Paraty Schooner Cruise and Snorkeling: Four island stops

Four island stops, four chances to dive into warm reef waters

A five-hour schooner cruise through Paraty's bay with four snorkeling stops at named reefs and beaches, mask and snorkel provided at each one. The boat departs from Paraty Tourism Pier in the Historic Center; you collect your voucher there no more than 30 minutes before departure. Each stop lasts 40 minutes, and lunch can be ordered at the start to be served aboard during the third stop at Blue Lagoon.

The Experience

Ilha Comprida, the first stop, is where the guides drop rice from the boat and schools of fish swarm the water around you—the snorkeling here is the reason most travelers book this cruise. You swim in the bay's warm, clear water with a mask and snorkel (both provided), watching the reef life up close. The second stop is Lula's Beach, equally clear and shallow enough to wade and explore. A horn sounds after 40 minutes at each site, signaling the return to the schooner.

The third stop at Blue Lagoon is where lunch happens if you ordered it at departure—the meal is prepared and served aboard while you're anchored there, though you'll still have time to swim in the lagoon's blue water. The final stop is Red Beach, where you can dive to the sand and drift in the shallows before heading back. Throughout the day, a professional Portuguese-speaking boat crew manages the schooner, safety briefing, and the rhythm of the stops. A fruit snack is included; anything beyond that—extra food, drinks, or a rental mask if you didn't bring your own—costs extra.

The departure time and exact stops shift with the tide, so the day is never quite the same twice. Infants sit on an adult's lap; children from age 3 are welcome. You'll need to bring or rent a mask and snorkel, sunscreen, a swim suit, and a towel. The meeting point is Cais de Turismo de Paraty—the tourism pier in the Historic Center—and there's no hotel pickup, so you'll arrange your own way there.

What’s included

• Mask and snorkel at each stop.
• fruit snack.
• professional Portuguese-speaking boat crew and guided cruise.
• safety instructions and equipment (dinghy and floats aboard).

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Gray Line Brazil

Is this one for you?If you're in Paraty without a car or a plan to reach the reefs, the schooner picks up the logistics—you show up at the pier, the crew handles the boat and the stops, and you spend the day swimming instead of arranging it.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What happens at Ilha Comprida, the first snorkeling stop?

Ilha Comprida is known as nature's fish aquarium—guides drop rice from the boat and entire schools of fish surround the snorkelers in the water, which is why visitors often call it the best part of their trip.

Is lunch included in the schooner cruise?

Lunch is not included but can be ordered at the start of the tour for approximately BRL 70 per serving (serves two people); it's prepared and served aboard during the third stop at Blue Lagoon.

What snorkeling gear do I need to bring?

Mask and snorkel are provided at each stop, so you don't need to bring your own—though you can rent a mask separately if you prefer your own equipment.

How long does the tour last and how much time is spent at each stop?

The full cruise is five hours, with four stops in the bay; each stop lasts 40 minutes, giving you time to swim and snorkel before a horn signals the return to the schooner.

Where do I meet the schooner and how do I get there?

The meeting point is Cais de Turismo de Paraty (Paraty Tourism Pier) in the Historic Center; you'll collect your voucher there no more than 30 minutes before departure, and there's no hotel pickup, so you arrange your own transport to the pier.