Seeing Rio from the water changes the city's sense of scale: Sugarloaf Mountain, the hills and the bridge to Niterói look completely different. There are three ways to do it backed by official information: the regular ferry to Niterói, which is public transportation; the Brazilian Navy's guided bay cruise; and a visit to Ilha Fiscal. There are also private trips on schooners (escunas) or saveiros.
At a glance
| Option | Duration | Price | Departs from |
|---|---|---|---|
| Praça XV–Niterói ferry | up to 22 min | R$ 5.00 | Praça XV station |
| Navy bay cruise | approx. 1 h 25 min | R$ 60 (half price R$ 30) | Espaço Cultural da Marinha |
| Ilha Fiscal | 1 h 45 min to 2 h | R$ 60 (half price R$ 30) | Espaço Cultural da Marinha |
Prices as reported by the official operators on September 28, 2026.
The ferry to Niterói: the cheapest option
The Praça XV–Arariboia line is operated by Barcas Rio ↗. The fare is R$ 5.00 and the crossing takes up to 22 minutes. The operator encourages paying with a QR code from the Riocard Mais app. On weekdays, ferries run every 15 minutes during the morning rush hour and every 20 during the evening rush; on Saturdays they leave every 30 minutes, and on Sundays and holidays every hour, from 5:30 to 23:30.
Praça XV station ↗ is in Centro, steps from the Paço Imperial. You can combine the crossing with the route we suggest in Rio's UNESCO World Heritage or continue in Niterói with ideas from day trips from Rio.
The Navy bay cruise
The Brazilian Navy offers a guided bay cruise ↗ that passes 18 points around the bay, including Santos Dumont airport, the Naval School, Sugarloaf Mountain, Niterói's MAC, Ilha Fiscal and the Rio–Niterói bridge.
- Days: Thursday to Sunday. On Fridays the tour is guided in English and Portuguese.
- Departures: 13:15 and 15:00; it lasts about 1 h 25 min.
- Price: R$ 60 full price and R$ 30 half price. The combo with Ilha Fiscal costs R$ 100.
- Tickets: through Ingresso Com Desconto, up to five per person. Check-in is 30 minutes before departure.
- No cruises: on October 4 and 25 (elections), during Carnival, on Christmas and on New Year's.
Ilha Fiscal
The neo-Gothic castle on Ilha Fiscal ↗ hosted the last ball of the Brazilian Empire. Tours leave at 12:45, 14:15 and 15:30 and include a 15- to 20-minute boat transfer. It costs R$ 60 (half price R$ 30), and children under 2 go free. Tickets are sold through Ingresso Com Desconto, and check-in closes 30 minutes before departure. On Thursdays the tour is guided in English and Portuguese.
The Navy publishes days with no tours, in addition to holidays: for the rest of 2026 these are October 4, 25, 30 and 31, November 12, 21, 27 and 28, and December 10. Check the official page before buying.
While you wait: Espaço Cultural da Marinha
Boarding is at the Espaço Cultural da Marinha ↗, on the Boulevard Olímpico. It's open Tuesday to Sunday from 11:00 to 17:00, costs R$ 20 (half price R$ 10) and is free on Tuesdays that aren't holidays. You can tour a submarine and a destroyer that have been turned into museums.
Private schooner or saveiro trips
Some operators leave from Marina da Glória with routes around the bay; for example, Saveiros Tour ↗ lists departures from 9:30 to 11:30. Whatever the boat, run these checks:
- Look for the maximum-capacity plate, which must be visible on board along with the Harbor Master's (Capitania) phone number.
- Note where the life jackets are and ask for the safety briefing before casting off.
- If something doesn't seem right, you can ask questions or file a report with the Rio de Janeiro Harbor Master's Office (Capitania dos Portos) ↗. For emergencies at sea, the number is 185 (Salvamar).
Frequently asked questions
What's the cheapest way to get out on the bay?
The regular Praça XV–Niterói ferry, at R$ 5.00 each way.
Can you visit Ilha Fiscal without a reservation?
Tickets are sold online through Ingresso Com Desconto and spots are limited. Buy ahead, especially for weekends.
Does the Navy cruise pass Sugarloaf Mountain?
Yes, it's one of the 18 points on the official route.
Sources: Barcas Rio ↗ and Marinha do Brasil ↗, accessed September 28, 2026.