Yachtcharter Paraty

Discover the large bay of Ilha Grande and the Brazilian Atlantic coast with a yacht charter Paraty. The area offers relaxed sailing in the protected bay with tropical to subtropical weather and reliable wind conditions. Families also get their money's worth here, one quiet bay follows the other. In the small town of Paraty, the very well preserved old town from colonial times is particularly interesting. From here, excursions into the rainforest surrounding the city are a must, because the nature of this region captivates with a Üppigkeit, which one finds unfortunately only rarely: Atlantic rainforest rises directly in front of white sandy beaches and in the turquoise sea you can meet seahorses, sea turtles and dolphins. For active vacationers, the beaches for swimming, snorkeling, diving or surfing and countless hiking trails in the rainforest offer an Eldorado of adventure. Blue-water sailors can also leave the bay and head south to the base at Ubatuba, from which you can also start a Brazil trip. Those who want to stay in Ilha Grande Bay will östly also find another base in Angra dos Reis.

Climate: Tropical to subtropical with temperatures between 23 and 30 degrees
. Winds: Südostpassat
Sailing season: all year round, best April/May and September/November

Yacht charter Paraty

With a yacht charter Paraty you will experience sailing in an exceptionally intact natural environment along Brazil's Costa Verde. Due to the Ilha Grande with its further islands the bay is protected from the swell of the Atlantic Ocean, so that the sailing area is also family and beginner friendly. In the Brazilian summer from November to March it rains the most. The downpours are usually heavy but short. The winds are moderate and steady. In the area and especially in Baía da Ilha Grande, there are shallow water areas and hidden rocks block passages (especially in the northeast of the bay), so sailing here requires attention.

Colonial heritage and Atlantic rainforest - Paraty and surroundings

The city of Paraty is easily accessible from Rio de Janeiro or São Paulo airports. It is part of Rio de Janeiro, but is located right on the border of the two states. Paraty has existed in its current location since the mid-17th century and is sheltered in a bay behind Ilha Grande, the Big Island. The city was boosted in colonial times as a gold transshipment point and later as a port of departure for the coffee trade. The listed old town still consists of 17th century houses and cobblestone streets. The stores in the small white-painted houses with colorfully framed windows and doors invite you to stroll and small cafes to linger. In the many restaurants there is the possibility to enjoy typical Brazilian food. In the evening, small bars open their doors and stalls along the streets and offer cocktails. Cachaça is especially famous in this area, as this spirit was invented here about 400 years ago. Up to a hundred different varieties come from the region.

Paraty, along with four nature reserves in the surrounding area, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2019. The Atlantic Rainforest and the Serra da Bocaina National Park begin directly behind the city. In the days of the gold rush, the precious metal was transported from the hinterland to the loading port in Paraty via the gold trail, the Caminho do Ouro. The trail leads through the rainforest, past waterfalls and distilleries. In town, you can book a guided tour along the old trail and learn more about the rainforest's flora and fauna and about the area's history from the guide. A ride on horseback through the biodiversity of the rainforest is also an experience. Things get adventurous at the Cachoeira do Tobogã waterfall, near the town: locals slide down the river in daring poses over the large, smooth stones, and tourists and backpackers have come to emulate them. For a day of swimming, we recommend setting sail for one of the many beautiful beaches in the area.

The bay of Ilha Grande - dream beaches, eventful history and extraordinary diving spots

In the bay in front of the city, the Baía da Ilha Grande, there are a total of 65, partly uninhabited islands. Not far from Paraty, three headlands stretch into the sea. In the days of the gold trade, these were hiding places for pirates who lay in wait for the merchant ships. Today, only small sandy beaches lined with palm trees and large stones hide here, such as around Paraty-Mirim. Especially popular and recommended for a stop is Ilha Grande. Here cars are not allowed and so you can enjoy the impressive beauty of the island in all its tranquility. In total there are 86 beaches around the island, one more beautiful than the other. Especially the almost 3 km long beach Praia Lopes Mendes stands out with its white sand and the rainforest behind it. The beach faces the open sea, so the surf is a bit stronger here, so surfers especially appreciate this beach. The entire island and the surrounding sea are protected in order to preserve their unique environment for the howler monkeys, parrots, aquatic turtles and dolphins found here.
Since 2019, the island is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The history of the island is marked by difficult times in Brazilian history: In the 18th century, it was one of the main transshipment points for the slave trade. After the abolition of slavery, it was home to institutions for cholera and leprosy sufferers and, at other times, a prison. Silent witnesses of these eventful histories can still be found on the island; parts of the former prison and a small museum set up there can be visited. In the main town of the island, Vila do Abraão, you can find restaurants and small cafes, so that you can enjoy the evening after a day on the island.

For divers, the island has a few exceptional highlights. Experienced divers have the opportunity to visit the Gruta do Acaia, a cave through a 15 meter long underwater corridor. A helicopter wreck in the northeast of the island and the wreck of the Pinguino, which sank in 1966, also offer not so experienced divers exceptional destinations.

In Angra dos Reis in the northeast of the bay there is another harbor in the bay Ilha Grande. However, the mooring fees are more expensive and the wind and weather conditions allow anchoring in the bays almost all year round, after checking the forecasts, so that calling at a marina for the night is not mandatory.

White beaches, green rainforest - blue water sailing along the Atantic Coast

In addition to sailing through the bay off Paraty and Ilha Grande, a yacht charter offers the chance to circumnavigate the three headlands east of the city and head out on a blue water cruise towards Ubatuba on the Atlantic coast. If one was protected in the bay from the waves and the wind from the sea, one meets here pure Atlantic. Sailing along the coast, you first pass the Cairuçu Environmental Protection Area, another of the many nature reserves in this area. Pristine Atlantic rainforests in front of white sand beaches and mangroves offer a great view from the sea. The bays and beaches are accessible from land only by narrow footpaths, so there are good prospects for a day at your own little beach idyll. Around the small village of Trindade there are several larger beaches, where you can expect to find beach vendors and snack and cocktail stands. Before reaching Ubatuba you will pass several small islands - like Ilha das Couves, Ilha Comprida and Ilha do Promirin - which all have smaller beaches for swimming, snorkeling or diving if you want to avoid the big beaches around Ubatuba.

Yacht charter Paraty - set sail with 1a Yachtcharter!