From Paraty to Ubatuba: Is a Day Trip Worth It? Route, Beaches & Boat Tours
Quick Answer: Yes! Ubatuba is located just 70 km (43 miles) south of Paraty along the scenic coastal Rio-Santos highway (BR-101), taking roughly 1 hour and 15 minutes by car. The northern sector of Ubatuba closest to Paraty features pristine nature reserves, traditional fishing villages like Picinguaba, and the departure point for the Caribbean-like Couves Island (Ilha das Couves).
If you are spending more than 3 days in Paraty, venturing south across the state border into Ubatuba (São Paulo) offers an extraordinary addition to your Brazilian coastline adventure. While Paraty is renowned for its calm, fjord-like emerald bays and colonial architecture, Ubatuba brings wild oceanic surf beaches and untamed rainforest cliffs.
1. Getting from Paraty to Ubatuba: Car vs Public Bus
The route follows the scenic Rio-Santos Highway (BR-101) winding through the lush Serra do Mar coastal mountains:
- By Rental Car (1h15 - 1h30): Highly recommended for flexibility, allowing you to stop at mountain lookouts and access secluded beaches away from the main road.
- By Public Suburban Bus (Colitur Line): The local bus line Colitur runs between Paraty's central bus terminal and Ubatuba roughly every hour. It costs around $3 USD (R$ 15) and takes approximately 2 hours.
2. Must-Visit Ubatuba Beaches Near the Paraty Border
You don't need to drive all the way to downtown Ubatuba. The best, most pristine beaches are right near the border:
- Picinguaba Village: A peaceful traditional fishing village and departure point for speedboats heading to Couves Island.
- Couves Island (Ilha das Couves): Famous for its crystalline turquoise waters, sea turtles, and phenomenal snorkeling spots.
- Praia da Fazenda: A protected, wild beach spanning kilometers inside the Serra do Mar State Park.
- Praia do Félix: Offers both a calm, tree-shaded natural pool on the right and surf breaks on the left.
- Itamambuca Beach: An iconic world-championship surf sanctuary where a crystal-clear river flows into the sea.
- Seven Beaches Trail (Trilha das Sete Praias): One of Brazil's most beautiful trekking routes. It connects Fortaleza Beach to Lagoinha Beach, passing through seven pristine and deserted beaches surrounded by the lush Atlantic Rainforest.
💡 How the Couves Island boat crossing works:
Speedboats to Couves Island depart exclusively from Picinguaba Beach and are operated in-person by the local artisanal fishermen association on a first-come, first-served basis (around R$ 80 to R$ 120 / $15-$20 USD cash/Pix). Due to strict environmental preservation limits, there is no online ticketing on global platforms for these small local skiffs.
Hiking the Seven Beaches Trail?
The Seven Beaches Trail is one of Ubatuba's most stunning ecological hikes, uncovering deserted beaches and pristine coastline. Book your guided hiking tour online with instant confirmation and free cancellation on Viator.
3. Ideal 1-Day Itinerary from Paraty
- 08:00 AM: Depart Paraty driving south on the BR-101 highway.
- 09:00 AM: Arrive at Picinguaba and take a quick boat to spend the morning snorkeling at Ilha das Couves.
- 12:30 PM: Enjoy fresh seafood and cold drinks at a beach kiosk in Picinguaba or Praia do Félix.
- 02:30 PM: Relax under the almond trees at Prumirim Beach or hike a section of the famous Seven Beaches Trail.
- 05:30 PM: Head back comfortably to Paraty in time for dinner in the colonial center.
4. Essential Driving Tips for the Rio-Santos Highway
- Speed Cameras: The BR-101 highway has strict radar control with speed limits ranging between 40 km/h and 60 km/h near villages. Mind the signs.
- Fog & Rain: Mountain coastal roads frequently get misty during rain. Drive with headlights on and keep extra distance.
- Environmental Preservation Fee (TPA): Ubatuba operates an automated daily camera-toll (TPA) for incoming tourist vehicles, easily payable online within 15 days.