Rafting Rio Mambucaba near Paraty: Class II-III rapids

Six kilometers of rapids, a ruin, and a cliff jump into forest water

White water rafting on Rio Mambucaba near Paraty takes you down class II and III rapids through Serra da Bocaina National Park with a live guide, full gear and private transport. The 6km descent includes a stop at a historic ruin, time to swim and cliff jump, and ends at a family house with homemade snacks. Guides speak English, Spanish or Portuguese. Pickup is included and children from age 10 are welcome.

Step-by-step itinerary

Rafting and exploring Mambucaba River

• Descend 6km river by raft
• Stop to visit historic ruin
• Swim in river
• Cliff jump
• End at family house for snacks

The experience

You arrive at Rio Mambucaba ready to paddle. The river here sits close enough to the coast that the rapids stay manageable for beginners: class II and III water that moves fast without the danger of bigger descents. A live guide meets you, fits your gear, and walks through the basics before you push off. The 6km run takes about two hours, but it is not a straight shot downriver: you stop to climb through a historic ruin built into the forest, then drop into a pool deep enough to swim and jump from the rocks above.

The water is clear enough to see the riverbed, and the forest walls close in tight: rock faces and waterfalls line the banks as you paddle through. Your guide handles the technical parts and reads the current. You do the work of paddling and steering. A GoPro captures the run so you have photos to take home. When the river flattens out, you pull ashore at a family house where snacks and cold drinks wait. Private transport picks you up there and brings you back.

The whole outing runs seven hours from pickup to drop-off. Guides speak English, Spanish or Portuguese, and the operator includes insurance with the booking. Children from age 10 can join if they are comfortable in moving water and can follow instructions. The minimum age is 10, though the operator lists 12 as the standard threshold.

What’s included

• Full gear including paddle, life jacket and helmet.
• a live guide in English, Spanish or Portuguese.
• private transport with pickup from your hotel.
• insurance.
• snacks and drinks at the end of the run.
• and GoPro photos from the descent.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (18 to 75 years) · Child (10 to 17 years) · Under 10: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, Spanish and Portuguese

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 29 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Physically demandingPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Felipe Fernandes de Lima

Is this one for you?You paddle the raft yourself with a guide steering and calling the moves, so this suits anyone who wants to be active on the water rather than watch from a boat. The rapids are beginner-friendly but real enough to feel the current and the work. If you want something gentler, look for a float trip, and if you want bigger whitewater, you need a different river. Children from age 10 can join if they are strong swimmers and comfortable taking instruction in moving water.

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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: Child (10 to 17 years). Children under 10 can't be included in the booking.

What are the rapids like on Rio Mambucaba for someone who has never rafted before?

Rio Mambucaba runs class II and III rapids, which are ideal for beginners. The water moves fast enough to feel the current and keep you engaged, but not so steep or chaotic that you need prior experience. Your guide handles the technical decisions and steers you through the bigger drops.

What happens during the stop in the middle of the rafting descent?

You pull ashore at a historic ruin built into the forest and climb through it. After that, you swim in a deep pool and can cliff jump from the rocks if you want to. It breaks up the paddle and lets you cool off before the final stretch downriver.

How long does the whole rafting experience take from start to finish?

The full outing is seven hours, which includes pickup from your hotel, the 6km river descent of about two hours, the stops to visit the ruin and swim, and the return transport. The actual paddling is roughly two hours. The rest is setup, stops and travel.

What gear and safety equipment do I need to bring, or is it all provided?

The operator provides all gear: paddle, life jacket, helmet and anything else you need to raft safely. Insurance is included in the booking. You just need to wear clothes that can get wet and bring a towel and change of clothes for after.

Does the price include the photos taken during the rafting?

A GoPro captures photos during the descent, and these are included with your booking. You receive the photos to take home as a record of the day.