Guanabara Bay, Natural bay in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Guanabara Bay is a large natural bay in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, stretching between the cities of Rio de Janeiro and Niterói. More than 130 islands sit scattered across its waters, and the coastline shifts between rocky cliffs, beaches, and densely built waterfront neighborhoods.
Portuguese explorers reached these waters on the first day of January in 1502 and named the place after the month of their arrival. The bay became the center of colonial settlement, and the city of Rio grew along its shores over the following centuries.
The name comes from the Tupi language and describes a bay that resembles the open sea, reflecting the indigenous roots of the region. Fishing boats and ferries cross these waters daily, and the waterfront neighborhoods hold traditions passed down through generations of coastal communities.
The Rio-Niterói Bridge crosses the waters and offers one of the easiest routes between the two shores for drivers and bus passengers. Ferries also run regularly between Rio and Niterói, providing a slower but pleasant alternative with views of the coastline.
The entrance to the bay sits between Sugarloaf Mountain and several fortresses that stand on both sides of the mouth. These landmarks once served as defense posts and now frame the passage for all incoming ships.
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