Sunset Tour. The most beautiful hour in Rio isn't in the city.
Three hours under sail on Guanabara Bay, ending at sunset.
We leave Marina da Glória at 3:00 pm, follow the Flamengo and Botafogo shoreline, stop for photos at the foot of Sugarloaf and cross the mouth of the bay between the forts to Adão e Eva beach in Niterói, where the swim stop lasts about twenty minutes. We come back past the MAC and Boa Viagem island and reach Rio with the sun going down behind Sugarloaf and Christ the Redeemer, seen from the bow.
It's sheltered-water sailing: comfortable throughout, with minimal risk of seasickness. The crew handles the boat and tells the story of the forts, beaches and hills — whenever you want to hear it. Silence is welcome too.
- Sparkling wine, caipirinha, caipivodka, beer, soft drinks, juice and water — unlimited, for the whole trip
- Paired snacks: cold-cut skewers with cherry tomato, cheese, cucumber and olives; toasts; peanuts; seasonal fruit
- A swim stop (sea permitting) and a photo stop at Urca
- DDRio crew on board: skipper and host, in Portuguese, English and Spanish
- Life jackets, onboard toilet and children's vests
Not included: sunscreen and towel. Bring both — and a cap with a cord.
The sea decides whether we swim. The sky decides whether the sun shows. The crew chief decides whether the boat leaves. We take care of everything else.
Three hours. This is the afternoon.
We cast off.
You board at Pier A0, the crew introduces themselves and the boat heads out along the Flamengo and Botafogo shoreline. The first glass is already in your hand.
Photo stop at the foot of Sugarloaf.
The boat stops. The mountain is a few dozen metres away. This is the photo you'll send home.
The sail goes up.
São João, Lage, Santa Cruz: we cross the mouth of the bay between the forts, under sail when the wind allows, the history told by people who sail here every day.
Twenty minutes in the water.
Anchor, buoy, sea. Swim if you like; stay aboard with the fruit platter if you'd rather. The sea decides whether we swim — and it almost always says yes.
Rio from the other side.
We pass right by the Museum of Contemporary Art and Boa Viagem island. The whole city fits on the horizon.
The sun goes down behind Sugarloaf and Christ.
Nobody plans it, but the boat goes quiet. This is what you came for.
Sunset Tour on TripAdvisor: 4.9 from 705 reviews.
"Our guide Clarisse was so kind and accommodating and our group was such a fun time! Her and the boat captain were both very informative about the local sights. Clarisse's caipirinhas and snacks were really delicious as well."
"O passeio foi espetacular! Os tripulantes, Kássia e Josué, além de muitíssimo bem-humorados, são excelentes guias. Recomendo demais."
"Absolutely amazing, it was a small group and both the lovely ladies were so attentive and went above and beyond, snacks were provided often and drinks always replenished!"