Discover the best islands in Paraty on an exclusive boat tour

Paraty’s best island scenery comes with a waterslide, a bar, and a surprisingly useful freshwater shower at the end. I like the easy mix of four scenic swim stops and a comfortable two-story boat, so you can swim, sit in the shade, or stretch out with music playing. The Starlink Wi-Fi is another practical touch if you want to send photos while you are still offshore.

The main consideration is space. The Aquamarina II has comfortable padded areas, tables, chairs, restrooms, and a restaurant, but it is not a quiet private yacht. A recent booking described the boat as crowded and not especially new, and also noted that the outing did not function as a fully English-led tour. I would book it for a relaxed social day on the water, not for polished luxury or nonstop guiding in English.

What makes this Paraty boat trip worth considering

• Ilha dos Cocos and Lagoa Azul: You get clear water, fish, and easy swimming at two of Paraty’s most appealing stops.
• A two-story schooner: Cushioned areas, tables, chairs, restrooms, and a bar make the five-hour outing easier on your body.
• Triple slide and support boat: You can enter the water from the boat or reach the beaches by motorized support boat.
• A pet-friendly outing: Your dog can come along, which is unusual for a full-day-style boat experience.
• Food and connectivity onboard: Optional drinks and meals are available, and Starlink Wi-Fi lets you stay in touch offshore.
• Flexible booking terms: You can cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund, and reserve now while paying later.

Starting at the Tourist Wharf with Aquamarina II

The Aquamarina II is anchored at Paraty’s Tourist Wharf, where it should be easy to spot. Look for the yellow heart, triple slide, and Instagram-style swing. Those bright features make the boat less of a scavenger hunt than some pier departures.

Arrive at least 30 minutes before the 10:30 am departure. At check-in, give the staff your name or show your voucher. Bring identification, since it is specifically requested for boarding. Light clothing, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen are the sensible basics.

The five-hour schedule gives you a full half-day on the water. With a 10:30 am start, you should expect to return at about 3:30 pm, although weather and the day’s sailing conditions can affect the timing. The four advertised stops are generally planned for about an hour each, with sailing time and boarding worked around them.

One small point deserves attention before you book. The route information names Ilha dos Cocos, Conceição Beach, Lagoa Azul, and Praia da Lula as the main stops, while the detailed schedule also names Ilha da Pescaria. Ask at check-in which four locations are operating that day and in what order. That removes any confusion, especially if Ilha da Pescaria and Lagoa Azul are being used as different names for a stop or if the route has changed.

A comfortable boat, but not a private yacht

The Aquamarina II has two levels, which gives you more choice than a simple open launch. You can sit at a table, use the cushioned areas, watch the coast from the upper deck, or move around when you want a different view.

I like this setup for a five-hour outing. A boat without seating choices can feel tiring after the first swim stop. Here, you have somewhere to dry off, eat, and rest between swims. Men’s and women’s restrooms are also onboard, a useful comfort when you are spending most of the day away from shore.

The boat includes relaxing music, so the tone is more casual day out than silent nature cruise. The bar and restaurant sell drinks and meals for an extra charge. Onboard payments can be made by PIX, card, or cash, and it is wise to carry a payment option that works for you.

The boat is described as modern in its arrangement, but you should not expect a luxury vessel with a low passenger count. A recent booking described it as crowded and not very new. That is the central tradeoff: you get many facilities for a modest price, but you may share them with a lively group.

The triple slide adds a playful edge. Children will likely enjoy it, and adults can use it too, though the slide also means the boat has a recreational feel. If you want a calm, nearly private sailing trip, this is not the best match. If you like music, swimming, food, and easy social energy, the arrangement makes sense.

Ilha dos Cocos: begin with clear water

Ilha dos Cocos is the first listed stop, with about an hour for sightseeing and swimming. The appeal is simple: clear water, a chance to see marine life, and an early opportunity to get comfortable in the sea.

