Kayaking Paraty: Paddle among 65 islands

Paddle out to islands and paddle back with wildlife and panoramic views

Kayaking in Paraty launches from Praia do Pontal with a local guide who speaks English, Spanish or Portuguese, taking you by kayak to three nearby islands in the bay's 65-island system. You paddle among mangroves and beaches, spot birds, and see the historic center from the water. The outing runs about 2.5 hours and suits anyone with moderate fitness and sport experience. Life vest, kayak and paddling equipment are included, along with a SOS kit and live commentary.

Step-by-step itinerary

Kayaking tour through Paraty islands

• Depart from Praia do Pontal
• Kayak to Ilha da Bexiga
• Visit Ilhas Duas Irmãs
• Explore Ilha dos Pombos
• Enjoy panoramic views of historic center
• Take photos and swim in green waters

The experience

Paraty bay holds 65 islands, but you won't visit all of them. The closest ones (Ilha da Bexiga, Ilhas Duas Irmãs and Ilha dos Pombos) sit just minutes away by paddle from Praia do Pontal, where you meet your guide and push off. The route is designed for people who play sports or move regularly. It is moderate in pace and effort, not a casual float. You handle the kayak yourself, reading the water and steering toward the islands your guide points out, stopping to look at birds, wade in the shallows or simply drift and take pictures.

The bay's wildlife and mangroves fill the paddle route, and the historic center of Paraty rises from the water as you move through the islands. The guide narrates what you are seeing (the flora, the fauna, the geography), and carries a SOS kit in case anyone needs it. You wear a life vest throughout. The whole outing takes about 2.5 hours from launch to return, and you can bring a waterproof bag or cell phone case if you want to carry a camera or phone without risking it in the water.

Groups stay under 15 people, and children can join from age 11 onward. Bring sunscreen, a bathing suit, sunglasses and a cap. A raincoat matters if the weather turns. The operator suggests a dry bag for personal items and recommends insect repellent and snacks, though neither is required. Public transportation reaches Praia do Pontal, so you do not need a rental car to get there.

What’s included

• Local guide speaking English, Spanish or Portuguese.
• kayak and paddling equipment.
• life vest.
• SOS kit.
• live commentary on the islands, wildlife and views.
• group size capped at 15 people.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 10:00

Book up to13h before

AgesAdult (16 and older) · Youth (11 to 15 years) · Under 11: can't be booked

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish, Spanish and Portuguese

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 4 days ago

Good to know

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

Operated by Kayak Paraty - Water sports

Is this one for you?This kayaking suits anyone with moderate fitness and some sport experience who wants to paddle their own boat rather than ride along. The 2.5-hour outing paces itself for people used to moving, not for beginners or those new to paddling.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish and Portuguese.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (11 to 15 years). Children under 11 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 islands do I actually paddle to on this kayaking trip?

You paddle to Ilha da Bexiga, Ilhas Duas Irmãs and Ilha dos Pombos, the three closest islands in Paraty bay. All three sit just minutes away by kayak from the launch point at Praia do Pontal, and the guide stops at each one so you can look at wildlife, wade in the water or rest.

Do I need to be an experienced kayaker to do this?

No, but you do need moderate fitness and some sport background. The operator designs this for people who play sports or exercise regularly, not for beginners or sedentary travelers. If you want a lighter paddle, the operator offers a separate Paraty island and mangrove tour or a sunset tour instead.

What happens if the weather turns bad while I'm on the water?

The guide carries a SOS kit and you wear a life vest throughout the paddle. Bring a raincoat if rain is forecast. The operator mentions it as part of what to pack in rainy weather. Public transportation reaches the launch point, so you can check conditions before you go.

How long does the whole kayaking experience take?

The outing runs about 2.5 hours from the moment you launch at Praia do Pontal to when you return. That includes paddling to the islands, stopping to look at wildlife and the views, and paddling back.

What do I need to bring, and what does the kayaking trip provide?

The operator provides the kayak, paddle, life vest, SOS kit and live commentary from your guide. You bring sunscreen, a bathing suit, sunglasses, a cap and water. A waterproof bag or cell phone case protects personal items. A raincoat matters if weather is poor. Repellent and snacks are suggested but not required.