Rio de Janeiro: Sunset Sailing Tour & Drinks from Marina

Summary

Sunset cruise through Guanabara Bay past Rio icons with drinks

You’ll sail from Marina da Glória as Rio shifts into evening light, passing Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain while sipping caipirinhas with new friends. Listen to your captain’s stories as you drift past fortresses and beaches — then watch sunset paint Guanabara Bay gold before heading back under city lights.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the city to look so different from the water. We left Marina da Glória just as the air started to cool off — Cariocas say that’s when Rio really wakes up. Our captain, Pedro, handed me a plastic cup of caipirinha (stronger than I thought) and pointed out Christ the Redeemer in the distance. He said you can always tell locals by how they pronounce “Corcovado.” I tried it. Didn’t go well — he just grinned.

The boat moved slow at first, gliding past the Museum of Tomorrow and under that long stretch of the Rio-Niteroi Bridge. There’s this salty smell mixed with something sweet — maybe sunscreen? Or just my own nerves settling down. We passed some fishermen waving from their tiny boats near Niteroi; Pedro shouted something back in Portuguese I couldn’t catch but everyone laughed. The sun started dipping behind Sugarloaf Mountain and suddenly everything turned gold for a minute. Someone tried to take a photo but honestly, it never comes out right.

We cruised close to Santa Cruz da Barra Fortress — Pedro told us pirates used to sneak into Guanabara Bay here, which made me look twice at every shadow on the water. The snacks were simple (cheese, crackers), but eating them with sticky fingers and sea breeze felt oddly special. At one point we drifted near Copacabana Beach — not sure if it was the light or the beer but even the big apartment blocks looked kind of beautiful from out there. Planes kept taking off overhead and for a second it felt like we were part of some moving painting.

I still think about how quiet it got when we cut the engine for a bit — just soft voices and waves tapping against the hull. I guess that’s what stuck most: Rio felt huge and loud on land, but out here it was all gentle edges and slow time. If you’re looking for a sunset cruise in Rio de Janeiro that actually lets you breathe for a while… well, this is it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Rio de Janeiro sunset sailing tour

• Depart from Marina da Glória
• Enjoy welcome drinks and snacks
• Cruise past Santa Cruz Fortress
• Pass historical Guanabara Bay fortresses
• View Sugarloaf Mountain from water
• See Niteroi Contemporary Art Museum
• Pass Niteroi central beach and sailing clubs
• View old fisherman community
• Pass Rio-Niteroi Bridge
• See Museum of Tomorrow from water
• View Copacabana Beach (conditions permitting)
• Watch airplanes take off and land nearby
• Experience Rio skyline at sunset

Top questions

How long is the Rio de Janeiro sunset cruise?

The sunset cruise lasts around 3 hours departing from Marina da Glória.

Are drinks included on this sailing tour?

Yes, beer, caipirinha, bottled water, and snacks are included in your tour.

What landmarks will I see during the cruise?

You’ll see Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf Mountain, Museum of Tomorrow, Copacabana Beach (conditions permitting), Niteroi Contemporary Art Museum, Santa Cruz da Barra Fortress, and more.

Is pickup included for this Rio sunset sailing tour?

No hotel pickup; you meet directly at Marina da Glória for departure.

Is this cruise suitable for children?

Yes, children can join if accompanied by an adult; infants must sit on an adult’s lap or in a stroller.

Can I swim during this sailing tour?

Swimming is only possible if sea conditions permit at certain beaches outside the bay.

What food is served on board?

You’ll get crackers, cheese, and other finer snack items along with drinks during your cruise.

What’s included

Your evening includes welcome drinks like beer and caipirinha (don’t underestimate them), bottled water for when you need a break from cocktails, plus simple snacks like cheese and crackers served as you pass Rio’s landmarks by boat before returning to Marina da Glória after sunset.