When the mist rises like a breath from the river and your heartbeat quickens at the thunder of water, that's when you know: you haven't just seen Iguazu, you've felt it. The Iguazu Falls boat ride plunges you deep into the cascades, past rainbows shimmering like silk and cliffs draped in emerald jungle. This isn't sightseeing from afar; this is immersion. Feel the spray on your skin, taste the wildness in the air, and let Iguazu mark you forever. Spots fill fast, so don’t just visit, become part of Iguazu.
Once you’ve trekked the jungle trails and boarded your semi-rigid boat at Puerto Macuco, the real heart-racing part begins. The Gran Aventura boat ride is not scenic—it’s electric. Here's exactly what to expect, how long it lasts, and what to watch for:
1. Sit on the left side of the boat for the best photos at Tres Mosqueteros
Before the madness begins, you get a short window to photograph both the Brazilian and Argentine falls from the river. The left side faces them directly on the approach. Have your camera ready and already set to video or burst—you won’t get a second shot, literally.
2. Bring two Ziploc bags—one inside the other—for backup
Even though they give you a waterproof bag, it’s communal. If you want to store your personal essentials (like passport copy, medication, or credit card), use a double-layered Ziploc system and keep it on your body. Trust us—moisture finds its way in.
3. If you're wearing contacts, wear sunglasses over them or risk losing vision
Water sprays from above, from the side, and rebounds off the floor of the boat. Contacts can shift or even wash out completely. A tight-fitting pair of sunglasses helps block direct hits to the eyes. You’ll thank yourself for it mid-ride.
4. Wear shoes that dry fast, not just waterproof ones
Waterproof = hot, squelchy, and soaked from the inside. Instead, go for quick-dry trekking sandals or trail runners. You’ll be walking afterward, and nothing ruins the jungle vibes like heavy, dripping shoes that squish for hours.
5. Don’t be the person who brings an umbrella or poncho
It’s tempting, especially when you hear you’re going to get wet. But ponchos just fly in your face during the ride, and umbrellas are banned. Everyone gets soaked. That’s the point. Embrace it. Dress for it. Live for it.
6. Ask your guide for the earliest boat slot if you're visiting in summer
Between 9am and 11am, the sun hits the spray just right, and you’ll often see full circular rainbows from the boat. Later in the day, the light gets harsher, and the viewing angles are flatter.
You can, but it needs to be sealed inside the waterproof bag they give you before the boat approaches the falls. If your phone isn't in a proper waterproof case, it will get ruined. No selfies mid-splash unless you're okay with saying goodbye to your device.
If you’re visiting both sides, start with Brazil for a panoramic overview and then Argentina for closer encounters with the falls. If you only have time for one, Argentina has more trails and up-close views, but Brazil offers the most dramatic perspectives.
Yes, extremely. The guides are licensed, experienced, and trained for this exact terrain. The boats are inspected regularly, life jackets are mandatory, and safety briefings happen before boarding. But it’s not a calm cruise—it’s fast, loud, and physically intense. You need to be okay with bumps, splashes, and rapid water.
Only for children aged 12 and up. The ride isn’t safe for younger kids, pregnant travelers, or anyone with serious back, neck, heart, or mobility issues. The trail to the dock includes stairs and uneven terrain, and the ride itself can be jarring. If you’re unsure, talk to your doctor before booking.
Yes, absolutely. You can stick to the Upper, Lower, and Devil’s Throat walkways and still have a jaw-dropping experience. But if you want the kind of memory that makes your heart race years later, the boat ride is it. It’s the one thing most people end up calling the highlight of their trip.
Iguazú is an amazing place with so much to see and do. The waterfalls are beautiful and there are many routes to view them from different perspectives. The rail makes it very easy to get from one circuit to the other and the restaurant on site was also great!
Very good and satisfying experience
The awesomeness of the falls. The parks is well designed and maintained.
Everything was perfect, also the weather😉
I ordered tickets the morning we were going to the falls. We arrived for 8am opening and tickets had still not been received. This meant we had to purchase two more tickets at the desk. When asked for a refund they said this was not available meaning we paid twice the amount for entry.
Level of service, timing, value for money
Booking and using ticket for Iguazu falls was effortless. Felt good to have purchased online before going to the falls. Thank you.
Explore Argentina’s falls with full trail access and eco-train rides through the rainforest.
Justin
Janis
Explore Iguazú Falls from Argentina and Brazil with transfers, guided tours, and boat ride
Inclusions
Entry ticket to Iguazú National Park (Argentine or Brazilian side, as per option selected)
Round-trip transfers from hotels in downtown Puerto Iguazú
Professional multilingual guide (Spanish, English, Portuguese) (as per option selected)
Guided tour along the park’s main walkways (Upper/Lower Circuits and Devil’s Throat) (as per option selected)
Ecological train ticket within the park
Open panoramic bus ride within the Brazilian park (as per option selected)
4x4 safari through the missionary jungle (as per option selected)
Boat ride to the base of the waterfalls (Gran Aventura excursion) (as per option selected)
Exclusions
Gratuities (optional, not included)
Personal expenses (souvenirs, snacks, extra drinks)
Activities or excursions outside the chosen itinerary
Additional transfers outside downtown Puerto Iguazú
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.
The ultimate Iguazu adventure: waterfalls, jungle safari, and boat thrill in one day!
Inclusions
Hotel pickup and drop-off from anywhere in downtown Puerto Iguazú
Entrance ticket to Iguazu National Park (Argentinian side)
Guided tour with professional multilingual guide (Spanish, English, Portuguese)
Ecological train ticket to the Devil’s Throat circuit
Gran Aventura boat ride under the falls
4x4 jungle safari through the Missionary Jungle
Exclusions
Personal expenses, souvenirs, extra snacks
Tips or gratuities (voluntary, not mandatory)
Any activities not listed in the itinerary (such as extra excursions)
Wheelchair accessibility or special mobility assistance (not available)
Baby seats (infants sit on adult laps during transfers)