Rio From the Sea: Guanabara Bay Cruise with Optional Barbecue Lunch
Active
4h - 6h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Spend half a day sailing on Guanabara Bay, for the most beautiful views of Rio de Janeiro with Sugar Loaf Mountain towering in the distance. Pass the bay's islands and forts as you cruise the idylic waters. From the water you can see Rio’s downtown, cruise just below planes landing in Santos Dumont Airport, see the Museum of Tomorrow, go under the Niterói Bridge and see the lovely beaches from Rio’s siter city, as well as seeing the famous Oscar Niemeyer Museum. The Guanabara Bay Cruise includes roundtrip transportation from your Rio de Janeiro hotel. An optional all you can eat barbecue lunch is also available on your return, in a local Rio restaurant.
Available options
Private: Cruise & Lunch
Private Tour: Private guide and vehicle. Shared Cruise and Lunch included: 2-hour shared cruise along Guanabara Bay.<br/>Barbecue Lunch included: Delicious all-you- can-eat barbecue with multiple sides and Ice-cream for dessert <br/>Sedan: Up to 02 people. Or Van: from 03 to 13 people<br/>Live Guide in: English, Spanish, Portuguese, German, French or Italian.<br/>Pickup included
Private: Cruise Only
Private Tour: Private guide and vehicle. 2-hour shared cruise along Guanabara Bay.<br/>Sedan: Up to 02 people. Or Van: from 03 to 13 people<br/>Live Guide in: English, Spanish, Portuguese, German, French or Italian.<br/>Pickup included
Shared - Cruise Only
Shared with other guests: Cruise Only - Without lunch: 1.5-hour cruise along Guanabara Bay.<br/>Live Guide in: English, Spanish, Portuguese, German, French or Italian.<br/>Pickup included
Shared Cruise & Lunch
Shared with other guests: Cruise and Lunch included: 1.5-hour cruise along Guanabara Bay.<br/>Barbecue Lunch included: Delicious all-you- can-eat barbecue with multiple sides and Ice-cream for dessert <br/>Live Guide in: English, Spanish, Portuguese, German, French or Italian.<br/>Pickup included
What's included
Hotel pickup and drop off to Most Hotels in São Conrado, Leblon, Ipanema and Copacabana (South Zone)
Lunch at Barbecue House - all you can eat style (if option selected)
2-hour Guanabara Bay cruise
Professional Tour Guide
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
After the pick up at your hotel, you get to Marina da Gloria Pier, where the boat leaves at 9:30m or so.
2
Stop 2
Pass by
Get a nice perspective from the sea and check the surroundings from a different view.
3
Check out the Rio's airport for home destinations and have the chance to see airplanes landing or departing. See how big they are!
4
Originally named by Europeans as Ilha dos Ratos (Rat Island), its current name comes from the fact there have worked since the Guarda Fiscal, serving the port of the then capital of the Empire in the nineteenth century. The island became famous for having housed the famous Baile da Ilha Fiscal, the last big party of the Empire before the coup d'état that proclaimed the Republic in November 1889.
Ilha Fiscal now houses a museum of cultural history that is maintained by the Navy of Brazil.
5
You will get a nice perspective of the huge buildings and avenues from Downtown Rio. Be enchanted with urban area, without transit and noise!
6
Stop 6
Pass by
Get a nice perspective of an important historical Roman Catholic church in the city. It was built and decorated during a long period, from 1775 to the late 19th century. The church combines a Portuguese colonial Baroque façade with later Neoclassical and Neo-Renaissance interior elements.
7
Stop 7
Pass by
The Museum of Tomorrow is a science museum designed by Spanish neofuturistic architect Santiago Calatrava, and built next to the waterfront at Pier Maua. Check out the beauty and modernism of this exquisite structure.
8
Stop 8
Pass by
Pass right underneath the President Costa e Silva Bridge, commonly known as the Rio–Niterói Bridge. It connects the cities of Rio de Janeiro and Niterói.
9
Stop 9
Pass by
Get a nice perspective of the iconic Museum projected by the famous brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer. Completed in 1996, the Niterói Contemporary Art Museum is one of the city’s main landmarks.
10
Stop 10
Pass by
View the beautiful and historical Fort located in Niterói
11
Stop 11
Pass by
See the beautiful neighborhood that hosts one of the major Rio's sights: The Sugar Loaf Mountain
12
Stop 12
Pass by
Get a wonderful perspective of the Sugar Loaf from the sea. Sugar Loaf Mountain is a peak situated in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, at the mouth of Guanabara Bay on a peninsula that juts out into the Atlantic Ocean. Rising 396 m above the harbor, its name is said to refer to its resemblance to the traditional shape of concentrated refined loaf sugar.
13
Stop 13
Pass by
See the Boafogo Bay, that links the South Zone to downtown Rio.
14
Stop 14
Pass by
Get a nice perspective of Aterro do Flamengo and its parks, designed by Burle Marx
15
Stop 15
Pass by
Check the Copacabana Beach, the most famous beach in the city (maybe even in the country, or in the world) and is about 4 km long. Among the trademarks is its boardwalk with waves drawn in Portuguese stone, designed by famous brazilian landscaper Burle Max.
