Tijuca Islands Snorkeling or Whale Watching Boat Tour from Rio

4.4 (63 reviews) Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Duration3h
Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesPortuguese, English, Spanish
Group sizeUp to 20 travelers

Overview

Choose between two unique ocean experiences in Rio de Janeiro, each offering something completely different and unforgettable.

Our snorkeling tour takes you by speedboat from Barra da Tijuca to the beautiful Tijuca Islands. In a small group, you’ll enjoy a few stops in clear waters to swim and snorkel, with chances to see sea turtles, colorful fish, rays, and more — all with stunning coastal views around you.

Prefer something truly special? Our whale watching tour (available June to August) is a seasonal adventure focused on spotting humpback whales as they migrate along Rio’s coast. Witnessing these giants in the wild is a rare and powerful experience. Please note that this tour is focused exclusively on whale watching and marine wildlife observation; snorkeling is not included.

Whether underwater exploration or wildlife encounters, you’ll enjoy a more personal, authentic side of Rio at sea.

What's included

  • Snorkeling - Please note that snorkeling is included only in the snorkeling tour. The whale-watching tour does not include snorkeling.
  • All fees and taxes for the snorkeling tour
  • Plus, take advantage of special discounts when booking for groups of 3 or more!
  • Boat Trip
  • Meals

What to expect

We offer two different boat tour experiences in Rio, each designed for a unique adventure:

SNORKELING BOAT TOUR (Available Year-Round)
Skip the crowds and enjoy an exciting small-group speedboat tour focused on snorkeling and swimming! Departing from Barra da Tijuca, we head to the beautiful Tijuca Islands, just a few kilometers offshore. Along the way, you’ll discover Rio’s rich underwater world, where you may spot sea turtles, colorful fish, rays, and a variety of seabirds.

We make several stops in crystal-clear waters for swimming and snorkeling, and when conditions allow, you may even step onto the islands. From the sea, you’ll also enjoy breathtaking views of Pedra da Gávea, Dois Irmãos, and the lush peaks of Tijuca Forest.

WHALE WHATCHING TOUR (Seasonal: June to August)
During humpback whale migration season, we offer a completely different experience: a dedicated whale watching tour. This tour is focused exclusively on observing humpback whales and other marine wildlife in their natural habitat as they pass along Rio’s coastline.

This is a seasonal wildlife experience and does not include snorkeling or swimming.

  1. Barra da Tijuca

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

PLEASE READ!!! THE MEETING TIME MAY VARY FROM 7:30 AM TO 11:30 AM DUE TO TIDE, WIND, AND SEA CONDITIONS.

IN SOME CASES, THE MEETING POINT MAY BE CHANGED TO URCA, BUT ON MOST DAYS, WE DEPART FROM: Ilha da Coroa 2 – Barra da Tijuca.

End point

PLEASE READ!!! THE MEETING TIME MAY VARY FROM 7:30 AM TO 11:30 AM DUE TO TIDE, WIND, AND SEA CONDITIONS.

IN SOME CASES, THE MEETING POINT MAY BE CHANGED TO URCA, BUT ON MOST DAYS, WE DEPART FROM: Ilha da Coroa 2 – Barra da Tijuca.

Additional information

  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Service animals allowed
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Reviews

4.4 (63)
From
630.00 BRL per person
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  • Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts
  • Instant confirmation
  • You'll choose your date and travelers and pay on viator.com. Prices vary by date, group size and option.
Operated by Rio Natural Ecotourism · Booked through Viator
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