I would use this stop to test the water, adjust your mask or snorkel, and decide how much time you want to spend swimming at later locations. Snorkels are recommended but not included in the stated equipment, so bring your own if you have one. The information provided mentions spaghetti floats for use in the water, which helps if you want to relax without constantly treading water.

Do not expect a formal snorkeling excursion with an instructor pointing out species. The focus is free time in a scenic setting. You can swim, look for fish, take photographs, and return to the boat when you are ready.

Because this is a popular stop on the route, the water may feel busier than the name suggests. Keep your expectations realistic: you are enjoying a shared boat stop, not getting a private cove. Still, for a one-hour opening stop, Ilha dos Cocos offers the right mix of easy swimming and marine views.

Ilha da Pescaria or Lagoa Azul: check the day’s route

The supplied route details include Ilha da Pescaria for sightseeing and swimming, while the main description highlights the Blue Lagoon, or Lagoa Azul. This is the one part of the schedule I would clarify before departure.

Lagoa Azul is described as a natural aquarium, with transparent water and colorful fish. That makes it one of the strongest stops for anyone who wants to spend time looking below the surface. The water is the main attraction, so bring swimwear and a towel even if you are not a strong swimmer.

Ilha da Pescaria is also listed as a one-hour stop for sightseeing and swimming. If that is included instead of, or in addition to, Lagoa Azul, you will still have time for water access and views, but the exact experience may differ from the advertised Blue Lagoon description.

This is a good example of why it helps to ask the crew for the route before settling into your seat. The tour is weather-dependent, and the captain may adjust the order or locations. The crew speaks Portuguese, English, and Spanish, but do not assume every announcement will be a full English tour. The most recent critical feedback specifically said the outing was not an English-led experience.

Conceição Beach: a slower hour on the sand

Conceição Beach is described as a peaceful stop with white sand and calm water. Compared with the more water-focused island stops, this is where you can slow down and spend time on the beach.

The support boat matters here. Rather than relying on the schooner to reach shallow water, the motorized boat helps take passengers ashore. That is convenient if you want sand under your feet, though it also adds a transfer step. Keep your belongings organized and listen for the crew’s instructions about returning to the main boat.

I would use Conceição Beach for a proper break. Sit on the sand, take photos, wade in the calm water, or simply let your towel dry. If you prefer constant activity, one hour may feel long. If you have spent the morning swimming, it is a welcome change of pace.

The beach stop also helps families and mixed groups. Strong swimmers can enjoy the water while others stay on shore. The pet-friendly policy may be especially useful here, but you should still follow the crew’s directions about where pets can go and how they should be handled during transfers.

Praia da Lula: the final swim and photo stop

Praia da Lula is the final named stop in the main description. It is presented as a small, quiet beach suited to swimming, relaxing, and taking photos.

As the last stop, it may feel like the most relaxed part of the day. You already know how the boat works, you have had time in the water, and the return trip is close. Bring your camera or phone in a waterproof pouch, since the tour clearly leans into photo-friendly features, including the yellow heart, swing, and slide.

A small beach can also mean less room to spread out, especially if other boats are nearby. I would treat Praia da Lula as a scenic final pause rather than promise yourself a private beach. The support boat again makes shore access easier, while those who prefer not to disembark can remain aboard.

When you return to the schooner, the freshwater shower is a welcome detail. It lets you rinse off salt before the ride back to the Tourist Wharf, which is far more comfortable than sitting in wet swimwear for the entire return.

Food, Wi-Fi, pets, and the real value of $38

At $38 per person, this tour offers good value if you plan to use its facilities. You are paying for five hours on the water, several stops, the two-story boat, restrooms, the support boat, music, the slide, floats, and a freshwater rinse. That is a fuller package than a bare transport trip to one beach.

Meals and drinks cost extra, so the headline price is not the final cost if you plan to eat onboard. Still, the restaurant means you do not have to organize a separate lunch for a half-day away from shore. If you have dietary restrictions, tell the team in advance so the restaurant options can be adjusted.

