Boat Rental in Maresias: Ilha das Couves, Ilha dos Gatos, and Sunset
By MaresiasTur · · Updated on · 4 min read
Quick answer
Boat rental in Maresias is priced per boat, for up to 14 people, with a licensed skipper. The exclusive boat departs from Boiçucanga Beach in the morning, afternoon, or at sunset and, in about 3 hours, visits Ilha das Couves, Ilha dos Gatos, and As Ilhas; booking is done via WhatsApp.
The boat rental in Maresias makes sense when the trip is with the whole family, a group of friends, or there's something to celebrate. On MaresiasTur's exclusive boat, the group boards alone, with a licensed skipper, and spends about three hours around Ilha das Couves, Ilha dos Gatos, and As Ilhas, with a morning, afternoon, or sunset departure.
The price is set per boat, not per person, and boarding is at Boiçucanga Beach, next to Maresias. This guide covers the route, the price table by group size, what's included, and how to book.
How does exclusive boat rental work?
- Boats: Gerônimo 1, a 24-foot Real Power Class boat for up to 14 people, or Peixão, the same model, for up to 12 people.
- Crew: licensed skipper and safety equipment on board.
- Check-in: Boiçucanga Beach, with the exact location sent after booking.
- Duration: about 3 hours.
- Schedules: morning, afternoon, or a sunset departure, subject to availability confirmed by the team.
Since the boat is just for the group, no one shares the space with strangers, and the price table starts at the up-to-2-people bracket, while shared departures require a minimum of 8 passengers. The pace of the stops is worked out between the group and the skipper.
What's the route through Ilha das Couves, Ilha dos Gatos, and As Ilhas?
The route is named after the three South Coast islands it visits, and the tour has two swim stops:
- Ilha das Couves: described in the route as a natural pool, ideal for snorkeling.
- Ilha dos Gatos: a free-diving spot with schools of fish.
- As Ilhas: despite the name (which means "the islands"), it's a single island; the management plan of the Litoral Norte Marine Protected Area records two beaches on it suited for sunbathing and swimming.
The Ilha das Couves on this route is in São Sebastião and shouldn't be confused with the one in Ubatuba; the guide to Ilha das Couves in São Sebastião explains the difference, the one on Ilha dos Gatos shows what to see there, and the one on As Ilhas explains the confusion over the name. To make the most of the natural pool, it's worth reading the guide to snorkeling in São Sebastião.
Sunset boat tour: how it works
The late-afternoon departure is the most requested by couples and celebrations. The group enjoys the swim stops and returns with golden light over the sea, without sharing the boat. Since the time depends on the day and availability, the team confirms the departure via WhatsApp at the time of booking.
How much does it cost to rent a boat in Maresias?
The price is per boat and varies by group size (reference price as of September 2026; the current price appears on the tour's page). The last column divides the price by the maximum number of people in each bracket:
| Group size | Boat price | Per person with a full bracket |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 2 people | R$ 1,450 | R$ 725 |
| Up to 6 people | R$ 1,700 | about R$ 283 |
| Up to 10 people | R$ 2,200 | R$ 220 |
| Up to 12 people | R$ 2,700 | R$ 225 |
| Up to 14 people | R$ 2,850 | about R$ 204 |
With the boat full, the per-person cost is close to that of the shared tour, R$ 200 per person, with the advantage of having the boat just for the group. The full breakdown is in the guide shared or exclusive and in the comparison of how much a boat tour in Maresias costs. Current prices are on the exclusive As 3 Ilhas da Costa Sul boat page.
What's included and how to book
- Included: exclusive boat for the group, licensed skipper, safety equipment, and two swim stops.
- Not included: food, drinks, transport to boarding, and personal expenses. The group can bring their own snacks and drinks.
Booking is done directly with the MaresiasTur team via WhatsApp (12) 99650-9051, which confirms availability, the schedule, and the exact boarding point. Private tours require a 50% deposit, with the rest paid at boarding. If weather, maritime safety, or an operational issue prevents the departure, the group chooses between rescheduling at no cost or getting a full refund; the other rules are in the cancellation policy.
On the day, it's worth arriving 30 minutes early and remembering that Uber and 99 don't work in São Sebastião: transportation to Boiçucanga needs to be arranged beforehand.
Verdict: who it's for
Groups of 10 or more, birthdays, marriage proposals, families with small children, and anyone who wants the sunset at sea. For couples looking to save money, the shared boat covers the same destination while paying per person. Anyone who wants to go farther, to the most remote island on the South Coast, has the exclusive boat to Montão de Trigo.
Frequently asked questions
- How much does it cost to rent an exclusive boat to Ilha das Couves?
- The price is per boat: R$ 1,450 for up to 2 people, R$ 1,700 up to 6, R$ 2,200 up to 10, R$ 2,700 up to 12, and R$ 2,850 up to 14 people (reference price as of September 2026; the current price appears on the tour's page).
- Is there a sunset boat tour in Maresias?
- Yes. The exclusive As 3 Ilhas da Costa Sul boat, through Ilha das Couves, Ilha dos Gatos, and As Ilhas, can depart in the morning, afternoon, or at sunset, subject to availability.
- How many people fit on the exclusive boat?
- Up to 14 people on Gerônimo 1 and up to 12 on Peixão, both 24-foot Real Power Class boats. For larger groups, Gerônimo 2 carries up to 25 people, with the price confirmed by the team on WhatsApp.
- Does the boat rental include a skipper?
- Yes. The exclusive boat goes out with a licensed skipper and safety equipment, plus two swim stops.
- Can you bring food and drinks on the exclusive boat?
- Yes. Food and drinks are not included, so the group can bring their own snacks.
- How do I book the exclusive boat?
- Via MaresiasTur's WhatsApp, which confirms the date, time, and boarding point at Boiçucanga Beach. A 50% deposit is required, with the rest paid at boarding.
