Discover Paraty’s Best Islands on an Exclusive Schooner Tour

Paraty by sea is different from Paraty on foot, and this exclusive schooner tour gives you that change of pace in just 5 hours. I like the way the modern Aquamarina II makes the trip feel comfortable from the start, with a double-decker layout, cushioned seating, and fun extras like the water slide. The best part is that you are not just sightseeing from a dock, you are actually spending time in the water at each stop.

I also really like that the vibe is practical and friendly, with a kind and considerate staff and support to get you to the beaches. One consideration, though, is simple: the tour depends on safe weather for sailing, so on rough days your plans could shift.

Key highlights at a glance

• Starlink Wi-Fi on board so you can share what you see while you are still on the water
• Aquamarina II comforts including a two-storey deck, cushioned areas, and toilets on board
• Water slide fun plus floatation mats for easier, more relaxed swimming
• Four standout stops with time to swim and snorkel around Ilha dos Cocos, Conceição, Lagoa Azul, and Lula Beach
• Support boat access that makes getting to shore much easier than it would be on smaller craft
• Pet friendly service and a photographer on board to capture moments

A 5-hour schooner plan that keeps Paraty from feeling rushed

If you want islands and swimming without committing to a full day, this is a strong format. A 5-hour outing is long enough for real beach time, but short enough that you still have energy for Paraty afterward.

The tour is built around four stops that each have a different mood. You start with a calmer, nature-focused shoreline, then move to beaches where relaxing is the main goal, and finish with an especially photo-friendly stretch before cooling off on the way back. That order matters. It helps you avoid feeling like you are sprinting between places, even though the day moves.

You also get a modern boat experience rather than a basic wooden ride. The Aquamarina II is a double-decker schooner with cushioned seating, tables and chairs, and toilets onboard. That little comfort upgrade is a big deal when you are doing multiple hour-long water segments.

Finding the Aquamarina II at the Tourist Pier (the yellow heart helps)

Meeting points can make or break a day trip, and this one is pretty easy to spot. The schooner Aquamarina II from Paraty Sirena Tours is anchored and visible at the Tourist Pier. Look for the boat with the yellow instagrammable heart, plus the triple slide and an instagrammable swing.

Check in with the staff, and have your name or voucher ready. Bring your ID, because it is specifically recommended. If you hate last-minute stress, aim to arrive early. The guidance is to get to the tourist pier at least 30 minutes before departure, with 10:30am noted as the departure reference point.

On board payments are flexible too. You can pay with PIX, card, or cash. That means you do not have to track down an ATM right before you board.

On-board comforts: cushioned decks, Starlink Wi-Fi, and a real bar setup

The Aquamarina II is designed so you can enjoy the ride, not just endure it. There are comfortable seating areas on the two-storey structure, and you can hang out at tables and chairs between stops. There is bar and restaurant service on board, and drinks and meals are optional, so you can keep it light if you want.

You will also have background music while sailing. It is not the kind of soundtrack that forces you to party, more like a gentle layer that matches a slow coastal rhythm.

Two features matter most for how the trip feels day-to-day:

• Starlink Wi-Fi on board
• the water slide

Starlink Wi-Fi is genuinely useful here. You can send photos and updates while you are still in the middle of the day. That is nice if you are traveling with family, trying to coordinate with others, or just want to capture the moment before it fades.

The water slide turns the whole outing into a more playful day, not only a swim-and-sun session. It is included, and it is the kind of extra that kids usually remember, but adults enjoy too, especially during that first calm stretch after boarding.

Finally, there are floatation mats available. If you are not a confident swimmer, or you just want an easier way to relax in shallow areas, mats make a difference.

Ilha dos Cocos: a calm first hour for snorkeling and looking closely

Your first stop is Ilha dos Cocos, with about 1 hour of sightseeing time. This is where the day shifts into water mode right away.

The tour highlights mention crystal-clear waters and marine life, so plan to bring swimwear and be ready to spend time in the water. Snorkels are recommended. Even if you are not doing full snorkeling, having a snorkel helps you enjoy those clear-water views longer without constantly returning to the surface.

Because you have only an hour here, I suggest you use your time like this: get oriented quickly, get in the water soon, and then decide if you want extra time at one spot. With a time-boxed itinerary, doing the first swim right away prevents the classic problem where you spend the first 20 minutes organizing and then feel rushed later.

The practical upside of this first stop is that it sets expectations. You get the feel of the water and the snorkeling vibe early, so the rest of the day feels easier.

Praia da Conceição: white sand, calm water, and an easy pace

Next comes Praia da Conceição, also with around 1 hour sightseeing time. The description focuses on peace, white sand, and calm waters.

This is the stop that works well if you want to slow down after the initial swim. You can do a gentle water session, then shift to beach time with towel-on-sand relaxation. If you are traveling with someone who prefers sunbathing over snorkeling, this tends to be the kind of beach that keeps everyone comfortable.

To make the most of it, pack for real beach comfort. Wear light clothing, and sunscreen is a must. Bring a towel and keep your swimwear accessible, because you will likely want to go from boat to sand quickly. Also, even if the water is calm, you still want to enter gradually, especially if you are not used to coastal temperatures.

One more detail that matters here is access. The tour includes a motorized support boat designed to make reaching the beaches easier. That reduces the hassle of awkward boarding and makes beach time start sooner.

