Paraty Schooner Cruise and Snorkeling Tour

Imagine spending a half-day drifting across Paraty Bay on a classic schooner, with the sun warming your skin and the gentle ocean breeze in your hair. For just around $33.90 per person, this tour offers a relaxing boat ride combined with the chance to snorkel among colorful tropical fish at prime locations. Starting at 10:00 am from the Paraty Tourism Pier, you’ll spend approximately five hours exploring the tranquil waters, hopping between four snorkel spots, including the famous Ilha Comprida.

What makes this experience particularly appealing? First, the variety—the route changes daily, offering fresh views and different islands to explore. Second, the easy access with included hotel pickup and drop-off makes it a hassle-free way to enjoy some of Paraty’s best underwater scenery.

That said, a few travelers have noted that the water visibility can sometimes be less than ideal, especially if the currents or tides aren’t cooperating. If you’re primarily after spectacular snorkeling, this is something to keep in mind. This tour suits travelers looking for a relaxed, scenic, and family-friendly outing, especially if you’re partial to marine life or just want to unwind on the water.

Key Points

• Comfortable schooner cruise with scenic views of Paraty Bay and its numerous islands
• Snorkeling at four spots, including Ilha Comprida, known as “nature’s aquarium”
• Round-trip hotel pickup and drop-off included, simplifying logistics
• Guided by friendly crew, with snorkeling gear provided (or rentable)
• Flexibility: the route and snorkeling spots vary daily with the tide and weather
• Value for money at under $35 for a half-day experience with snacks included

Why You Should Consider This Tour

If you’re after a relaxed day on the water that combines scenic cruising with marine exploration, this tour hits the mark. The comfortable schooner is ideal for lounging, soaking up sunshine and taking in breathtaking views of Paraty’s many islands and turquoise waters. The snorkeling component is a highlight, especially at Ilha Comprida, where large schools of tropical fish swim close enough to touch (though please don’t).

We loved the way the crew makes everyone feel at ease and the variety of stops ensures no two trips are exactly alike—adding an element of surprise. Plus, the included fruit snack provides just enough fuel to keep you energized as you float in the calm waters.

However, one consideration is that water clarity might not always be perfect, according to some reviews. Gregory, a recent guest, mentioned, “Make sure the boat is going where the water is clear,” noting that sometimes the sea can be a little murky, which affects snorkeling quality. This variability is typical in ocean environments, but it’s worth noting if snorkeling is your main goal.

In terms of suitability, this tour best serves travelers seeking easy, laid-back marine fun without the hassle of organizing their own boat trips or diving into more complex excursions. Families, couples, and solo travelers who enjoy relaxing boat rides with the chance to see underwater life will find this a worthwhile outing.

A Closer Look at the Itinerary

Pickup & Transfer
Your day begins with a pickup from most Paraty hotels, making the start seamless. Once at the Cais de Turismo de Paraty, you’ll meet your local guide and friendly crew. The voyage departs around 10:00 am—a good time to beat the afternoon heat and tides that influence the route.

Cruising Paraty Bay
Once aboard, you’ll find plenty of comfortable deck space for lounging or taking photos of the emerald waters and surrounding islands. The boat’s routes change daily, which keeps the experience fresh.

Snorkeling at Four Spots
The highlight of the trip is stopping at four different snorkeling locations, with the always-visited Ilha Comprida as a staple. Here, the high-visibility waters allow for excellent underwater photos and an immersive experience with large tropical fish that seem unbothered by human presence. Guests are equipped with mask, snorkel, and fins, or you can rent gear for around BRL 20.

Snacks & Relaxation
Back on board, a fruit snack is served, perfect for refueling after your swim. The crew ensures everyone feels safe and comfortable, providing safety instructions and keeping a close eye on all swimmers.

Return & Drop-Off
After approximately 40-minute stops at each snorkeling spot, the boat heads back to the pier around 3:00 pm, where transportation is waiting to return you to your hotel.

