Olympic inspiration: 7 days discovering Brazil on a superyacht

If you are planning on visiting Rio de Janeiro for the Olympics then why not start or finish your trip exploring Brazil’s stunning coastline? Local expert Brazil Yacht Services passes on the secrets of this tropical coastal

Day 1: Rio de Janeiro

Land at Rio de Janeiro’s Galeão airport and, in 45 minutes, you’ll be on your yacht at Marina da Glória or in Botafogo Bay. Climb Sugarloaf mountain, see the famous statue of Christ the Redeemer and wander the Botanical Garden below. The adventurous might try a tandem paraglider flight above São Conrado beach or surf in Arpoador.

Depart from Rio in the morning towards Ilha Grande, 60nm to the west. Drop anchor at Enseada das Palmas, a secluded anchorage on the northeastern side, and enjoy watersports or go for a walk on this car-free island. You can reach beautiful Lopes Mendes beach after an easy 15-minute walk through the forest.

Depart from Palmas. You’ll soon arrive in Ilha Grande’s Blue Lagoon, a perfect snorkelling spot. Then head to Saco do Céu, a completely enclosed anchorage, and take lunch in one of the waterside restaurants. Move on to Vila do Abraão, the main town, and have a drink at a beach café with your feet in the sand.

Leave Abraão village and make your way west. There are hundreds of small islands and beaches where you can swim, fish or just relax – and golfers can play at the Frade course. Move on to Sitio Forte Bay for a quiet night at one of the most spacious anchorages in the area.

Anchor just across the bay from the pretty town of Paraty. After the discovery of gold around Minas Gerais in 1693, Paraty became a wealthy export harbour. The old colonial houses are perfectly preserved and guides will take you around the cobbled streets by horse and cart.

Head east for the fjords of Saco do Mamanguá. Anchor by Ilha da Cotia for lunch amid forested hills. Cruise east for more fabulous beaches and stop for dinner at Praia da Cajaíba beach. Depart in the early evening for a sunset and overnight trip towards Ilhabela.

Ilhabela is the location for the famous sailing week in July. Visit some of the local shops, or one of the island’s several waterfalls. An off-road trip towards Castellanos Bay is also possible. Before departing, take a helicopter flight towards São Paulo or Rio to enjoy the beauty of the region from above.