On some islands the lush vegetation surrounds interesting structures, both historical and new. As Paraty was a route taken by wealthy colonials, forts were constructed for their safety; some included warehouses, prisons or fortifications to protect the ships against pirates. Nowadays, they are empty, serving as a reminder of other times.

The waters over which the schooner skims are unusually clear. White soft sands are clearly visible as well as colorful fish and starfish along the ocean floor, in some cases as much as 10 meters below the ship's hull. In some places looking straight down is like gazing down a well, giving the illusion of peering down a clear tube surround by darker waters. With 10 locations recommended for SCUBA diving, Paraty ise considered by some to be Brazil's diving capital.

It should be noted that the five-hour trip itinerary changes during the week, each day listing different stops, but each stop takes no longer than 30 minutes. Some islands can be visited every day, and some of these are: Fishing Island, Cuttlefish beach, Grocery Island, Long Island, Red beach and Blue lagoon. .

The 30-kilometer drive insulates Paraty from this particular beach scene. The focal point of Trindade Beach is a vila, which belong to the town and serves as a bar and hostel. There is only one street and few houses, some built almost on the sand. The area is perfect to practice surfing, diving, naturism (at "Naked Beach") and camping, but if you are intending to pitch your tent, be careful about the mosquitoes.

Another interesting destinations reachable only by boat is Mamanguá Bay, a tropical fijord and the only one of its kind in Brazil. It extends eight kilometers from the shore into the land, framed by mountains on both sides. One of these is 400-meter-high Sugar Loaf, named in homage to the original one in Rio de Janeiro. It is possible to climb this Sugar Loaf. From the base of the peak it is a steep climb to reach the top. On the way back, visitors can stop for lunch at an island restaurant followed by a swim at one of the many island beaches.

Another island worth visiting is Araújo Island with its 198-meter-high peak. It is the second biggest isle in Paraty Bay.

The number of linns or gorges cut through hard rock have given the name of "water circuit" to this area. The first gorge is called "Bananal" and is formed by a 15-meter cut through the sinuous Perequé-Açu River that ends in Paraty. On the same path is White Stone Waterfall. With several linns and many wells and natural pools, it is close to the ruins of the first power plant that provided power for the banana flour factory once owned by Prince Dom João de Bragança e Orleans, a descendent of Brazil's royal family. Another attraction is Iriri, a junction of three streams, forming two placid natural pools with crystal clear waters.

Closer to Our Lady of Penha Chapel on the "waterfall circuit" is Penha also known as Toboggan linn. The water cascades over a huge smooth rocky formation and flows into a pool. The natives like to surf it. For non-surfers, it is advisable to make the trip in a seated position in order to avoid injury. Also on the waterfall path, it is possible to visit Mill linn or Ingracia den.