Five hours, four island stops, one smooth schooner ride. I love the Starlink Wi-Fi for real-time posts, and the onboard water slide that makes the whole trip feel like a mini beach party. It is a fun way to see Paraty from the water without driving your own boat.

You will sail on the modern double-decker schooner Aquamarina II, with cushioned seating, background music, toilets, and a bar and restaurant where drinks and meals are optional. The vibe is friendly, and the staff are the kind, considerate type that helps everyone settle in fast, even if you are traveling with kids or a pet.

One thing to weigh: the stops are timed for a 5-hour loop, and the whole tour depends on safe weather, so choppy conditions can mean rescheduling or a refund.

Key highlights at a glance

• Starlink Wi-Fi on board so you can share your day immediately
• Aquamarina II double-decker comfort, with tables, chairs, and cushioned areas
• Four named beach stops: Ilha dos Cocos, Praia da Conceição, Lagoa Azul, and Praia da Lula
• Slide, plus bar and restaurant options to keep energy up between swims
• Support boat and floatation mats to make beach access easier
• Pet friendly with a photographer on board for memory-making

Aquamarina II and Starlink Wi-Fi: why the onboard setup matters

This tour is built around a modern schooner, not a basic boat with hard benches and limited shade. Aquamarina II is double-decker, with comfy seating areas and tables and chairs where you can spread out a bit. If you get seasick easily, that extra comfort and the smoother routine of a planned itinerary can make the difference between enjoying the trip and just enduring it.

I also like that you are not forced into an unplugged vacation. With Starlink Wi-Fi available during the tour, you can message, upload, and check-in in real time. That matters when you are traveling as a family, coordinating with someone on shore, or just want to keep your day moving on social media.

The onboard fun is practical too. The water slide is built into the experience, and it is not only for kids. It is a simple way to create laughs between beach stops, and you will likely use it as a reset when you get back on board.

Price and value for a 5-hour island loop

At about $23 per person for a 5-hour outing, this is priced like a “do the highlights without overspending” day. You are paying for three things you cannot easily replicate on your own if you do not have a boat: the route to multiple islands and beaches, the easy access via a motorized support boat, and the onboard package (Wi-Fi, slide, floatation mats, and a freshwater cooling swim at the end).

Yes, the tour is not a full day. Each main stop is about an hour, so you are moving. But that is also where the value comes from. In one afternoon, you get a sequence of different water scenes: a calmer start, a quieter beach, a clear-water swimming spot, and a smaller photo-friendly finale.

You should also factor in optional spending. There is a bar and restaurant on board, but drinks and meals are not mandatory. That lets you keep control of your budget while still having the option to grab a snack.

Where to meet, and how to spot the boat fast

The schooner is anchored near the Tourist Pier, and it is easy to see. It is run by Paraty Sirena Tours, and check-in staff will direct you once you reach the pier area. The boat has standout visual markers, including a yellow instagrammable heart, a triple slide, and an Instagrammable swing. If you arrive early, you will have time to orient yourself quickly.

Aim to show up at least 30 minutes before departure. The schedule recommendation given is 10:30am departure, so plan to be at the pier around 10:00am. Bring an ID for check-in. Payments on board can be made via PIX, card, or cash, which is handy if you travel with locals and need flexible options.

If you want the most relaxed boarding, arrive earlier than the minimum. The tour is organized, but early arrival helps you get settled, pick a spot on the deck, and reduce the last-minute rush that can happen at popular piers.

Stop 1, Ilha dos Cocos: a calm start in clear water

Ilha dos Cocos is your first major stop, and it is built for an easy entry into the day. You will have about 1 hour there for sightseeing, time to take photos, and the chance to swim in the surrounding clear water.

This is the kind of first stop that sets expectations. If you have never been on a boat around Paraty’s islands, you get your bearings fast, and you can decide how active you want to be early on. If you come ready with swimwear and sunscreen, you can use this hour efficiently and then keep the rest of the day comfortable.

A smart tip: snorkels are recommended so you can make the most of the marine life you might see around the stops. Even if you only do a short snorkel session, Ilha dos Cocos is a great place to try if you have never snorkeled from a boat before.

Stop 2, Praia da Conceição: white sand and slow beach time

Next up is Praia da Conceição. Expect another 1-hour sightseeing stop, with calm conditions and a beach that is described as a haven for relaxing. This is the stop where you stop thinking like a schedule and start thinking like a beach day.

If you want a break from the water and just want to lie back, this is the spot. The sand and calmer feel make it easier to float, sunbathe, and take unhurried photos. Families often like this kind of stop because it reduces pressure. Kids can splash without feeling like they must go full snorkel mode right away.

There is also a benefit to arriving at a quieter beach before the most swim-focused stop. Your body gets time to adjust between boat time, sun time, and water time, and you are less likely to feel worn out by the middle of the tour.

Stop 3, Lagoa Azul (Blue Lagoon): where the water turns into a show

Lagoa Azul is the swim-highlight stop, with transparent water and colorful fish that can turn the area into a natural aquarium. The itinerary gives you about 1 hour here as well, so you will want to use the time intentionally.

This is where those floatation mats come in handy. If you are not a strong swimmer or you just want a gentler way to enjoy the water, mats can make it more relaxing while you watch what is moving below.

