Pontoons are the easiest boat to rent for a relaxed day on the bay. The flat deck carries coolers, a grill, and a group of 10 to 40 guests. Book My Boat lines up pontoons, tritoons, and double-deckers with licensed captains. Anchor at the Piscininha, fire up the grill, and float between rounds. Most trips run 4 hours and leave from Marina da Glória or Charitas in Niterói. 50ft party pontoons handle bachelorette groups and birthdays.
A pontoon is a flat-deck boat on two or three large floats. The shallow draft lets you anchor right in the calm swimming spots. The flat layout is the most family-friendly format on the water.
Tritoons add a third float for more speed and weight capacity. Double-deckers stack a top deck with a slide for a full party vibe.
Pick the format that fits your group and your plan for the day.
2 floats, 10 to 18 guests, slower cruise, lowest price
3 floats, 12 to 22 guests, faster, smoother over wakes
Top deck with slide, 16 to 24 guests, party vibe
40 guests, sound system, shaded seating
Simple rules that keep the swimming spots friendly for everyone.
Anchor 15 feet from your neighbor
Music at conversation volume, not club volume
Take everything you bring
Watch the tide so you do not run aground
Use the bathroom, not the water
Routes that make the most of 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)
Browse the fleet and pick the boat that fits your group
Pick your date, dock, and route
Pay your deposit and the captain meets you at the marina
Every pontoon in our fleet is inspected and verified for safety, cleanliness, and reliability. You book with confidence.
All pontoons come with licensed captains who know Rio waters and prioritize your safety.
Secure your pontoon with a deposit and pay the remainder closer to your trip date. Flexible cancellation policies available.
Upgrade your trip with catering, decor, and more. Customize every detail.
Our team is available around the clock to answer questions, make recommendations, and handle any issues.
Earn points on every booking and unlock exclusive perks like free upgrades, priority scheduling, and member-only pricing.
Real reviews from guests who chartered pontoons through Book My Boat.
“Rented a tritoon with 18 friends for a Saturday at the Piscininha. The captain parked us right in the sandbar roped-off swim spot and the onboard grill handled the churrasco. Zero stress.”
“Took the whole family on a double-decker with the slide. Grandkids went down it a hundred times while the adults relaxed on the upper deck. Easiest boat day we have ever had in Rio.”
“The 50ft party pontoon was perfect for a bachelorette. Sound system, shaded seats, dance floor, and the captain kept the energy up all four hours. Everything on the listing was exactly there.”
“We floated Barra at golden hour on a calm-water afternoon. The log ride stayed smooth even over the small wakes, and our baby napped in the shade the whole time.”
Small pontoons start at $70 (R$360) per hour. Standard 24 to 30 foot boats run $150 (R$760) to $400 (R$2,050) per hour. 50ft party pontoons cost $470 (R$2,400) per hour. Most have a 3 to 4 hour minimum. Captain, fuel, and safety gear included.
Not always. If you book with a captain, you do nothing. To drive it yourself, Brazil requires the Arrais Amador license from the Brazilian Navy. Most people skip the paperwork and book with a licensed captain.
Standard pontoons carry 10 to 14 guests. 30 foot boats carry 18 to 22. Double-deckers carry 16 to 24. 50ft party pontoons carry up to 40 guests.
Yes. Pontoons have a shallow draft and easily reach the Piscininha in Urca or the Itaipu anchorage. Your captain adjusts the trip with the tide. Weekends fill up by 11am, so most boats leave the dock at 9am.
Pontoons are the most kid-friendly boats on the platform. Brazilian Navy rules require a life vest on board for every guest, and small children wear theirs while underway. Vests are included.
Small pontoons usually do not. Mid-size 26 to 30 foot boats usually have a small head. 50ft party pontoons carry a full enclosed bathroom.
Most listings allow a portable propane grill. Charcoal is restricted. Some boats have a built-in grill. Check the specific rule on each listing.
1 week ahead for weekdays. 3 to 4 weeks for weekends. High season (December through March) and holiday weekends sell out 6 to 8 weeks in advance.
Reach thousands of locals and visitors who want a private rental. Book My Boat handles the bookings, payments, and customer service. You handle the boat.