About this tour
When Lily from our team tried this seven-hour outing, she started before Rio had properly woken up, and that early start is the point. The tour begins with a sunrise on a quiet beach away from the busier coastline, then moves on to a hidden natural pool and a long, open stretch of sand that feels a world away from the city. Rio can feel relentlessly buzzy, so there's something refreshing about watching the light climb over the water with barely another soul in sight. Along the way you can take a short scramble over rocks for wider views, or simply settle onto the sand. Our BugBitten team found the balance between gentle effort and proper downtime worked well across the whole day, with plenty of time to swim, snack and wander. Expect an unhurried pace, and bring a camera, because the setting is made for photos.
Highlights
- Sunrise on a quiet beach, with barely another person around
- Swimming in a hidden natural pool that feels genuinely secluded
- Optional scramble over rocks for sweeping coastal views
- Long, uncrowded beach ideal for photos and a casual kickabout
- Beach chairs, towels, beach tennis and a football supplied on site
- Snacks and water provided, so you can travel light
- Drone footage included, giving you aerial shots of the day
- Renato's local knowledge of the spots, shared in five languages
What to expect
The day starts early, and the SUV handles all the transport between spots, so you aren't hauling gear around on foot. Lily noticed the first light builds slowly, and the sunrise is worth the alarm, especially if you're used to Rio's crowded beaches. Once the sun is up, you head to the hidden pool, where the water is calm and clear enough to see your feet. Renato picks the moments to stop, points out good angles for photos and suggests the best route up the rocks if you fancy the optional hike.
The hike is short enough to tackle without fuss, though the rocks are uneven and decent footwear is worth the effort. Later the pace drops off on the long beach, where people tend to spend the afternoon with the kit provided. There's a short stop at a local bakery along the way, but breakfast is at your own expense. Our BugBitten takeaway is that it's a relaxed mix of effort and downtime, and the drone footage is a neat bonus rather than the main event.
What travellers say
- Early sunrise start on a quiet, uncrowded beach
- Hidden natural pool good for a proper swim
- Beach gear and snacks supplied, so packing is minimal
- Guide with long local experience and a natural-attractions focus
- Drone shots add extra photos without extra effort
- Optional hike suits both adventurers and sun-loungers
- Early start may not suit late risers
- Rocky hike requires at least moderate physical fitness
- Not suitable for those with spinal injuries or heart conditions
- Breakfast and alcoholic drinks cost extra
Themes summarised by our team from public information about this tour. Verify specifics on the operator's page before booking.
Good to know
This suits travellers who want the less touristy side of Rio, especially photographers, swimmers and anyone happy to combine a little hiking with plenty of lounging. Renato's experience with natural spots is the real draw, and the beach gear and snacks mean you need very little packing.
The start is early, so it won't suit late risers. The rocky hike needs at least moderate fitness, and the tour isn't recommended for anyone with a spinal injury or poor cardiovascular health. Sun exposure is real on open sand, so bring sunscreen, a hat and water.
Wear shoes with grip, pack sunscreen and a swimsuit, and bring a towel only if you want your own. Breakfast and alcoholic drinks aren't included. Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller, and service animals are welcome. Book ahead for sunrise dates, as early slots are the ones people ask about first.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BugBitten summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.