The 9 Speedboat Tours in Rio de Janeiro That Earn Their Price

1.Shared Speedboat Tour with Beer Included!

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 68 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $60Our pick

Start at Urcabar in Urca at 10:00 am for a shared speedboat ride toward the Cagarras Islands. Expect about three hours on the water, swim stops, Rio views, cold beer, water, soda, and inflatable floats. Guides may include Antonio or Ricardo, but commentary and the exact route can vary.

“This was one of the most stressful experiences I’ve had while traveling. I originally booked a shared boat tour, and everything seemed fine at first. But after I paid through Viator, the operator tried to push me into switching to a private tour, then demanded a much higher price than what was originally agreed upon. When I questioned the new amount, they tried to charge me even more by manipulating exchange rates and adding hidden fees through PayPal. I showed clear proof of what I had already paid and what was actually due, based on their own pricing. Instead of correcting it, they became aggressive, dismissive, and even accused me…”

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2.Private VIP Paradise Ilha Grande Speed Boat and Transfer from Rio

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 51 reviews · 9 to 10 hours (approx.) Top rated

Travel from Rio to Ilha Grande in a private air-conditioned vehicle, then visit several beaches by comfortable speedboat. Guide Tatiana, Romeo, Romeu, or Angelica may lead the day, with swimming, snorkeling, scenic stops, a historic church, and lunch at Saco do Céu. The listed price covers up to four people.

“Great day exploring 6 different beaches on the big island! Romeo our guide spoke English very well over a multitude of topics and was well engaged with us throughout the day. It’s a solid two hours each way from Copacabana but worth the trip because of the beauty of the islands. The speedboat was well equipped including an awning. Lunch though additional was excellent. It was great to avoid the crowds. Highly recommend!”

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3.SpeedBoat Tour – Beach Tour with Beer

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 26 reviews · 3 hours · from $56Best value

Set out from Urca Pier with a live guide in English, Spanish, or Portuguese. Cruise past Sugarloaf Mountain, Copacabana, Arpoador, Niterói, and more, with time for swimming at selected spots. Beer, soda, and mineral water are included. Captain Rafael is noted for careful driving and lively local commentary.

“Eigene Anreise mit dem Taxi (günstig). Dort Angekommen waren wir mit Skipper zu 5 auf dem Boot. Der Guide war super freundlich. Die Getränke waren die ganze Tour kostenfrei so viel man wollte. Am Ende durfte man sich noch was für den Weg mitnehmen. Super! Würde ich wieder machen!”

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4.Private Speedboat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 18 reviews · 3 - 5 hours

Take a private speedboat from Marina da Glória with up to 13 people, choosing a 3, 4, or 5 hour route toward Urca, Vermelha Beach, or Niterói’s Adão e Eva Beach. Bring food and drinks for the onboard barbecue. Portuguese-speaking sailor Wellington is especially thoughtful, though Google Translate may help.

“This was by far the best experience during our time in Rio. The organizer, Flavia, was so incredibly kind and helpful with all logistics. And our captain Wellington was SO nice and thoughtful. We loved the experience so much that we ended up booking it twice during our trip. Definitely ask for Wellington to be your captain! He doesn't speak much English, but we used Google Translate back and forth and still had a wonderful time.”

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5.Glória: Sunset Speedboat Cruise with Drinks and Snacks

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 15 reviews · 3 hours · from $63

Set out from Marina da Glória on a small speedboat for three hours of Rio views, photo stops, and a swim at Adão Beach. You’ll see the Museum of Tomorrow, MAC Niterói, Urca, Sugarloaf Mountain, and Christ the Redeemer at sunset. English and Portuguese guides include Rosane, Alexia, and Rachelle.

“Nous avons reçu des messages pour nous dire d’être 30min en avance à la Marina et nous avons dû attendre 1h avant que le bateau parte parce qu’il fallait attendre qu’ils fassent assez de réservations pour partir. Ensuite ils ont voulu séparer les groupes car les capacités max du bateau ne correspondaient pas. La guide Rachelle parlait français et était très gentille. La balade était jolie mais au moment de se baigner ils y avaient des jetski lancés à pleine vitesse qui ont manqué de nous passer dessus. Au lieu de le faire remarquer aux conducteurs, ils nous ont dit de pas s’éloigner du bateau. Il y avait de la…”

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6.Private Speedboat Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 14 reviews · 3 - 5 hours

Take a private speedboat from Marina da Glória for 3, 4, or 5 hours along Rio’s coast. Your Portuguese-speaking sailor handles the boat and cooks your food on the onboard grill. Choose among routes toward Urca, Vermelha Beach, or Niterói’s Adão e Eva Beach, with views of Sugarloaf Mountain, Botafogo Bay, and Ilha da Laje.

“J’avais pris 4h d’excursion et pensais pouvoir voir Copacabana, éventuellement Ipanema depuis la mer En fait, la ballade se limite à aller sur Niteroi et revenir dans la baie de Botafogo voir le coucher du soleil. Alors qu’il faisait un grand soleil, la mer était soit disant trop houleuse pour sortir de la baie. Je pense que c’est pour consommer moins de carburant. Nous avons navigué à toute petite vitesse pour faire passer le temps. Il a même fallu que je négocie et que le pilote appelle sa direction pour que nous allions voir le musée do amanha, alors qu’il nous restait 1h30 et qu’il voulait nous faire attendre le…”

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7.Private speedboat tour in Rio de Janeiro

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 5 reviews · 4 - 5 hours

Spend 4 to 5 hours on a private, two-level speedboat from Marina da Glória. A Portuguese-speaking sailor handles the boat and cooks your food on the onboard grill. You’ll cruise past Sugarloaf Mountain, Urca, and Ilha da Laje, then stop at Urca, Vermelha Beach, or Niterói’s Adão e Eva Beach, depending on sea and wind conditions.

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8.SpeedBoat Tour – Sunset with Beer

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 5 reviews · 3 hours · from $56

Spend three hours on a small-group sunset cruise from Flutuante Rio, sailing Guanabara Bay past Sugarloaf Mountain, Praia Vermelha, Copacabana, Arpoador, Adão Beach, and Niterói’s Contemporary Art Museum. Your guide speaks English, Spanish, French, or Portuguese. A Heineken is included, with swimming stops along the way.

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9.Speedboat Tour with Snacks and Drinks

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3 reviews · 3 hours · from $63

Join a small shared speedboat from Marina da Glória for three hours of Rio and Niterói views, snacks, drinks, and a swim stop. You’ll pass the Museum of Tomorrow, MAC, Urca, and Flamengo Beach, with room for up to 11 people. Guides speak English and Portuguese, and Rosana has been praised for her warm care and useful commentary.

“Die Energie unserer Reiseleiterin war einfach unbeschreiblich. Sie hat sich mit so viel Herz um alle gekümmert und sofort geholfen, wann immer jemand etwas brauchte. Wir sind unglaublich dankbar, dass sie uns auf dieser Yachtfahrt begleitet hat – sie hat das Erlebnis zu etwas ganz Besonderem gemacht. ✨”

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