Cruise in Brazil - Costa Verde: sailing between Paraty and Ilha Grande

"Swimming at anchor, in clear water, at the foot of the jungle is an unforgettable experience. The friendliness of the crew and the comfort of the boat truly made this experience exceptional" Pauline, a Filovent adviser who sailed in the Paraty region aboard a Delta 365, tells us.                          
Like her, sailors who have dropped anchor on the Costa Verde rarely come back without wanting to return. The region has everything one looks for in an exceptional cruise: a protected and accessible sea, still-undiscovered anchorages, breathtaking tropical nature, and that Brazilian warmth that turns every stop into a lasting memory.

This article gives you all the keys to imagining your own adventure: what makes this region so unique for sailing, the must-see stops, the best time to cast off, as well as our expert's account so you can plan your next holiday on the Costa Verde.

Why choose Brazil for a cruise?

Accessible and reassuring sailing

This is undoubtedly one of the region's greatest strengths. The Costa Verde is protected by hundreds of islands and islets that completely break the Atlantic swell. The result: a surprisingly flat sea, even when conditions are rougher offshore.

In practice, this changes everything. Anchorages are particularly comfortable, with very little rolling: the boat stays stable, nights are calm and life on board quickly becomes very pleasant, even for those not used to sleeping at sea. You dine comfortably in the cockpit, sleep without being woken by the boat's movements, and truly enjoy the moments of rest.

The sailing itself is smooth and reassuring. Conditions are predictable, courses natural, and you don't feel that tension you can experience in more exposed areas. Even manoeuvres become simple, allowing you to gain confidence quickly.

Another major advantage: distances. Between two anchorages, you can generally count on a maximum of 1 to 3 hours of sailing, allowing for a particularly pleasant pace. You sail without constraint, without pressure. And that is precisely what makes this destination so enjoyable.

Do you need a licence to sail? In Brazil, European citizens can sail with their European offshore licence (ICC or equivalent). No specific formalities are required beyond the usual boat and crew documents. A valid passport is sufficient for entry formalities into Brazilian territory, for tourism stays of less than 90 days.

An exceptional playground

What strikes you immediately is the quality of the water. Warm all year round, often between 24 and 28 °C, it makes you want to swim at every stop. And unlike some tropical destinations, visibility is often excellent, making anchorages particularly enjoyable for exploring the seabed.

But the richness of this region is not limited to the water: landscapes play a central role in the experience. The Costa Verde is a deeply indented coastline, covered in dense jungle that plunges straight into the sea. The hills are ever-present, islands appear as you sail along, and every change of course reveals a new backdrop.

The variety of stops is impressive. In a week, you will alternate between:

• Completely deserted beaches: with no facilities, where you can land by dinghy and feel as though you are alone in the world.
• Small villages accessible only by boat: perfect for a stop, sharing a meal and discovering a more local side of Brazil.
• Open bays with views of spectacular hills: ideal for enjoying the end of the day and watching the light change.

Each stop has its own identity. You are not sailing from point A to point B: you are passing through atmospheres, lights, landscapes.

It is an ideal destination for making the most of the boat. Snorkelling can be done directly from the anchorage, without any particular organisation. Paddleboarding lets you explore coves and hug the coastline closest to the jungle. Swimming marks the rhythm of the day, and moments of rest on board become highlights: reading with vegetation in view, taking a nap at anchor, or simply watching the light play on the water.

A unique atmosphere

There is something very particular about this region. Less touristy, more raw, more genuine.

Exchanges with locals are simple, natural, often spontaneous. In some villages, passing boats are still few in number, creating authentic interactions, free from any commercial dimension.

The general atmosphere is relaxed, far from saturated harbours and overcrowded anchorages. You can spend several hours, even an entire day, in an isolated anchorage without encountering other boats, then find a little activity in a village or on a beach at the end of the day.

This balance between calm and local life is rare, and really gives you the feeling of living a different experience.

Planning your cruise in Brazil

The best time to sail

The tropical climate of the Costa Verde allows sailing year-round, although two seasons stand out.

The dry season (May to October) offers the most stable conditions: regular winds, rare rainfall and mild temperatures around 21 to 26 °C. It is the ideal period for sailing.

The rainy season (November to April) is warmer, with generally short showers in the late afternoon. Vegetation is lush and visitor numbers are lower.

Average temperatures on the Costa Verde (Rio de Janeiro / Angra dos Reis region):

How to get there?

Arrival is via Rio de Janeiro, well served from Europe. It is possible to rent a boat directly in Rio de Janeiro. Otherwise, to reach Paraty, allow around 3 hours of transfer heading south along the coast.

