Guanabara Bay Tours and Activities

Corcovado featuring mountains
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Many of Brazil’s spectacular mountains, dense tropical forests and lively urban areas, including Rio de Janeiro and Niterói, surround this large bay.

Guanabara Bay is an oceanic bay in Southeastern Brazil. The bay is famous for beaches with golden sand, such as Ipanema and Copacabana. Book a boat tour to see exotic islands or explore some of Brazil’s most exciting cities, municipalities and neighborhoods.

For striking views of the Rio de Janeiro coastline and forested mountains, tour Guanabara Bay via boat. Admire Sugarloaf Mountain and Tijuca Peak, famous Rio landmarks, as you sail on the tropical waters. Christ the Redeemer, a massive art deco sculpture depicting Jesus Christ, rises high above the city on Mount Corcovado. Grand sailing vessels, known as schooners, are frequently used for tours of Guanabara Bay.

Rio de Janeiro is located on the western shore of the bay. The city is famous for its bustling nightlife, beaches and the Rio Carnival, one of the largest street festivals in the world. Sunbathe on the famous Copacabana Beach or visit many art galleries, restaurants and bars in the bohemian hillside neighborhood of Santa Teresa.

The city of Rio de Janeiro is steeped in history and surrounded by magnificent rainforests. Take a walking tour of the city center to see buildings of cultural and architectural significance, including Paço Imperial, the historic former residence of colonial Brazil’s governors. Copacabana Fort, a 20th-century military stronghold, is another excellent attraction on Guanabara Bay.

Find Niterói, a municipality on the bay’s eastern shore. If you’re looking for a more peaceful beach atmosphere, stop at Niterói’s beautiful Itacoatiara Beach. The beach is popular with surfers and provides a calmer alternative to Rio’s famously crowded beaches. Niterói also features excellent art museums, theaters and restaurants.

Stay in the cities of Rio de Janeiro and Niterói when visiting Guanabara Bay. Rio contains many luxury hotels, guesthouses and self-catered apartments in the neighborhoods of Copacabana and Leme. Fly into Rio de Janeiro - Galeão International Airport when visiting Guanabara Bay.

For unrivaled views of Rio de Janeiro’s forested mountains, vibrant cityscape and golden beaches, book a day cruise on Guanabara Bay.

Air, helicopter & balloon tours

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Hotel Atlântico Avenida
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3 out of 5
Av. Rio Branco 33, Centro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ
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Linx Galeão
Linx Galeão
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Prodigy Santos Dumont
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Hotel Atlantico Business Centro
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3.5 out of 5
Rua Senador Dantas, 25, Centro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ
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Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.