Discover Paraty’s Best Islands on an Exclusive Schooner Tour

Paraty’s best island stops come with a few unexpected extras: a triple water slide, a swing and Starlink Wi-Fi aboard the Aquamarina II. The five-hour schooner trip pairs time in the water with a cushioned, two-level boat, so you can take a swim or sit back between stops.

I like the range of places on the route, from Ilha dos Cocos to the clear waters of Lagoa Azul, and the practical comforts that make a half-day at sea easier: toilets, shaded seating areas, a bar and restaurant, and a support boat for reaching shore. The crew is described as kind and considerate, a welcome detail on a trip where smooth boarding and help at the beaches matter.

One consideration: this is a shared boat outing, not a quiet, private sail. Music, the slide and onboard service add to the fun, but if you want hours of silence or a long stretch on one beach, the stop-and-go format may not suit you.

• Four island and beach stops: The route includes Ilha dos Cocos, Praia da Conceição, Lagoa Azul and Praia da Lula.
• A boat built for comfort: Aquamarina II has two levels, cushioned areas, tables and chairs, toilets, and a freshwater rinse at the end.
• A slide and support boat: You can play on the onboard water slide, then use the motorized support boat to reach beaches.
• Wi-Fi at sea: Starlink is available throughout the tour, though you may prefer to put your phone away during swims.
• Bring your pet if you wish: The service is pet friendly, and the onboard bar and restaurant sell food and drinks separately.

A five-hour schooner trip from Paraty

Aquamarina II leaves from Paraty’s Tourist Pier, where the schooner is easy to spot by its yellow heart, triple slide and Instagram-style swing. Check in with the staff by giving your name or showing your voucher. Arrive at least 30 minutes before departure, with 10:30 a.m. given as the recommended check-in time.

The trip lasts five hours, though starting times depend on availability. That length gives you time to visit several spots without committing to a full day on the water. It also means you’ll want swimwear, a towel, sunscreen and light clothing. Snorkeling gear is recommended if you want to see marine life at the stops.

The Aquamarina II is more than transport between beaches. Its two levels, seating areas, tables and chairs make it a place to rest between swims. Toilets, background music and a bar and restaurant add convenience, while the slide gives children and playful adults another reason to stay aboard between stops.

That mix is the tour’s main appeal. You can alternate between swimming, shore time and lounging on deck rather than spending all five hours in one mode. The tradeoff is that the boat’s amenities and social atmosphere are part of the outing. If you are looking for a quiet sail, the music and activity may feel like a lot.

Ilha dos Cocos: a calm first swim

The first stop is Ilha dos Cocos, where the tour allows about an hour for sightseeing. The clear water and marine life make this a good place to start with a swim or snorkel. Bring your own snorkeling gear if you have it, since it is recommended for enjoying what is in the water.

Think of this stop as your chance to get comfortable with the day’s rhythm. You will board, travel between locations, then have time to swim or look around before returning to the schooner. If you prefer not to get in the water, you can stay aboard and make use of the seating areas.

A support boat helps people reach the beaches, which is useful when the schooner is not right alongside the shore. The details of shore access can vary with conditions, so follow the crew’s directions and allow time for the transfer. If you are bringing a pet, ask staff about any practical arrangements before you set off.

Praia da Conceição: white sand and calm water

Praia da Conceição is described as a peaceful stop with white sand and calm water. The plan allows about an hour here, making it a natural place to slow down after the first swim. You can relax on the beach, take another swim or simply enjoy a break from the boat.

The hour is useful, but it is not an open-ended beach visit. Keep an eye on the time and listen for instructions about returning to the schooner. With four stops packed into a five-hour tour, the day is designed for variety, not a long stay at any one beach.

If you would rather stay aboard, the boat’s cushioned areas and tables offer a comfortable alternative. This flexibility matters if someone in your group wants to swim while another would rather sit, take photos or enjoy a drink. Food and drinks are available for purchase, so they are not part of the $23 ticket price.

Lagoa Azul: clear water and colorful fish

Lagoa Azul is the stop most clearly suited to snorkeling. The water is described as transparent, with colorful fish, giving you a chance to see marine life rather than just swim in a scenic bay. Pack a mask and snorkel if you want to make the most of this stop.

