Carioca Pantanal
The boat tour through the mangroves of the Tijuca Lagoon, among caimans, capybaras and herons — five minutes from the Jardim Oceânico metro station.
Keep an eye out for Jack!
As you cruise, watch the edges of the mangrove closely. Our famous broad-snouted caiman loves to sunbathe and watch the visitors go by.
Duration
⏳ 35 to 40 minutes
Average Price
R$ 50 per person
About the Experience
The Carioca Pantanal tour is one of the most famous itineraries in the Tijuca Lagoon region. During the trip, the boat travels through the natural canals that form the Gigóia Island archipelago, passing through the region's 10 islands and preserved mangrove areas.
Along the way, visitors can observe the rich local fauna and flora. It's common to spot caimans, herons, capybaras, and various birds that live in the lagoon's mangroves, making the tour a unique experience of contact with nature within the city of Rio de Janeiro.
What you will see
- 🐊 Broad-snouted caimans
- 🐾 Capybaras in their habitat
- 🦜 Rare and migratory birds
- 🌿 Preserved mangroves
Information
🗓️ Daily
Exclusive and scheduled departures to ensure the best experience.
How much the Carioca Pantanal tour costs
There are two ways to take the tour. The most popular is the package with lunch, which costs barely more than the lunch on its own.
Tour + executive lunch
R$ 100 per person
The full tour plus lunch at Restaurante Maracujá da Ilha, with a choice of beef, fish or chicken.
Tour only
R$ 50 per person
The boat tour through the canals and mangroves, without a meal.
Payment in cash, Pix or card, with a 50% deposit to secure the booking. Departures run every half hour, from 8am to 4:30pm.
What is included
Included
- The boat tour through the canals and mangroves
- A local skipper who knows where the wildlife shows up
- Life jackets on board
- Executive lunch at Maracujá da Ilha (R$ 100 package only)
Not included
- Drinks, including in the package with lunch
- The ferry crossing to the island (R$ 2 to R$ 5 per person)
- Parking on the mainland
- A swimming stop — this tour does not have one
How long it lasts and how departures work
The tour lasts 35 to 40 minutes on average. The boat is shared with other visitors and departs with a minimum of two people. Departures are daily, every half hour from 8am to 4:30pm, and the exact time is confirmed when you book.
The route follows the natural canals that form the Gigóia Island archipelago, passing the ten islands of the area and stretches of preserved mangrove inside the Tijuca Lagoon. It is a calm ride with no open sea, suitable for children and for anyone not used to boats.
Best time of day to see the caimans
The broad-snouted caiman tends to climb the mangrove banks to sunbathe, so sightings are more frequent in the strong-sun hours, between late morning and mid-afternoon. Capybaras and herons appear more steadily throughout the day. This is free-living wildlife, so no sighting is guaranteed — that is part of the tour.
What to bring
- Sunscreen and a cap or hat
- Insect repellent, especially in the late afternoon
- A camera or phone with zoom, for the wildlife on the banks
- Water — there are no drinks for sale on board
Getting to the boat departure point
Gigóia Island sits in the Tijuca Lagoon, in Barra da Tijuca, and has no bridge: the last stretch is always by water and takes about two minutes. The boarding decks are at Av. Armando Lombardi, 370.
By metro, get off at Jardim Oceânico station, Lagoa exit — the deck is less than a five-minute walk away. The Jardim Oceânico BRT terminal is next to the station, so BRT passengers arrive at the same point. By car, there are private car parks around the decks; on weekends, allow extra time to find a space. The ordinary crossing costs R$ 2 to R$ 5 per person and runs 24 hours.
Other tours departing from Gigóia Island
- Tijucas Islands
3 to 4 hours, with a swimming stop and time ashore on the island. R$ 150 per person, or R$ 200 with lunch. - Reserva Beach
Across the lagoon to the most preserved stretch of sand in Barra. - Jet ski rental
10 to 60 minutes on the Tijuca Lagoon, with a briefing before you set off. - All tours and routes
The full list of itineraries, times and prices departing from the island.
Frequently asked questions about the Carioca Pantanal
How much does the Carioca Pantanal tour cost?
The tour on its own costs R$ 50 per person. The package with an executive lunch at Restaurante Maracuja da Ilha costs R$ 100 per person, with a choice of beef, fish or chicken. Drinks are not included.
How long does the tour last?
On average 35 to 40 minutes, through the canals and mangroves of the Tijuca Lagoon.
Can you really see caimans?
Yes. The broad-snouted caiman lives in the mangroves of the lagoon and often comes to the banks to sunbathe. Capybaras, herons and other birds are common too. As this is free-living wildlife, sightings depend on the day and the time.
Does the tour have a swimming stop?
No. The Carioca Pantanal is a wildlife-watching tour with no swimming stop. For a swimming stop, take the Tijucas Islands tour instead.
What is the minimum number of people?
Two. The boat is shared with other visitors.
What time do the boats leave?
Departures are daily, every half hour from 8am to 4:30pm. The exact time is confirmed when you book.
Are drinks included in the package with lunch?
No. The R$ 100 package covers the tour and the executive lunch; drinks are paid separately.
How do I get to the departure point?
The decks are at Av. Armando Lombardi, 370, in Barra da Tijuca. By metro, Jardim Oceanico station is less than a five-minute walk, and the Jardim Oceanico BRT terminal is right beside it. By car, there are private car parks nearby. The crossing to the island is by boat and takes about two minutes.
How does payment work?
In cash, Pix or card, with a 50% deposit to secure the booking.
Is there wi-fi on the island?
Yes. The venues on Gigóia Island offer wi-fi.