Paraty

Most visitors fly into Sao Paulo (GRU or CGH) and then transfer by car, private driver, or bus. The road distance is usually around 270 km to 280 km, but timing varies with city traffic leaving Sao Paulo and with coastal weather. If you drive, plan breaks and avoid peak rush hours. If you bus, confirm the departure terminal and luggage rules in advance, then arrange a short taxi or transfer from the Paraty bus station to your pousada, especially if you arrive at night.

Visa rules depend on your passport and can change, so check an official government source before you travel. Many nationalities enter Brazil visa-free for tourism, while others must apply for a visa or eVisa in advance. If you are required to use the eVisa system, apply early and keep a digital and printed copy of your approval. Also confirm any health recommendations for your itinerary (for example, yellow fever guidance for some parts of Brazil) and travel with travel medical insurance that covers your planned activities.

Beginners usually do best on the sheltered island sites in Paraty Bay. Places like Ilha dos Meros are often dived as calm, shallow reefs with max depths around 13 m, which helps with buoyancy practice and air management. Ilha Comprida and Ilha Catimbau can also fit newer divers when conditions are stable. Ask your operator to match the site to recent visibility and current. If you are newly certified, consider a guided fun dive or a short refresher on the first morning before committing to multiple dive days.

Snorkeling is a strong option in Paraty, but it is site- and weather-dependent. After rain, town beaches can be murky, so choose island stops on boat routes, such as Ilha Comprida or Ilha dos Ganchos. In drier weeks, visibility can reach 10 m or more, while rougher periods may be closer to 3 m. Go early for calmer water and fewer swimmers, wear a rashguard for sun, and use a vest if you want relaxed floating time in boat-traffic areas.

Exposure protection depends on season and your cold tolerance. In warmer months, many divers are comfortable in a 3mm suit or a full-length rashguard, with water often around 24°C to 28°C. In the cooler season (roughly Jun to Aug), water can feel closer to 20°C to 24°C, and a 5mm suit or layered setup is common, especially for repetitive dives. Bring something windproof for the boat ride and a warm layer for surface intervals if you chill easily.

Use common sense and check official balneabilidade updates when you plan to swim near town. Water quality can change after heavy rain, especially close to storm drains and river outlets. A good rule is to prioritize offshore island coves for swimming and snorkeling, and to avoid near-town beaches for about 24 hours after major downpours. If you are unsure, ask your hotel or boat crew which beaches were recently flagged as suitable. Always watch boat traffic and never swim across busy channels.

Paraty sits in a patchwork of protected areas, so rules can vary by island and shoreline. Follow your operator's briefing on where landing is allowed and respect any zones where public visitation is prohibited. Underwater, keep fins off the bottom, do not touch or collect marine life, and avoid standing on rock reefs in shallow water. Use reef-safe sunscreen and keep trash secured on boats. If you are snorkeling independently, stay within marked areas, use a buoy or flag, and avoid disturbing wildlife for photos.

Paraty has local medical services, but advanced dive medicine and hyperbaric treatment are not always nearby. Because Paraty is a few hours by road from larger city hospitals, the key is to respond early: call local EMS (SAMU 192), administer oxygen if available, and contact DAN for referral and coordination. Your dive operator can also help with evacuation logistics. Before your trip, save emergency numbers offline, confirm your insurance covers hyperbaric treatment, and dive conservatively to reduce the chance you will need a transfer.