Sea Kayaking Tour

Ocean kayaking is one of the best ways to explore Rio's beautiful coast and enjoy unique views of the city and its forested mountains. We start the trip at Praia Vermelha, where the Sugar Loaf Mountain is located, and paddle for one hour to the Cotunduba Island, a few miles off-shore. There we stop for snacks, swimming, and snorkeling, seeing the beauty of Rio from a totally different viewpoint. Back at the beach we shower and change at the Kayak Base. No previous experience is required. Snorkeling equipment, hotel pick-up, and drop-off are included.

Pick-up at hotel and drive to the Sugar Loaf area
Arrive at the beach and meet the instructor
Two hours paddle around Sugar Loaf or cross the bay to Niteroi
Return to the beach and rest
Drive back to hotel

Included: transportation, kayak, equipment, guide.

Not included: meals and drinks.

Recommendation
Wear light clothes, a swimming suit, towel, clothes
to change, sunblock, hat, sandals, extra money
for meals and drinks.

USEFUL TIPS FOR YOU BEFORE KAYAKING:

Whether or not you’re looking to take on class-four rapids or just paddle through a glass-smooth lake, there are some key kayaking tips you should take into account before pushing off the shoreline. Follow these rules, and you’ll get the maximum benefits provided by kayaking.

DRESS FOR THE WATER, NOT THE WEATHER
Regardless of whether it’s a cold near-winter morning or a hot mid-summer afternoon, dress for the water. For example, if you’d normally wear a wetsuit in those waters, wear one kayaking. If it’s more board shorts appropriate water, a well-fitting swimsuit will suffice.

INVEST IN WATER-PROOF STORAGE CASES
There’s nothing that can ruin your kayaking adventure more than coming back to find your expensive smartphone is now water damaged. While a press-and-seal storage container will work just fine for your food and wallet, we’d recommend investing in something more sturdy to store your electronics and clothing.

LEARN RAPID SAFETY PRACTICES
If you’re going down white waters, we’d highly suggest you touch-up on rapid safety practices from Raft Masters. A quick flip of your kayak can suddenly put you in a life-or-death situation. And every decision counts.

RENT IF YOU CAN
Get a feel for kayaking first before investing in any equipment, if you can. Kayak renting services have become more and more popular in the past decade. Be sure you to also rent helmets and life vests in addition to the kayak and paddles.

KNOW RIVER LANGUAGE
There’s actually a series of hand signals and gestures that help kayakers communicate with each other. After all, rapids can be quite noisy and distracting. If you’re kayaking in a group, it may be helpful to brush up on these simple signals.

KNOW PADDLING STYLE
We recommend getting a feel for how you paddle-stroke before hitting the water. Simply straddle an armless chair while holding a broomstick or hockey stick, and imagine yourself paddling from side to side. Depending on how you hold paddle and stroke will determine your style.

PHYSICAL MAPS
Like we’ve touched on before, you should either leave your electronics on dry land or sealed in a dry-bag. Print-out or check-in with a visitor center for any maps or guidebooks on the area they may have available.

CHECK THE FORECAST
Kayaking through a lite drizzle won’t raise too much of a problem. But trying to paddle through heavy rain will fill your kayak’s cockpit with water and render it unstable. Make sure to check all weather conditions where you’re kayaking before heading out. Also, take note that heavy rains from a day or two prior will make for more turbulent waters too.

DUCT TAPE IS YOUR FRIEND
You really should never leave home without it. Having a role of the versatile adhesive on hand can come in handy in a pinch. Has the shaft of the rod cracked? Tap it up. Want to secure gear from rolling around your kayak seat? Secure it.

SIT TIGHT, SIT STRAIGHT
While sitting with your back supported in the kayak, place the balls of your feet in the foot guides. Some kayaks have pegs, instead. Your toes should be pointed outward and your heels should be found in the center of the kayak. The knees should have an upward and outward bend to them allowing the legs to contact and apply pressure to the thigh braces.

STAY ALERT
Rocks and animals can seemingly pop-out of nowhere. Kayaking is no time for your favorite playlist. Take advantage of being outside, and enjoy nature’s playlist.

STAY IN CONTACT WITH OTHERS
Like we’ve said before if you’re traveling in a group, it’s best for everyone to stay in contact with one another. Especially if you’re traveling down any white waters. The general rule of thumb is no one should be further than earshot from each other.

BRING BINOCULARS
There are few places better to wildlife watch than from the seat of a kayak. Bringing a pair of light, durable binoculars will only enhance that. Look for water-resistant and portable binoculars—See our article all about binoculars. Scratch-resistant lenses are ideal.

DRY YOUR THINGS
One of the cardinal rules of any water sport is to never pack gear or clothing while it’s wet. If you do, mold, rust, and other unwanted surprises will be quick to follow. If you’re in a rush and can’t spare the time, leave the damp packed gear uncovered.

DOUBLE-CHECK YOUR GEAR
Before stepping into your car and heading off into the sunset (or sunrise), check your gear. Be sure you haven’t caused any accidental dings, holes, tears, you name it. Also, pay special attention to your paddle and kayak seat. Then, after that, do it all again.