Catamaran Sailing Tour of Guanabara Bay
Discover Rio de Janeiro's most iconic landmarks from the deck of an 11-meter sailing catamaran
A Guanabara Bay catamaran tour offers one of the most complete perspectives of Rio de Janeiro, combining sailing under full canvas with close-up views of Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf Mountain, and the historic Urca neighborhood from the water.
Departing from Marina da Gloria, the route follows the western shore of the bay, passing the beaches of Flamengo and Botafogo before rounding the foot of Sugarloaf Mountain and heading toward the fortresses that once guarded the bay entrance. The captain raises the sails whenever wind conditions permit, giving passengers the full experience of traditional sailing.
The tour crosses to the Niteroi side of the bay, stopping near the beaches of Adam and Eve for swimming and floating with provided equipment. On the return leg, the Contemporary Art Museum of Niteroi and Santos Dumont Airport runway add unexpected visual moments to the journey.
On board, a continuous service of cold draft beer, varied caipirinhas, snacks, Globo biscuits, toasts with spreads including hummus, and seasonal fresh fruit accompanies the entire navigation. Bluetooth sound, 220v power sockets, a refrigerator, and freshwater showers at both bow and stern are available throughout the trip.
Tour Highlights
Navigate Guanabara Bay aboard an 11-meter sailing catamaran with full sails raised when wind allows.
Photograph Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf Mountain, and Pedra da Gavea from unique waterside angles.
Stop at the beaches of Adam and Eve in Niteroi for swimming with giant floating mats and pool noodles provided.
Pass the Contemporary Art Museum of Niteroi and the historic bay fortresses up close.
Enjoy an open bar of cold beer, caipirinhas, snacks, and fresh fruit served throughout the navigation.
Watch the sunset light up the bay on the return passage, with aircraft departing from Santos Dumont Airport visible overhead.
Itinerary
The tour begins at Marina da Gloria, departing along the waterfront past the beaches of Flamengo and Botafogo. The city skyline frames the view as the catamaran moves into open water.
The boat passes the historic Urca neighborhood and the former Urca Casino before stopping at the foot of Sugarloaf Mountain. At nearly 400 meters, this granite monolith dominates the bay entrance and its cable car system is visible from the water.
The route continues past the colonial-era fortresses that once defended the bay, offering a close look at these historical military structures from the deck.
A swimming stop at the beaches of Adam and Eve on the Niteroi shore allows passengers to enter the water using the provided floating equipment. This is the main leisure pause of the tour.
The return route passes directly beside the MAC, Oscar Niemeyer's iconic flying-saucer-shaped museum perched on the cliffs above the bay.
The final stretch crosses back toward Rio as the bay catches the late afternoon light. The Santos Dumont Airport runway runs directly along the waterfront, and aircraft taking off create a memorable closing scene.
What Is Included
Included
- 3-hour shared catamaran sailing tour
- Cold draft beer (open bar)
- Varied caipirinhas
- Snacks, Globo biscuits, toasts and spreads
- Seasonal fresh fruit
- Giant floating mats and pool noodles for swimming
- Bluetooth sound system on board
- 220v power sockets
- Fresh and salt water showers (bow and stern)
- Refrigerator and freezer on board
Not Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Personal travel insurance
- Gratuities for the crew
- Personal expenses
Important Information
Ready to Set Sail?
Secure your place on this shared catamaran tour of Guanabara Bay and see Rio de Janeiro's landmark skyline from the water.
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