Discover Paraty’s Best Islands on an Exclusive Schooner Tour

Paraty looks best from the water. This five-hour cruise aboard the double-decker Aquamarina II links four of the area’s most attractive swimming and beach stops, with cushioned seating, a water slide, a bar, and Starlink Wi-Fi along the way. I especially like the mix of easy sightseeing and active water time, plus the cheerful, considerate service noted in the tour’s 4.6 out of 5 rating from 13 ratings.

I also like the practical setup: a support boat helps you reach shore, floatation mats are available, and a freshwater rinse waits at the end. The main consideration is that this is a shared schooner outing with background music and optional food and drinks, so it may feel less peaceful than a small private boat. Weather can also force a reschedule or refund.

Key points before you book

• Four scenic water stops: The route includes Ilha dos Cocos, Praia da Conceição, Lagoa Azul, and Praia da Lula.
• A boat built for comfort: The Aquamarina II has two levels, cushions, tables, chairs, toilets, and shaded areas.
• More than a sightseeing cruise: A triple slide, floatation mats, and a support boat make it easy to spend time in the water.
• Useful modern extras: Starlink Wi-Fi lets you send photos during the trip, although you may prefer to put your phone away at the prettiest stops.
• Good for mixed groups: Pets are welcome, and the combination of relaxing seats, swimming, food, and music suits families and friends with different interests.
• Simple pier departure: Look for the yellow heart, triple slide, and swing at the Tourist Pier, then check in by name or voucher.

Why this boat trip works well in Paraty

Paraty’s shoreline is made for a boat day. From the pier, the schooner carries you away from town toward calm coves, small islands, and pale beaches that are difficult to reach in one short land-based outing. You get a broad sample of the coast without arranging several separate transfers.

The Aquamarina II adds a festive, family-friendly feel. Its two-storey design gives you a choice between sitting back at a table, stretching out on cushions, or heading toward the slide and swimming areas. The boat is not simply transport between stops. It is part of the attraction.

I would think of this as a relaxed beach-hopping day rather than a serious sailing expedition. You will spend time on the water, but the schedule is built around swimming, beach access, photos, and casual enjoyment. Portuguese, English, and Spanish are available, which helps when the group includes people from different countries.

The five-hour length is another strong point. It is long enough to visit several locations without taking up an entire day. At $23 per person, the price is especially appealing if you plan to use the boat’s facilities and visit all four stops. Food and drinks cost extra, so include those in your budget.

Finding the Aquamarina II at the Tourist Pier

The schooner is anchored and visible at Paraty’s Tourist Pier. The easiest way to identify it is by its bright features: a yellow Instagram-friendly heart, a triple slide, and an eye-catching swing. Go to the check-in staff and give your name or show your voucher.

Arrive at least 30 minutes before the stated 10:30 a.m. departure. That early arrival matters because the pier can be a busy place, and you do not want to begin the day rushing through check-in. Bring identification, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and light clothing.

Payments on board can be made with PIX, card, or cash. If you have dietary restrictions, tell the staff ahead of time so the restaurant options can be adjusted where possible. The tour returns to the same pier, which keeps the end of the day simple.

Ilha dos Cocos: a gentle first swim

The first major stop is Ilha dos Cocos, where the water is clear and the mood is calm. The planned stop lasts about an hour, giving you enough time to get into the water, use a floatation mat, look for marine life, or simply enjoy the view from the boat.

This is a sensible opening stop. You have just boarded, and a quiet first swim gives you time to settle into the rhythm of the day. If you like snorkeling, bring your own equipment because snorkels are recommended, but they are not listed among the included items.

The support boat is useful here and at the other beach stops. It helps you get from the schooner to shore without making every passenger climb awkwardly into the water. Still, bring footwear and a small bag you can manage easily. The supplied information does not specify beach facilities, so plan to rely on the boat for toilets, food, and drinks.

You may find Ilha dos Cocos particularly appealing if your priority is clear water rather than a long beach walk. The one-hour limit also keeps the day moving. If you prefer to stay in one place for several hours, the schedule may feel brisk.

Praia da Conceição: calm water and white sand

Praia da Conceição is presented as a peaceful beach with white sand and calm water. It is the stop to favor when you want to get off the boat, relax on shore, and enjoy a quieter break between swims.

The beach setting gives the day some variety. Ilha dos Cocos centers on water and marine life, while Conceição offers a chance to sit, dry off, and take photographs from land. At roughly an hour, the stop gives you time to enjoy the beach without losing the rest of the route.

Keep expectations practical. The tour includes access to Praia da Conceição, but it does not promise private beach time or a secluded shore. You will be visiting as part of a boat excursion, and the exact feel of the stop can depend on weather and other boats in the area.

For families, calm water can make this one of the easier stops. For photographers, the contrast between pale sand, water, and the schooner makes it a natural place for pictures. The onboard photographer may also record moments during the trip, though you should confirm any details about photographs directly with the crew.

Lagoa Azul: clear water and colorful fish

Lagoa Azul is the stop for underwater viewing. Its transparent water and colorful fish make it the strongest match for anyone bringing a snorkel and hoping to see marine life close to the boat.

The tour description calls this area a natural aquarium. That phrase should not make you expect a formal attraction or guaranteed sightings. Conditions vary, and visibility depends on weather and water quality. Still, this is the place where you should have your mask, towel, and swimwear ready before the boat arrives.

