Brazil · CANOES & KAYAKS
Good kayak trips fill up weeks ahead and the great ones go first. Below: the 7 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.
Paddle from Pontal Beach around Ilha dos Pombos, through Paraty’s last city mangrove, and along the Perequê Açu River. Guides such as Brenda and Mateo provide instruction, local nature knowledge, life jackets, and kayaks for beginners. Expect about 90 minutes on the water, one stop, and a small-group feel.
“I enjoyed the tour with Brenda a lot! She explained the area, helped seeing animals and was a great accompany. Definitely recommended.”
Paddle a semi-oceanic kayak through Rio Vermelho State Park and Lagoa da Conceição near Florianopolis. Adrenailha guides, including Sergio and Diana, provide instruction, safety gear, and route choices shaped by wind and ability. Expect a small-group outing of up to eight people, with peaceful nature, active paddling, and no snacks or water supplied.
“O passeio de canoagem, a conversa com o guia, sem dúvidas uma experiência diferenciada e que serve todos em viagens.”
Meet near Posto 6 beside the Fairmont and Fisherman colony Z-13 for a 90-minute sunrise SUP outing. An instructor explains the basics, supplies your board, paddle, life jacket, locker, and waterproof phone case, then leads you toward Copacabana Fort and the open water. The experience suits beginners aged 12 and older, but confirm the meeting point and photo package before booking.
“Pior experiência da minha vida! Conselho que dou é NÃO FAÇAM. Primeiro que fui no ponto de encontro e não tinha ninguém lá, cheguei 4h15 e o horário marcado era às 4h30. Daí fiquei em plena madrugada do Rio esperando responderem as minhas mensagem ou atenderem as minhas ligações e nada. Daí tive que ir na orla da praia saindo de quiosque em quiosque procurando o responsável pela atividade. Só conseguir fazer pois tinha um lá que tinha parceria com a “ empresa” ao qual contratei, caso contrário não iria conseguir fazer a atividade. O rapaz que me atendeu me passou a informação que eles não tinham mais o ponto…”
Meet guide Brenda or Mateo near Pontal at 3:45 pm for a short kayak lesson, then paddle toward Jabaquara Beach, Paraty’s remaining urban mangrove, and Ilha dos Pombos. Expect calm water, capybaras, birds, bromeliads, and sunset views. The outing lasts about two hours, with roughly 60 minutes of easy paddling.
“After 30 min of rowing in the sea, we entered the mangroves and saw capybaras and other animals, which is what we were looking for. The guide was nice, told us a bit about the surroundings and took pictures. Recommended!”
Set out from Pontal Beach with a local guide such as Brenda, Paulo, Lumila, or Sergio for a calm paddle past islands, beaches, and Paraty’s final mangrove areas. Choose a two-hour route with possible capybara sightings or a three-hour route without capybaras. Equipment and instruction are included.
“What a cool experience! Brenda was an amazing guide, who has a great sense of humour and clearly has a passion for doing this tour! I may not have been the best kayaker, but she was patient and made sure it was an unforgettable experience! We kayaked around a beautiful island inhabited by all sorts of exotic birds and then kayaked through a mangrove seeing capybaras. I highly recommend this tour! Thanks Brenda and Paulo!”
From Foz do Iguaçu, you’ll hike 1.4 km through Atlantic Forest, paddle a kayak or SUP on the Iguaçu River, and swim at a waterfall. Guides such as Fran and Jefferson lead the outdoor portion, while driver William may handle transfers. Expect a small private group, basic river instruction, and muddy clay trails.
“It was lovely! Being in nature hiking, kayaking, and canyoning was therapeutic! Everyone involved were incredible, the driver William, the guides Fran, Jefferson, and young man whom I forgot his name were all pleasant to be around! I highly recommend.”
Meet your English, Portuguese, or Spanish-speaking guide beside Quiosque do Lapinha on Pontal Beach. After a safety briefing, you will paddle a double kayak across calm Paraty Bay, stop at a beach for swimming, and enter the mangroves if the tide allows. Giuliano has been praised for his nature knowledge and thoughtful route changes.
“Mycket fin miljö och trevlig paddling. Bra guide som gav bra hjälp och super information om området och nature”
Pick a summit, a stretch of coast or a dancefloor.
