Discover Paraty’s Best Islands on an Exclusive Schooner Tour

Paraty looks best from the water. This five-hour schooner trip pairs four island and beach stops with the comfort of a modern double-decker boat, making it a good fit if you want scenery without giving up a proper seat, restroom, bar, or lunch option. I especially like the water slide and the motorized support boat, which make swimming and reaching the beaches easier. I also like the kind and considerate staff, a detail that matters on a boat where a friendly crew can make the whole day feel relaxed.

The main tradeoff is time. Four stops sound generous, but each is roughly an hour, and the sailing time between them leaves limited room for long, quiet stretches on shore. The tour is also dependent on safe weather, so keep some flexibility in your Paraty plans.

Key points at a glance

• Four scenic stops: Visit Ilha dos Cocos, Praia da Conceição, Lagoa Azul, and Praia da Lula during one half-day outing.
• A boat built for fun: The Aquamarina II has a triple water slide, cushioned seating, floatation mats, and a freshwater rinse at the end.
• Easy access to shore: A motorized support boat helps you reach beaches and coves without relying only on the schooner’s boarding steps.
• Comfort beyond the basics: You get two decks, tables, chairs, restrooms, a bar, and a restaurant, with food and drinks available for an extra charge.
• Stay connected if you want: Starlink Wi-Fi is available throughout the trip, though the best reason to come is still the water and scenery.
• Good for mixed groups: Families, couples, friends, and pet owners can all find something useful here.

Meeting the Aquamarina II at Paraty’s Tourist Pier

The Aquamarina II is anchored at the Tourist Pier and should be easy to identify. Look for the yellow Instagram-style heart, the triple slide, and the swing on the boat. Those bright features are useful landmarks when several boats are gathered near the pier.

Arrive at least 30 minutes before departure. The stated check-in time is 10:30 a.m., but you should confirm the exact starting time when booking. At check-in, give your name or show your voucher, and keep identification with you.

The boat’s two-storey layout gives you a choice of moods. The upper level should suit you if you want open views while sailing. The lower cushioned areas, tables, and chairs are better for settling in with a snack or keeping out of the strongest sun. Bring light clothing, sunscreen, a towel, and swimwear. Snorkeling gear is recommended if you want to see more of the marine life at the stops.

This is not a small private launch. The information provided does not give a group size, so you should expect a shared boat experience rather than a quiet, private cruise. That is part of the appeal for some people, especially families and social groups, but it may not suit you if you want a silent day on the water.

Ilha dos Cocos: Your First Hour in the Water

The first stop is Ilha dos Cocos, where the clear water is the main attraction. The planned stop lasts about an hour, enough time to swim, use a floatation mat, and look for marine life with a snorkel.

Starting here makes sense. You can get comfortable in the water before the day becomes more active, and the stop gives you an early taste of Paraty’s island scenery. If you are not a confident swimmer, stay close to the boat or use the available mats. The support boat can also make access to the shore easier.

Do not expect a long island walk or a guided nature lesson. The focus is water time. Bring your own snorkel if you have one, since the tour specifically recommends bringing snorkeling equipment, but the supplied information does not say that gear is provided.

The hour can pass quickly. I would use the first few minutes to get settled, then make a clear choice between swimming, snorkeling, photographs, and simply sitting in the sun. Trying to do everything at every stop may leave you feeling rushed.

Praia da Conceição: Calm Water and White Sand

Praia da Conceição offers a change of pace. Its white sand and calm water make it the most obvious stop for relaxing rather than chasing fish or racing down the slide. You can spend the roughly one-hour visit swimming, sitting on the beach, or taking photographs.

This is a useful stop for mixed groups. Children can enjoy shallow-looking calm water, while adults may prefer a slower hour with fewer activities. Still, the provided information does not give water depth, lifeguard arrangements, or shade conditions, so pack sun protection and keep an eye on children yourself.

The support boat is especially handy here. Instead of treating the schooner as your only base, you can reach the beach more easily and return when you are ready. Ask the crew how transfers work before leaving the main boat, particularly if you have a pet, small child, or limited mobility.