The water slide adds a playful option for people who are less interested in snorkeling. Children and adults can use the slide from the schooner, while others relax on cushions or mats. This split appeal is one of the tour’s best features. Nobody has to choose between a quiet boat ride and an active water stop.

A practical tip: keep your phone protected when moving between the boat and the water. Starlink Wi-Fi is available throughout the outing, but a wet phone is a poor trade for a quick social media post. Use the connection when you are seated, then store your device before swimming.

Praia da Lula: a final beach break

Praia da Lula is the final featured stop and is described as a small, tucked-away beach suited to relaxing and taking photographs. Placing it near the end of the route works well. By then, you may want an easy final swim or a quiet pause before returning to Paraty.

This stop is likely to appeal most to people who enjoy scenic photos and a slower finish. You can use the time to sit on the sand, take pictures, or simply enjoy the last stretch of the coast. Since the stop is about an hour, keep an eye on the boat’s return instructions so you do not turn a peaceful finale into a hurried boarding.

The four-stop route has a good overall rhythm: island water time, a calm sandy beach, a fish-viewing stop, and a final beach pause. The supplied schedule lists one-hour sightseeing periods, although the exact order and timing should be confirmed at check-in because marine tours can adjust their route.

Life aboard the two-storey schooner

The Aquamarina II is designed for people who do not all want the same kind of day. Cushions offer a place to stretch out, while tables and chairs suit meals, conversation, or card games. The two-storey layout also gives you room to move around instead of staying in one cramped seat.

A bar and restaurant are available on board, with drinks and meals sold separately. That convenience can be valuable because you do not need to pack a full picnic or leave the boat hungry. It also means the $23 base price is not the final cost if you plan to order several items.

Men’s and women’s toilets are included, an important comfort on a five-hour cruise. Background music keeps the atmosphere social, though it may not suit anyone seeking a silent nature outing. If you want the quietest seat, ask the crew where the cushioned or less active areas are when you board.

The freshwater bath at the end is a thoughtful touch. After swimming in salt water, a quick rinse makes the return to the pier more comfortable, especially if you have plans afterward. It is a small feature, but it shows that the boat is built around a full half-day on the water.

Wi-Fi, photography, and the right balance of screen time

Starlink Wi-Fi is available for the whole tour. You can share photos in real time, message people at home, or check arrangements for later in the day. That is useful in a coastal setting where mobile service may not be reliable.

Still, I would treat the connection as a convenience, not the main event. The best part of the trip is watching the water, swimming, and enjoying the changing views. Take your pictures early, then keep your phone in a dry place while using the slide or swimming.

A photographer is also on board to record special moments. This can be handy for families or couples who want pictures of everyone together. The details about photo packages or extra charges are not provided, so ask before committing to anything beyond the tour price.

Pets, children, and different kinds of passengers

The tour is pet friendly, which is unusual and useful for people who do not want to leave an animal behind. You should still bring anything your pet needs, since the supplied details only confirm that pets are allowed and do not specify onboard pet equipment or rules.

The slide, calm beaches, floatation mats, and support boat make the outing appealing for families. The boat’s toilets, seats, restaurant, and freshwater rinse also help with the practical needs of a longer day out.

Couples and adults without children can enjoy it too, especially if they use the quieter seating areas and treat the slide as an optional extra. The main point is that this is not a secluded romantic cruise. Music, shared facilities, and a range of passengers create a cheerful group atmosphere.

People with mobility concerns should ask the operator for current boarding and beach-transfer details before booking. The provided information confirms a support boat, but it does not describe step-free access or assistance procedures.

Weather, cancellation, and what to pack

The tour depends on safe sailing conditions. If the weather is unsuitable, the operator will reschedule the outing or refund the amount paid. You can also cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option keeps your plans flexible.

Pack sunscreen, a towel, swimwear, and light clothing. A snorkel is recommended if you want to make the most of Lagoa Azul and Ilha dos Cocos. A waterproof pouch can protect your phone and identification, though the tour information does not state that one is supplied.

Bring some payment method for optional food and drinks. PIX, card, and cash are accepted on board. If you have dietary restrictions, contact the staff ahead of time rather than waiting until lunch service.

Who should book the Aquamarina II?

I would choose this tour if you want a good-value half-day on the water with several stops and plenty of onboard comfort. It is especially well suited to families, groups of friends, people traveling with pets, and anyone who wants swimming and beach time without arranging a private boat.

I would think twice if you want a quiet, highly personal outing with no music, no shared facilities, and long stretches at one beach. The Aquamarina II is social and activity-focused. Its strongest points are the route, price, helpful staff, slide, food service, and easy access to several coastal spots in one outing.

At $23 per person, the value is strong even before you count the Wi-Fi, toilets, floatation mats, support boat, and freshwater rinse. Just remember that meals and drinks are extra, and the weather can change the plan. If that tradeoff suits you, this is a practical and fun way to see Paraty from the Atlantic.

FAQ

Where does the Aquamarina II tour depart from?

The tour departs from the Tourist Pier in Paraty. The schooner is anchored there and can be identified by its yellow heart, triple slide, and Instagram-friendly swing.

How early should I arrive?

Arrive at least 30 minutes before departure. The stated early check-in time is 10:30 a.m.

How long does the tour last?

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

Which islands and beaches are included?

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

Is food included in the price?

No. The boat has a bar and restaurant, but drinks and meals are optional purchases.

Can I bring my pet?

Yes. The service is pet friendly and allows you to bring your pet.

Is Wi-Fi available on the boat?

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

What happens if the weather is unsafe?

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