Starlink Wi-Fi is useful, but I would treat it as a bonus rather than the reason to book. Signals can be helpful for sharing photos or handling a message while at sea, but the best use of the tour is still time away from your phone. The service is especially handy for families who want to keep in touch or for anyone sharing the day in real time.

The pet-friendly policy adds real value for people traveling with an animal. It removes one common barrier to a boat outing, though the supplied information does not spell out pet size limits or rules for the slide and beach transfers. Ask the operator about those details before boarding.

The strongest value comes from the combination of stops and onboard comfort. You are not simply buying a boat ride. You get several chances to swim, a beach break, optional food, a bathroom, shaded or cushioned seating, and an easy end-of-day rinse.

Weather, languages, and what to pack

The tour runs only in suitable sailing conditions. If the weather is unsafe, the trip will be rescheduled or the amount paid will be refunded. That policy is reassuring, but you should still keep some flexibility in your Paraty plans.

The activity is offered in Portuguese, English, and Spanish. Even so, recent feedback indicates that English may not be used as a continuous tour language. If you need detailed commentary in English, confirm how the guide service works before paying.

Pack:

• Identification and your booking voucher
• Swimwear, a towel, and light clothing
• Sunscreen
• A snorkel, if you want to look for fish
• A waterproof case for your phone
• Cash, a card, or PIX for food and drinks

Arriving 30 minutes early is not needless fuss. A busy pier, check-in, and transfers can take time, and late arrival could make boarding stressful. Check in, locate the staff, and then choose your preferred seating area before the boat gets underway.

Who should book the Aquamarina II?

I would recommend this tour to families, couples, groups of friends, and solo visitors who want a simple day of swimming without arranging several separate beach trips. The slide, floats, music, and restaurant give children and adults something to do between stops.

It also suits pet owners, provided the operator confirms the rules for your animal. The two-story layout and restrooms make the trip more practical for people who do not want a basic boat with few facilities.

I would be more cautious if you want a quiet, refined sailing experience. The boat can feel crowded, and it is not described as especially new. I would also choose another option if a detailed English-language guide is essential or if you dislike paying separately for food and drinks.

Should you book this Paraty island tour?

Book it if you want a lively, good-value half-day with several swim stops, easy beach access, and plenty of onboard features. At $38, the package is appealing, especially if you will use the slide, restrooms, support boat, and cushioned seating.

Before booking, ask about the exact stop list, since the route names both Ilha da Pescaria and Lagoa Azul. Also confirm the language of the day’s guiding and accept that the boat may be busy and somewhat worn.

For a social outing with clear water, beach time, pets welcome, and practical comforts, I think the Aquamarina II is a sensible choice. For privacy, polished luxury, or a fully narrated English cruise, I would keep looking.

FAQ

Where does the Paraty boat tour depart?

The Aquamarina II is anchored at Paraty’s Tourist Wharf. It is identified by a yellow heart, triple slide, and Instagram-style swing.

What time should I arrive?

The recommended departure is 10:30 am, and you should arrive at least 30 minutes early for check-in and boarding.

How long is the tour?

The tour lasts five hours.

Which islands and beaches are included?

The main route includes Ilha dos Cocos, Conceição Beach, Lagoa Azul, and Praia da Lula. The detailed schedule also names Ilha da Pescaria, so confirm the exact stops and order at check-in.

Is swimming included?

Yes. The tour includes swimming time at the listed island and beach stops.

Do I need to bring snorkeling equipment?

Snorkels are recommended for seeing marine life, but they are not listed among the included equipment. Bring your own if you want to snorkel.

Is food available onboard?

Yes. The boat has a bar and restaurant. Drinks and meals are optional and cost extra. Tell the team in advance about dietary restrictions.

Can I bring my pet?

Yes. The service is pet-friendly. The provided information does not specify size limits or detailed pet rules, so ask the operator before departure.

Is Wi-Fi available?

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

What languages are offered?

The activity is offered in English, Portuguese, and Spanish. However, English may not be used as a continuous tour language, so confirm the guiding arrangement before booking.

What happens if the weather is unsafe?

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

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The activity also allows you to reserve now and pay later.