Praia da Conceição is also where you may appreciate the boat’s schedule. An hour gives you time to enjoy the sand without turning the whole tour into a beach day at one location.

Lagoa Azul: Clear Water and Fish Below

Lagoa Azul is the most natural choice for snorkeling. The water is described as transparent, with colorful fish visible below the surface. It is presented as a natural aquarium, though you should remember that visibility depends on weather and water conditions.

This stop rewards preparation. Have your towel and swimwear ready, and keep your snorkel somewhere easy to reach. The boat’s Wi-Fi may help you share photographs, but your phone connection matters less here than keeping your device dry.

The lagoon is also a good place to use the floatation mats if you want to rest between swims. You can enjoy the view from the surface without spending the whole hour actively swimming. If you prefer not to enter the water, the schooner’s cushioned areas and upper deck still give you a pleasant way to wait.

Because the tour moves on after about an hour, do not linger too long on the first part of the stop. Lagoa Azul is likely to be one of the most water-focused sections of the day, so plan to make the most of it.

Praia da Lula: A Quieter Final Beach Stop

Praia da Lula is the final beach stop, described as a small, tucked-away place suited to relaxing and taking photographs. Ending with a calmer beach gives the day a softer finish after the swimming and boat activities.

This stop may be your favorite if you prefer atmosphere over a packed schedule of activities. You can take photographs, cool off in the water, or sit back and enjoy the setting. The phrase tucked-away should not lead you to expect complete solitude, since the tour brings a shared group to the beach.

A photographer is on board to record memorable moments. That can be useful if you are traveling with family or as a couple and do not want one person to spend the whole day holding a phone. Ask about the photographer’s service and any additional cost before ordering photographs, since the supplied details do not specify whether photos are included.

The final stop also gives you a good chance to slow down. Four stops in five hours create a lively rhythm, but you do not need to turn each one into a photo session. Leave a little time to simply enjoy the water.

The Aquamarina II’s Best Features

The boat is more than transport between beaches. It is the central part of the experience, and its design makes the tour more comfortable than a basic island-hopping trip.

The double-decker structure helps spread people across two levels. Cushioned areas are useful when you want to rest, while tables and chairs support a proper snack or meal. Men’s and women’s toilets are available, a small detail that becomes very important during a five-hour outing.

The triple slide is the big crowd-pleaser. Adults can use it, and children will likely want repeated turns. You should expect noise and activity around the slide, especially when the boat is between stops. If you want peace, move to another part of the vessel.

A bar and restaurant offer drinks and meals for an extra charge. Payments on board can be made by PIX, card, or cash. If you have dietary restrictions, tell the staff in advance so they can adapt the available food choices. Since prices for meals and drinks are not provided, bring a payment method that works for you and confirm costs before ordering.

Starlink Wi-Fi is available throughout the tour. That is unusual for a boat excursion and useful if you need to send a message, post a photograph, or stay in touch. Still, signal quality can vary on the water, so treat it as a helpful extra rather than the main reason to book.

Background music plays while you sail. This adds to the holiday mood, but it means the boat is not designed as a quiet nature cruise. People looking for a lively social setting will probably appreciate it more than those hoping to hear only the water and seabirds.

Why the Support Boat Matters

The motorized support boat is one of the more practical features. It helps you get from the schooner to the beaches, which makes the stops feel more accessible and reduces the need to handle every transfer from the larger vessel.

You should still ask the crew for instructions before boarding. Conditions at each stop can differ, and the supplied information does not explain the transfer process, boarding assistance, or limits for pets. If you are bringing a dog, mention it during check-in and follow the crew’s directions.

The tour is pet friendly, which opens the outing to people who do not want to leave an animal behind. That does not mean every pet will enjoy five hours around water, music, slides, and other people. Consider your pet’s comfort, and bring any essentials the animal needs.

At the end, the freshwater bath on board lets you rinse off salt water before returning to the pier. It is a simple but welcome touch, especially if you plan to continue sightseeing in Paraty afterward.

