Nautical and fishing

They are two official segments of the Ministry of Tourism, grouped here because they take place in the same settings. In nautical tourism, the vessel is the purpose of the trip, whether at sea, on rivers, on lakes or in reservoirs, and it includes cruises. Fishing tourism is travel motivated by amateur fishing, where the fish is released or taken within the limits of the law.

You don’t need to own a boat or know how to sail. Most excursions are on crewed vessels, lasting from a few hours to several days. For fishing, lodges and riverboat lodges provide the skiff, the piloto (the boat driver who knows the river), and part of the equipment.

Two related topics have their own pages: diving is part of adventure tourism, and beach days and swimming are covered under sun and beach.

On the southern coast of the state of Rio de Janeiro, Angra dos Reis and Paraty share a large bay dotted with islands, with calm waters and coves where boats anchor. Schooner and speedboat tours depart from the docks of both towns, and sailing yachts and catamarans run multi-day routes.

On the northern coast of São Paulo, Ilhabela is known as the sailing capital: the channel between the island and the mainland has steady wind and hosts a traditional regatta week in July. In Bahia, Salvador opens onto the Bay of All Saints, one of the country’s largest bays, navigated by saveiros, schooners and sailing yachts that visit surrounding islands and villages.

In the Pantanal, the Paraguay River is the axis of fishing. Corumbá, in Mato Grosso do Sul, is the base for riverboat lodges that cruise the river and its tributaries, and Cáceres, in Mato Grosso, hosts an international sport-fishing festival. Golden dorado, pintado and pacu are among the most sought-after fish.

In the Amazon, Manaus is the departure point for regional boats that travel up the Negro River, whose tributaries are the main setting for peacock bass fishing. Inland, reservoir lakes have become nautical destinations: in Capitólio, Minas Gerais, speedboats and chalanas cruise the Furnas lake between rocky cliffs.

To operate a motor or sail vessel in Brazil you need a certification from the Navy. Those who do not have it hire the boat with a sailor, which is most common for one-day trips. Check that the vessel and the company are properly registered and that there are life jackets for everyone, including child sizes.

To fish, recreational anglers need a license issued online and must follow local rules: minimum sizes, protected species, catch limits and transport limits. Fishing lodges and houseboats usually provide guidance about the license.

Houseboats and fishing lodges offer multi-day packages for closed groups, often booked many months in advance. In your suitcase: lightweight long-sleeve clothing, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent and a raincoat. Motion-sickness medication only with the guidance of a health professional.