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Guanabara Bay

Guanabara Bay: Our most recommended tours and activities

Rio de Janeiro: 6-Stop Highlights of Rio with Lunch

1. Rio de Janeiro: 6-Stop Highlights of Rio with Lunch

Start your adventure with a pickup in the morning from hotels located in the South Zone and head towards your first stop at Christ the Redeemer.  Enjoy great jungle views in the minivan ride through the Tijuca Forest that surrounds the Corcovado Mountain. Reach the peak of the mountain and meet the statue of the Christ the Redeemer with its arms right open over the city. Admire the sweeping views and take breathtaking pictures. Head to a nice walk outside the Maracanã Stadium and find out more about the passion of the Brazilians for football. Learn about the samba tradition in Rio by visiting the Sambadrome, the place with the biggest Carnival parade on the planet. Marvel at the beautiful street art of the Selarón Steps, a gigantic mosaic work of the Chilean artist Jorge Selarón. He started dedicating himself to decorate the stairs in the early 90s. The 250 steps have become a monument and an icon of Rio. Stop at the Metropolitan Cathedral of Rio de Janeiro to revel at the biblical passages on the stained-glass inside it, following a stop for lunch in an all-you-can-eat buffet restaurant. With the batteries recharged, there is still one place left.  Head to Urca neighborhood and marvel at the beauty of the Sugarloaf Mountain and be amazed by the cable ride to the top. From 220 meters above sea level take in the breathtaking 360-degree view of Rio de Janeiro, Guanabara Bay, the city of Niteroi, and the blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean.

Rio: Christ the Redeemer Official Ticket by Cog Train

2. Rio: Christ the Redeemer Official Ticket by Cog Train

Go all the way up to the iconic statue of Christ the Redeemer by the Corcovado Train. The train rides through a railway inside Tijuca National Park, the largest urban forest in the world, making a unique view over Rio de Janeiro city. Enjoy an amazing ride on a train that takes you right up to the foot of the statue of The Christ, one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World and one of the most famous sights in Brazil. Besides admiring one of the most beautiful landscapes of the city, you will take a walk through Brazil's history. The Corcovado Railroad was the first electrified railroad in Brazil. Inaugurated in 1884 by D. Pedro II, it is older than Christ the Redeemer itself. In fact, it was the train that, during four consecutive years, transported pieces for monument’s construction. Your visit starts on the century-old electric locomotive, riding across the preserved Atlantic Forest, part of the Tijuca National Park. At the foot of the statue of Christ, you'll be able to take in the most beautiful view over the city, and see from above what makes Rio de Janeiro so special.

Rio de Janeiro Hang Gliding Adventure

3. Rio de Janeiro Hang Gliding Adventure

First, listen to a short briefing from the world's most safe and experienced Hang Glider tandem pilots. They will tell you about the take-off and other aspects of hang gliding before you get airborne. Then, glide smoothly through the tropical air after about 7 steps over the edge of the platform. Any fear you may have will soon disappear and you will experience a very unique sense of tranquility. Enjoy bird's eye views of Rio de Janeiro's main attractions, including Sugar Loaf Mountain, Corcovado, Copacabana, Ipanema, Lagoa and Niteroi city on the other side of Guanabara Bay. Land safely on a sandy beach in São Conrado and enjoy some refreshments as you watch others come in to land. The entire activity will be photographed and recorded on cameras attached to the glider so that you can share your adventure with your friends and family back home. 

Rio de Janeiro: Sunset Sailing Tour

4. Rio de Janeiro: Sunset Sailing Tour

Marvel at the scenery of Rio de Janeiro, the Marvellous City, on a sunset sailing tour in Guanabara Bay. Admire the beautiful sunset, and savor all-inclusive drinks and snacks aboard your boat. Enjoy a small group tour or opt to splash out on a private tour to make your experience extra special. Set sail from Marina da Glória and pass by 3 fortresses — São José, Lage, and Santa Cruz — on your way to Boa Viagem Island in Niterói. Cruise past Oscar Niemeyer's striking Niterói Museum of Contemporary Art and enjoy the views in Guanabara Bay. Then, sit back and appreciate the sunset over the city of Rio de Janeiro. Delight in scenic views of the city's most famous landmarks, such as Sugar Loaf Mountain and Christ the Redeemer, as the sun sets on the horizon. Throughout the tour, relax with drinks on board, such as the famous Brazilian cocktail Caipirinha, beer, and sparkling white wine. The tour concludes back at the marina in Glória. Hotel pickup and drop-off options are available.

Rio de Janeiro: Hang Gliding Tandem Flight

5. Rio de Janeiro: Hang Gliding Tandem Flight

Benefit from pickup from your hotel, São Conrado Subway station, or make your own way to the Brazilian Confederation of Hang Gliding headquarters to meet your instructor.  Then take a 15-minute jeep ride into Tijuca National Park, arriving at the Pedra Bonita Ramp, 1,700 feet (520 meters) above sea level. After a safety briefing and a rehearsal, it's time for takeoff. Take the leap and experience incredible views of the Atlantic Ocean, Rio’s famous beaches, the statue of Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf Mountain, Guanabara Bay and much more.  Your tandem flight ends with a smooth landing on the beach at São Conrado and the entire adventure will be captured by GoPro cameras attached to the wing. Enjoy an unforgettable sightseeing experience in Rio de Janeiro.

