All year round, Rio de Janeiro’s beautiful coastline is an obvious refreshing option. But beyond the beaches, did you know there are other fun water activities to practice in the area? And there is something for everyone: adventure, sport, relaxing. Follow us to discover four alternatives among the best water activities in Rio.
Breathtaking Water Activities
First, we will move a little away from the coast to meet the most breathtaking of our activities: river rafting. Sailing on rough rivers, such as the Rio Macaé in the northwest of Rio de Janeiro, is an unforgettable experience. The river flows through a wilderness area covered by native Atlantic rainforest. Get ready for thrills worthy of the best roller coasters. But all in a preserved nature, far from the hustle and bustle of the city. And do not worry if you are with your family because this activity is practicable from 12 years old. Are you interested? We have a great river rafting tour waiting for you. Just click on the link and check it out!
Sea Kayaking Exploration
For those who prefer to navigate calmer waters, we recommend sea kayaking. This rowing sport is perfect for those who like to explore the coasts while practicing moderate endurance physical activity. Imagine yourself with friends, family, or alone, discovering inaccessible deserted beaches, landing on the fine sand in a preserved nature. A charming idea for adventure and biodiversity buffs, right?
You can practice it in bays or coves, sheltered from the big waves that could turn the boat. For example, in the heart of Rio de Janeiro city, the region around Sugarloaf Mountain is a great place to practice it. The protection offered by Guanabara Bay makes it possible to navigate safely while appreciating the hidden details of the coast. Check out our sea kayaking tour if you like that idea!
Scuba Diving in Rio
Another aquatic activity that is worth experimenting with is scuba diving. The Rio de Janeiro region is full of perfect places to practice this breathtaking exploring activity. The highlights are the marine life, as well as the transparency and the pleasant temperature of the water. Contemplating the beauty of underwater landscapes is a unique experience. It is possible to interact with turtles in their natural habitat, among corals and other multicolored fish. Imagine the memories you will keep for the rest of your life!
There are many interesting places along the coast. However, among our favorites is undoubtedly Ilha Grande, a beautiful protected island without cars or cities. Sparsely populated, it has a rugged coastline offering many coves. That is why this island is an ideal place to practice scuba diving and also for the sea kayaking we talked about earlier. The other option we especially love is Arraial do Cabo, where we organize a scuba diving excursion very popular with our guests. In addition, there is no need to be an experienced diver to enjoy it. Indeed, differentiated dives for beginners are available in our offer. By the way, we dedicated an entire post to scuba diving in Arraial do Cabo. So take a look to learn more!
Relaxing Water Activities in Rio
We saved for last a quieter and more relaxing alternative. It is a question of going to enjoy the famous waterfalls that abound in the Tijuca National Park. It is an unforgettable experience in a magical and lush forest full of wild animals and tropical plants. You will hike in the jungle from one waterfall to another. And believe us, there are many, all more beautiful than each other. Among the most famous, we can mention Cascatinha Taunay, Cachoeira das Almas, and Cachoeira do Chuveiro. It is an excellent choice for families and people who avoid strong emotions. And you know what? We have a waterfalls tour designed just for you. Just take a look at it! We also wrote a dedicated post on Rio de Janeiro waterfalls, so check it out for more details.
That’s it, just up to you to decide. But if you still want to go to the beach, try at least to discover the wild beaches west of Rio. You can do this during our Pedra do Telégrafo hike, which includes visiting these magnificent beaches!
