It is here, with a gentle ocean breeze through my hair and a cold beer in my hand, that I again realize how lucky I am to be in Rio de Janeiro.
I’m on a boat.
I’m watching the sun set over the Marvelous City after a great day of sailing with friends. The sky and the ocean turn yellow to orange to purple. At the beach and in the buildings the lights turn on and mark the start of another vibrant Carioca night. I have made many hikes in Rio to great viewpoints, but this view from the ocean is probably the best you can get.
Sailing in Rio – Kings of the ocean
Arriving at Marina da Gloria, the harbor in the city center of Rio, we are welcomed aboard by the friendly crew. When leaving we get information about how to use the life jackets and about the boat that was made to sail around the world: so safety check! A few minutes later Alex, the captain, asks if anyone of us likes to steer the boat. Uh…., what? We look at each other and then decide to give it a try. We get some brief instructions and of we go!
Have you already been at Ipanema beach wondering if you could go to the Islands in front of you? They are called Ilhas Cagarras and that’s our destination for today. The archipelago is formed by five main islands. This group of islands is home of many wild seabirds and sea animals like dolphins and several kinds of fishes. Between the months of July and October some may be lucky to see humpback whales passing by on their annual mating journey from Antarctica to the Abrolhos archipelago off the coast of the Brazilian northeastern state of Bahia.
We sail around the Sugarloaf Mountain out of the bay onto the ocean. Alex tells us about the history of the forts we are passing and we go in the direction of the islands. Look at us: without any sailing experience I’m steering this boat over the waves while my friends are enjoying a cold drink and are working on their tan on the front deck. We are the kings of the ocean today!
Social impact
Alex and his company Life Mar Nautica are making great effort to offer a special day to our group, but the nice thing is that Alex is trying to make an impact outside sailing as well. He works together with a social project. “When I was younger, I participated in a project that was started by the Brazilian sailers and Olympic medalists Lars and Torben Grael and Marcelo Ferreira”, says Alex.
This project, called Project Grael, gave him the opportunity to do what he does now. And he wants to give back. “It is great to know that we can help others from poor families and communities by giving them access to the sailing sport and industry. In the project they teach them sailing, go to regattas and have a program to train them for a future job in the sailing industry. It is my dream to grow my business and be able to employ youngster from the project.”
Snorkling, a churrasco and stunning views
At the Islands we have a break to swim. The dive into the ocean comes as a welcoming refreshment on this sunny day. We snorkel around and some of us are lucky to spot some colorful tropical fishes today. Climbing back on the boat everyone gets lucky. A delicious Brazilian churrasco and a caipirinha are waiting for us.
With a full stomach we sail back home. My friends are taking turns now to sail the boat. Others are getting their cameras out for the golden hour, that last hour before the sun sets. When passing Copacabana beach the sun is almost gone. There is nothing more to do then to enjoy the stunning view in front us. Yet another unforgettable day in the Marvelous City.
Sailing in Rio is a perfect program
We are always looking for the best spots and experiences in Rio for you. Sailing in Rio is the best ways to enjoy the sunset and Rio is a world-class sailing destination. Due to its special geographical location almost every day there is a good wind to sail. There are several companies, offering mainly two types of tours: a 3 hour sunset tour through the bay or a longer 5 to 6 hour tour.
Do you want to have an unforgettable day on the ocean while making a social impact? Read more details about the tour or go to our booking page to reserve your sailing trip.
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