Half-Day Schooner Cruise and Snorkeling in Paraty Bay

Exploring Paraty Bay: A Half-Day Schooner Cruise and Snorkeling Adventure

If you’re planning a trip to Paraty, Brazil, and eager to experience its turquoise waters and lush islands, the Half-Day Schooner Cruise and Snorkeling offers a fascinating glimpse into this coastal paradise. For around $33 per person, you’ll spend about five hours on a traditional schooner, visiting some of the area’s most beautiful spots — perfect for families, solo travelers, or anyone craving a relaxed day at sea.

What we love most about this experience is how it combines authentic sailing with vibrant underwater life and secluded beaches. The four stops are well chosen: Ilha Comprida for snorkeling schools of fish, Lulas Beach for tranquil sand and surf, the Blue Lagoon for a tasty onboard lunch, and Red Beach for unwinding on soft sands. You’ll enjoy stunning views of the green coastline and crystal-clear waters that make Paraty a standout destination.

A key consideration is that the tour is guided in Portuguese, which might matter if you prefer an English-speaking guide or a more personalized experience. Also, the lunch isn’t included in the price, so you’ll want to plan ahead if you’re hungry or looking for a full meal. This tour suits travelers who are interested in snorkeling, scenic boat rides, and relaxing on beaches, but may not be ideal for those desiring a guided commentary in English or with specific dietary needs.

This cruise offers a good balance of adventure and leisure — suited best for those who want to see the highlights of Paraty’s coast without a long day of travel or complex logistics. If your goal is to snorkel among vibrant reefs or soak in tranquil island scenery, this could be an ideal choice. Now, let’s dig into the details so you know what to expect.

Key Points

Stunning Water and Reef Views: The crystal-clear waters and colorful reefs make snorkeling here a visual feast.
Relaxed, Half-Day Format: With stops designed for swimming and unwinding, it’s a perfect way to spend a few hours at sea.
Secluded Beaches and Islands: Expect quiet beaches like Lulas Beach and Red Beach, ideal for swimming and relaxing away from crowds.
Onboard Snacks and Lunch Options: Tropical fruits are included, with the option to purchase or bring your own lunch for the day.
Safety and Comfort: The schooner is equipped with dinghies, floats, and safety instructions, making it suitable for all ages.
Language Barrier: The tour is guided in Portuguese, so some travelers might need translation or prefer a different language.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Detailed Look at the Paraty Bay Schooner Adventure

When we think about Paraty, we picture the emerald coastline, historic colonial streets, and the inviting waters that surround it. This half-day schooner cruise captures the essence of this region: a relaxed but visually stunning experience packed into just five hours. The tour starts at the Paraty Tourism Pier in the historic center, a scenic spot where you’ll board a traditional schooner, ready to navigate the calm, transparent waters.

The itinerary includes four stops, each offering a different taste of Paraty’s natural beauty. The first stop, Ilha Comprida, is often described as a natural fish aquarium. Guides drop a tiny rice grain into the water, prompting schools of colorful tropical fish to gather — a mesmerizing sight for snorkelers. Many reviews highlight this as a highlight, with one guest remarking, “Snorkeling here was like swimming in a live aquarium.”

Next, the boat moves to Lulas Beach, a peaceful stretch of sand and gentle surf, perfect for swimming and relaxing. The quiet, unspoiled environment here offers a genuine break from busy tourist spots. As one reviewer noted, “The waters are pristine, and the tranquility was exactly what we needed.”

The third stop, Blue Lagoon, is especially appealing because it combines beautiful scenery with a delicious onboard lunch. The boat’s crew prepares tropical fruits and sometimes offers the option to order a meal, making it a good spot to refuel and enjoy the views. The blue waters here are calm and inviting, ideal for a swim after a satisfying meal.

Finally, the tour concludes at Red Beach, where you can soak in the golden sands and lush surroundings. This stop offers plenty of time to relax, take photos, or just enjoy the serenity. Some guests mention bringing underwater cameras to capture the vibrant marine life and colorful reefs, which truly make snorkeling here special.

