Rio de Janeiro: Sunset Sailing Tour with Drinks & Swim

Summary

Sunset yacht cruise in Rio with swim stop and drinks

You’ll board a yacht from Marina da Glória for a sunset sailing tour in Rio de Janeiro, gliding past landmarks like Sugarloaf Mountain and Christ the Redeemer. Swim off Adão e Eva beach, sip unlimited caipirinhas or sparkling wine, snack freely, and share laughs with your guide and fellow travelers as Rio glows golden around you.

What’s the experience like?

We stepped onto the deck at Marina da Glória just as the late afternoon heat softened — you could smell salt and sunscreen in the air, and there was this low hum of people laughing nearby. Our guide, Rafael, greeted us like we’d met before (maybe that’s just how Cariocas are?), and handed out the first round of caipirinhas before we even left the dock. I tried to say “obrigado” right but he grinned anyway. The boat felt fancy but not stiff — shoes off, toes on warm wood, everyone kind of easing into it.

The city looked different from out on Guanabara Bay. We drifted past old stone fortresses and that wild spaceship-looking museum (Rafael told us it’s the Museum of Contemporary Art — I probably wouldn’t have guessed). There were only about a dozen of us onboard, so it never felt crowded. Someone put on samba quietly from their phone; the sound mixed with wind and distant traffic in a way I can still hear if I close my eyes. The main keyword here is sunset sailing tour Rio de Janeiro — but honestly, it’s more about feeling the city loosen up as daylight fades.

We stopped at Adão e Eva beach for a swim — water cooler than I expected, sharp little shivers at first, then just right. Floating there looking back at Christ the Redeemer in silhouette… I didn’t expect to feel so small and lucky all at once. Back onboard there were snacks everywhere (I ate too many pão de queijo), sparkling wine appeared out of nowhere, and Rafael kept topping up drinks without fuss. Someone tried to teach me how to say “cheers” in Portuguese but I probably butchered it; nobody cared.

The sun set slow behind Sugarloaf Mountain — gold light on everyone’s faces for a few minutes that felt longer than they probably were. It got quiet for a bit after that. Maybe everyone was just soaking it up or thinking about something else entirely. Anyway, that’s what stuck with me: not just the views or drinks but this sense of being part of Rio for an evening instead of just watching it go by.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sunset sailing tour on Guanabara Bay

• Meet at Marina da Gloria
• Board premium sailing yacht
• Sail past historic fortresses
• View Museum of Contemporary Art
• See Sugarloaf Mountain and Christ the Redeemer
• Swim stop at Adão e Eva beach
• Enjoy unlimited drinks and snacks
• Relax during 3-hour cruise

Top questions

Is pickup included for the Rio sunset sailing tour?

No hotel pickup is included but public transportation options are available nearby Marina da Glória.

How long does the sunset sailing tour last?

The cruise lasts approximately 3 hours from start to finish.

Are drinks included during the sailing tour?

Yes, unlimited caipirinhas, sparkling wine, beer, soft drinks, and bottled water are included.

Is food provided on this Rio sailing trip?

Yes, you’ll have access to generous snacks and finger foods throughout the cruise.

Can children join this sunset sailing tour?

Yes, infants are allowed but must sit on an adult’s lap during the trip.

Where does the tour depart from?

The yacht departs from Marina da Glória in central Rio de Janeiro.

Is swimming part of this sunset sailing experience?

Yes, there’s a swim stop at Adão e Eva beach during the cruise.

How many people are on each boat?

The group size is limited to 14 passengers for an intimate setting.

What’s included

Your evening includes boarding at Marina da Glória with all alcoholic beverages (caipirinhas, sparkling wine, beer), soft drinks and bottled water provided throughout. You’ll enjoy plenty of snacks and finger foods onboard between sightseeing stops and swimming at Adão e Eva beach before returning to port after sunset.