Rio de Janeiro: Sunset Boat Tour with Drinks & Swim Stops

Summary

Rio’s sunset by boat—music, snacks and swims near Sugarloaf

You’ll watch Rio’s skyline fade into gold from a boat on Guanabara Bay, stopping to swim at Adão e Eva Beach and snap photos near bold landmarks like Sugarloaf Mountain and the Niterói Contemporary Art Museum. With drinks, snacks, music, and a local guide sharing stories along the way—you might find yourself wishing sunset lasted a little longer.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the way the air changed as we left Urca — salty, warm, with that faint city scent slipping away behind us. Our guide, Pedro, handed out cold beers (I grabbed one; it felt right) and pointed toward Sugarloaf Mountain just catching the late sun. There was a couple from Argentina up front trying to get a selfie without squinting — not easy with all that light bouncing off the water. I liked that nobody rushed us. The music was soft enough to hear each other talk but still made you want to tap your feet.

We drifted past the Museum of Tomorrow — it looks like some kind of spaceship just landed by the sea. Pedro told us how locals joke about its design, and I tried to repeat “Museu do Amanhã” in Portuguese. He laughed but said I was close enough. After that we pulled up near the Niterói Contemporary Art Museum for photos; honestly, it’s wild how it hangs over the water like that. The breeze picked up there and you could smell sunscreen and snacks (the chips were salty but hit the spot). Someone jumped in at Adão e Eva Beach — I hesitated at first but then just went for it. The water was colder than I expected but so clear you could see your toes.

By the time we turned back toward Rio, everything had this gold wash over it. People got quiet for a minute — even Pedro stopped talking — just watching those colors change behind Sugarloaf Mountain. It wasn’t dramatic or anything, just this slow shift that made me wish I could stay out there longer. Even now when I hear certain songs I remember how the city looked from out on Guanabara Bay.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sunset boat tour and sightseeing

• See Museum of Tomorrow by the sea
• Stop for photos at Niterói Museum
• Swim at Adão e Eva Beach
• Photo stop at Rio's iconic spots

Top questions

Is swimming included on this Rio sunset boat tour?

Yes, there’s a stop for swimming at Adão e Eva Beach during the tour.

Are drinks provided during the boat trip?

Beer, bottled water, and soft drinks are included onboard for guests.

Does this tour include an English-speaking guide?

Yes, an in-person English (and Spanish) speaking guide is included.

Where does the Rio de Janeiro sunset boat tour depart from?

The tour departs from Urca in Rio de Janeiro.

How many people can join this sunset boat cruise?

The boat can accommodate up to 11 guests per trip.

Are snacks available during the cruise?

Yes, snacks are provided onboard during the tour.

Will we see Sugarloaf Mountain on this tour?

You’ll have views of Sugarloaf Mountain from Guanabara Bay during the cruise.

Is hotel pickup included in this Rio sunset boat experience?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; public transportation options are nearby.

What’s included

Your evening includes all snacks and bottled water onboard plus beer for those who want it. You’ll have an English or Spanish-speaking local guide leading you through Guanabara Bay with stops for swimming and photo ops near landmarks like Sugarloaf Mountain and Niterói Contemporary Art Museum before heading back as night falls over Rio.