islands

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 94 reviews · 7 hours · from $74

From Vila do Abraão, take a seven-hour speedboat trip to five island and beach stops around Angra dos Reis. Swim, snorkel or relax at Cataguases, Botinas, Piedade and Dentista, then pause near a restaurant for an optional lunch. The tour runs in Portuguese, but you explore each stop at your own pace.

“All the different beaches were beautiful. Snorkeling was fun. Guides were great.”

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Brunch & Sunset Cruise with Capirinha in Rio - Sunset, swimming, and what weather can change
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Brunch & Sunset Cruise with Capirinha in Rio

15.Brunch & Sunset Cruise with Capirinha in Rio

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 89 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $50

Set sail from Marina da Glória for about three hours on Guanabara Bay, with views of Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf, historic forts, and Niterói’s Museum of Contemporary Art. Expect drinks, fruit, and sandwiches, with a chance to swim when conditions allow. The group is capped at 11, and crew members such as Luiza, Thais, Pedro, and Klaus have been praised for warm, attentive service.

“This gives a great view of the bay and Rio de Janeiro. Relaxing on the boat while sipping some drinks and enjoying snacks.”

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New in Rio Boat Tours

★ 5.0Unforgettable Boat PartyFrom $473 reviews
★ 3.8Schooner Boat Tour with Beaches and SnorkelingFrom $3412 reviews
★ 3.1Guanabara Bay 2-Hour Boat TourFrom $2411 reviews
★ 5.0Speedboat Tour with Snacks and DrinksFrom $633 reviews
★ 4.4SpeedBoat Tour – Beach Tour with BeerFrom $5626 reviews
★ 4.7SpeedBoat Tour – Sunset with BeerFrom $565 reviews
★ 4.9Sailing Sunset Tour with Snacks and DrinksFrom $7021 reviews
★ 4.6Private Speedboat Trip14 reviews
★ 4.9Late Night Boat Party with DJ and DancingFrom $4412 reviews
★ 3.5Boat Tour – Sunset with BeerFrom $564 reviews
★ 4.8Private speedboat tour in Rio de Janeiro5 reviews
★ 4.6Discover Paraty’s Best Islands on an Exclusive Schooner TourFrom $2313 reviews
★ 5.0Idyllic Islands Private Speedboat Tour in Paraty3 reviews
★ 3.9Fast Boat Expedition to Saco do MamanguaFrom $557 reviews
★ 3.2Half-Day Schooner Cruise and Snorkeling in Paraty BayFrom $365 reviews

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Rio Sunset ToursRio Beach ToursIlha Grande ToursAngra dos Reis ToursArraial do Cabo ToursBúzios ToursParaty Tours
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