Paraty Beaches and Islands: A Guide to the Bay and Beyond
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Paraty’s cobblestones get the postcards, but the real magic lies just offshore. The town sits on a bay dotted with green islands, backed by mountains draped in Atlantic Forest, with beaches that range from easygoing to wonderfully remote. Here’s how to see the best of the coast.
Trindade and the Cachadaço Natural Pool
About 30 kilometers south of Paraty, the village of Trindade has a laid-back, slightly bohemian feel and a string of beaches framed by giant granite boulders. It’s easy to reach by car or local bus, making it one of the most popular outings from town.
The star attraction is the Piscina Natural do Cachadaço, a natural pool formed where huge rocks shelter a pocket of calm, clear seawater from the open ocean. It’s ideal for floating and snorkeling. You can reach it via a forest trail from Praia do Cachadaço or by a short boat ride from Trindade.
Trindade’s other beaches deserve time too: Praia do Cepilho draws surfers, Praia do Meio offers calmer water beside the path to the pool, and the village itself has a relaxed scene of kiosks and casual bars.
- Go early — the pool is small and gets busy by midday, especially on weekends and holidays.
- Watch the sea — conditions vary, and rough swells can make the pool unsafe; follow local guidance.
- Wear good shoes — the trail can be slippery, particularly after rain.
Praia do Sono: Worth the Walk
Praia do Sono is a long, golden beach with a small fishing community and very few crowds by comparison. There’s no road access: most people hike roughly an hour or so along a forest trail from Laranjeiras, or take a boat when conditions allow.
That effort is the point. The reward is a wide, wild beach backed by forest, with simple kiosks serving fish and cold drinks. Strong hikers can continue along the trail to even more secluded beaches like Antigos and Antiguinhos.
Paraty-Mirim: A Quiet Escape
About 20 kilometers from Paraty’s historic center, Paraty-Mirim is a calm, sheltered beach with gentle water and a small, historic whitewashed chapel near the sand. It’s a pleasant spot for a lazy swim and a seafood lunch.
It’s also the jumping-off point for boat trips into the Saco do Mamanguá, which makes it a convenient first stop on a longer day.
Schooner Trips Around the Bay
A day on a schooner is a Paraty rite of passage. Large, colorful wooden boats — along with smaller private boats — leave from the town pier and cruise between islands and beaches, stopping for swimming and snorkeling in the bay’s calm, green water.
- Big schooners — sociable and affordable, but often lively with music and big groups.
- Private boat hire — more flexible, quieter and ideal for couples or small groups.
- What to bring — reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, water and snorkel gear if you have it.
Look for trips that visit islands and quieter coves rather than rushing through as many stops as possible.
Saco do Mamanguá: The Fjord-Like Inlet
The Saco do Mamanguá is a long, narrow inlet reaching roughly eight kilometers inland, flanked by steep, forested mountains and fringed by mangroves. It’s often described as Brazil’s only fjord — geologically it isn’t a true glacial fjord, but the look is undeniably dramatic.
Visit by boat from Paraty or Paraty-Mirim, and consider kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding in its still waters. The more adventurous can hike the Pão de Açúcar do Mamanguá, a steep climb to a peak with sweeping views over the inlet. Small caiçara fishing communities live along its shores, so be respectful.
Tips for Exploring Paraty’s Coast
- Check the weather — rain and wind can cancel boat trips; build in a spare day.
- Bring cash — some remote kiosks and boat operators may not take cards.
- Leave no trace — many beaches sit within protected areas; carry out what you bring in.
- Confirm current rules — access and boat regulations can change, so check before you go.
Pair beach days with time in the historic center using our 3-day Paraty itinerary, and find more planning tips in our Paraty guide.
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