A trip like this turns Paraty into a one-day island circuit, and you get to do it on a double-decker schooner with Starlink Wi-Fi. I like that it mixes comfort (cushioned seating, tables, toilets) with playful extras like the onboard water slide. The staff also seems genuinely helpful, and if you’re traveling with a pet, that’s a plus. One thing to keep in mind: this tour depends on safe weather, so you may get a reschedule or a refund.

This is the kind of outing that works when you want sun, swim breaks, and scenery without doing logistics all morning. It’s rated well too, with 4.6 stars from 13 reviews, and the standout takeaway is kind, considerate service on board.

Key things to know before you go

• Starlink Wi-Fi on board so you can share your Paraty moments in real time
• Triple water slide and swing photo spots (yes, it’s that kind of boat)
• Four island stops with about one hour at each beach area
• Support boat for beach access, so getting onto shore is easier
• Floatation mats and snorkeling-friendly stops for comfortable water time
• Pet friendly service, plus an onboard photographer to capture the day

Aquamarina II: why this Paraty island loop feels effortless

Paraty’s coastline is beautiful, but doing it well usually takes time, planning, and at least some luck with boats. This tour solves the hard part: you’re handed a schedule, a modern schooner, and a set of classic stops spaced out over a 5-hour ride.

The Aquamarina II setup matters. It’s a two-story vessel with cushioned seating areas and tables, so you’re not stuck standing in the sun the whole time. There’s also a bar/restaurant onboard where drinks and meals are optional, which helps if you want a snack without leaving the boat.

And the vibe is laid-back. Background music plays while you sail, so you get that easy “vacation moving through the water” feel rather than a silent ferry experience.

Where to meet: find Aquamarina II at the Tourist Pier

Meeting is simple once you know what you’re looking for. The schooner is anchored and visible at the Tourist Pier. Your job is to check in with the staff and show your name or voucher.

To make spotting the boat easy, it’s equipped with very visible, photo-friendly details:

• A yellow instagrammable heart
• A triple slide
• An instagrammable swing

Two practical tips that make boarding smoother: bring your ID, and arrive early. The tour asks you to get to the pier at least 30 minutes before departure (with 10:30am listed as the departure time). That buffer is worth it when you’re trying to get settled, sunscreen on, and seats claimed.

Onboard comfort: Starlink Wi-Fi, cushions, toilets, and the slide

If you love checking messages or posting a quick clip, this boat helps. Starlink Wi-Fi runs onboard, and you can use it during the sail and at stops. It’s not a guarantee of speed like you’d get at home, but in practical terms, it makes sharing the day much easier than going completely offline.

Comfort is also handled. There are both men’s and women’s toilets, plus a two-level layout with cushioned areas, tables, and chairs. That’s a big deal on a day that includes multiple swims and beach breaks. You can cool off, reset, and still have a place to sit that isn’t just a bench.

Then there’s the entertainment piece: the onboard water slide. It’s there for everyone, not only kids. If you’re an adult who thinks you’re too old for slides, you’ll probably reconsider after the first clean, empty stretch of deck time.

What the day actually looks like: the 5-hour flow

The tour is structured around four beach/island stops. Each one is about one hour, so you get real time in the water and on shore without exhausting your whole day.

Expect a rhythm:

• Board and sail out
• An island/beach stop with time for photos and water time
• A transfer to the next location with music and easy sailing
• A final cool-down swim on board with freshwater before you head back

There’s also a support boat used to help reach the beaches. That reduces the “how do we get off this thing?” stress, especially when waves or dock distance make it harder to step right onto shore.

Stop 1: Ilha dos Cocos and your first hour of calm water

Ilha dos Cocos is the opening stop, with about one hour scheduled for sightseeing. The appeal here is simple: you start the day with clear water and marine life you can enjoy while you’re in the swim areas.

A practical way to use this first hour: keep it flexible. Go in early if you want the best chance at clear conditions, then save a chunk of time for standing back on shore or near the waterline to watch what’s going on. If you’re traveling with kids, this is also usually the stop where they’ll warm up to the boat, the beach vibe, and the water routine.

Snorkels aren’t listed as mandatory, but they’re recommended for enjoying the marine life at stops. If you don’t have one, you can still do plenty with just floatation mats, but bringing your own gear can help you maximize the time.

Stop 2: Praia da Conceição for white sand and an easy pace

Next up is Praia da Conceição, again with about one hour. This stop is described as a peaceful beach: white sand, calm waters, and the kind of setting where relaxing feels natural instead of rushed.

This is a good place to slow down. Put sunscreen on early, grab a spot where you can sit comfortably, and treat it like your “reset beach.” If your group is a mix of swimmers and people who prefer to lounge, this stop tends to work for both.

One logistical detail that makes a difference: the tour uses a motorized support boat to help you reach the beaches. That means your beach time starts sooner, with fewer awkward transfers, which helps you actually enjoy the hour you paid for.

Stop 3: Lagoa Azul and fish-watching time in clear water

Then you reach Lagoa Azul, also called the Blue Lagoon. Here, the focus is on the visibility and the natural “aquarium” feel—transparent water with colorful fish around you.

This is the stop where you’ll probably get your most satisfying swim time of the day, especially if you bring a snorkel. If you don’t, you can still enjoy what you can see from the shallows, and floatation mats help you stay comfortable without tiring yourself out.

