Adorned by a row of colorful boats, the wooden pier of Paraty Wharf stretches along Carioca Bay. It juts out a fair distance into the water, offering an unobstructed vista of the undulating peaks of the islands and promontories on the horizon. Stroll along the wooden planks of the wharf and chat to the friendly boat-owners offering tours and activities.
Admire the back ends of the lineup of boats, which tend to contain one or two little ladders and charming wooden interior designs. Enjoy a seafood specialty at a restaurant on one of the cobbled roads leading off from the adjacent Bandeira Square. Purchase hats, T-shirts, sandals and other memorabilia relating to Paraty from little stores close to the pier.
Next to the start of the pier is the Terra Nova Beach, comprising a blend of grassy and sandy patches. Pop your feet in the water to keep cool on a hot afternoon. Take a soothing swim in the warm waters of Carioca Bay or embark on a hike through the tropical vegetation between the beach and the town’s historic center.
Stay by the pier until sunset to be treated to a mesmerizing vista, as the hilly terrain on the horizon fades into shadow. Walk or cycle down the wooden part of the pier and lock your bike on one of the designated stands. At the end of the pier, the base widens slightly, creating the ideal spot in which to sit and relax as you dangle your feet from the edge.
Negotiate a private boat or schooner trip around the nearby islands with one of the tour operators. Go snorkeling or diving with one of these well-equipped groups.
Paraty Wharf is in the southeastern corner of the historic center of the town. Walk southeast from Bandeira Square to reach the beginning of the pier. Visit some of the other attractions nearby, such as Paraty Museum of Sacred Art, Paraty House of Culture and the Nossa Senhora das Dores Church.