The stop is part of a route that balances water time with time aboard. You can take a swim, look for fish, then return to the schooner for a rest before continuing. The Starlink connection means you can share photos while the boat is underway, but you may find it more satisfying to enjoy the water first and check your phone later.

Do not expect an organized snorkeling lesson or supplied snorkel equipment: neither is specified. Bring your own gear if it matters to you, and ask the crew if you have questions about conditions at the stop. The tour is weather dependent, so water and sailing conditions can affect the plan.

Praia da Lula: the final beach stop

Praia da Lula is the last beach on the route, described as a quieter spot for relaxing and taking photos. It provides a gentle finish to the sequence of stops before the return to the pier. Bring your phone or camera in a waterproof case if you want pictures near the water.

The support boat helps make beach access easier, while the main schooner remains the base for the tour. That arrangement is handy, but it also means you should follow the crew’s timing and instructions when moving between boat and shore. Keep your towel and any personal items together so the return to the schooner is simple.

After the stops, the tour ends with a freshwater rinse aboard before returning to the Tourist Pier. It is a small but practical touch after swimming in salt water. The activity ends where it began, so you do not need to arrange a separate return transfer.

What the $23 ticket includes

At $23 per person, the tour offers good value if you want several island and beach stops in one outing. The ticket covers five hours on the schooner, access to the boat’s seating areas and facilities, Starlink Wi-Fi, floatation mats, the water slide, background music, a support boat and the freshwater rinse.

Food and drinks from the onboard bar and restaurant cost extra. That distinction is worth keeping in mind when comparing the price with a simple boat trip. If you plan to eat or order drinks, budget for those purchases separately. Payments aboard can be made by PIX, card or cash.

The value is not just the number of stops. You are also getting a boat with toilets and places to sit, plus shore access support and some entertainment for children. If you only want a basic ride to one beach, you may not need all those extras. If you want a sociable half-day with several chances to swim, the package makes more sense.

Crew, languages and practical details

Tours are offered in Portuguese, English and Spanish. That gives you a choice of language for the live guide, though you should check the language available for your specific departure when booking. The crew is described as kind and considerate, a useful quality when you need help boarding or understanding how to reach the beaches.

The tour is pet friendly, which can make it a good option if you want to bring your animal along. Confirm any practical details with the operator before the day, and remember that the outing involves a boat, beach stops and time in the sun. Bring water and sun protection for yourself and your pet.

The schedule depends on favorable weather. If conditions are unsafe for sailing, the tour will be rescheduled or the amount paid refunded. The operator also asks you to tell staff in advance about dietary restrictions so they can adapt the restaurant options.

Booking can be done with a reserve-now, pay-later option, and cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. These terms help if your plans are not fixed, but they do not remove the weather risk. Check the departure time and latest conditions before heading to the pier.

Is Aquamarina II right for you?

I’d choose this tour if I wanted a comfortable, active half-day that combines several swimming spots with useful onboard facilities. Families may appreciate the slide and toilets, while couples and groups can spread out between beach time and the boat’s seating areas. The Wi-Fi, bar and restaurant add convenience, but the setting is still the main reason to go.

I’d think twice if I wanted a private, quiet boat or a long, unhurried stretch at a single beach. This is a five-hour group outing with multiple stops, background music and a lively onboard setup. For the price, that variety and comfort are appealing, as long as you’re happy with a paced route and optional purchases for food and drinks.

FAQ

How long is the schooner tour?

The tour lasts five hours. Starting times vary, so check availability when booking.

What places does the tour visit?

The stops are Ilha dos Cocos, Praia da Conceição, Lagoa Azul and Praia da Lula.

Where does the tour start and finish?

It starts and ends at the Tourist Pier in Paraty, where the Aquamarina II is anchored.

How early should I arrive?

Arrive at least 30 minutes before departure for check-in. The recommended check-in time provided is 10:30 a.m.

Is food included in the ticket?

No. The onboard bar and restaurant offer food and drinks for purchase.

Is Wi-Fi available on the boat?

Yes. Starlink Wi-Fi is available throughout the tour.

Can I bring my pet?

Yes. The service is pet friendly.

What languages are offered?

The live tour guide is available in Portuguese, English and Spanish.

What happens if the weather is unsafe?

If conditions are not safe for sailing, the tour will be rescheduled or the amount paid refunded.