The 9 Copacabana & Ipanema Beach Days in Brazil That Earn Their Price

1.Beginner Samba Lesson in Ipanema

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 1,071 reviews · 1 hour · from $25Our pick

Spend one lively hour learning beginner samba at Samba Fit in Ipanema with Carla, Ranaa, or Gaby, instructors who have performed with major samba schools. Expect clear step-by-step teaching, music, a small group of up to 10, Carnival costumes for photos, and class images and videos afterward.

“Gaby was such an incredible teacher who was patient, entertaining and lovely to meet. It was such a fun experience right before Carnival with amazing music and fun dance routines. I highly recommend to book this experience and have Gaby showcase a snippet of Brazilian culture.”

Check availability →Read our full review

2.Samba Class in Copacabana

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 262 reviews · 1 hour · from $25

Spend one hour learning basic samba in Copacabana with an English, Portuguese, or Spanish-speaking instructor. Teachers such as Marco, Mauricio, Bruno, and Thiago bring patient guidance, music, and plenty of energy. Expect a beginner-friendly class, international company, and possible carnival-style photos.

“The teacher was great, but there was too many of us in a small space. Didn't learn as much as I hoped.”

Check availability →Read our full review

3.Samba Class in Copacabana

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 52 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $35

Meet your guide at Rio Samba Dancer’s studio on Copacabana’s main avenue for a one-hour samba lesson. No partner or dance experience is needed. Instructors such as Marcos, Carla, Bem Vind, and Carmen teach basic steps, explain samba culture, and may add costume photos during daytime classes.

“Very fun! A very Welcoming lesson, and great way to start my trip in Brazil! No prior dance experience needed and tailored to all levels.”

Check availability →Read our full review

4.Stand-Up Paddle – Copacabana Beach Sunrise

★★★★★★★★★★3.7 · 39 reviews · 1h 30m · from $70

Meet near Posto 6, beside the Fairmont Hotel and Fisherman colony Z-13, for a 90-minute sunrise SUP outing. An instructor teaches basic technique before you paddle to Copacabana Fort and offshore viewing spots. Portuguese, English, Spanish, German, Dutch, and French are offered.

“Pior experiência da minha vida! Conselho que dou é NÃO FAÇAM. Primeiro que fui no ponto de encontro e não tinha ninguém lá, cheguei 4h15 e o horário marcado era às 4h30. Daí fiquei em plena madrugada do Rio esperando responderem as minhas mensagem ou atenderem as minhas ligações e nada. Daí tive que ir na orla da praia saindo de quiosque em quiosque procurando o responsável pela atividade. Só conseguir fazer pois tinha um lá que tinha parceria com a “ empresa” ao qual contratei, caso contrário não iria conseguir fazer a atividade. O rapaz que me atendeu me passou a informação que eles não tinham mais o ponto…”

Check availability →Read our full review

5.Surf lessons: in Arpoador in Ipanema.

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 35 reviews · from $33

Meet Surf Matrix at the yellow tent on Arpoador Beach for a one-hour lesson in English, Portuguese, or Spanish. You’ll learn board position, paddling, standing up, and ocean safety on the sand before practicing in the water with a class tailored to your level.

“We had Rafael as a surfing instructor with this company. I could not recommend enough! They were flexible with the timings as it is weather dependant. Rafael was fabulous, full of energy, spoke English very well and was a wonderful teacher. Worth every penny!”

Check availability →Read our full review

6.Surf lessons with local instructors in Copacabana/ipanema!

★★★★★★★★★★3.6 · 31 reviews · 1 day · from $10Best value

Meet a local surf instructor in Copacabana or Ipanema for a one-hour lesson covering warm-ups, standing on the board, sea safety, and riding waves. Group and private classes are available in English, Portuguese, or Spanish. Equipment is provided, but confirm the meeting details and bring 200 reais per person.

“En fait je n’ai pas trouvé le guide!parce qu’il n’y en avait pas!sur votre site ce sont des photos de toutes les écoles de surf d’ipanema!et personne ne représente ce site!il n’y avait pas de numéro de téléphone pour avec des explications!j’ai dû repayer pour avoir un cours! Je ne comprends pas car j’ai réservé plusieurs activités avec vous! mais pour le surf c’est à revoir! Pourriez-vous procéder à mon remboursement?”

Check availability →Read our full review

7.Yoga + Sound Healing – Ipanema Park

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 12 reviews · 5 days · from $28

Meet Yuri Bringel for a private yoga and sound-healing session beside the sea at Ipanema Park. With 20 years of practice and training from Yoganaya International School, he teaches Hatha, Vinyasa, and restorative yoga in English, French, Spanish, or Portuguese.

“La sesión de yoga y las indicaciones de Yuri me ayudaron”

Check availability →Read our full review

8.Bossa Nova and the Carioca life – Copacabana and Ipanema

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 8 reviews · 2h 30m · from $50

Walk from Ipanema to Copacabana with a local guide, discussing the Girl from Ipanema, Bossa Nova, beach sports, food, New Year's Eve, and Carioca life. The 150-minute tour includes Copacabana Fort, coconut water, and practical Rio tips. Guides speak English, Portuguese, and Spanish.

“Lola absolut fantastic, it was a great experience! She is very knowledgeable and it made an interesting tour not your usual touristy thing!”

Check availability →Read our full review

9.Copacabana Sunrise Stand Up Paddleboard Tour

★★★★★★★★★★3.7 · 6 reviews · 1h 30m · from $58

Meet at the red turtle tent on Avenida Atlântica, then paddle across Copacabana Beach as Rio wakes up. You get a board, paddle, leash, life jacket, instruction, and photos or videos. English and Spanish instruction is available, but the activity is for swimmers aged 15 and over.

“Vue magnifique. Mais on a pas le droit de s'arrêter 2 secondes pour prendre une photo. Les moniteurs ne font que crier qu'il faut avancer. Plus stressant qu'autre chose. 1 seconde à l'arrêt et on se fait crier dessus. Pas relaxant pour admirer la vue”

Check availability →Read our full review