Sailing between Paraty’s best beaches feels easy. On the Aquamarina II, you get a modern double-decker schooner ride with smart extras, like Starlink Wi-Fi, a water slide, and stops at four standout islands and beaches.

My favorite parts are simple. I really liked the Starlink Wi-Fi for sharing what you see while you’re still on the water, and the water slide makes the trip fun even when you’re not in full swim mode. One thing to consider: the tour depends on safe weather, so your departure time can shift if conditions are rough.

Key things I’d plan around

• Starlink Wi-Fi onboard helps you share photos and messages in real time
• Water slide plus cushioned deck space keeps everyone comfortable
• Four main stops in one 5-hour run saves time compared to doing this piecemeal
• Support boat and floatation mats make beach and swim time easier
• Kind, considerate staff, pet-friendly service, and a photographer on board

Aquamarina II: comfortable sailing with real-life conveniences

This is the kind of boat trip that feels built for a day on the water, not just a simple transfer from one beach to another. The Aquamarina II is a modern, two-storey schooner with cushioned seating areas, plus tables and chairs so you can actually relax. That matters, because you spend a lot of the 5 hours either cruising between stops or hanging out while the boat anchors.

I also like that it doesn’t force you to choose between fun and comfort. You’ve got a water slide onboard for the playful moments, and you’ve also got a bar and restaurant onboard where drinks and meals are optional. There are separate men’s and women’s toilets too, which sounds basic, but it’s a real sanity saver on a half-day outing.

Then there’s the staff. The overall vibe is caring and attentive, and that shows up in small things like how easily they help you find your way at check-in and how smooth everything feels once you’re aboard.

Where to meet the boat at Paraty’s tourist pier

Don’t overthink it. The schooner is anchored at the Tourist Pier and is designed to be easy to spot. It even comes with visual cues, like a yellow instagrammable heart, a triple slide, and an instagrammable swing.

Plan to arrive early, at least 30 minutes before departure. The guidance given is to be there by 10:30am if your schedule matches that start time, so you have time to check in without rushing. Bring your ID, then show your name or voucher to the check-in staff.

If you’re traveling with others, this meeting setup is helpful because everyone can find the same boat fast. No hunting down tiny details on a crowded pier.

The 5-hour route through Ilha dos Cocos, Conceição, Lagoa Azul, and Lula

This tour is built around four stops, each with its own “do something different” feel. The total duration is 5 hours, and the stops are scheduled with about 1 hour at Ilha dos Cocos, 1 hour at the next island/beach stop (Lagoa Azul), then 1 hour at Praia da Conceição, plus time to return.

Stop 1: Ilha dos Cocos (about 1 hour)

Ilha dos Cocos is your first taste of calm water and marine life. This is the stop where you can cool off and spend time in the clearer, quieter stretch around the island. You’ll want to bring your swimwear and take advantage of the water time early, because once you’re later in the route you’ll likely want to save energy for the next anchoring.

Because snorkels aren’t provided, the recommendation is to bring a snorkel if you want to get the most out of the marine life. Floatation mats are available onboard, which helps if you want a more relaxed swim without committing to gear.

A practical tip: start with a short swim and a slow look around first. The water is clear, so you’ll typically be able to see fish and activity without exhausting yourself.

Stop 2: Lagoa Azul (about 1 hour)

Lagoa Azul is the “natural aquarium” style stop. The water is described as transparent, with colorful fish, which is exactly why this stop matters. This is where you want to spend your most patient time, like floating, scanning the water, and stopping your movement often so you don’t scare everything off.

If you like photos, this is also one of your best windows. Clear water makes snorkeling shots and waterline photos look great without needing fancy edits. You’ll also get the benefit of switching from pure beach relaxation to more water-based observation.

One consideration: if you’re not comfortable in open water, focus on the gentler parts of the anchoring area, and use the provided floatation mats. The support boat is there to help people reach the beaches, so you’re not stuck figuring everything out by yourself.

Stop 3: Praia da Conceição (about 1 hour)

Praia da Conceição is all about a quieter beach feel. This stop is described as a peaceful place with white sand and calm waters, which makes it ideal if you want to slow down. After two more active water moments, this beach gives you a chance to just relax, spread out a towel, and enjoy the “no rush” vibe.

This is also a good stop for families or mixed-energy groups. People who want to swim can do that, while others can stay on shore and still feel like they’re part of the day.

If you care about photos, take a few while the light is still even. Once people settle into lounging mode, the best photo moments can be earlier or later depending on how the day unfolds.

Stop 4: Praia da Lula (about 1 hour)

Praia da Lula is described as a little hidden, low-key beach that’s especially good for relaxing and taking unforgettable photos. This is where you can get that calmer, more personal beach feeling compared to larger, busier stretches.

I like this stop because it’s often the one that makes the day feel special, not just scenic. It’s not about constant action. It’s about finishing the day with a photogenic stretch of sand and a slower rhythm.

Also, because the tour is structured, you’re not stuck making your own transport plans or negotiating schedules. The boat handles the movement, and you simply show up for the swim and hang.

After the last stop: a freshwater swim on board

Once you’ve done the final beach time, the tour wraps with a freshwater swim onboard to cool off before you head back to the pier. That’s a nice touch because saltwater can linger, and a quick rinse makes the whole day feel cleaner and more comfortable.

