AQUAMARINA TOURS

Boat tours in Paraty: how to choose yours

Paraty Bay has dozens of islands and beaches you can only reach by sea. There are three ways to see them — schooner, shared speedboat and private boat — and each one suits a different kind of trip. This guide explains the differences, the routes and what each option costs.

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Paraty boat tours

Schooner: the classic tour, with everything on board

A schooner is a large, stable boat that carries many passengers comfortably: it has toilets, a bar, music, shade and a sun deck. It is the most affordable option and a family favorite. The tour lasts 5 to 6 hours, with four stops to swim, snorkel and take photos.

On the Schooner Aquamarina II, the south route visits Ilha dos Cocos, Praia da Lula, Lagoa Azul and Praia da Conceição, with the biggest triple slide on the pier, Starlink Wi-Fi and a tender to take you ashore, from R$ 115 per adult. The Schooner Poseidon sails the north route, with quieter beaches.

  • South Route aboard the Schooner Aquamarina II – Paraty, RJ — Explore the stunning beaches of Paraty aboard the new Aquamarina II schooner on an unforgettable tour full of adventure and comfort! From R$ 115 per person · approx. 5 hours
  • Poseidon Schooner — North Route | Paraty, RJ — Forget the traditional route! Sail along the most preserved coastline of Paraty aboard the Poseidon Schooner, a new and modern vessel with an exclusive route along the North side — quiet beaches, crystal-clear waters and picture-perfect scenery. From R$ 130 per person · approx. 6 hours

Shared speedboat: further and faster

A speedboat is smaller and much faster, so it reaches distant places in a single day. The most popular shared tour goes to Saco do Mamanguá, Paraty’s tropical fjord: departure at 10:30 am, about 6 hours and no more than 15 passengers, for R$ 250 per person.

  • Speedboat Tour through Saco do Mamanguá — Explore the stunning tropical fjord of Brazil on an exciting speedboat tour leaving from Paraty, diving into crystal-clear waters and admiring the lush Atlantic Forest! From R$ 250 per person · approx. 6 hours

Private boat: just for your group

On a private boat you choose the route, the time and how long you stay at each beach. The price is for the whole boat, from R$ 950, and split across the group it can come close to the price of a shared tour. It is the best choice for couples, families and celebrations. The most requested routes are:

  • Classic: Ilha dos Cocos, Lagoa Azul, Praia Vermelha and Praia da Lula.
  • Paradises & Snorkel: Ilha Comprida, Saco da Velha, Praia da Conceição or Jurumirim and Lagoa Azul.
  • Mamanguá Express: Ilha da Cotia, Saco do Mamanguá and Ilha do Mantimento, with a surcharge for the distance.

How much is a boat tour in Paraty?

Lunch and drinks are paid separately. Each day’s prices are shown on the tour page when you book.

  • Schooner: from R$ 115 per adult.
  • Shared speedboat to Saco do Mamanguá: R$ 250 per person.
  • Private boat: from R$ 950 for the boat, for a trip of about 5 hours.
  • Private luxury schooner: from R$ 4.000 per day.

What to bring and how to prepare

  • Swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses.
  • A dry change of clothes and a waterproof bag for your phone.
  • Cash or a card for the bar on board and for lunch.
  • Seasickness tablets if you tend to need them: the bay is sheltered, but a speedboat moves more than a schooner.
  • Be at the Cais de Turismo 30 minutes before departure.

Best time of year for a boat tour

Boat tours run all year round in Paraty. In summer, from December to March, the sea is warmer and the days are long, but it rains more and the pier gets busy, so book ahead. In autumn and winter it rains less, the days are cooler and the beaches are emptier. If the weather does not allow the trip, it is rescheduled or refunded.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best boat tour in Paraty?

For a first visit, the schooner on the south route (Ilha dos Cocos, Lagoa Azul and Praia da Lula) is the most complete and affordable. For wilder scenery, take the speedboat to Saco do Mamanguá; couples and groups often prefer a private boat.

How long is a boat tour?

The schooner leaves at 11 am and returns between 4:30 and 5 pm; the Mamanguá speedboat tour takes about 6 hours; a private boat about 5 hours.

Can children go on a boat tour?

Yes. The schooner is the most comfortable option for children, with kids’ life jackets, toilets and stops in calm water. Children pay a reduced fare.

Do I need to book in advance?

In high season, on holidays and at weekends, yes: places sell out. Book a few days ahead on the website or on WhatsApp.

Tours to book

  • Private Speedboat Tour in Paraty: MADAME — Embark on the Madame speedboat for an unforgettable tour in Paraty, full of comfort, beauty, and personalized adventure! R$ 1.300 for the whole boat · To be arranged

More Paraty guides

  • Things to do in Paraty — Things to do in Paraty: schooner tour of the islands, Saco do Mamanguá, Trindade, waterfalls by jeep, cachaça distilleries, diving and the Historic Center. With a 3-day itinerary and local tips.
  • Saco do Mamanguá — Saco do Mamanguá, Paraty’s tropical fjord: how to get there, Pico do Pão de Açúcar, beaches and the caiçara village. Speedboat tour from Paraty for R$ 250 per person.
  • Paraty beaches and islands — The beaches and islands of Paraty you reach by boat: Ilha dos Cocos, Lagoa Azul, Praia da Lula, Praia Vermelha, Ilha Comprida and Saco da Velha. See which tour goes to each one.
  • Trindade — Trindade, 30 km from Paraty: Praia do Meio, Cachadaço and the Cachadaço natural pool. How to get there, tips and a full-day tour from Paraty for R$ 160.
  • Jeep tour and waterfalls — Paraty 4x4 jeep tour for R$ 130 per adult: the Pedra Branca waterfall, Poço do Tarzan with its natural rock slide, cachaça distilleries and a cassava flour house. Hotel pick-up included.