Ilha da Cotia – Paraty – Rio de Janeiro

The tiny Cotia Island is one of the most sheltered spots in Paraty Bay. A special place nestled among mountains and surrounded by a magnificent expanse of water.

Access is via the Paraty pier or Paraty-Mirim Beach. During the colonial period, the island was a hub for illegal gold trading and slave trafficking. It has a grotto that was frequently used as punishment for escaped slaves when the tide rose.

Cotia Island is shaped like an eight, with a narrow passage in the center, thus forming a bilateral beach, meaning water on both sides. The beautiful beaches of Dentro and Fora are connected by a trail.

Boats arriving at the site anchor on one side, and visitors can walk along a short trail through pitanga trees, less than a minute’s walk, to the opposite side, where rocks help form delightful natural pools.

The anchorage area on the island is approximately one and a half kilometers long and is surrounded by mountains, offering spectacular views.

This magical place offers clear, calm waters for visitors. Surrounded by a diversity of fish and starfish, this place becomes unique and special for a moment of tranquility.

The island is also covered by noble species of the Atlantic Forest: jacaranda, aroeira, guapuruvu, peroba, cedar, and cinnamon, and populated by capybaras, opossums, agoutis, armadillos, and lizards, and various types of birds: thrushes, tanagers, trinca-ferros, parakeets, and kingfishers.

The cove of Ilha da Cotia is one of the safest and most sheltered places in the Paraty region. Considered the best anchorage and overnight stay point for boats, the clear, starry winter nights on Ilha da Cotia are special for stargazing, because in this corner there is little influence from artificial lights to obscure the brilliance of the stars and constellations that can be perfectly seen from the anchored boats.

This is one of our clients’ favorite spots, and you’ll certainly find other Wind Charter sailboats anchored nearby.

With luck, you’ll even have time for a delicious drink at the floating bar that circulates in the area and prepares the famous “Jorge Amado,” a drink made with the traditional Paraty cachaça, called Gabriela.

Include this little piece of paradise in your itinerary; check the coordinates below.

Fair winds!