Gigóia Island: Boat ride and Walking Tour to Rio's Pantanal

PRIVATE TOUR

Explore Gigóia Island, a hidden gem in the city’s west zone. Take a scenic boat ride through its canals and observe the unique wildlife of Rio’s Pantanal. Afterward, enjoy a walking tour to learn about the residents’ lifestyle on this urban island in Rio de Janeiro.

Overview

Experience an unforgettable adventure as you explore Gigóia Island, a hidden gem in Barra da Tijuca, in the western zone of Rio de Janeiro.

Begin your journey with a scenic boat ride through the island’s canals, where you can appreciate the area’s rich biodiversity and lush nature, often referred to as the “Pantanal of Rio de Janeiro.” During the tour, keep an eye out for fascinating wildlife, including capybaras, alligators, and exotic birds.

Next, take a walking tour of this urban island to immerse yourself in the local community’s daily life. Discover the unique lifestyle of this area, where the vibrancy of Rio meets the tranquility of nature.

Enjoy the local cuisine at one of its charming waterfront restaurants specializing in seafood (cost not included), including a 2024 Michelin Guide restaurant.

This experience is perfect for those seeking an alternative perspective of the city. It invites you to slow down, connect with nature, and uncover a delightful, lesser-known destination in Rio de Janeiro.

Highlights
  • Explore a hidden gem in Rio de Janeiro, seldom visited by tourists, and gain a unique insight into the city’s quiet and fascinating side.
  • Embark on a boat trip through the Marapendi canal and Gigóia Island, where you can encounter local wildlife and immerse yourself in nature.
  • Savor authentic local cuisine during this tour, with opportunities to taste famous dishes from the city’s gastronomy at award-winning restaurants.
  • Join a guided walking tour to learn about the lifestyle and history of the residents.

Why book this tour with us?

  • Have the company of an accredited, friendly local tour guide, who will give you insights on the attractions in a unique and genuinely local way;
  • Take this tour in the most flexible way for you, whether in terms of time or itinerary, ensuring an experience perfectly suited to your needs.
Book your tour
What includes

Included:

  • Accredited Tour Guide;
  • Round-trip boat ride;
  • Round trip transportation if you choose this option

Not Included:

  • Food and Drinks;
  • Tips/gratuities for your local guide.
Important Information

What to bring:

  • Wear light clothing and comfortable and non-slip shoes (sneakers, boots, etc.)
  • Bring a water bottle;
  • Other items to consider: Sunscreen, Mosquito repellent, cap and sunglasses.

Important information:

  • You must book this tour at least 48 hours in advance and you must accept and be aware of the risks inherent in the activity.
  • Weather conditions: There is no guarantee there will be no clouds. In cases of bad weather (rain), the tour can be postponed to another date, if possible. Otherwise, we do not cancel tours due to bad weather, so the tour will take place even in rain and/or cloudy weather, except in cases of force majeure.
  • Our tours are private. That is, prices vary depending on the size of your group. The greater the number of people, the lower your rate per pax.
Frequently asked questions (F.A.Q.)
How can I book this experience?

Click the ‘Book your tour’ button. Choose the date you want and the number of people taking the tour. Then add to cart. Click on the cart icon in the lower right corner of your screen to open your shopping cart. Fill in the primary contact information and then ‘Continue’ to be directed to payment. Once your reservation has been processed, you will receive a confirmation e-mail with all the information about the experience.

Our online booking system is simple and secure, and we accept various credit and debit cards. But if you prefer, you can make your reservation directly with our sales team by e-mail: sales@riodejaneirobycariocas.com or by phone (WhatsApp): +55 21 99552-3996.

Is it possible to have this experience without being private?

Our experiences are private to offer you a safer, more personalized, and more comfortable experience. By opting for a private tour, you can enjoy the company of your loved ones or a select group of friends without worrying about strangers. This creates a more unique environment, allowing for greater flexibility regarding the itinerary, the pace of the tour, and even adjusting the schedule to your personal preferences.

Our guides will be exclusively available to you, offering in-depth information and interesting stories and answering all your questions. This will ensure you have an enriching experience, learning about the local culture, history, and traditions more intimately.

What should I wear or take on the tour?

There is no general rule of what to bring or use. Still, we recommend bringing an identification document (it doesn’t have to be the original), money, and a lot of energy and excitement. Any specific recommendations will be noted on your voucher.

Can this experience be done with children?

Due to the unique circumstances of this experience, we do not recommend that it be done with children. 

What happens if, on the day of my experience, it rains or there is bad weather?

We do not cancel tours due to bad weather, so the tour will take place even with rain and/or cloudy weather, except in cases of force majeure. We adapt the script or, if possible, change the date. If you cancel the tour less than 48 hours in advance (except in extreme cases), there will be no refund as per our cancellation policy.

Do you pick it up and return it to my accommodation?

No, this experience does not include transportation to the meeting point. If you want to add transport, please get in touch with our team.

What are the preventive measures against covid-19 adopted on the tours? Do I need to be vaccinated or follow them?

As part of our commitment to Safe Travels, we follow all security measures recommended by the UNWTO and city laws. All our guides and drivers are fully vaccinated, and our vehicles are sanitized.

As per the national rule, visitors must be vaccinated or have a negative COVID test to enter the country. Face masks are no longer mandatory, but we recommend using them for people with health problems. 

What do I do if I need to cancel my tour after booking?

You must request the cancellation of your experience by e-mail to the following address: sales@riodejaneirobycariocas.com. Once we receive your order, we will determine the refund due as follows:

– If you cancel 7 (seven) days or more before the start of the tour: no cancellation fee, i.e., a full refund.

– If you cancel between 6 (six) and 3 (three) days before the start of the tour: 50% cancellation fee. If you paid in full for your experience, we’ll issue you a 50% refund of the amount paid.

– If you cancel less than 48 hours (2 days) before the start of the tour: 100% of the cancellation fee, i.e., there is no refund.

If your tour is carried out by one of our suppliers, the cancellation will be carried out according to the supplier’s rules.

I have a question that doesn’t appear in this FAQ. How should I proceed?

If you have any other questions about our services, please contact our team at +55 21 99552-3996 or by e-mail: sales@riodejaneirobycariocas.com.

Meet Your Tour Guide

As a typical carioca, Celso Junior’s day begins in Vidigal Favela, where he was born and raised. He is a lover of nature, and passionate about samba and Brazilian history. As a tour guide, he teaches a lot about the “Carioca way of life” and may show you the best views of the city.

Meeting Point

You may also like...