Is $23 a Good Value for Five Hours?

At $23 per person, the tour offers a strong amount of included activity. You get five hours on the water, four named stops, the schooner’s seating areas, toilets, Wi-Fi, a slide, floatation mats, background music, the support boat, and the freshwater rinse.

Food and drinks cost extra, and the tour does not list snorkeling equipment as included. Those are the two main costs to plan around. You can bring sunscreen, a towel, swimwear, and your own snorkel, then decide on board whether the restaurant suits your budget.

The value is best if you want variety. A private boat would give you more control over timing, but this shared schooner includes more built-in comfort and entertainment for a low per-person price. You are paying for a social, activity-filled half day rather than a custom sailing trip.

The rating is 4.6 from 13 reviews, and the strongest specific praise is for the kind and considerate staff. I would give that real weight. Boat tours involve boarding, transfers, food orders, swimming, and timing, so attentive crew members can shape the entire experience.

Weather, Timing, and What to Pack

The tour runs only in favorable weather. If conditions are unsafe for sailing, it will be rescheduled or the amount paid will be refunded. Because of that, avoid placing the tour on the last possible day of your stay if you can help it.

The five-hour duration works well as a half-day plan. You can spend the other part of the day in Paraty, but allow time after returning if you want to dry off, change clothes, or eat elsewhere. The activity ends back at the Tourist Pier.

Pack these basics:

• Identification and booking voucher
• Sunscreen and light clothing
• Towel and swimwear
• Snorkel, if you want to see the fish
• A payment method for optional food and drinks
• Any pet supplies you need if bringing an animal

The boat has Wi-Fi, but protect your phone around the slide and swimming areas. A waterproof pouch is a sensible choice, though it is not listed as supplied.

Who Should Book This Schooner Tour?

I would choose this trip if you want to see several of Paraty’s beaches and islands in one outing without giving up comfort. It suits families, couples, groups of friends, and people who like having both organized stops and onboard entertainment.

It is also a good match if your group has mixed interests. One person can swim at Ilha dos Cocos, another can relax on the cushioned deck, and children can enjoy the slide. The restaurant, toilets, and freshwater rinse make the day easier than a bare-bones boat ride.

You may want another option if your top priority is solitude, a private schedule, or a long stay at one beach. The music, Wi-Fi, slide, and shared boat create a social setting. Weather can also change the plan, so keep your schedule flexible.

The live guide service is available in Portuguese, English, and Spanish. That makes the outing easier if you do not speak Portuguese, though the supplied details do not describe how much commentary is given during the sailing.

Final Call: Book It for Variety and Easy Fun

Book the Aquamarina II if you want an affordable, full-featured day on Paraty’s water. The four stops give you a good mix of swimming, snorkeling, white sand, clear water, and photographs, while the boat adds conveniences that matter over five hours.

I would skip it only if you want a quiet private cruise or dislike fixed stop times. For most people seeking an easy introduction to Paraty’s islands, the $23 price, friendly staff, slide, support boat, and comfortable seating make this a practical choice.

FAQ

Where does the Aquamarina II tour begin?

It begins at the Tourist Pier in Paraty, where the Aquamarina II will be anchored and visible.

How do I identify the boat?

Look for the yellow Instagram-style heart, triple slide, and swing on the Aquamarina II.

How early should I arrive?

Arrive at least 30 minutes before departure. The stated early check-in time is 10:30 a.m., but confirm the exact start time when booking.

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts five hours and returns to the same meeting point at the Tourist Pier.

Which beaches and islands are included?

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

Is food available on the boat?

Yes. The boat has a bar and restaurant, but meals and drinks are optional and cost extra.

Can I pay on board by card?

Yes. Onboard payments can be made by PIX, card, or cash.

Is the tour suitable for pets?

Yes. The service is pet friendly, allowing you to bring your pet.

What happens if the weather is unsafe?

The tour will be rescheduled or the amount paid will be refunded if weather conditions are not safe for sailing.