Then it’s back to where you started, the Escuna Aquamarina II meeting point area at the tourist pier.

Onboard life: Wi-Fi, music, slide time, and staff care

This is not a “just sit outside and hope the day is good” boat. The onboard experience is designed to keep you comfortable while you’re between stops.

Starlink Wi-Fi that actually helps

Starlink Wi-Fi is available on board, and it’s there so you can share what you’re seeing in real time. For me, that changes the feel of the day. Instead of waiting until you’re back on land to upload photos or check messages, you can send something while the memories are still fresh.

If you’re traveling with kids, it also helps you keep everyone calm and occupied between stop times, without turning the whole day into a screen-only outing.

Background music and clear “hang out” zones

The cruise includes background music while sailing. It’s a small thing, but it makes the time between stops feel more like a planned outing and less like waiting.

Because there’s a two-storey layout with cushioned seating, you can choose your spot. You can stay shaded if the sun is strong, or move around to catch views when the boat is gliding between anchoring points.

Bar and restaurant, plus a photographer onboard

There’s a bar and restaurant onboard. Drinks and meals are optional, but it’s comforting to know you’re not forced to snack only from your bag.

There’s also a photographer onboard to record moments. The important thing for you is that you’ll have support for photos without having to constantly ask strangers or fumble with awkward timing yourself.

Pet-friendly service

If you travel with a pet, this is listed as pet friendly, and the staff service allows you to bring your pet. That’s a big deal on many tours, so it’s worth checking that your pet can be comfortably managed in a boat setting.

How to pack and how to enjoy the water time

You’ll get the best experience if you treat this like a swim day with beach breaks, not like a dry sightseeing tour.

Bring these basics

The tour guidance is straightforward: sunscreen, a towel, and swimwear. Light clothing helps too, especially during the sailing stretches when you’re switching between deck shade and sun.

Snorkels are recommended so you can enjoy the marine life at the stops. Floatation mats are available onboard, so even if you don’t snorkel, you still have options for relaxing in the water.

Use the support boat wisely

Access to the beaches is supported by a motorized support boat, which makes it easier for you to reach the shoreline areas at each stop. If you’ve ever done a boat trip where you have to negotiate awkward transfers, you’ll appreciate this.

My practical approach is simple: go ashore early at each stop if you want easy footing and less crowding, then spend your time the way you prefer.

Price and value: what $23 per person really buys

At $23 per person for a 5-hour tour, this is good value for a few reasons that go beyond the price tag.

First, it bundles a modern boat, multiple scheduled stops, and the infrastructure that makes those stops easy. You’re not paying only for “transport by boat.” You’re paying for the whole setup, including Starlink Wi-Fi, floatation mats, a water slide, and onboard toilets.

Second, it’s efficient. Doing four islands and beaches on your own usually means dealing with timing, booking, and movement logistics. Here, the route is pre-arranged, with about an hour at each highlight spot.

Third, the experience includes comfort features that prevent the day from feeling like a chore. Cushioned seating, bar and restaurant onboard, background music, and an onboard freshwater swim at the end all make the outing feel complete.

If you want to keep costs low, you can treat the bar and restaurant as optional. If you’d rather have a drink or snack without packing everything, that option is there.

Who this tour suits best

This is a strong pick if you want a relaxed, social day on the water where the schedule does the heavy lifting.

You’ll likely enjoy it if you:

• Want a family-friendly vibe with a water slide onboard
• Like photo-friendly stops with clear-water scenery
• Prefer guided timing over arranging your own boat hopping
• Travel with a pet and want a tour option that explicitly allows it
• Value onboard comfort, like cushioned seating and real restrooms

If you’re the type who wants only quiet beach lounging with no boat activity at all, you might find the daily rhythm a bit “active.” But the good news is the stops are flexible enough that you can choose how much time you spend in the water versus on shore.

Should you book this Paraty island tour?

If you want an easy half-day that mixes beach time, clear-water viewing, and onboard fun, I’d book it. The combination of a modern schooner, Starlink Wi-Fi, a water slide, and four planned stops keeps the day moving without feeling rushed.

The only real reason to hesitate is weather. The tour is subject to favorable sailing conditions, and if it’s not safe, it can be rescheduled or you get your money back.

If your goal is to get the best of Paraty’s islands without overplanning, this is a solid pick.

FAQ

How long is the Aquamarina II island tour?

The tour duration is 5 hours.

Which stops are included on the tour?

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

Is Wi-Fi available during the tour?

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

What onboard amenities and activities are included?

There is a water slide on board, and there is a bar and restaurant (drinks and meals are optional). The boat also has background music and men’s and women’s toilets.

Are flotation mats provided, and what should I bring?

Floatation mats are available. You should bring sunscreen and a towel, wear swimwear, and snorkels are recommended to enjoy the marine life at the stops.

What languages does the live guide speak?

The live tour guide speaks Portuguese, English, and Spanish.

Is the tour pet friendly?

Yes. The tour allows you to bring your pet.

Where do I meet the boat in Paraty?

You meet at the Schooner Aquamarina II from Paraty Sirena Tours. It is anchored and visible at the Tourist Pier. The boat is easy to spot with a yellow instagrammable heart, a triple slide, and an instagrammable swing.

How can I pay while on board?

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