Rio de Janeiro is known worldwide for its natural beauty. It beaches, mountain and forests, are immortalized in songs and stories, photos, TV and cinema. Nevertheless, maybe you still haven’t had the chance to appreciate Rio’s natural wonders from the most privileged of vantage points: on a boat trip travelling along the Guanabara Bay, looking out on the carioca shore from a completely different point of view. There’s no way you won’t love it.

The tours depart from Marina da Gloria and follow different routes. Saveiros Tour offers simple two hour-long tours that pass along the shore and touches on points of interest like Pão de Açúcar, Forte de São João, the Museu de Arte Contemporânea, the Monumento aos Mortos da Segunda Guerra Mundial and will even go below the Rio-Niterói Bridge. You can also opt for a more exclusive trip with Tropical Charter, where you can charter a world class yacht for groups of up to 15 people. All with the comfort, security, and sophistication to help you make the most of the view.

On the subject of boat trips, there are also alternative routes available. Marlin Yatch offers four different itineraries: the first follows the beach and includes a 30 minutes stop, allowing passengers to take a dip in the placid waters of Ilhas Cagarras (an ideal spot to appreciate the local flora of the Atlantic Forest while you’re trying to spot herons, spotted boobies and seagulls.) You might also want to explore the coastal region of Niteroí, visiting the historic fortresses of Santa Cruz and Inbuí, not to mention visiting the beaches of Camboinhas and Itaipu. Those with a romantic spirit will want to visit the Sunshine route and enjoy a special moment: the sunset in front of the Cristo Redentor. Those who are more adventurous have the option of taking yachts and schooners out on the ocean.

Even better still, why not make the most of your trip and charter a party boat? Just imagine it, your friends and family celebrating your birthday on the water. Companies offer ships with capacity for 150 guests. Or perhaps you’re keen on heading out to open water, exploring islands and beaches beyond city limits or taking a scuba diving course and learning about all the wonders hidden at the bottom of the ocean. There’s no lack of options, and by the time you’re done you just might have turned into one of the local sea creature.