The clear waters of Long Island attract snorkelers, scuba divers, and sport fishers from around Brazil and the globe. Schooner cruises of Paraty Bay typically include several stops for snorkeling at some of the bay’s 1,000-plus offshore islands, and Long Island is almost always one of them.
While most visitors stick to the water, there’s plenty to do on land, as well. The island is known for its myriad fruit trees—it’s possible to pick oranges, lemons, mangos, bananas, passion fruit, and avocados when they’re in season.
Getting to Long Island involves a 40-minute boat ride from the Paraty city pier, which is within walking distance of the historic city center. Visitors can negotiate this independently with a boat operator, or join a cruise or guided excursion.
January through April provide the warmest ocean temperatures for swimming, but Long Island has a community calendar filled with events— including the Island Summer Culture Festival, Week of the Elderly, and religious feasts— which means there’s almost always a celebration to join, no matter the time of year.
Paraty Bay has more than 1,000 islands, and there’s one for just about every type of traveler. Ilha Deserta caters to those seeking peace with its remote location and excellent snorkeling opportunities. Ilha do Mantimento is one of the closest islands to Paraty, and it’s known for providing habitat for the rare golden lion tamarin. Among the largest islands is Ilha Grande, a vast nature reserve with plenty of accommodation options for overnight visits.