What to Expect During the Tour

Before departure, you’ll receive a safety briefing, which is particularly comforting if you’re new to boating or snorkeling. The schooner is well-equipped with floats and dinghies, and safety instructions are clearly provided, making it accessible for children and less experienced swimmers.

While the price doesn’t include food or drinks, tropical fruits are offered onboard, enhancing the tropical feel. For lunch, you may choose to ask in advance or bring your own snacks. The tours are guided in Portuguese, so a basic understanding or a translation app might come in handy if you don’t speak the language.

Each stop lasts approximately 40 minutes, which is enough time to snorkel, swim, or relax on the beaches. The horn sounds to signal the end of each stop, so you’ll want to stay attentive and be back on the boat in time.

The cruise is suitable for all ages—families, couples, solo travelers—due to its laid-back pace and focus on scenery and snorkeling rather than strenuous activities. It’s an excellent way to see Paraty’s islands and beaches without the hassle of land transportation or multiple bookings.

Authentic Experiences and Real Guest Insights

One of the tour’s greatest attractions is how it captures the beauty of Paraty’s coastline without overwhelming travelers. The quiet beaches like Lulas and Red Beach are often praised for their peaceful ambiance, making them perfect for unwinding.

However, the reviews reveal a few caveats. For instance, there was a notable experience where a guest was made to pay again on site due to a booking platform issue, which caused disappointment. It’s a reminder to confirm your reservation and be prepared for possible administrative hiccups.

Another potential drawback is the language barrier, since the tour is guided in Portuguese. If you’re not fluent, you might miss some commentary or explanations. That said, the visual experience of snorkeling and scenery often speaks for itself, and the crew is generally helpful.

The cost of $33 per person strikes us as quite reasonable for this kind of experience, especially given the quality of the scenery and the snorkeling. Keep in mind that lunch isn’t included, so budgeting a few extra reais for food is wise if you plan to eat onboard or ashore.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is best suited for travelers who are looking for a relaxing, scenic, and affordable way to explore Paraty’s coastline. It’s ideal if you enjoy snorkeling and want to see colorful fish and reefs in crystal waters. Those who appreciate quiet beaches and natural scenery will particularly love Lulas and Red Beach.

However, if you prefer guided commentary in English or have special dietary needs, this tour might not fully meet your expectations. It’s also worth noting that the departure time varies with the tides, so flexibility is needed in planning your day.

This experience offers a balance of adventure and tranquility—a great choice for those seeking a laid-back day at sea with plenty of beautiful sights to capture.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the duration of the tour?
The tour lasts about five hours, including all stops and sailing time.

Where do I meet for the cruise?
You meet at the Cais de Turismo de Paraty in the Historic Center, and must collect your voucher no more than 30 minutes before departure.

Is there hotel pickup or drop-off?
No, there is no hotel transfer. You need to go directly to the meeting point.

What language is the tour guided in?
The tour is guided in Portuguese.

Are food and drinks included?
No, food and beverages are not included but tropical fruits are offered onboard. You can also bring your own snacks or purchase food ashore.

Can I snorkel without rental gear?
Snorkel masks and gear are available for rent if you don’t have your own.

What should I bring?
Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, swimwear, sandals, a towel, and possibly a waterproof camera.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, the tour is generally suitable for all ages, especially since it’s relaxed and includes snorkeling.

What if I want to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

To sum it up, this half-day schooner cruise in Paraty offers an excellent way to discover some of Brazil’s most charming coastal spots. With beautiful snorkeling, peaceful beaches, and scenic sailing, it’s a worthwhile experience for those wanting to enjoy nature without a long day of travel or complicated arrangements. While it might lack guided commentary in English and doesn’t include meals, the stunning views, vibrant marine life, and tranquil stops create a memorable escape—ideal for relaxing, exploring, and capturing perfect photos.

If you’re after a laid-back, scenic, and affordable way** to enjoy Paraty’s waters, this cruise could very well be the highlight of your trip. Just remember to confirm your booking and bring your sense of adventure along!

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby