Some boat tours feel the same. This one doesn’t. On the modern Aquamarina II, I like that you get Starlink Wi‑Fi for real-time sharing and a big, kid-friendly water slide for everyone. The one thing to weigh is that the schedule depends on safe sailing conditions, so weather can shift your day.

This trip is built for an easy beach day at sea: comfy double-decker seating, a support boat to help you reach the sand, floatation mats, restrooms, and a freshwater swim at the end. It also works well if you’re traveling with a pet, since the service is pet friendly. If you hate waiting around, plan to use that hour time at each stop intentionally with sunscreen and a snorkel (recommended).

• Starlink Wi‑Fi on board so you can message, post, or map your route in real time
• Water slide + swing-style photo spots that turn the sail into the fun part
• Four named beach stops: Ilha dos Cocos, Praia da Conceição, Lagoa Azul, Praia da Lula
• Support boat access makes beach landings simpler and less “leap and hope”
• Comfort-first layout with cushioned seating, tables/chairs, toilets, and background music
• Pet friendly service and a photographer onboard for the moments you don’t want to miss

Why the Aquamarina II feels different from a typical boat day

The Aquamarina II isn’t the tiny, basic kind of schooner day trip. It’s a modern, double-decker setup with cushioned areas and tables and chairs, so you’re not stuck standing shoulder-to-shoulder the whole time. That matters because you’re out for about five hours, and you’ll want a spot that feels good between swims and photo stops.

I also like that the fun isn’t only about the water. There’s a bar and restaurant on board where drinks and meals are optional, plus background music while sailing. When people say they want “something to do,” this kind of onboard setup delivers without needing to book extra activities.

And yes, the water slide is a real feature on this boat (including a triple-slide vibe when you spot it at the pier). If your group includes kids, you’ll see why families choose this. If you’re an adult, you’ll still enjoy it, especially early in the day before everyone gets sun-warmed and slow.

Timing and getting to the pier without stress

You’re aiming for a 5-hour tour, and exact start times depend on availability, so check before you commit your plans. The operator suggests early check-in: arrive at the tourist pier at least 30 minutes before departure (listed as around 10:30am). That buffer helps you check in, find a seat, and get settled before the boat pushes off.

The meeting point is straightforward: the schooner (Aquamarina II / Escuna Aquamarina II) is anchored at the Tourist Pier and visible. It’s designed to be easy to spot, with a yellow instagrammable heart, plus a triple slide and an instagrammable swing. When you show up, go to the check-in staff and present your name or voucher.

Bring ID, and expect to pay on board using PIX, card, or cash. That last detail is practical: it keeps you from having to hunt down an ATM if you want a snack or drink.

Price and what you actually get for $23

At $23 per person, this is one of those trips that looks cheap until you list what’s included. You’re paying for boat time plus access to multiple beach areas, with convenience upgrades onboard and at the shoreline.

You get:

• the sailing experience on the Aquamarina II
• Starlink Wi‑Fi throughout the tour
• the water slide and onboard restrooms
• floatation mats for easier water time
• a motorized support boat to help you reach the beaches
• a fresh-water rinse/swim at the end

That’s the value: you’re not just buying scenery. You’re buying comfort, ease, and a built-in “day at sea” routine that doesn’t require logistics shopping.

If you’re the type who hates spending vacation hours organizing transfers, this tour style is a relief. You show up, board, and spend the day moving between well-known water spots around Paraty.

Stop 1: Ilha dos Cocos and the marine-life payoff

One of the tour highlights is Ilha dos Cocos, where you get about an hour of sightseeing. This is the start of the “water day” feeling, with clear water and a strong chance of spotting marine life while you swim.

You’ll want to treat this stop as your first chance to get into the rhythm:

• wear swimwear under your clothes
• have sunscreen on before you’re in the sun
• if you have a snorkel, bring it, since snorkeling is recommended for enjoying what’s under the surface

Floatation mats are available, which is helpful if you’re not a strong swimmer or you just want a relaxed time in the water. The support boat also helps with access, which takes away the awkward part of getting to and from the shoreline.

Downside to keep in mind: all the best water time happens early, and you’ll likely feel the sun fast. Plan your first swim like you’d plan a beach afternoon—shade breaks and reapplying sunscreen when you can.

Praia da Conceição: a calm beach break that resets your day

Praia da Conceição is next (timing can vary, but it’s one of the named stops), and it’s described as a peaceful stretch with white sand and calm waters. That combination is perfect for a slower pace, especially if your group includes people who don’t want to spend the entire day rushing between swims.

This is also a great stop to do the simple things well:

• lay down and actually rest
• take photos without feeling like you’re constantly leaving
• get your bearings for the rest of the tour

If you’re the kind of traveler who wants at least one “quiet hour” in the middle of a day, this beach fits. The tour includes background music while sailing, and once you’re on the sand you’ll feel the contrast: fewer distractions, more time to enjoy the setting.

Potential consideration: calm water can still mean strong sun exposure. Bring a towel, stick close to your sun protection, and don’t assume the shade of “peaceful water” means you’re safe from heat.

