Rafting in Paraty: Rio Mambucaba with guide and boat

Paddle through rapids and calmer stretches in the heart of Serra da Bocaina

Rafting on the Mambucaba River near Paraty combines a jeep ride through preserved Atlantic Forest with a guided boat descent of rapids and slower sections. You board a 4x4 to reach the river, receive instruction from an experienced guide, and spend the morning paddling in a shared boat with up to seven other adventurers. The route mixes adrenaline with nature, passing waterfalls and forest scenery on a three-hour outing suitable for all fitness levels.

Step-by-step itinerary

River rafting and Paraty exploration

• Jeep tour through Atlantic Forest
• Rafting on Mambucaba River
• Explore Paraty historic center

The experience

The day starts with a 4x4 jeep ride from the meeting point through the Atlantic Forest to the Mambucaba River, which sits on the border between Angra dos Reis and Paraty within Serra da Bocaina National Park. The drive itself is the approach: you move through preserved forest and local terrain, arriving at the river's edge where the boats wait. Once there, an instructor walks the group through the basics before you board.

The Mambucaba has both thrilling rapids and calmer stretches, so the three-hour descent keeps the pace varied. Each boat holds up to eight people and stays with an instructor the whole way. You get a life jacket and all rowing equipment. The guide handles safety and timing while you paddle through sections that test your nerve and others that let you breathe and take in the river canyon, waterfalls, and the forest rising on both sides.

This is a shared activity, so you'll paddle alongside other travelers. The river itself is the draw: crystal-clear water, the kind of rapids that feel serious but stay manageable for someone with no experience, and the kind of quiet pools where you can actually hear the forest. Bring swimwear or a change of clothes, a towel, sunscreen and insect repellent. Wear shoes that can get wet.

What’s included

• A live guide during the entire descent.
• a life jacket and all rowing equipment.
• instruction before the boats launch.
• the jeep ride through the Atlantic Forest to the river.
• a shared boat with up to seven other adventurers.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 11:00

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (11 and older) · Child (5 to 10 years) · Under 5: can't be booked

GroupUp to 20

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.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by MOVE TOUR MARANHAO

Is this one for you?The activity runs three hours with a jeep ride and a boat descent, so you're active the whole time: paddling through rapids and calmer sections means you're doing the work, not watching. Book this if you want to be in the water and moving, not if you prefer to sit and observe.

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish and Portuguese.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 10 years). Children under 5 can't be included in the booking.

What's the Mambucaba River like for someone who's never rafted before?

The Mambucaba combines thrilling rapids with calmer stretches, making it suitable for all fitness levels and experience. Your instructor stays with the boat throughout the descent, and the life jacket and all equipment are provided, so you focus on paddling and the river itself.

How do we get to the rafting starting point?

A 4x4 jeep picks up the group and drives through the Atlantic Forest to the river's edge. The jeep ride is part of the experience. You move through preserved forest and local terrain before the boats launch.

How many people raft together in one boat?

Each boat holds up to eight adventurers plus the instructor, so you're paddling in a small shared group. The guide manages the route and safety while you and the other paddlers handle the oars.

What do I need to bring and wear?

Wear comfortable shoes that can get wet, bring swimwear or a change of clothes, a towel, sunscreen and insect repellent. Cash or a card is useful for any incidentals at the meeting point.

Is this activity available in English?

Yes, guides lead the activity in English, Spanish and Portuguese. Let the operator know your language preference when you book.