The Best Beaches Around Paraty (And How to Get There)

One question we get almost every day is, 'Which beach should we visit?' The good news is that you really can't go wrong. The even better news? Some of the best beaches aren't in Paraty itself, they're just a short drive, bus ride, or boat trip away. (Link:Not sure how beaches fit into your itinerary? Start with our guide to the best things to do in Paraty.)

Many first-time visitors are surprised to learn that swimming at the beach directly in Paraty's Historic Center isn't something we'd usually recommend. Since it's an active harbor with fishing boats, tour boats, rivers flowing into the bay, and mangroves nearby, the water isn't as clear as the beaches you'll find just outside town.

Fortunately, paradise is never far away. Within 20 to 45 minutes, you can reach quiet beaches, crystal-clear water, tropical islands, and even waterfalls hidden in the Atlantic Rainforest.

Jolly Green Tours Tip: Don't judge Paraty's beaches by what you see from the harbor. The real magic begins once you leave the Historic Center.

1. Trindade, the perfect first beach day

If you're only visiting one beach during your stay, we'd probably recommend Trindade. This small fishing village is about 40 minutes from Paraty and is one of the most popular day trips in the region.

What makes Trindade so special is that you can easily explore several beaches in one day. An easy walking trail connects Praia do Cepilho, Praia dos Ranchos, and Praia do Meio before continuing to the famous natural swimming pool, Piscina Natural do Caixa D'Aço. Along the trail, don't miss the small Cachoeira da Pedra que Engole (Rock That Swallows You). Here, you can carefully slide beneath a giant rock that makes it look like you're being swallowed, a fun photo stop and one of Trindade's best-kept little secrets. The walk itself is easy, incredibly scenic, and suitable for almost everyone.

You'll find small restaurants serving fresh seafood, beach bars selling cold coconuts, surfers catching waves at Praia do Cepilho, and calm water that's perfect for swimming further along the coast. It's easy to spend an entire day here without getting bored. (Link to blog things-to-do:After spending the day at the beach, head back to Paraty's Historic Center for live music and dinner.)

Jolly Green Tours Tip: Taking the local bus is easy and inexpensive, but arrive early! Especially during weekends, holidays, and summer, the queue can become very long. Once the bus is full, you'll have to wait for the next one, so it's worth getting there a little earlier and joining the line.

2. Praia do Sono, worth every step

If you're looking for somewhere a little quieter, Praia do Sono is one of our favorite places around Paraty. Getting there is part of the adventure. Most visitors either hike through the Atlantic Rainforest for about an hour or take a small boat from Laranjeiras.

The trail isn't particularly difficult, but it's one of those walks where every turn makes you more excited to see what's waiting at the end. Once you arrive, you'll be rewarded with a long sandy beach, crystal-clear water, a handful of local restaurants, and a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere.

Unlike some of the more popular beaches around Paraty, Praia do Sono still feels peaceful. It's the perfect place to switch off for the day, go for a swim, read a book under a palm tree, or simply enjoy doing absolutely nothing.

Jolly Green Tours Tip: If hiking isn't your thing, don't worry. Take the boat one way and hike the other. you'll get the best of both worlds.

3. São Gonçalinho, a quiet local favorite

If you're looking for a peaceful beach away from the crowds, São Gonçalinho is a wonderful choice. Located about 30 minutes from Paraty, it's a favorite among local families and visitors who simply want a relaxed day by the sea.

The water is usually calm, making it perfect for swimming, paddleboarding, kayaking, or simply floating in the bay. There are a few beach bars where you can enjoy a cold drink or fresh seafood while looking out across the water.

Unlike some of the more famous beaches, São Gonçalinho often feels much quieter. If your perfect beach day means reading a book, taking a swim, and escaping the crowds, you'll probably love it here.

Jolly Green Tours Tip: Bring a beach umbrella if you're planning to stay all day, there's plenty of space to relax, but not much natural shade.

4. Paraty-Mirim, where history meets the sea

Paraty-Mirim offers something a little different. It's not only a beautiful beach but also one of the region's most historic places. During colonial times, this small bay served as an important harbor connected to the Gold Trail.

Today you'll find a peaceful beach, a charming little colonial church, calm shallow water, and beautiful views across the bay. It's also one of the departure points for boats heading to nearby islands and the spectacular Saco do Mamanguá.

It's the perfect destination if you'd like to combine a beach day with a little local history and explore a part of Paraty that many visitors overlook.

Jolly Green Tours Tip: If you're already visiting Paraty-Mirim, consider taking a boat into Saco do Mamanguá. Often called Brazil's only tropical fjord, it's one of the most beautiful landscapes in the region.

5. Explore the islands by boat

Some of Paraty's most beautiful beaches can't be reached by road at all. They're hidden among the many islands scattered across Paraty Bay, and the only way to reach them is by boat.

Popular stops include Ilha da Lula, Ilha do Algodão, Praia Vermelha, Ilha dos Cocos, and several small bays where the water is calm enough for swimming and snorkeling. Every boat captain has their own favorite route, which makes each trip a little different.

