Service Description

🐳 WHALE WATCHING EXPEDITION IN BARRA DA TIJUCA Experience encountering humpback whales up to 16 meters long and weighing 40 tons just a few kilometers off the coast of Barra da Tijuca. Departing at dawn, our expedition sails to the oceanic waters between the Tijucas Archipelago and the Cagarras Islands — where the probability of sightings reaches 90% during peak months. The scenery is unique in the world: Sugarloaf Mountain, Christ the Redeemer, and Pedra da Gávea as a backdrop while a whale leaps just meters from the boat. 📅 SEASON June to August (peak in July and August) Departures at dawn (~7 am) ⏱️ DURATION 4 to 5 hours of expedition 📍 DEPARTURE POINT Barra da Tijuca, Rio de Janeiro (exact address sent after booking) 👥 SMALL GROUPS Maximum 10 to 12 people per boat to ensure comfort, safety and ideal positioning for photos. ══════════════════════════════════════ 🟢 SCRIPT OF EXPEDITION ══════════════════════════════════════ 1️⃣ Arrival and Briefing (30 min before) Reception, distribution of life jackets, safety instructions and introduction to humpback whale biology: migratory behavior, vocalization, how to identify the spray and the signs that a whale is about to jump. 3️⃣ The Moment of Sighting When the captain spots the characteristic spray, the adrenaline rises. The speedboat approaches, respecting the legal distance of 100 meters (IBAMA Ordinance 117/96), the engine goes into neutral, and silence takes over. You can see: tails emerging, fins hitting the surface, sprays, and — with luck — complete jumps of 40 tons. 4️⃣ Bonus Marine Fauna During navigation, it is common to spot dolphins, sea turtles, frigatebirds, boobies, and albatrosses. Redonda Island (Cagarras Islands Natural Monument) is one of the points of greatest marine biodiversity in Rio. 5️⃣ Stop for Snorkeling (conditions permitting) On the return trip, depending on conditions, there is a stop for snorkeling at the Tijucas Islands. ══════════════════════════════════════ ✅ WHAT'S INCLUDED • Life jackets for all ages • Educational briefing about humpback whales • Mineral water and iced mate tea • Maritime safety equipment • Experienced sailor ⚠️ IBAMA RULES (Ordinance 117/96) • Minimum distance of 100 meters with the engine engaged • Engine in neutral within the observation zone • Maximum 30 minutes of observation per group of whales • Swimming with the whales is prohibited animals