Sunset Kayaking in Paraty: Birds' Island and Mangrove

Paddle into Paraty's last mangrove as the sun drops behind the islands.

Sunset kayaking in Paraty starts with instruction at Pontal beach, then paddles toward Birds' Island and Jabaquara beach's remaining mangrove within the city limits, where capybaras and wading birds gather. The activity runs about two hours with roughly an hour of paddling at an easy pace, suitable for all ages from nine up. The group is shared, not private, and includes a professional guide in English, Spanish, Portuguese or French, plus kayak, paddle, life vest and safety kit.

The experience

You meet at Pontal beach at 3:45 pm for a short instruction before pushing off. The route heads first toward Jabaquara beach, where the last mangrove forest still stands inside Paraty's urban center: a rare pocket where capybaras and dozens of bird species move through the roots and branches. From there the kayaks turn toward Ilha dos Pombos (Birds' Island), ringed with grebes, bromeliads and cactus, and the bay opens into a full view of Paraty's mountains and islands.

The paddle itself is easy and takes about an hour of light physical effort. No experience is needed. The guide walks you through the basics on the beach before the group launches. The timing is built around the sunset, so you're on the water as the light starts to shift and the islands turn gold and shadow.

Bring sunscreen, insect repellent, a bathing suit, cap and sunglasses. A waterproof bag and phone cover are useful if you want to carry personal items. The group is shared, so you'll paddle alongside other travelers. Children are welcome from age nine. Activity insurance is available as an add-on at checkout.

What’s included

• Kayak, paddle and life vest.
• professional guide and safety instruction.
• first aid kit.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 14:30

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (16 and older) · Child (9 to 15 years) · Under 9: can't be booked

GroupUp to 19

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French 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.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Kayak Paraty - Water sports

Is this one for you?This is a shared group activity, not a private tour, so you paddle alongside other travelers under a guide's leadership. It suits anyone who wants to handle the kayak themselves rather than watch from a boat, and the easy pace and instruction make it work for families with children from nine up and for people with no paddling experience.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, French and Portuguese.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (9 to 15 years). Children under 9 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What's the last mangrove in Paraty like when you paddle into it?

Jabaquara beach's mangrove is the only one left within the city, and it's home to capybaras and a wide range of wading birds. The roots and shallow water make it a slow, close look at wildlife most visitors never see in an urban setting.

How much paddling experience do I need for this kayaking?

None. The guide gives instruction on the beach before departure, and the paddle itself is easy with light physical effort over about an hour. It's designed for all ages and fitness levels from nine years old up.

What time does the kayaking start and how long does it take?

You meet at 3:45 pm at Pontal beach. The full activity runs about two hours, with roughly an hour spent paddling toward the islands and mangrove.

Is this a private kayaking group or shared with other travelers?

It's a shared group, not private. A professional guide leads the paddle and speaks English, Spanish, Portuguese or French depending on the group's needs.

What's included in the kayaking, and what do I need to bring?

The kayak, paddle, life vest, first aid kit and professional instruction are all included. Bring sunscreen, insect repellent, a bathing suit, cap, sunglasses and water. A waterproof bag and phone cover help if you want to carry personal items.