Lagoa Azul (Blue Lagoon): clear water and colorful fish viewing

After Conceição, you reach the Blue Lagoon, called Lagoa Azul. The description is that the water is transparent and full of colorful fish, like a natural aquarium.

This stop is where snorkeling tips pay off. If you want to see the fish, you need consistent time in the water, not quick dips. Since the tour provides floatation mats, you can also use them to stay comfortable while you look around.

A practical note: clear water often means stronger sunlight than you expect, because there is less haze in the air. Stay ahead of sun burn by reapplying sunscreen if you are out for long stretches. If you are bringing only one swim-related item, make it a snorkel.

If you are not a snorkeler, you can still enjoy it by staying in the shallows and using your eyes instead. The point of this stop is the visual water quality, so even light time in the water can feel special.

Praia da Lula: a smaller final beach and great photo timing

The last beach stop is Lula Beach, described as a quieter, small corner where photos are a big part of the fun. You get time for relaxing, and it is framed as the place to take unforgettable pictures.

This is a good spot to shift your mindset. By the end of the day, people are usually tired of constant movement and want calm. Use this last stop to do what you skipped earlier, like lingering on the sand longer, grabbing your best photos before the return ride, or doing one final swim if you have energy.

The tour also includes a few built-in ways to enjoy the day on the boat itself. A photographer is on board to record moments, so you do not need to rely only on your phone for action shots and group memories. You can focus on enjoying the moment, and let the photographer do some of the work.

The return ride and the freshwater reset on board

At the end, you return to the pier, and before heading back you get something that is easy to forget on these tours: a freshwater swim on board to cool off.

That matters because it gives you a cleaner reset after beach time. Instead of spending the last part of the day sticky, sandy, and salty, you can rinse your body and feel more comfortable for whatever you do next in Paraty.

This small detail also helps if you are planning a dinner reservation afterward. Freshwater cooling means fewer delays and less odor in your clothes, especially if you did more than one swim stop.

Price and value: what $23 buys you in real-world terms

At $23 per person, this tour stacks up well when you look at what is included for that price point. You are paying for a full 5-hour outing that combines:

• multiple island and beach stops
• Starlink Wi-Fi on board
• a water slide experience
• floatation mats
• support boat help for beach access
• a freshwater cooling moment at the end
• on-board bar and restaurant options (optional, but built in)

You are also not stuck doing the hard parts yourself. Getting to beaches in Paraty can be its own mini-adventure. Here, the motorized support boat takes that stress away, and you spend your time in the water and on the sand rather than figuring out logistics.

If you are traveling as a group, the value gets even better because the boat features are shared. Wi-Fi and the slide are not “nice to have” extras. They are part of how the experience works for everyone on board.

Who should book this schooner tour, and who might prefer another plan

This is a great fit if you want:

• family-friendly fun, because the slide is on board
• an easy way to see Paraty’s best islands without renting your own boat
• Wi-Fi convenience for sharing moments in real time
• pet-friendly flexibility, since pets are allowed
• a tour style that includes swimming time at multiple stops

If you are the kind of traveler who hates crowds and wants total quiet, you might find that the day’s setup is more active. There is background music, and the slide can add noise and movement. You can still find calm time, especially at Conceição and Lula, but the boat is designed to be lively.

Also, remember that each stop is about 1 hour of sightseeing time. That is ideal for most people. If you prefer long, slow beach sessions, you may feel slightly time-pressured at each location.

Tips I’d use to make this tour smoother

Here’s what I would do to get the most out of it, based on the practical recommendations and what the tour includes.

• Bring sunscreen, a towel, and swimwear. You will be in and out of the water across the day.
• Bring a snorkel if you can. It is recommended for enjoying marine life.
• Wear light clothing to board, then switch quickly to swimwear at each stop.
• Bring your ID for check in.
• If you want the best photos, treat the final beach stop as your main picture window. The day ends with Lula Beach and the photographer will be on board.

Should you book the Aquamarina II tour?

Yes, if your goal is a fun, comfortable half-day that mixes swimming, good beach time, and modern boat features, this is a solid choice. The combination of Starlink Wi-Fi, the water slide, and multiple stops at places like Ilha dos Cocos, Praia da Conceição, Lagoa Azul, and Praia da Lula gives you variety without long travel days.

Book with extra confidence if you care about staff service. The experience is described as having kind, considerate support, and that kind of crew matters when you are boarding, cooling off, and moving between water and shore.

Skip it if you only want one beach and all-day quiet. This tour is designed for motion and variety, not for sitting in one spot for hours.

FAQ

How long is the Paraty islands and beaches schooner tour?

The tour lasts 5 hours.

Where do we meet the boat for the Aquamarina II tour?

You meet at the Tourist Pier. The Schooner Aquamarina II from Paraty Sirena Tours is anchored and visible, and you can check in with the staff.

Which stops are included on the tour?

The tour includes Ilha dos Cocos, Praia da Conceição, Lagoa Azul, and Praia da Lula.

Is Wi-Fi available during the tour?

Yes. Starlink Wi-Fi is available on board throughout the trip.

Is there a water slide on the schooner?

Yes. The tour includes a water slide on board.

Are pets allowed on the tour?

Yes. The service is pet friendly, so you can bring your pet.

How can I pay for things on board?

Payments on board can be made via PIX, card, or cash.