To reach Paraty from Rio, several options are available. Air-conditioned buses from the Costa Verde company depart several times a day from the Rodoviária Novo Rio terminal, for a journey of around 3 to 4 hours. This is the simplest and most economical option. For more flexibility, a private transfer or hire car allows you to stop along the way and enjoy the scenery at your own pace.

This journey is far from ordinary. The road runs along the coast, between sea and hills, and offers increasingly wild panoramas. You gradually leave the urban bustle behind and enter a much calmer, almost isolated atmosphere.

Arriving the day before is strongly recommended. This allows you to enjoy Paraty, soak up the atmosphere and start the cruise in good shape, without fatigue or stress.

What budget should you plan for?

The budget for a cruise in Brazil varies depending on the size of the boat, the option chosen and the time of year. Here is a table of approximate prices for boat rental in Brazil per week:

For those who wish to enjoy the destination without taking the helm, our cabin cruises in Brazil offer an all-inclusive alternative, ideal for focusing solely on the experience.

Beyond the boat rental, a few expense categories should be anticipated.

Flights from Europe to Rio de Janeiro generally represent the largest expense. Allow between €600 and €1,200 per person in economy class depending on the season and how far in advance you book.

Provisioning on board should be planned at the start of the week in Paraty. Allow around €50 to €80 per person for a week of shopping: fresh produce, drinks and meals on board remain very affordable, well below European levels.

Port fees are limited: most anchorages on the Costa Verde are free or nearly free. Budget €5 to €15 per night at the few marinas in the region.

Meals ashore in villages accessible by dinghy are a genuine local experience. Budget €10 to €20 per person at local restaurants, which are often excellent and very affordable.

A few practical tips before you go

To make the most of the destination, a few simple principles are sufficient:

• Keep a flexible itinerary: the best moments often come from staying longer than planned at an anchorage, rather than trying to stick to a precise schedule.
• Sail in the morning: conditions are calmer, the light is more beautiful, and sailing is more pleasant.
• Take time at anchor: that is where the experience is truly lived, between swims, exploration and moments on board.
• Anticipate the tropical climate: heat, sun and humidity are part of the journey, but integrate easily with a little simple organisation.

The sailing areas

Paraty, a starting point between colonial charm and nature

Paraty is much more than a simple starting point for sailing boat rentals in Brazil. It is a true gateway into the journey.

The town, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is best explored on foot. Its cobbled streets, white façades edged with vivid colours and small lively squares create a gentle atmosphere, almost outside of time. You can easily find somewhere to dine, stroll or simply enjoy the evening before departure.

From a sailing perspective, everything runs smoothly. The base is well organised, the teams are experienced, and getting to know the boat happens quickly. Marina Farol is appreciated by our clients for its professionalism, which is reassuring, especially for a first experience in the region.

It is an ideal transition between land and sea, allowing you to ease gradually into the rhythm of the cruise.

Ilha Grande, the emblematic stop

Ilha Grande is the heart of the sailing. The island has remained largely unspoilt, with no roads or extensive urbanisation, giving it an almost intact character.

The jungle descends to the sea, and the anchorages offer spectacular scenery. Each bay has its own atmosphere, with clear water, hills and dense vegetation.

Among the must-sees, Lopes Mendes remains a remarkable stop. Accessible after a walk through the forest, it impresses with its simplicity and scale. Its fine white sand accentuates the transparency of the water and creates a striking contrast with the surrounding vegetation. The total absence of any construction reinforces this impression of intact nature, almost preserved from the world. Finally, its openness to the ocean brings a particularly striking sensation of space and freedom.

An endless number of stops in between

Between Paraty and Ilha Grande, sailing becomes almost instinctive. You adapt your itinerary as the mood takes you, with no constraints.

Anchorages are numerous and varied:

• Sheltered bays where you can spend the night in complete calm, with perfectly flat water.
• Isolated islets quickly accessible, perfect for a break or a lunch at anchor.
• Secluded coves often deserted, ideal for fully enjoying the surroundings.

Even in season, visitor numbers remain reasonable. You can easily find quiet spots, which gives the cruise a much more personal dimension. Only the iconic spots such as Lopes Mendes and Lagoa Azul can be quite busy from December to March.

Sample itinerary and our expert's account

Days 1 and 2: getting your bearings and first impressions

As soon as you leave Paraty, the change is immediate. Within a few minutes, the coastline becomes wild, dotted with lush islands.

The first sail is short, ideal for getting familiar with the boat, with simple manoeuvres in a sheltered environment that allow you to gain confidence quickly. The calm sea makes sailing particularly smooth from the very first day, and the many nearby anchorage options offer genuine flexibility to adapt easily.

