Kayaking Paraty Mangroves: Paddle islands & natural tunnel

Paddle through a living tunnel and island wildlife just beyond Paraty’s center

Kayak through Paraty's mangroves and past two wildlife-rich islands on a guided paddle that includes equipment, instruction and one beach stop. The route crosses a natural tunnel through the mangroves, then opens into Corumbê Bay. Maximum 3 hours 30 minutes total, with 2 hours of active paddling. This is an intense physical activity suited to people with moderate fitness and sports experience.

Step-by-step itinerary

Kayaking tour through mangroves and beaches

• Briefing and paddling instruction
• Depart from Pontal beach
• Kayak to Paradise beach
• Explore Jabaquara mangroves
• Enter mangroves at Itú island
• Navigate Várzea do Corumbê mangroves
• Observe wildlife and scenery
• Finish at Corumbê bay

The experience

You start with a briefing and paddling instruction at Pontal beach, then push off toward Paradise beach and the mangroves. The first hour takes you past Itú island and Várzea do Corumbê, where you'll spot birds and other wildlife typical of the bay. The kayak sits stable in calm water, and the local guide paddles alongside throughout.

The centerpiece is the passage through the mangrove tunnel: a natural corridor where the trees close overhead and the water narrows, giving the crossing a suspended, enclosed feeling. After you emerge, the route opens into Corumbê Bay, another wide expanse with views across the water. One stop lands you on Paradise beach, an isolated stretch where you can rest and take in the surroundings. The whole paddle covers roughly 2 hours of active time, with the briefing and instruction adding another 90 minutes.

All kayak equipment comes with you. Bring sunscreen, insect repellent, a cap and sunglasses. A waterproof bag and phone cover are useful if you're carrying anything personal. The guide speaks English, Spanish, Italian or French, and children are welcome from age 13 onward.

What’s included

• Kayak and paddle.
• personal flotation device.
• English-speaking local guide (also available in Spanish, Italian or French).
• paddling instruction.
• SOS kit.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 10:00

AgesAdult (16 and older) · Youth (13 to 15 years) · Under 13: can't be booked

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French and Italian

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Kayak Paraty - Water sports

Is this one for you?Book this if you're already comfortable with physical activity and want hands-on instruction before paddling through mangroves and wildlife, not suitable if you have back or heart concerns, or if this is your first time in a kayak.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, French and Italian.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (13 to 15 years). Children under 13 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What wildlife might I see while paddling through the mangroves?

Birds and other species typical of the local ecosystem are common sights. Capybaras also appear in the mangroves, though they are not guaranteed on every paddle.

How long is the actual paddling versus the total time?

Active paddling time is roughly 2 hours. The full outing, including the briefing, instruction and beach stop, runs up to 3 hours 30 minutes.

Do I need kayaking experience to join?

No, the guide gives instruction before you leave the beach. The trip is designed for beginners and people new to kayaking, though you do need moderate physical fitness and sports experience to handle the 2 hours of active paddling.

What makes the mangrove tunnel special?

The natural tunnel is formed by mangrove trees that arch over the water, creating an enclosed passage. Paddling through it gives a distinctive feeling of moving through a narrow, tree-lined corridor before the bay opens up again.