Paraty: Mangrove Kayak Tour with Beaches & Islands

Summary

Kayak through Paraty’s mangroves to quiet beaches and islands

You’ll paddle calm waters around Paraty with a local guide, stopping at sandy beaches for swimming or just catching your breath. Glide through island shallows and slip quietly into mangroves full of wildlife—red crabs everywhere if you’re lucky with the tide. No kayaking experience needed; just bring curiosity and maybe a sense of humor when you get splashed.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the soft slap of water against the kayak, way quieter than any boat motor. We set out from Paraty’s bay just as the light was still gentle, and our guide—Pedro, I think—handed me a paddle with a grin like he’d seen plenty of nervous beginners before. He showed us how to hold it (I definitely got it backwards at first) and off we went, gliding past anchored fishing boats and some pelicans that looked like they owned the place.

I’d never been in a sea kayak before, but honestly, you don’t need experience for this tour. The water felt calm—almost lazy—and Pedro kept an eye on us without hovering. We paddled toward these little islands scattered across the bay; one had sand so white it almost hurt my eyes. When we stopped there, I just floated for a minute, listening to the wind in the palms and someone playing music faintly back onshore. My arms were already feeling it (in a good way), but there was time to swim or just flop down in the shade.

The highlight for me was drifting into the mangrove near the end—if the tide’s high enough you can get right inside. It smelled earthy and salty at once, with flashes of red crabs scrambling over roots whenever we passed too close. Pedro pointed out some bird whose name I forgot immediately (sorry Pedro), but what stuck was how suddenly quiet everything got in there. Just us, water lapping under tangled branches, and sunlight turning everything greenish-gold for a few minutes. I didn’t expect to feel that peaceful after all that paddling—you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Kayak tour of Paraty bay and mangroves

• Receive paddling and safety instruction
• Paddle on flat bay waters
• Visit tropical islands and beaches
• Swim and snorkel at beaches
• Relax and enjoy refreshments
• Paddle through mangrove with red crabs

Top questions

Do I need kayaking experience for this Paraty tour?

No previous kayaking experience is required; instruction is provided before setting out.

How many people are in each group?

A maximum of 4 people per booking is allowed on this tour.

Is equipment included in the kayak tour?

Yes, all paddling equipment including lifejackets, paddles, sea kayaks, and dry bags is included.

Are refreshments or lunch provided during the day trip?

No refreshments or lunch are provided by Paraty Explorer; bring your own snacks if needed.

Can everyone access the mangrove area by kayak?

You can access the mangrove by kayak if the tide is high enough; boats cannot enter this area.

Is this tour suitable for travelers with health conditions?

The tour is not recommended for those with poor cardiovascular health or spinal injuries.

How long does it take to reach the beaches from Paraty by kayak?

The exact timing depends on conditions but expect several stops at islands and beaches along the way.

What’s included

Your day includes all paddling gear—sea kayaks designed for easy travel, lifejackets, paddles, dry bags for cameras or phones—and guiding from an experienced English-speaking local who provides safety tips before you start exploring Paraty’s bay together.