Galeota Real, Historic royal barge in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

The Galeota Real is a 24-metre wooden galley built in 1808 in Salvador and later moved to Rio de Janeiro. Its hull is made of noble woods, and it was originally propelled by 22 oars, later increased to 30. At the stern, a cabin lined with velvet is richly decorated; at the bow, a dragon figurehead symbolises the House of Braganza.

Built in 1808 by order of the Count of Ponte at the Arsenal shipyards in Salvador, the Galeota Real served the Prince Regent during the Portuguese court's transfer to Brazil (1808-1821). It was taken to Rio de Janeiro in 1809, where 23 royal rowers from the Algarve, wearing silver helmets, were assigned to it. On 25 April 1821 it carried the royal family out to the ship that returned them to Portugal.

The stern cabin is lined with velvet and richly decorated, while the bow carries a dragon figurehead, the emblem of the House of Bragança. The 23 royal rowers, called "algarves" after their native Algarve, wore special uniforms topped with silver helmets.

The Galeota Real is displayed at the Espaço Cultural da Marinha in Rio's historic centre, where it was given its own exhibition space after restoration. It forms part of a thematic module and is one of the space's permanent attractions, so it can be seen alongside the other naval exhibits there.

The 23 royal rowers, called "algarves", came from the Algarve province and wore a special uniform topped by silver helmets. They were assigned to the Rio de Janeiro Navy Arsenal on 28 March 1809 under the Arsenal's patrão-mor. In 1931-1935 an admiral proposed sawing the barge in half and sending one half to the National History Museum.