The 8 Best Tours in Paraty

1.Jungle Waterfalls and Cachaça Distillery Jeep Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 491 reviews · 6 hours · from $37Our pick

Ride a 4x4 jeep from Paraty into Serra da Bocaina National Park, stopping at Pedra Branca, Tobogã, and Poço do Tarzan. Swim, watch locals slide down the rock, eat lunch by the river, and visit Engenho D’Ouro for a cachaça tasting. English and Portuguese guides, including Everton, Luis, and Gilberto, lead the day.

“The tour was amazing, the waterfalls looked spectacular and it was interesting to learn about the making of cachaça. We were able to swim in a few places, but sliding down the rocks was definitely the highlight of the tour. Definitely recommend it!”

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2.Paraty Bay: Islands & Beaches Boat Tour with Snorkeling

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 274 reviews · 5 hours · from $22

Spend five hours aboard a comfortable boat in Paraty Bay, with four planned stops at beaches and islands. Swim, snorkel, use floaties, and add lunch, a caipirinha, kayak, or stand-up paddleboard. The Portuguese-speaking crew serves fruit and coffee, with a backup boat available at every stop.

“it was an amazing experience! The beaches were beautiful, it was cool that they had stand up paddel boards and more equipment we could use. At one beach we could snorkel and see beautiful fish. The food served for lunch was nice. And all (Tour itself and food and drinks on board) were good value for money. Also we booked the night before and even that worked out smooth. Just one info. They say the meeting point is in the City. Bit there is just the office. You then still have to get to the boat in the harbour until the given time. So better be half an hour early.”

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3.Saco do Mamanguá Speedboat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 182 reviews · 6 hours · from $49

Join a shared six-hour speedboat trip from Paraty to Saco do Mamanguá, often called the world’s only tropical fjord. You’ll visit Ilha dos Cocos, Engenho Beach, Cruzeiro Beach, and a surprise final stop. Choose between lunch at the beach restaurant or the steep Pico do Pão de Açúcar trail. Portuguese and English support is available.

“Fun day out in beautiful, remote beaches and islands around Paraty. No sea sickness, if that's a concern.”

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4.Historic Centre Walking Tour & Cachaça Tasting

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 96 reviews · 1h 30m · from $19Best value

Walk Paraty’s cobbled historic centre for 90 minutes with a local guide such as Thiago, covering colonial history, Indigenous peoples, Freemasonry, and the town’s gold, sugar, coffee, and pau-brasil cycles. Finish at a local bar with a free taste of Gabriela, a sweet cachaça flavored with honey, clove, and cinnamon.

“Thiago provided a very informative tour and he answered all questions that were asked. It was a very enjoyable tour and I learnt a lot. thanks”

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5.Kayaking to the mangroves

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 85 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $36Top rated

Paddle from Pontal beach around Ilha dos Pombos and into Paraty’s mangroves with guides such as Brenda or Mateo. Expect about 90 minutes on the water, a relaxed pace, wildlife sightings, a canal route past the historic center, and single or double kayaks. Instruction, life jackets, and gear are included.

“Very fun kayaking trip! The guide was great. We got to see a bunch of wildlife in a very chill setting.”

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6.Small Group Hike to Saco Bravo Waterfall

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 74 reviews · from $81

Join guide Eugênia for an eight-hour, small-group hike from Paraty to Saco Bravo Waterfall in the Juatinga Reserve. A boat ride reaches Ponta Negra, followed by an 8.4-kilometer forest trail with streams, steep sections, and a spectacular sea-facing natural pool. The group is limited to seven, and good fitness is needed.

“This is a really authentic and stunning hike through the Mata Atlantica. Our guide Eugenia was knowledgeable and friendly.”

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7.Day Tour to Trindade: Nature and Sea Adventure from Paraty

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 69 reviews · 6 hours · from $37

Travel 40 minutes from Paraty by air-conditioned van or minibus to Trindade, then visit Cepilho, Ranchos, Meio, and Caixa D’aço. Swim with provided mask and snorkel gear, eat at a local fishermen’s bar, and learn about Caiçara culture from an English or Portuguese-speaking guide such as Luis, Louis, or Everton.

“Nice to see these well preserved beaches. Van from Paraty is spacious and comfortable. The guide Louis is kind and thoughtful. Also it was interesting to climb through the jungles between beaches. But for rainy days it is quite slippery and dangerous to climb 30 mins to the natural pool. All the way is narrow path aside clif. Suggest to wear good trekking shoes. Do not follow the guide to be barefooted or climb with flipflop. Also better to take the boat ride back to the beginning of the beach. For our group it was a rainy day, the guard helped ladies at several dangerous places on the track. The…”

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8.A Private Speedboat Experience in Mamangua

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 5 reviews · 6 hours

Spend six private hours with Thiago, an experienced sailor fluent in English, Spanish, and Portuguese, exploring Saco do Mamanguá near Paraty. Swim, snorkel, stop at quiet beaches, visit islands, and optionally hike Pico Pão de Açúcar for a broad view of the tropical fjord. The route can be adjusted to your pace.

“Thiago was an absolutely incredible guide - we had the best day out on his boat! It was a highlight of our trip. 10/10 recommend.”

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