Lagoa Azul (Blue Lagoon): clear water where snorkeling makes sense

Lagoa Azul is one of the tour’s standout locations, described as transparent and full of colorful fish. This is the stop where snorkeling (or at least careful swimming near the waterline) makes the most sense, because you’re aiming to see what’s under the surface.

You’ll likely spend part of the hour just moving slowly and watching. The floatation mats help you relax if you’re just getting comfortable in open water, and the overall tour design supports easy water time.

If you want the best results, do this like a pro:

• be ready to get in without rushing
• keep your gear simple
• focus on slow movement to avoid stirring things up

Also remember: you’re outdoors the whole time. Bring sunscreen and reapply as needed, and keep water-friendly habits simple so you can enjoy the hour rather than worrying about logistics.

Praia da Lula: photos, relaxation, and breathing room

The final beach stop is Praia da Lula, described as a small, quieter option that’s ideal for relaxing and taking unforgettable photos. This is your chance to slow down again after the clearer-water snorkeling vibe.

Photo lovers tend to like this stop because it’s framed as a less crowded, more personal-feeling beach moment. The tour includes time for enjoying the setting rather than treating it like a quick stop-and-go photo factory.

If you’re traveling with kids or someone who gets tired easily, this is often where the mood shifts toward comfort: sitting, chatting, and grabbing photos without the pressure of constant water entry.

Onboard perks that make the sail part of the day

A lot of tours list “comfortable seating.” This one actually pairs comfort with fun.

On the Aquamarina II, you’ve got:

• cushioned areas on a two-level boat
• tables and chairs so you can settle in
• Starlink Wi‑Fi available throughout the tour
• a bar and restaurant onboard (drinks and meals optional)
• men’s and women’s toilets
• background music while sailing
• a photographer on board to capture moments

That Wi‑Fi detail is more than a tech flex. It lets you coordinate with friends back home, share photos quickly, and even help your group stay on the same plan while you’re out in the water. If you’re visiting Paraty and want your day to feel connected rather than stranded, this matters.

The photographer onboard is another underrated benefit. Even if you don’t want to micromanage your photos, you’ll likely get good group shots without everyone having to rotate phones.

And after the beaches, you get a freshwater swim on board to cool off before returning to the pier. That’s a nice touch when you end up sandy, salty, and sun-warmed.

Pets, staff, and the small comforts that add up

The tour is pet friendly, so bringing your pet is part of the experience design rather than an afterthought. If you’re traveling with a dog or another pet, check what your pet can handle in a boat setting, but the key point here is that the operator allows it.

The staff approach also comes through as welcoming and considerate. On a day trip like this, that kind of service affects everything: where you’re guided, how smoothly boarding goes, and how quickly you feel settled enough to enjoy the water.

On top of that, you’re not left guessing how to get to the beaches. The motorized support boat is there to make access easier, which is a real comfort upgrade if you’d rather not rely on awkward stepping or uncertain conditions.

Weather rules and swim-safety basics you should plan for

This tour depends on favorable weather conditions. If sailing isn’t safe, the tour can be rescheduled or refunded. That’s normal for the coast, but it’s important for your planning—don’t book this as your only water option on a tight itinerary.

For your own comfort:

• wear light clothing
• bring sunscreen and a towel
• bring swimwear
• snorkeling is recommended if you want to enjoy the marine life

Floatation mats are available onboard, so if you’re not confident in open-water swimming, you’ve got support. Still, treat beach time like beach time: limit long sun exposure, take breaks, and keep an eye on anyone in your group who might tire out.

Should you book this Paraty islands schooner tour?

Book it if you want a real day-at-sea plan with comfort, multiple beach stops, and fun onboard. The value hits hardest when you compare what you’re getting for the price: Starlink Wi‑Fi, a water slide, support-boat beach access, floatation mats, and four named stops around Paraty.

Skip it (or plan a backup) if you’re strongly schedule-dependent, because weather can change sailing plans. Also, if you hate boats or you prefer beach time without any movement between stops, a slower single-beach option might suit you better.

For most people—families, friend groups, and couples who want easy logistics—this is a smart way to experience Paraty’s coastline without turning the day into a complicated project.

FAQ

How long is the Paraty islands schooner tour?

The tour lasts 5 hours. Starting times depend on availability, so check the schedule when you book.

Where do I meet the boat for the tour?

Meet the Schooner Aquamarina II at the Tourist Pier. The boat is anchored and visible, and you check in with the staff after you arrive.

Do they offer Wi‑Fi on board?

Yes. Starlink Wi‑Fi is available throughout the tour so you can share your experience in real time.

Is there a water slide on this schooner tour?

Yes. There’s a water slide on board, plus a photographer and other onboard fun.

Which islands and beaches are included?

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

Can I bring a pet on the tour?

Yes. This service is pet friendly, and you can bring your pet.

What should I bring?

Bring ID, light clothing, sunscreen, a towel, and swimwear. Snorkels are recommended to enjoy the marine life at the stops.

What happens if the weather is unsafe?

The tour runs only in favorable conditions. If sailing isn’t safe, it can be rescheduled or refunded. You also get free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.