PARATY BAY

The bay of Paraty, like the village itself, appears like a jewel in the green setting of the Mata Atlantica. Caiçara communities can still be found and visited. Above all, it's a bay that's still very much preserved in environmental terms, despite growing tourism. Boat trips in the bay are one of the highlights of a stay in Paraty. There are a number of options available to visitors. There are numerous agencies offering these excursions

Don't hesitate to compare prices and services - the "classic" tours are the same in every agency! At the risk of repeating ourselves, price should not be the only factor in choosing a tour, even if it is obviously important. Whenever possible, you should choose an agency that respects its surroundings, its staff and its passengers

Private boats: to visit the bay's beaches and coves, excursions are organized for boats accommodating up to 8 people. Boat captains are usually converted fishermen who know the bay inside out. You'll meet them along the Rio Perequê-Açu, behind the Praça da Matriz, or on the quay opposite the largo de Santa Rita. They'll show you little corners of paradise, deserted beaches, crystal-clear seabeds teeming with fish, and on the way back, a tiny little island restaurant, Robinson-style, populated by huge iguanas and turkeys... The tables are secluded and cling to the rocks. A real treasure island. Not to be missed: Enseada do Passo (2 hours 30), Praia Vermelha, Praia da Lula, Conceicão (1 hour 30), Araujo and Sapeza islands (5 hours).

Schooners: these often noisy craft can accommodate 50 to 100 people, and follow a number of itineraries to beaches and pristine islands. Departure is usually around 11/11:30 a.m. and return around 4:30 p.m. All have a bar and sometimes a snack service (extra charge). A musician plays Brazilian classics on his guitar during the cruise. Mask and snorkel hire (approx. R$20). In principle, the tours are varied: Ilha Comprida (snorkeling), Saco da Velha beach, Lula beach and Ensenada da Preguiça (very clear water, a quiet, magical place). You'll often see a spectacular sunset over Paraty on the way back.

By sailboat: cruises in Paraty Bay, to Angra Dos Reis and Ilha Grande. maximum 6 passengers.