Guanabara Bay is the reason Rio exists. The Portuguese founded the city on its shore, the Imperial family arrived by its waters, and the shapes that define the skyline, Sugarloaf, Corcovado and the low mountains of Niteroi, are best understood from a boat. This sailing tour runs for about three hours with a small crew and a maximum of twenty guests, leaving from Pier A2 at Marina da Gloria on Avenida Infante Dom Henrique in Gloria. The booking page names a long route of sights: Sugarloaf Mountain, the colonial forts of Sao Joao and Santa Cruz da Barra at the harbour mouth, the contemporary art museum in Niteroi, the beaches of Icarai, Charitas and Jurujuba, Praia Vermelha and a view of Copacabana. It does not name Urca as a stop, and the exact order depends on wind and tide. The boat is a sailing yacht with a captain and crew, snacks, beer and caipirinha, water, taxes and gratuities are included, and hotel pickup and drop-off are part of the package. Reviews mention a swim stop with towels provided, though the itinerary does not list one, and a three o'clock start that reached sunset. The tour is marketed as a sunset cruise or sailing tour, and it has a rating of 4.9 from more than five hundred reviews.
Why a sail rather than a sightseeing tour? The sense of space and quiet. A sailing boat under power or sail moves slowly, the cityscape rolls past in layers and the light changes as the sun drops behind the mountains. Oscar Niemeyer's flying-saucer museum at Niteroi, the old fortresses, the Sugarloaf cable cars crawling up the rock and the Christ statue on the far ridge all come into view without having to queue for any of them. It is an excellent complement to a ride up Sugarloaf, giving the same peak from the opposite side.
Practical points
Arrive about half an hour before the tour at the marina, with boarding about fifteen minutes before departure. The booking page gives free cancellation up to twenty-four hours before the start and states plainly that there are no exchanges or refunds within twenty-four hours, so check the forecast. Wear layers because it cools on the water at dusk, add sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat, and carry a light jacket.
The minimum drinking age is eighteen, pets are not allowed, and the boat is not wheelchair accessible though it is pushchair accessible. Take motion-sickness tablets if you are prone to seasickness, since the bay can be choppy when winds rise.
Who it suits
Couples, small groups of friends, honeymooners and anyone who wants a relaxed evening on the water. Families with children can enjoy it, but check the alcohol arrangements and the length of the sail. Book on your first clear evening for the best light. Pair it with dinner in Gloria or Santa Teresa afterwards, or with a morning on the Sugarloaf cable car, and use the sail to orient yourself before exploring the rest of the city.
What to expect
The experience
A three-hour guided sail on a yacht from Marina da Gloria across Guanabara Bay, with views of Sugarloaf, the forts, Niteroi and the Rio skyline, snacks and drinks included and hotel pickup.
Best time
A clear afternoon with sunset timing. Reviewers mention a start around three in the afternoon reaching sunset.
How long
About three hours, plus time to arrive at the marina about half an hour early.
Tips
Arrive early at Pier A2, bring a light layer, sunscreen and sunglasses, take seasickness tablets if needed and check the forecast before the twenty-four-hour cancellation cut-off.
Quick picks
- Best for
- A calm, scenic introduction to the bay and the skyline, with drinks.
- Families
- Works for older children; the minimum drinking age is eighteen and the sail is three hours.
- Couples
- One of the most romantic things to do in Rio, especially at golden hour.
- Pair with
- The Sugarloaf cable car, the Museum of Tomorrow or dinner in Gloria and Santa Teresa.
- Time needed
- An afternoon or evening.
Good questions
Where does the sailing tour depart from?+
From Pier A2 at the Gloria marina on Avenida Infante Dom Henrique. Arrive about half an hour before the tour, with boarding about fifteen minutes before departure.
What is included?+
Snacks, beer and caipirinha, bottled water, gratuities, taxes and fees, and hotel pickup and drop-off.
What will I see?+
The booking page names Sugarloaf Mountain, the forts of Sao Joao and Santa Cruz da Barra, the contemporary art museum in Niteroi, the beaches of Icarai, Charitas and Jurujuba, Praia Vermelha and Copacabana.
What is the cancellation policy?+
Free cancellation up to twenty-four hours before the start. No exchanges or refunds are made within twenty-four hours of the start or later.
How big is the group and who can come?+
The maximum is twenty travellers. The minimum drinking age is eighteen, pets are not allowed and the boat is not wheelchair accessible.