Just be realistic about the “one hour” setup. It’s enough to do a proper water session and take photos, but it’s not enough to become a full-day beach person. Plan to work through your must-dos quickly, then linger if the water and mood are good.

Stop 4: Praia da Lula for photos, calm, and a final relax

The last scheduled beach stop is Praia da Lula. It’s described as a small, quieter spot that’s great for relaxing and taking unforgettable photos. This is the kind of location where you can get that lighter, end-of-trip feeling—less frantic, more “let’s just hang out and enjoy.”

Use the hour for your camera moments first, then settle in. By this point, you’ll likely have gotten your earlier swimming fix. If you’re traveling with a mixed group, it’s also a nice chance for the non-swimmers to enjoy the beach scenery without feeling like they missed the action.

The final cool-down: a freshwater swim on board

When the beach stops are done, you return to the schooner. Before heading back to the pier, you get a freshwater bath on board to cool off. It’s a practical ending to the day because it helps you rinse off salt and sand before you’re back in the city.

That tiny detail is more important than it sounds. Saltwater skin can feel sticky and scratchy on the ride back, and freshwater rinse makes the return more comfortable, especially if you’re planning to grab dinner afterward.

Food and drinks: bar and restaurant are optional

There’s a bar and restaurant onboard. Drinks and meals are listed as optional, so you can spend money only if you want to. If you’re someone who likes to keep the day simple, this is a convenience: you don’t need to find a shop before the tour ends.

If you have dietary restrictions, tell the staff in advance. They say you should inform them so they can adapt restaurant options. That’s worth doing early rather than waiting until you’re already hungry.

Price and value: is $23 a good deal?

At $23 per person, this tour can feel like good value if you want four stops, onboard comfort, and a boat that handles the messy parts of getting to beaches. You’re not just paying for transportation. You’re paying for:

• A guided, timed island/beach route
• A modern vessel with seating, toilets, and onboard services
• Starlink Wi-Fi so you can share in real time
• The water slide for fun
• Floatation mats for comfortable water time
• A support boat for easier beach access
• A freshwater rinse at the end
• Pet friendly service and an onboard photographer

The only potential “value mismatch” is if you’re the type who wants full freedom to pick only one beach and stay there all day. This is structured—each stop gets about an hour—so it’s less about drifting slowly and more about hitting the highlights efficiently.

Who should book this tour (and who might not)

I think this tour fits best if you want a classic Paraty shoreline experience without doing navigation or boat hunting yourself. It’s a strong choice for:

• Families who want a fun boat element (the slide) plus beach time
• Friends who want photos, scenery, and Wi-Fi for quick updates
• Pet owners, since the service is pet friendly
• People who like snorkeling-friendly stops and simple floatation support

If you’re very sensitive to boat movement or you prefer long, uninterrupted beach time, you might find the hour-per-stop pacing a bit tight. Also, because it’s weather-dependent, it’s not the best pick if you’re on a super strict schedule where a reschedule would ruin everything.

Weather and timing: the practical tips that prevent headaches

This tour is subject to weather conditions. If sailing isn’t safe, it’s rescheduled or you get your money back. That’s normal for water trips, but you should plan mentally for possible changes.

Your best move is packing for sun and water:

• Wear light clothing
• Bring sunscreen
• Bring a towel and swimwear
• Consider bringing snorkels (they’re recommended for the marine life)

Also, check in early. The “30 minutes before departure” rule isn’t just paperwork. It gives you time to get situated on the correct deck area, secure your spot, and avoid boarding-day stress.

Should you book the Paraty islands schooner on Aquamarina II?

If you want a simple, guided way to see Paraty’s standout islands and beaches in one go, I’d book it. The combination of onboard comfort, Starlink Wi-Fi, a water slide, and four scheduled stops makes it feel fun and efficient at the same time. And if you care about service, the tour’s reputation for kind, considerate staff is one of the main reasons I’d trust it.

I’d skip or rethink if your heart is set on only one beach for the whole day, or if weather-related rescheduling would break your itinerary. But for most people—especially families, friends, and pet owners—this is the kind of outing that turns a few hours into a real Paraty highlight.

FAQ

How long is the Aquamarina II Paraty islands tour?

The tour lasts 5 hours.

What stops are included?

The tour includes stops at Ilha dos Cocos, Praia da Conceição, Lagoa Azul, and Praia da Lula.

Is Starlink Wi-Fi available during the tour?

Yes. Starlink Wi-Fi is available onboard throughout the tour.

Is there a water slide on the schooner?

Yes. There is a water slide onboard for fun during the trip.

Do I need my own snorkel?

Snorkels are recommended to enjoy the marine life at the stops, but the tour also provides floatation mats.

Can I bring a pet on this tour?

Yes. The service is pet friendly.

Where do I meet the boat?

The schooner is anchored and visible at the Tourist Pier. You’ll check in with staff and can spot the boat by features like a yellow heart, a triple slide, and an instagrammable swing.

What payment methods are accepted onboard?

Payments on board can be made via PIX, card, or cash.

Are refunds available if weather is unsafe?

If weather conditions are not safe for sailing, the tour will be rescheduled or the amount paid will be refunded.