- Michael Smyth
- Jan 4
- 5 min read
Due to online travel agents such as Tripadvisor/ Viator/ Get Your Guide, etc, the internet appears to be full of kayak tours in Paraty. Fortunately, however, there are only a couple of actual kayak tour operators in Paraty. This makes choosing a kayak trip in Paraty a much easier task! Go direct to the Kayak Tour Operator for a more personalised and responsive service with expert local knowledge to give you the best possible kayaking experience in Paraty.
How much is a Kayak Tour in Paraty?
Prices vary from about R$150 per person for a 2 hour tour to R$350 for a longer 4 hour tour.
Tempting to go for the cheapest kayak tour, isn’t it?
But recall these wise words of Benjamin Franklin:
"The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten." – Benjamin Franklin
If you’re going to go for the cheapest option then be prepared to be disappointed. Vacation time is precious so guarantee a great day out by researching carefully what you are getting for your money. We always recommend quality over price to ensure a great (and safe!) day out on the water.
But why would one tour be more expensive than another?
The following is a checklist of factors to consider when choosing a kayak trip in Paraty, and anywhere else for that matter.
Go for the right Equipment
Quality of equipment, well maintained and in full working order, more than justifies paying a little more on price and helps guarantee an enjoyable (and safe!) kayaking experience.
Check also the type of Kayak used by the operator. Sea kayaks (with closed cockpits), like the one used by Paraty Explorer in the photo, with their aquadynamic design and easy-to-use rudders mean you will be able to paddle further with less effort!
A double kayak will mean that you share the paddling and no one gets left behind. If you are looking for a kayak tour that is suitable for kids it’s also best to go in double kayaks.
Simpler, cheaper kayaks known as sit-on-tops are fun to play with for rentals but lack the range and safety of the sea kayaks.
Life jackets should be used at all times on the water. If a Kayak Tour Operator says you don’t need a life jacket (also known as pfd) then keep looking!
Some operators, like Paraty Explorer, provide dry bags to protect phones etc while on the water.
A great Guide makes all the difference
The guides are the most important element in creating memories for you to cherish.
Make sure the guides have adequate kayak training (ideally ACA or BCU) and rescue techniques. Language ability and knowledge of local history, culture and nature will make all the difference on your kayak day trip in Paraty.
Also important to check the Guide to Client ratio as this has a direct impact on safety at sea. With the best safety record in town Paraty Explorer operates tours on the basis of 1 guide for a maximum of 6 clients (or 3 kayaks).
Time & Duration of tour
Is 2 hours enough? Is 6 hours too much? Important to understand the breaks that are scheduled in the tour. Check out the paddling time (ie the time spent actually paddling). In Paraty Explorer’s daily 4 hour tour the clients paddle for about 2 ½ hours with breaks, the rest of the time spent on beaches or observing wildlife and local fisher culture.
The weather tends to be better in the mornings when there is normally less wind, no waves and a smaller chance of rain.
Check the Tour route
Make sure the tour goes where you want to go! Seems obvious but the sit-on-top kayak tours aren’t able to get you to the best beaches and mangrove.
Kayaking highlights in the bay of Paraty are the Mangrove next to Itu Island, Corumbe and Rosa beaches plus Malvao Island.
Thinking of paddling in Mamangua? Be prepared to spend more as it’s 25km from Paraty and there are a lot of logistics involved. Operators like Paraty Explorer recommend a 2 day overnight trip to Mamangua to make it worth your while.
Sunset tour? Prepare to be disappointed. The sun sets on the coastal mountain range behind Paraty, and not on the sea. As a tropical climate the weather tends to be better in the mornings (drier and sunnier). By the afternoon it is often overcast and, in the summer especially, prone to tropical storms both of which make the sunset a bit of a disappointment. Plus kayaking in lightning is no fun!
Size of group
A private tour is going to work out more expensive but it does mean you get more personalised attention from the guide and perhaps most importantly you get to go at your own pace.
Beware of operators that aren’t clear on the maximum group size.
Paraty Explorer, for example, works on the basis of a minimum of 2 people and a maximum of 14 people. For larger groups of 7 or more people Paraty Explorer puts on 2 guides to guarantee a more personalised experience and ensure safety.
Reviews
Researching trip reviews with photos is a great way to make sure you are choosing the right Kayak Tour Operator. Tripadvisor and Google are the main sources.
Social Media
A quick look at a Kayak Tour Operator's Socials will let you know who they are; how active they are; who their clients are; and what's important to them. Not the starting point for choosing a Tour Operator but great for a double check and making sure you're booking with the right operator.
Customer service
Alarm bells should be ringing when the tour operator takes longer than 24 hours to respond to your enquiry or booking with info on price, availability, weather and tidal conditions and any other questions you may have.
Check out the best: Paraty Explorer Kayak Tour Operator
With almost 20 years of experience operating in Paraty, Paraty Explorer is recognised as one of the leading Kayak Tour Operators in all Brazil for operating fun and safe kayak tours. Not the cheapest tours, as you would expect from an operator committed to quality and delivering value, but if you want a great day out look no further!
Largest and oldest Kayak Tour Operator in Paraty
In-house American Canoe Association (ACA) instructor and guide (Michael SMYTH)
Paraty Explorer cofounder and ACA kayak instructor, Michael Team of trained and experienced guides who live locally. In addition to kayaking and rescue skills the guides have received training in history, culture and nature and are keen to share their knowledge of the mangrove eco-system. Guides available that speak Portuguese, English, Spanish and French
Double sea kayaks with rudders to enable you to go further with less effort
Excellent Record on Safety
Paraty Explorer’s daily Mangrove, Islands and Beaches by Kayak Tour recognised by Tripadvisor as Best of the Best 2021 top 1 % of things to do around the world!
