Sunrise in Copacabana by Standup paddle The spectacle of Rio

Your experience begins before sunrise, when you meet your certified instructor at Copacabana Beach. After a quick safety briefing and equipment fitting — board, paddle, and life vest — you'll be on the water as the first light of day appears on the horizon.

As you paddle along the shoreline, the city slowly wakes up around you. You'll glide across calm morning waters with an unobstructed view of Sugarloaf Mountain and, as the sun rises higher, the silhouette of Christ the Redeemer emerging from the hills above Rio.

Your instructor will guide you through basic paddleboarding techniques if you're a beginner, or help you explore at a comfortable pace if you have prior experience. The session is relaxed and conversational — feel free to ask about the city, the ocean, or anything in between.

Throughout the experience, our photographer will capture your best moments on the water. By the time you paddle back to shore, you'll have professional photos and videos ready to share — along with a story most visitors to Rio never get to tell.