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Highlights & Destinations
With the spirit of adventure running through your veins, expect a unique experience as soon as you step aboard the Tall Ship in Brazil! Experience the thrill of feeling like a Pirate as you cruise the Brazilian coastline, looking for your own buried treasure in the form of deserted beaches and secret swimming spots. Each itinerary is designed to be flexible enough to allow for special events and last-minute changes. If you find yourself sailing the coast during Carnaval, or come across some especially good winds... things can change pretty quickly to take advantage of a local festival or perfect conditions for sailing the open seas!
Of course all good journeys must come to and end (and start somewhere too!), so here is a short list of some of our favoured destinations while sailing the coast of Brazil.
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"A tourist remains an outsider throughout his visit; but a sailor is part of the local scene from the moment he/she arrives." -Anne Davison, First Women to Sail Solo Across the Atlantic |
Rio - Paraty Sailing Adventures
RIO DE JANEIROSailing into or out of Rio offers unparalleled views of the skyline, including Sugarloaf Mountain and Corcovado. Witness the bustle of famous Copacabana and Ipanema beaches from the sea! Visit these popular sites during your time in Rio, or do some shopping, go hang gliding off a cliff, catch a game at the world's largest soccer stadium (Marcana) or search for the ultimate BBQ - the Brazilian churrascaria!
ILHA GRANDE
Life is good on Ilha Grande, where towering seafood meals, quirky souvenirs shops, lush waterfalls, exquisite beaches and bountiful hiking trails await... all the components required for a perfect, paradise island! The town of Abraao is charming, and if you take a quiet hike you'll discover monkeys, parrots and plenty of other wildlife teeming in the jungle. Be sure to visit Lopes Mendes beach, where you may catch a glimpse of dolphins porpoising at twilight, and don't forget to try some delicious, and nutritious Açaí ice cream!
PARATY
This quite, colonial town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and will have you thinking you're far from the big city of Rio, which is only 200km away. Walking around the cobblestone streets is the perfect way to explore, especially since vehicles are not allowed on most streets. There are a surprising number of souvenir shops as well as restaurants, as this is a popular holiday spot for Brazilians. Just watch your feet, as when high tide comes in the streets tend to fill with water, adding an extra bit of charm to this colonial town!
IGUASSU FALLS (available on the "Encompassed" sailing trips)
To many world travelers, Iguassu rivals Niagara Falls, Victoria Falls and Angel Falls. On the border of Brazil and Argentina, the biggest draw is the immense "Devil's Throat" waterfall - a thundering cascade of water. There are actually hundreds of waterfalls here, with walking pathways that take you through the forest, which is home to coatimundi, lizards, monkeys, birds and more. Many paths will get you wet, as you get right up close to the powerful waterfalls. Boat and helicopter rides into / above the falls are also possible if you need to cool down from the Brazilian heat.
MAMANGUÁ ECOLOGICAL RESERVE
Here you discover the only fjord along the Brazilian coast. With towering cliffs rising on the sides, you're sure to be tempted to hike to the top for a panoramic view. The hike is steep and sweaty, but worth the effort! A beach BBQ, impromptu soccer game with the locals or snorkeling adventure are all possible too.
Rio - Salvador Sailing Adventures
SALVADORThe capital of the state of Bahia, Salvador cuisine (spicy!) and culture is influenced largely by a population of African descent. The All Saints Bay area of the city is where the first European explorers landed in Brazil, and offers plenty of interesting history. Mercado Modelo is a nice waterside market to visit, and, although less famous than those in Rio, Salvador offers some excellent beaches. If you're looking to send extra time here and relax, consider heading to Itaparica island.
BÚZIOS
Dubbed the "Pirate Capital" of Brazil, things are a little tamer in Búzios nowadays, but not much! Pirates have given way to the young, nightlife crowd. Plenty of clubs, bars and restaurants are found here. If you don't want to dance and drink, then surfing, shopping and seafood are other options. Consider Búzios to be a glimpse into the lifestyles of the rich and famous when it comes to Brazil.
ABROLHOS MARINE NATIONAL PARK
This chain of five volcanic islands is a bit of a sanctuary, considering it supports the largest coral reef system in the South Atlantic! Strap on those fins and visit the underwater world of Abrolhos! Depending on the time of year you may also get lucky and spot some humpback whales in the area.
Salvador - Salvador Sailing Adventures
CAIRU ISLANDThe quiet, almost abandoned town has many preserved colonial buildings, notably the church of Nossa Senhora do Rosário from early settlement times in Brazil. The island itself is tiny, but lush and green. It is actually considered ecologically significant as it is home to some of the last remaining primary Atlantic rainforest.
CAMAMÚ BAY
The third largest bay in Brazil offers up plenty of water-based fun amidst white sandy beaches and mangroves. A visit to Goió Island is a highlight, with its deserted and beautiful beaches. Nearby is the village of Sapinho where traditional Brazilian cuisine will tempt your palette.