Detailed Review: What Works Well and What to Watch Out For

The Scenic Cruising Experience

The schooner itself is a standout feature. Its classic design and deck setup make it ideal for relaxing, sunbathing, and enjoying unobstructed views of Paraty’s islands. The crew is described as friendly and professional, which adds to the overall enjoyment. Gregory appreciated the beautiful boat ride, though he noted, “Boat ride was good. Water was murky not good for snorkeling.” This highlights that while the boat itself is comfortable, water clarity can vary, affecting the snorkeling experience.

The Snorkeling Spots

The four stops are carefully chosen for their marine life and scenic underwater scenery. Ilha Comprida is often called “nature’s aquarium” due to its large schools of tropical fish swimming close to snorkelers. The visibility here is usually excellent, making it a true highlight.

Some reviews mention that the route changes daily, which means you might find yourself visiting different islands or reefs depending on the tide and weather conditions. This keeps the experience fresh, but if snorkeling is your primary goal, it’s worth noting that water conditions might not always meet expectations.

Food and Amenities

The included fruit snack is a nice touch, providing a quick refreshment. The snorkel equipment is provided, though you can rent additional gear if needed. Since lunch isn’t included, if you’re hungry after the snorkeling, you might want to bring snacks or plan to buy lunch at the pier or onshore.

Practical Details and Group Size

With a maximum of 45 travelers, the group is large enough to feel lively but still manageable. The tour duration of five hours is perfect for those wanting a short but enriching marine adventure without taking up an entire day.

Considerations

The lack of hotel pickup might be inconvenient for some, as you need to go to the Paraty Tourism Pier yourself. Also, the timing and route depend on tides and weather, meaning flexibility is required.

If you’re after more intensive snorkeling or diving, this tour might not satisfy that craving, especially since equipment rental is a bit of an extra expense and the water conditions vary.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is best suited for families, couples, or solo travelers who want a relaxed, scenic day on the water. It’s excellent if you appreciate comfortable boats, casual snorkeling, and beautiful island scenery. It’s perfect for those who want to avoid complex logistics and prefer a guided, all-in-one experience.

However, if your main focus is superior snorkeling quality or diving, you might want to consider other options. The murky waters reported by some guests suggest that underwater visibility isn’t guaranteed but varies with conditions.

The Sum Up

For those seeking a laid-back, affordable way to see some of Paraty’s most beautiful islands and try snorkeling in the company of tropical fish, this schooner tour offers strong value. The friendly crew, scenic cruise, and accessible location make for a memorable outing that’s easy to enjoy.

While water clarity can sometimes be unpredictable, the overall atmosphere—relaxing, scenic, and sociable—more than compensates. It’s an ideal choice for travelers wanting a family-friendly, low-stress marine adventure with plenty of opportunities for relaxation and photos.

If your goal is to explore the marine environment without fuss, and you’re okay with the possibility of less-than-ideal visibility, this tour fits the bill. For those on a budget and seeking a taste of Paraty’s stunning waters, it’s a solid pick.

FAQ

What is the cost of the tour?
The tour costs about $33.90 per person, making it an affordable way to enjoy a half-day adventure on Paraty Bay.

How long does the tour last?
Expect around five hours, including pickup, the boat ride, snorkeling stops, and return.

What is included in the price?
The price includes a fruit snack, guided schooner cruise, snorkel equipment, and hotel pickup and drop-off from most Paraty hotels.

Do I need to bring my own snorkeling gear?
No, snorkeling gear is provided, though you can rent additional equipment for BRL 20 if you prefer.

Are meals included?
No, lunch is not included. You may want to bring snacks or buy lunch separately, or ask for a BRL 70 meal for two before the trip.

What if the water isn’t clear?
Some guests have noted that water clarity varies, which can affect snorkeling. The route changes daily, but it’s wise to go with flexible expectations.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, it’s generally suitable for most travelers, especially families who enjoy calm waters and shallow reefs.

What should I wear?
Bring swimsuits, sunscreen, sunglasses, sandals, and a towel. Tennis shoes are recommended for walking on the pier.

Is hotel transportation included?
No, you must go to the Paraty Tourism Pier yourself, as there’s no hotel pickup or drop-off.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, the tour has a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Embark on this schooner cruise for a relaxing slice of Paraty’s coast, where the balance of scenic views and marine encounters offers a memorable, value-packed outing.