It is also a place where good timing helps. If you see the group settle, take your photos early, then give yourself a little window for swimming and snorkel time. You do not need to rush. A smooth pace usually gives you better views.

Practical note: the tour also includes support from a motorized boat to help reach beaches. That is useful here because it keeps the focus on swimming and time in the water, not on complicated transfers.

Stop 4, Praia da Lula: quieter, more photo-friendly, and a gentle finale

Finally, you will reach Lula Beach, described as a quieter little spot ideal for relaxing and photos. This stop is also about 1 hour, which is a nice length for a finale. You get time to enjoy the view without feeling like you have to fill every minute with an activity.

If Praia da Conceição feels like slow beach comfort, Praia da Lula feels more like a calmer ending. You can take your best shots, rinse off what you need, and enjoy that last stretch of island time before heading back.

Because this is the last major stop, it is a good place to do any small things you might have skipped earlier, like taking a few extra angles, checking your phone photos, or just sitting on the sand and letting the day land.

Getting the most from the boat time between beaches

Between stops, you are not stuck with nothing to do. The boat has background music while you sail, and there are plenty of places to sit. The double-decker setup can be great if you want a change of view, upstairs for scenery and lower decks for shade and easier movement.

Bring light clothing and sunscreen. You are on water, and the sun can be sneaky. If you plan to swim multiple times, also bring a towel and keep your swimwear easy to reach.

Also, consider your expectations. This is a tour designed around beach time at each island, not a long lecture-style sightseeing day. The time you spend on board is mainly for sailing, relaxing, and getting ready for the next swim-friendly stop.

Freshwater swim at the end: a clean way to cool off

Before returning to the pier, you get a freshwater swim on board. That is a small detail, but I like it because it breaks the day’s rhythm in a smart way. You can cool down without immediately packing up and going straight into travel mode.

It is also a nice comfort factor if you have sunscreen and salt water on you. A quick rinse makes the return feel easier, especially for families or anyone who does not want to deal with sandy gear right away.

Staff, pets, and the photo help you did not know you needed

One of the most praised aspects of this tour is the kind and considerate staff. That matters on boats because small issues like finding your spot, figuring out when to move, or getting help with beach access can become annoying fast. Here, the team helps keep things smooth.

If you are traveling with a pet, this tour is listed as pet friendly. That is a big plus for people who hate leaving their animal at home. You still need to be mindful of your pet’s comfort around sun and movement, but the fact that the service accommodates pets makes the option feel more realistic.

There is also a photographer on board. You can use that for group shots or fun moments from the slide and deck without having to chase perfect angles yourself. Even if you take your own photos, having someone else handle a few key pictures can save time and stress.

Who should book this schooner tour, and who should skip

This tour is a strong fit if you want:

• A 5-hour island hop that hits several beaches without car logistics
• A comfortable boat day with seating, toilets, and a bar and restaurant option
• Wi-Fi and a water slide, so your group stays entertained between swim stops
• A plan that includes easier beach access through a support boat

It might be less ideal if you want:

• Extended time on one beach (the stops are about an hour each)
• A weather-independent schedule (the tour depends on safe sailing conditions)
• An experience that is mostly educational and slow paced

If you are traveling with kids, this is especially appealing because the slide creates a built-in activity, and the day moves at a pace that usually feels fun rather than exhausting.

Quick packing and behavior tips so your day runs smoothly

I recommend you treat this like a beach-plus-boat day, not just a tour. Pack sunscreen, a towel, and swimwear. If you have snorkels, bring them because they are recommended for marine life viewing at the stops.

Also bring your ID for check-in. For payment, get ready for PIX, card, or cash, depending on what works best for you.

Finally, plan your energy. Hydrate and take shade breaks. The schedule is friendly, but you are still spending hours in sun and at the water’s edge.

Should you book Paraty Sirena Tours on Aquamarina II?

If you want a practical, fun half-day that checks Paraty’s island highlight boxes, I think this is an easy yes. The combination of Starlink Wi-Fi, a real onboard activity (the slide), comfortable double-decker seating, and four specific beach stops makes it good value for the time.

Book it if your group likes water time, photos, and an organized day at sea. Skip it if you need long beach stays or you are traveling when weather might be rough.

Either way, this is the kind of tour that makes Paraty feel effortless. You spend more time enjoying the water and less time figuring out how to get there.

FAQ

How long is the Aquamarina II island tour?

The tour lasts 5 hours.

What beaches and islands are included?

The stops listed are Ilha dos Cocos, Praia da Conceição, Lagoa Azul, and Praia da Lula.

Is Wi-Fi available during the tour?

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

Is there a water slide on board?

Yes. The boat includes a water slide.

Are meals or drinks included?

There is a bar and restaurant on board, but drinks and meals are optional.

Are floatation mats provided?

Yes. Floatation mats are available.

Is the tour pet friendly?

Yes. The service allows you to bring your pet.

What happens if weather conditions are unsafe for sailing?

The tour is subject to favorable weather conditions. If it is not safe to sail, the tour will be rescheduled or you will receive a refund.

What should I bring for the tour?

Bring light clothing, sunscreen, a towel, and swimwear. Snorkels are recommended.