Rio: Boat Tour of Guanabara Bay

6. Rio: Boat Tour of Guanabara Bay

Get a new perspective of Rio on a catamaran tour, on which you'll check out all the bright spots while exploring stunning Guanabara Bay. Your tour begins at Marina da Gloria, boarding a modern and well-equipped catamaran. Depart in the direction of the Museum of Tomorrow, one of the architectural icons of Porto Maravilha, Rio's port region. On the way, get a look at amazing Villegagnon Island, Santos Dumont Airport, Fiscal Island, and the Arsenal of the Navy. Continue towards Niterói, passing beautiful Rio-Niterói Bridge and the famous Concha Acústica (Acoustic Shell) before heading to the MAC, the Museum of Contemporary Art, designed by Oscar Niemeyer. Be enchanted by its unique disc shape. Before returning to Rio de Janeiro, get to know other remarkable sights that surround the shores of Guanabara Bay, such as Adão and Eva Beaches, Santa Cruz Fortress, Lage Fortress,São José Fortress, and São João Fortress. Take in views of the famous Sugarloaf, where you'll have a few minutes to take pictures of the mountain from the catamaran. Before returning to Marina da Gloria, you'll pass the old Urca Casino and Flamengo Beach.

Rio de Janeiro: Tandem Paragliding Flight

7. Rio de Janeiro: Tandem Paragliding Flight

Benefit from pickup from your hotel, meet at São Conrado Subway station, or make your own way to the Brazilian Confederation of Hang Gliding headquarters to meet your instructor (depending on option selected). After a comprehensive safety briefing from your instructor, take off from Pedra Bonita Ramp inside the Tijuca National Park, one of the biggest urban forests in Brazil.  Once off the ground, observe the spectacular natural landscape of Rio de Janeiro. Take in sights such as Rio’s famous beaches of Copacabana, Ipanema, and Leblon. Spot natural landmarks such as Christ the Redeemer, Sugar Loaf Mountain, the Guanabara Bay, and much more. Your flight finishes with a smooth landing on the beach of São Conrado. The whole adventure can be captured in video and photos from GoPro cameras attached to the paraglider.

Rio de Janeiro: 3-Hour Sailing Trip on Guanabara Bay

8. Rio de Janeiro: 3-Hour Sailing Trip on Guanabara Bay

Enjoy a 3-hour sail and see the iconic sights of Rio de Janeiro from Guanabara Bay. You will meet your guide at the Marina da Gloria, downtown Rio, at the pre-arranged time and board the Kamehameha for a short introductory session to the boat’s main facilities and safety systems. You will motor out of the marina and then sail towards the protected, calm waters of the bay. Your guide will point out the sights of Rio surrounding the bay, including Sugarloaf Mountain, and the Christ the Redeemer statue atop Corcovado Hill. You will also learn a bit about local history. At the end of the tour, you’ll be dropped off back at the starting point at the marina.

Rio de Janeiro: 2-Hour Boat Trip with Parasailing

9. Rio de Janeiro: 2-Hour Boat Trip with Parasailing

The operator will first search for the best spot to fly. The most common destinations are the coast of Niteroi and Urca, but depending on the conditions, other routes are also possible.  After getting outfitted with a life vest and harness, you're seated on the flight deck of the boat. Once seated, the first crew mate clips your harness to the parachute. Then up you will ascend really nice and smoothly, just like sitting on a swing set that slowly elevates you for the experience of a lifetime.  The local operator does everything that is possible to ensure your safety. How? Always respecting the limits of nature, providing the best equipment and performing constant security checks. Your safety is top priority! 

Rio: Christ the Redeemer Official Ticket with Van Transport

10. Rio: Christ the Redeemer Official Ticket with Van Transport

Guarantee a visit to Rio de Janeiro‘s iconic Christ the Redeemer statue with official tickets and official transportation. Choose one of the two departure points in Copacabana or Largo do Machado, which are located in strategic points easily accessible by public bus and subway. Experience breathtaking views of the city from the top of Corcovado mountain during your journey to the statute. Enjoy the exuberant nature and cultural landscapes throughout the trip.  When passing through the historic and cultural neighborhood of Santa Teresa, be sure to record the panoramic view from Mirante dos Prazeres. On your way to Tijuca National Park, you will see the Caixa da Mãe D’água Aquifer, built-in 1774 by the Portuguese Crown. This structure was, at the time, mainly responsible for the large-scale water supply reaching the city of Rio de Janeiro. Arrive directly at the visitor's center of Paineiras Corcovado, a new adjacent structure with restaurants, a cafe, a gift shop, and a museum. Be sure to explore the Paineiras Visitor Center displaying exhibitions and models of the city of Rio de Janeiro. From the Visitors Center, board another van to the top of Corcovado Hill, for a closer look at the Christ the Redeemer statue.  Learn about how the art deco statue was first opened to the public in 1931 atop a 710 m high granite dome. Get spectacular 360 views from Rio of the Tijuca Forest, Sugarloaf Mountain, Guanabara Bay, and the most stunning beaches in the city such as Copacabana and Ipanema.  After your day of exploring one of the 7 Wonders of the Modern World, be comfortably driven back to your initial pickup point at either Copacabana or Largo do Machado.

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What people are saying about Guanabara Bay

Overall rating

4.6 / 5

based on 1,786 reviews

Great and efficient tour. It would've been nice to have a little bit more time at every tourist sight, but it was overall a great way to see a lot of things in one day. Would 100% recommend!

The guides were very helpful and responsive from the start, knew exactly where to go and what time. Pedro the boat driver was great and really enjoyed parasailing my first time ever!

This was such a good experience! Way better than getting a bus up, the views on the train were so scenic. Definitely a MUST

This was a great experience. We went with the help of a private tour guide that helped us figure out the ticketing process.

Our guide was very talkative and realy looked after us.we had a trouble free day and realy enjoyed our day.