Pontoon Boat Rentals in Rio de Janeiro
A pontoon boat rental in Rio de Janeiro is a relaxed, captained day on a flat-deck boat for 10 to 40 guests. Most trips last 4 hours and depart from Marina da Glória or Charitas in Niterói.
Boats available in Rio de Janeiro
Three to start with: the 40ft "Sea Water Phantom 400" (40 ft, up to 12 guests), the 33ft Schaefer "Ibiza" (33 ft, up to 13 guests) and the 37ft NX Boats NX 370 HT Sport "Bibiuflu" (37 ft, up to 12 guests).
An Easy Day on the Bay
For an unhurried day on the bay, a pontoon is the simplest boat to rent. Its flat deck has room for coolers, a grill and a group of 10 to 40 guests. Feeling Yachty arranges pontoons, tritoons and double-deckers, each with a licensed captain. A typical day is to anchor at the Piscininha, light the grill and float between rounds of food. Most trips last 4 hours and depart from Marina da Glória or from Charitas in Niterói. The 50 ft party pontoons are used for bachelorette groups and birthdays.
About Pontoons
A pontoon has a flat deck that sits on two or three large floats. Because the draft is shallow, the boat can anchor inside the calm swimming spots. No other layout on the water is as family-friendly as this flat one. A tritoon has a third float, which adds speed and weight capacity. A double-decker has a top deck with a slide and is the party version. Capacity across the category is 10 to 40 guests.
Rent a Pontoon Boat in Rio de Janeiro
A pontoon gives you an easygoing day on the water in Rio de Janeiro. Families and groups choose it for the roomy deck and the views of Guanabara Bay.
Pontoon vs Tritoon vs Double-Decker
Choose the format that matches your group and your plans for the day.
| Format | Guests | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Pontoon | 10 to 18 | 2 floats, a slower cruise and the lowest price |
| Tritoon | 12 to 22 | 3 floats, faster and smoother over wakes |
| Double-decker | 16 to 24 | Top deck with a slide and a party atmosphere |
| 50 ft party pontoon | 40 | Sound system and shaded seating |
Anchoring Etiquette
A few simple rules keep the swimming spots pleasant for everybody:
- Leave 15 feet between your anchor spot and the next boat.
- Keep music at conversation volume and not club volume.
- Take away everything you brought.
- Keep an eye on the tide to avoid running aground.
- Use the bathroom and not the water.
Best Pontoon Routes
These routes get the most from a flat-bottomed boat:
- Swim day at the Piscininha in Urca (4 to 6 hours)
- Calm-water cruise on Lagoa da Tijuca (3 hours, no-wake zones)
- Yacht-spotting cruise across Guanabara Bay (3 to 4 hours)
- Golden-hour float along the Barra da Tijuca coast (2 to 3 hours)
How It Works
- Browse and choose: Look through the boats listed and select the one that suits your group.
- Plan your trip: Settle on the date, the departure dock and the route.
- Book and board: Pay the deposit, and the captain will be waiting for you at the marina.
Why Rent with Feeling Yachty
- Inspected boats: Each pontoon we list is checked for safety, cleanliness and reliability before we offer it, so you know what you are booking.
- Licensed captains and crews: Every pontoon goes out with a licensed captain who knows Rio's waters and puts your safety first.
- Deposit and balance: a 50% deposit paid online by card reserves the boat, and the remaining 50% is paid in person on the day of the charter, by cash or Pix. The deposit is non-refundable.
- Add-ons on request: Catering, decor and more can be added to the trip. Each detail can be tailored to your plans.
- 24/7 concierge support: The team can be reached at any hour for questions, suggestions and anything that needs sorting out.
Pontoon Boat Rentals in Rio de Janeiro: questions
How much does a pontoon cost in this market?
Hourly rates for small pontoons begin at $70 (R$360). For standard boats of 24 to 30 feet, expect $150 (R$760) to $400 (R$2,050) per hour. A 50 ft party pontoon costs $470 (R$2,400) per hour. A 3 to 4 hour minimum applies on most boats, and the price covers captain, fuel and safety gear.
Do I need a license to drive a pontoon?
Not always. When the booking includes a captain, nothing is required of you. Driving the boat yourself in Brazil calls for the Arrais Amador license issued by the Brazilian Navy. Most guests avoid the paperwork by booking a licensed captain.
How many guests fit on a pontoon?
A standard pontoon takes 10 to 14 guests and a 30 foot boat takes 18 to 22. Double-deckers take 16 to 24, and the 50 ft party pontoons take up to 40 guests.
Can we anchor in the swimming spots?
Yes. Thanks to the shallow draft, a pontoon gets to the Piscininha in Urca or the Itaipu anchorage with ease. The captain adapts the trip to the tide. The spots are full by 11am on weekends, which is why most boats leave the dock at 9am.
What about kids?
Of all the boats we offer, pontoons are the most kid-friendly. Under Brazilian Navy rules there must be a life vest on board for every guest, and small children keep theirs on while the boat is underway. Vests are supplied.
Does the boat have a bathroom?
A small pontoon usually has none. Mid-size boats of 26 to 30 feet tend to have a small head. The 50 ft party pontoons have a full enclosed bathroom.
Can we bring a grill?
A portable propane grill is permitted on most listings, while charcoal is restricted. A built-in grill is fitted on some boats. Look at the rule stated on the individual listing.
When should we book?
Allow 1 week for weekdays and 3 to 4 weeks for weekends. In high season (December through March) and on holiday weekends, boats sell out 6 to 8 weeks in advance.
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