Tour of Recife and its Bridges

Take a tour of Recife aboard a catamaran and discover the beautiful bridges of the city

The Capibaribe River cuts through the city and offers boat tours that provide unique landscapes and a charming perspective of Recife.

Recife captivates visitors with its historic buildings, cultural diversity, exceptional cuisine, beautiful beaches, and an urban vibrancy that blends tradition and modernity. Cut by the Beberibe and Capibaribe rivers and with around 50 bridges, the capital of Pernambuco is now known as the ‘Brazilian Venice.’ Exploring its waters and discovering its famous bridges on a catamaran tour is a unique experience for those visiting the city.

Did you know? Recife was awarded the title of UNESCO Creative City of Music. Musical rhythms are part of the city’s DNA and constitute one of its core identity pillars. Carnival is the highlight, when all the groups come together and everything turns into rhythm, harmony, and celebration. But throughout the year, the mix of frevo, maracatu, coco, caboclinho, brega, samba, rock, manguebeat, and many other rhythms, energize both the locals and visitors.

SAILING ON THE CAPIBARIBE RIVER

The Capibaribe River is considered the heart of Recife. For about 1 hour and 20 minutes, you will sail through its waters and enjoy a unique view of the city. The catamaran passes by the three islands in the city center – Santo Antônio, Recife Antigo, and Boa Vista – while the guide shares fascinating stories and reveals curiosities that transform the tour into a journey through time.

At first glance, Praça do Marco Zero – the cultural heart of Recife – and the Francisco Brennand Sculpture Park stand out. At this point, the guide provides a detailed explanation about the park, ensuring you don’t miss the rich history and meaning behind the works of the Pernambuco artist.

As you admire the historic buildings, the boat moves on to the first bridge of the route: the Limoeiro Bridge. Along the riverbanks, the mangroves serve as ecological corridors, acting as nurseries for marine and riverine animals

The colorful buildings on Rua da Aurora catch the eye and enhance the stunning view. Shortly after, the buildings of the Legislative Assembly, the Palácio do Campo das Princesas, and the Ginásio Pernambucano appear before you. The Princesa Isabel Bridge connects both riverbanks, and from there, you can admire Praça da República and the incredible Teatro de Santa Isabel. The final stop of this tour is the Duarte Coelho Bridge, beautifying the landscape.

Tip: Some schedules for this tour include a stop at the Francisco Brennand Sculpture Park. It’s the perfect opportunity to disembark and admire up close the works and sculptures of the Pernambuco artist.

CUISINE

Want an even more complete experience? You can combine the tour with lunch or dinner at Restaurante Catamaran, the largest outdoor restaurant in Recife. For starters, enjoy tapioca cubes with red pepper jelly or shrimp pastel, both absolutely delicious! For the main course, you can choose between tilapia with shrimp provençal or risotto with filet mignon and funghi. And of course, dessert is a must! The options include chocolate fudge cake and milk pudding. All of this accompanied by live music, wrapping up the tour in style!

HIGHLIGHTS

Visit Brazil Vitrine Experience: A tour of Recife and its bridges

HOW TO GET THERE

Recife International Airport