Once the anchor is down, the pace changes immediately. First swim in warm water, first moments of relaxation on board… and already the feeling of being somewhere else entirely.

In the evening, dinner on board or at a small restaurant accessible by dinghy. The atmosphere is simple, local, unpretentious.

A few stops:

• Ilha Comprida: easy first anchorage, clear water, perfect for getting into the swing of things
• Saco do Mamanguá: tropical fjord unique to Brazil, very sheltered, spectacular scenery
• Praia do Engenho (Mamanguá): wild beach in the heart of the jungle
• Paraty-Mirim: pleasant anchorage with a local atmosphere, opportunity to go ashore

Days 3 to 5: immersion around Ilha Grande

This is where the cruise truly comes into its own. You enter a more immersive style of sailing, where each day brings a new backdrop.

Days then organise themselves naturally, with a short morning sail to reach a new anchorage without any pressure. Each day brings a change of scenery between beaches, coves and more open bays, while activities happen as the mood dictates, with no imposed schedule.

You alternate between swimming, exploring and resting. The pace slows down, and that is when you enjoy it most.

The highlight remains Lopes Mendes. After anchoring nearby, a walk of around 45 minutes through the forest from nearby anchorages such as Pouso or Palmas leads to the beach. The arrival is memorable, with that feeling of space and untouched nature.

A few stops:

• Ilha da Gipóia: transition towards Ilha Grande, beautiful beaches and turquoise water
• Lagoa Azul: iconic snorkelling spot, crystal-clear water
• Praia de Araçatiba: calm anchorage, perfect for spending the night
• Lopes Mendes (via Pouso or Palmas anchorage): legendary beach accessible on foot
• Saco do Céu: very sheltered inner bay, ideal at sunset

Days 6 and 7: the return and last anchorages

The return to Paraty does not follow a straight line. It extends the experience, with even gentler sailing and stops that are often more secluded than on the outward journey.

These final two days are an opportunity to rediscover the area from a different angle. You favour lesser-known anchorages, sometimes more isolated, where you find an even stronger sense of calm. Sailing remains short, often one to two hours, which allows you to continue making the most of every stop.

Last swim, last sunset, last moments on board… before returning to Paraty.

A few stops:

• Ilha de Cataguases: small paradise island, white sand and translucent water
• Ilha do Cedro: discreet anchorage, wilder atmosphere
• Praia Grande de Paraty: easy stop before the return
• Ilha do Araújo: last swim in a calm and accessible setting

Our expert's account

Pauline, an expert at Filovent, had the opportunity to visit the Costa Verde aboard a Delta 365 and loved the experience. Her favourite moment: seeing dolphins after swimming at the foot of the jungle.                 
She had the opportunity to sail between Paraty and Ilha Grande, discovering new anchorages, each different from the last. What struck her most was the ease of sailing and the very natural rhythm of the cruise, with short distances that leave plenty of time to truly enjoy each stop.

She also speaks of the beauty of the landscapes, with that constant feeling of being surrounded by dense, unspoilt nature, where the jungle descends to the sea. Between swims in warm, clear water, time spent on board and stops in isolated coves, the experience felt both exhilarating and very accessible to her.

She also highlights the quality of the on-site support, with a professional and attentive team, particularly the Argentine skipper with whom she got on very well and who helped make the sailing even smoother and more enjoyable.

The boat: the Delta 365

The Delta 365 is particularly well suited to this area. Built by a recognised local shipyard, it was designed for charter and tropical conditions. It is a robust boat, built for regular and reliable use over time, with easy handling that suits beginners and more experienced crews alike. Comfort on board is also well thought out, with spaces suited to a week at sea. Recent models (2016–2023) guarantee modern equipment and relaxed sailing.

Sailing in Brazil means adopting a different way of travelling. Here, you are not trying to go far, but to stop in the right place at the right moment. A bay glimpsed around the bend of an island, water too clear not to dive into, an end-of-day light that completely transforms the landscape… everything invites you to slow down.

Between Paraty and Ilha Grande, each day takes shape naturally, following anchorages and desires. You move from a wild cove to an open beach, from a moment of sailing to a swim facing the jungle, without ever feeling constrained. A week is enough to realise this, but rarely enough to be satisfied with it.

Sources used in writing this article:

• [1] https://fr.wikipedia.org - Costa Verde, coastal region of the State of Rio de Janeiro
• [2] https://fr.wikipedia.org - Ilha Grande, nature reserve and UNESCO heritage site
• [3] https://fr.wikipedia.org - Paraty, historic town and UNESCO heritage site
• [4] https://whc.unesco.org - Rio de Janeiro and the Costa Verde, UNESCO World Heritage Site