What's not included
Gratuities
Beverages
Food (if option selected)
Available languages
Guide guide
DE
PT
EN
IT
FR
ES
Reviews breakdown
Viator
3.8
70 reviews
5★
20
4★
28
3★
14
2★
3
1★
5
Tripadvisor
4.1
18 reviews
5★
10
4★
4
3★
1
2★
2
1★
1
Important information
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Pick-up at selected hotels in Barra da Tijuca available on request ($10.00 per person). Please contact the local provider to arrange this service
The bay ride is made by Schooner and takes around 2 hours.
In private options, only guide and hotel transfer are private. Schooner Cruise is still shared
Important notes
Please contact Gray Line Brazil at 55 (21) 3586-8687 or 55 (21) 99777‑5888 to confirm your tour at least 48 hours prior to the activity time. Please have your voucher in hand to present to the guide upon boarding. Office working hours: from 7am to 9pm (local time) daily.
About Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro, known as the 'Marvelous City,' is famous for its natural settings, Carnival, samba, bossa nova, and Balneario beaches such as Copacabana and Ipanema. It's a vibrant city with a rich cultural heritage and stunning landscapes, including the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue and Sugarloaf Mountain.
Top Attractions
Christ the Redeemer
One of the New Seven Wonders of the World, this iconic statue offers breathtaking views of Rio de Janeiro.
Historical/Religious
2-3 hours
R$84 (including train ticket)
Sugarloaf Mountain
A famous peak offering stunning views of Rio de Janeiro and its beaches.
Nature
2-3 hours
R$88 (round-trip cable car)
Copacabana Beach
One of the most famous beaches in the world, known for its vibrant atmosphere and beautiful sunsets.
Beach
Half day or full day
Free
Tijuca National Park
The world's largest urban forest, offering hiking trails, waterfalls, and diverse wildlife.
Nature
Half day or full day
Free (some attractions may have fees)
Santa Teresa
A historic and bohemian neighborhood known for its cobblestone streets, art galleries, and scenic views.
Cultural
Half day
Free to explore
Must-Try Local Dishes
Feijoada
A hearty stew made with black beans and various cuts of pork, often served with rice, collard greens, and orange slices.
Dinner
Contains pork, not suitable for vegetarians or vegans.
Pão de Queijo
Cheese bread made with tapioca flour, giving it a unique texture and flavor.
Snack
Vegetarian, but contains dairy.
Moqueca
A traditional fish stew cooked in coconut milk and dendê oil, with various seafood and vegetables.
Dinner
Can be made vegetarian or vegan with vegetable broth and tofu.
Açaí
A thick, creamy fruit pulp from the açaí palm, often served with granola and condensed milk.
Dessert/Drink
Can be made vegan with plant-based milk.
Popular Activities
Hiking in Tijuca National Park
Surfing in Arpoador
Paragliding in Pedra Bonita
Beach lounging in Ipanema
Spa treatments in Copacabana
Yoga in Botafogo
Visiting museums in Centro
Attending a samba show
Best Time to Visit
December to March
This is the peak tourist season with warm weather and the famous Carnival in February/March. Expect crowded beaches and higher prices.
25-30°C
77-86°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Portuguese
- Widely spoken: English (limited)
- English: Limited
Currency
Brazilian Real (BRL)
Time Zone
GMT-3 (Brasília Time)
Electricity
110V/220VV, 60HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution
Rio de Janeiro is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime and violence can occur. Exercise caution, especially in less touristy areas and at night.
Important Precautions:
- • Avoid walking alone at night in unsafe areas
- • Use common sense and stay alert to your surroundings
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight
Getting there
By air
- Rio de Janeiro-Galeão International Airport • 20 km (12 miles) from city center
- Santos Dumont Airport • 12 km (7.5 miles) from city center
By train
Central do Brasil
By bus
Rodoviária Novo Rio, Terminal Rodoviário da Gavea
Getting around
Public transport
Efficient and air-conditioned, the metro is a great way to avoid traffic.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, 99 Taxis
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Copacabana
Ipanema
Santa Teresa
Lapa
Botafogo
Day trips
Petrópolis
65 km (40 miles) • Full day
A charming colonial town in the mountains, known for its historic architecture and cool climate.
Paraty
170 km (105 miles) • Full day or overnight
A historic coastal town with cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, and beautiful beaches.
Búzios
170 km (105 miles) • Full day or overnight
A picturesque beach town known for its stunning beaches, clear waters, and vibrant nightlife.
Festivals
Carnival • February/March (dates vary)
Rio Carnival Samba Parade • February/March (dates vary)
New Year's Eve (Réveillon) • December 31
Pro tips
- Visit Christ the Redeemer early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy the best views
- Take a helicopter tour for a unique perspective of the city
- Explore the less touristy neighborhoods like Santa Teresa and Botafogo for a more authentic experience
- Try local street food like pão de queijo and coxinha for a taste of Brazilian flavors
- Learn some basic Portuguese phrases to enhance your interactions with locals
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
