The beaches surrounding Paraty ensure that this resort remains extremely popular, particularly during the Brazilian summer (December to February). Close to Paraty are more than 60 islands and a staggering 300+ beaches, and so you will certainly find plenty of choice when it comes to sunbathing, swimming and water sports.
Holidaymakers wishing to check out the less accessible beaches are advised to join an organised schooner boat trip, with return tickets being competitively priced. If you would like a little more independence, then hiring your own boat will allow the freedom to properly explore Paraty's beaches at your own pace. Boats are usually hired out at an hourly rate and can be quite inexpensive when the cost is shared amongst a group.
General Information
The nearest decent sandy beaches take approximately an hour to reach by boat and include the Praia da Lula and the Praia Vermelha, both of which lie to the north-east of Paraty. To the east, the Praia Saco da Velha is another very noteworthy beach.
Close to central Paraty, the first beach that you will encounter when strolling northwards, across the river, is the Praia do Pontal, where beachfront al fresco dining abounds. Just a matter of minutes away is the Praia do Forte, a cleaner and more secluded beach. Roughly 2 km / 1.5 miles further north is the Praia do Jabaquara, which is a spacious stretch of sand. Jabaquara Beach comes with picture-postcard views, calm shallow water suitable for paddling and swimming, and a popular restaurant.
A number of the surrounding islands are private or have rocky coastlines. However, the island beaches of Araujo and Sapeca are nearby and especially scenic, suiting sunbathers looking for seclusion away from the crowds. The mainland beaches around Paraty tend to have better facilities, such as kiosks (barracas) serving seafood and cold beer.
