Paraty Bay: Schooner cruise with snorkeling stops

Summary

Snorkeling and island hopping in Paraty’s green bay with local crew

You’ll swim through clear waters off Paraty Bay, watch schools of fish swirl around you at Ilha Comprida, sunbathe on Lula’s Beach, and share laughs with locals on board a classic schooner cruise. With snorkeling gear provided and fruit snacks included, it’s an easygoing day of island hopping you’ll remember long after the salt has faded from your skin.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit it — I was nervous about the horn. The crew told us at the start: when you hear that blast, time to scramble back aboard or risk being “that person” everyone waits for. It actually made me laugh, standing there at Paraty’s old pier, sunscreen half-rubbed in, watching families and couples shuffle onto the schooner. Our guide — I think his name was João — handed out masks and cracked a joke about gringos trying to pronounce “Ilha Comprida.”

The water around Ilha Comprida is so clear you can see your own toes dangling off the side before you even jump in. Someone tossed a bit of rice from the deck and suddenly there were these flashes of silver everywhere — fish darting right up to us, bold as anything. I tried to say something clever in Portuguese but mostly just got saltwater up my nose. The air smelled like seaweed and coconut sunscreen, and there was this lazy warmth that made everything feel slower.

Lula’s Beach was next — softer sand than I expected, almost squeaky underfoot. A couple of kids were building a lopsided sandcastle while their dad floated nearby with a snorkel mask pushed up on his head. Lunch happened at Blue Lagoon (inside the boat, which felt oddly cozy), but honestly I barely tasted it because I kept looking out at that ridiculous blue water. At Red Beach, I swam all the way to shore just because I could; my legs felt heavy but happy. The horn sounded again — too soon every time.

I still think about that view back toward Paraty as we sailed home: green hills stacked behind each other, little boats bobbing near the pier, everyone sunburned and smiling in that tired way you get after swimming all day. If you’re wondering if this Paraty schooner cruise is worth it… well, let’s just say my phone’s full of blurry fish photos now.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Paraty Schooner Cruise and Snorkeling

• Tour bay of Paraty and beaches
• Safety instructions and lunch menu
• Stop 1: Snorkel at Ilha Comprida
• Stop 2: Swim at Lula's Beach
• Stop 3: Lunch and swim at Blue Lagoon
• Stop 4: Dive and swim at Red Beach

Top questions

How many stops are there on the Paraty schooner cruise?

The tour includes four stops at different beaches and islands around Paraty Bay.

Is snorkeling equipment provided during the tour?

Yes, masks and snorkels are provided by the crew for all guests.

Where does the Paraty schooner cruise depart from?

The cruise departs from Cais de Turismo de Paraty (the city’s main tourist pier) in the historic center.

Is lunch included on this day trip?

Lunch is optional; you can order from a menu at departure and it will be served onboard during one of the stops.

Are hotel pickups available for this tour?

No, hotel pickup is not included; guests must make their own way to the meeting point at the pier.

How long does each stop last?

Each stop lasts about 40 minutes before returning to the schooner.

Is this tour suitable for children or older travelers?

The tour is suitable for all ages and fitness levels; infants must sit on an adult's lap.

What’s included

Your day includes guided schooner cruising with a friendly local crew (Portuguese-speaking), use of snorkeling masks and gear at each stop, plus fresh fruit snacks served onboard before heading back to Paraty’s historic pier in the afternoon.