Activities in and around Paraty Bay

Paraty Bay is awash with opportunities for water-based fun, ranging from energetic activities such as kayaking, SUP and diving to totally chilled out sunbathing and swimming sessions. Snorkeling is fun, easily available and virtually free, while horse riding along the water’s edge is wonderful way to see this picturesque town and its bay.

Bird watching

Local Paraty guide Gabriel Toledo says there more than 470 species of birds in the Paraty region, and he has 317 on his private list. Gabriel has a property, Birds Parati, with trails tower view points. Visit Facebook or Website

Surfing

Head south out of the lee of Ilha Grande to Trindade or further south into Sao Paulo State to Praia Brava de Camburi, and then shortly afterwards to the wonderful long boarder beach Praia da Fazenda, with its exceptional forested mountain backdrop. This coast line is all more open to ocean swells than the Bay of Paraty, and Itamambuca beach and the town of Ubatuba are famous surf centres.

Snorkeling

You don’t have to be a diver to appreciate the underwater beauty of Paraty Bay. Snorkeling is a fun way to get a close look at some of the colorful sea creatures that live here, and many boat trips offer stops for snorkeling – bring your own mask and snorkel to be safe though most boats should have some sets. Ilha Comprida is a lovely snorkelling spot, best in the morning. Further afield for faster boats only Ilha dos Cocos is a beautiful spot.  Paraty tours This centrally-located agency organises a range of group and private boat trips, and offers snorkel equipment for hire. For more information visit their website

SUP and Kayak

Stand Up Paddle is big in Brazil, and Paraty is no exception. The calm waters of Paraty Bay offer a gorgeous backdrop for paddling around, and several companies offer board hire, as well as lessons for newcomers to the sport. Kayaking is also hugely popular, and visitors can paddle through mangrove, out to tiny islands, and around the bay itself Paraty Explorer is an excellent and trustworthy adventure sports company running SUP day trips out into the bay – non-paddlers are welcome to come along and watch from the boat, and also operates excellent kayak trips with English speaking guides accredited by American Canoe Association (ACA).

Visit the website or call +55 24 99952-4496 Email Michael or Rodrigo.

The Gold Trail

Paraty Explorer and local tour guide Harry Cowan (Email him) offer tours to the Gold trail. Step back in time on the Gold Trail, the paved road built by African slaves in the 18th Century to bring gold and precious stones out of the Brazilian interior and onto ships bound for Portugal. After walking on the trail through the rainforest the trips stop at waterfalls for swimming and finish up at a cachaça distillery where the rum is still made the traditional way.

Horse riding

Paraty Adventure – This tour agency offers exhilarating trips through the jungle, taking in gorgeous views over Paraty Bay, splashing through streams and stopping for dips in natural pools and waterfalls. Bring insect repellent and wear light, comfortable clothing and footwear – and don’t forget your swim wear.

Diving

Paraty Bay and its islands are great spots for diving – sea turtles, rays and all manner of colorful sea creatures can be spotted in the waters here, and there are some patches of coral reef, too. Several companies in Paraty run excursions for experienced divers, and newbies can take diving courses in the town. Morning dives tend to be the best for visibility. There are a number of companies in Paraty that offer diving, Una Dive is one of the most experienced Visit their website