A boat tour is one of the easiest ways to experience several islands in a single day. Most tours include multiple swimming stops, plenty of time to relax on board, and opportunities to snorkel in the clear water. (Link to blog history: Intersting Fact, the bay you're exploring once served as one of Brazil's most important colonial ports.)

If you prefer exploring independently, you don't necessarily need to book a full boat tour. Water taxis leave from the harbor throughout the day and can take you directly to several beaches and islands around the bay.

Jolly Green Tours Tip: If you're traveling during the week, ask around the harbor for shared water taxis. It's a great way to explore the islands without booking an entire private boat.

Need a break from salt water?

We know... getting tired of beaches in Paraty sounds almost impossible. But after a few days in the ocean, cooling off beneath a freshwater waterfall can feel just as refreshing.

Luckily, the Atlantic Rainforest surrounding Paraty is full of beautiful waterfalls. Some are famous, others are hidden away in the forest, and each has its own character.

The waterfalls are just as impressive

Although Paraty is famous for its beaches and islands, don't miss the chance to explore the waterfalls hidden in the Atlantic Rainforest. They're the perfect way to cool off after a few days at the beach and offer a completely different side of the region. (Link to 7-things:These waterfalls are part of the same Atlantic Rainforest that earned Paraty its UNESCO recognition.)

The most famous are Tobogã Waterfall and Tarzan Waterfall. Tobogã is exactly what its name suggests, a natural rock slide where you can slide several meters into the refreshing water below. It looks much scarier than it actually is, and after watching a few locals fly down the rocks, most visitors can't resist giving it a try.

Just a short walk away is Tarzan Waterfall, where adventurous visitors jump from the rocks into the natural pool below while others simply relax beside the river and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

Jolly Green Tours Tip: Don't overthink the Tobogã slide! It might look intimidating at first, but it's one of the most fun experiences around Paraty and chances are you'll want to do it more than once.

Looking for something a little quieter?

If you enjoy discovering places that aren't on every travel itinerary, Poço dos Ingleses is well worth visiting. Hidden among the forest, this beautiful waterfall is much quieter than the more famous spots and feels like a little oasis.

One of the best parts of the trip is the drive itself. Along the way you'll pass Paratiana Cachaçaria, one of our favorite local distilleries. Even if you're not planning a tasting, it's worth stopping for a stroll through the property, learning a little about cachaça production, and enjoying the beautiful surroundings.

If you're happy to travel a little further, Cachoeira do Crepúsculo is another hidden gem. It's one of the lesser-known waterfalls around Paraty, which means you'll often have much more space to yourself. Movie lovers may also recognize the area, it was one of the filming locations for The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn.

Jolly Green Tours Tip: Water shoes are always a good idea when visiting waterfalls. The rocks can be slippery, especially after rain.

Which beach should you choose?

Still not sure where to go? Here's our quick guide:

For a classic beach day: Trindade For peace and nature: Praia do Sono For families and calm water: São Gonçalinho For history and beautiful scenery: Paraty-Mirim For snorkeling and tropical islands: Boat Tour or Water Taxi For freshwater adventures: Tobogã & Tarzan Waterfalls For hidden nature: Poço dos Ingleses or Cachoeira do Crepúsculo

Our recommendation

If you're staying in Paraty for three to five days, we'd recommend mixing your itinerary. Spend one day exploring the Historic Center, another relaxing on the islands, one discovering beaches like Trindade or Praia do Sono, and another visiting waterfalls hidden in the rainforest. That way you'll experience every side of what makes this region so special.

If you're only here for a weekend, don't worry, you can still fit in a surprising amount. We'd suggest one beach day and one boat tour, with plenty of time left to enjoy the Historic Center in the evenings. (Link festival blog: If you're visiting during one of Paraty's festivals, combine a beach day with an evening of music and celebrations.)

Jolly Green Tours Tip: If you're unsure which beaches or waterfalls fit your travel style, send us a WhatsApp message. We're always happy to share local recommendations and help you plan your perfect itinerary.

Frequently Asked Questions

*Can you swim in Paraty's Historic Center? A: Technically yes, but we wouldn't recommend it. The harbor is an active port with boats, rivers flowing into the bay, and mangroves nearby. The beaches outside town offer much cleaner and clearer water.

What's the easiest beach to visit without a car? A:Trindade is the easiest option. Regular local buses leave from Paraty's bus terminal throughout the day.

Is Praia do Sono difficult to reach? A: Not at all. You can either hike for about an hour through the Atlantic Rainforest or take a small boat from Laranjeiras.

Are the waterfalls suitable for everyone? A: Yes! You don't have to jump or slide if you don't want to. Many visitors simply enjoy swimming, relaxing by the river, or having a picnic surrounded by nature.

Do I need to book a boat tour? A: Not necessarily. Besides regular boat tours, water taxis also leave from Paraty's harbor and can take you directly to several beaches and islands.