The Docas do Rio de Janeiro Autoridade Portuária (Rio Docks Port Authority), Avenida Rodrigues Alves, 20 Praça Mauá (tel: (21) 2219 9542/3; website: www.portosrio.gov.br/rio), regulates all water traffic in Guanabara Bay. Cruise ships anchor in the port during the summer and during Carnival. Ferry, hydrofoil and catamaran services depart from Estação das Barcas, beside the Praça XV de Novembro in the Centro. Tickets are available for purchase here. The ferry terminal is very basic and tourist services are limited. Nevertheless, there are many banks (with ATMs), shops and restaurants in the immediate area.

Boat services: The only ferry routes from Rio are local. Rio is an extremely popular destination for cruise ships and many thousands of passengers disembark at the city each year. Costa Cruzeiros (tel: (21) 2220 0505; website: www.costacruzeiros.com.br) operates cruises to and from Rio and the city is also a popular stop for international cruise liners.

Transport to the city: Regular public buses (see Getting Around) run to the Centro, Copacabana and Ipanema. Taxis are also readily available. The Centro is a short walk from the Estação das Barcas and Barcas Metrô station is situated nearby.