Destination
The Best Islands & Beaches of Paraty Bay (Reachable Only by Boat)
Lagoa Azul, Ilha Comprida, Praia Vermelha and more. A guide to the bay's prettiest stops and how to fit them into a day on the water.
Paraty Bay has more than 60 islands and nearly 300 beaches — and the best ones are reachable only by water. Each boat tour picks a handful of stops; these are the ones most worth it, and what to expect at each.
Lagoa Azul
The most famous stop: a shallow channel between islands, with green-tinged water and fish used to being hand-fed. It's the best snorkeling stop in the bay — and also the busiest, so arrive early or take a speedboat that leaves before the schooners.
Ilha Comprida and Saco da Velha
Ilha Comprida has rock walls great for free-diving and a small beach. Saco da Velha, meanwhile, is a sheltered cove ringed by forest, with water as still as a pool — the calmest place for a swim out of the wind.
Praia Vermelha and Praia do Pouso
Praia Vermelha has pinkish sand and a kiosk known for its shrimp pastéis. Praia do Pouso is the gateway to Ilha do Cedro and its short trails — good if you want to pair beach time with an easy walk.
Schooner or speedboat?
The schooner is slower and more social, ideal for a relaxed day with the classic stops. The speedboat reaches farther corners and dodges the crowds, at your own pace. For the bay, either delivers a great day — the choice is between pace and reach.
