Maresias in spring: why travel before the summer rush
By MaresiasTur · · 6 min read
Quick answer
Maresias in spring is less crowded than in summer, with pleasant temperatures for hiking, rappelling and boat trips to the islands of the Costa Sul. It is the season for beach and nature before high season, with more room to choose dates and times.
Traveling to Maresias in spring, from late September to late December (the Southern Hemisphere spring), means enjoying the beach and nature before high season. There are fewer people than in summer, temperatures are pleasant for hiking and rappelling, and the boats keep sailing to the islands of the Costa Sul (South Coast) of São Sebastião. This guide explains what weather to expect, which tours suit the season, a short itinerary and where to stay.
The accommodations mentioned in this guide are MaresiasTur partners.
Why visit Maresias in spring?
Our guide to the best time for tours in Maresias sums up the year like this: summer brings heat, crowds and rain; winter is the driest and quietest season; fall and spring sit in between. In practice, spring offers three advantages for anyone who can choose their dates:
- Fewer crowds: quieter roads, beaches and tours than in January or during Carnival.
- Good weather for the outdoors: pleasant temperatures for the Atlantic Forest trail and for rappelling with a sea view.
- More options when booking: with fewer people competing for the same dates, it is easier to choose your accommodation and tour time. The same guide points to the low season as a good time for anyone looking for cheaper lodging.
What is the weather like in Maresias in spring?
According to the technical assessment of the APA Marinha do Litoral Norte (North Coast Marine Protected Area), by the São Paulo State Government, the summer months are the rainiest in the region, with rain concentrated from December to March, and the winter months are the driest. Spring is the transition: it starts closer to the dry winter weather and, as December approaches, moves into the season of summer showers, which are more common in the afternoon.
Before you travel, check the CPTEC/INPE forecast for São Sebastião and register your ZIP code (CEP) with SP Sempre Alerta, the Civil Defense service that sends free SMS alerts via the number 40199. If the day starts cloudy, see ideas in what to do in Maresias when it rains.
Which tours to take in Maresias in spring?
- Boat trip to the islands: the Shared Boat Tour – The 3 Islands of the South Coast leaves from Praia de Boiçucanga (Boiçucanga Beach), a few minutes from Maresias, at 9 a.m., 12 p.m. and 3 p.m. It takes about 3 hours around Ilha das Couves, Ilha dos Gatos and As Ilhas, with two stops for swimming and snorkeling, a licensed skipper and pool noodles.
- Hike to a waterfall: the Cachoeira das 7 Quedas trail is 2 km (1.2 mi) round trip, easy, with a certified ecotourism guide and a waterfall swim at the end, departing at 9 a.m. and 2 p.m.
- Rappelling with a view: the Lookout Rappelling is 10 m (33 ft), with up to 2 descents, on the Trilha dos Mirantes (Lookouts Trail) between Paúba and Maresias. Groups of 2 or more.
- A nearly deserted beach: the EcoTour – Calhetas Beach leaves from the agency, at Av. Francisco Loup, 500, with round-trip transportation and a certified local guide.
One thing to keep in mind in the low season: shared boat departures need a minimum of 8 people. If that is not reached, MaresiasTur offers rescheduling or a full refund. If you would rather not depend on that, you can book a private boat, priced per boat; the guide shared or private tour helps you decide.
3-day spring itinerary in Maresias
Day 1: islands by boat
- Morning: the 9 a.m. shared boat tour to the three islands of the Costa Sul.
- Afternoon: a relaxed lunch and some rest by the pool.
- Evening: sunset on Maresias beach and dinner in the village.
Day 2: waterfall and rappelling
- Morning: Cachoeira das 7 Quedas trail at 9 a.m.
- Afternoon: Lookout Rappelling at 2 p.m., with the sea right below.
- Evening: dinner at La Trattoria, the restaurant of Villa'l Mare Hotel, serving homemade pasta.
Day 3: Calhetas
- Morning: EcoTour – Calhetas Beach at 9 a.m., about 3 hours long.
- Afternoon: lunch and the drive home, with the boat trip already done on day one in case the sea called for rescheduling.
| Tour | Day | Reference price |
|---|---|---|
| Shared boat tour, The 3 Islands | 1 | R$ 200 per person |
| Cachoeira das 7 Quedas trail | 2 | R$ 70 per person |
| Lookout Rappelling | 2 | R$ 120 per person |
| EcoTour – Calhetas Beach | 3 | R$ 150 per person |
Prices per person (reference prices from September 2026; the current price is shown on each tour page). In total, the four tours add up to R$ 540 per person. For more days, see the 5-day Maresias itinerary.
Where to stay in Maresias in spring?
- Villa'l Mare Hotel: about 500 m (0.3 mi) from the beach, with 44 air-conditioned rooms, breakfast included, adult and children's pools and a hot tub. A free van takes guests, every day, anywhere in Maresias, including the beach.
- Pousada Azul da Cor do Mar: a pousada (guesthouse) 20 m (65 ft) from the beach, just across the street. It is on the same avenue as the MaresiasTur agency and has a pool, sauna and a breakfast created by chef Andrea Mandetta.
- Pousada Villa Blu Maresias: a pool always heated to 26–28 °C (79–82 °F), welcome on cooler days, plus sauna, lookout and full breakfast, about an 11-minute walk from the beach. Its flats work well for groups of friends.
Bringing your dog? The guide Maresias with a dog lists the partner accommodations that accept pets.
Special discount code: MARESIASTUR. When you book directly with the partner accommodations in this itinerary, mention the code MARESIASTUR to get a special discount. Terms, dates and availability are set by each property.
How to plan your spring trip?
- Getting around: Uber, 99 and similar apps do not work in São Sebastião. The guide on how to get to and around Maresias covers routes and alternatives.
- Weather and cancellations: if a tour is canceled due to weather, maritime safety or operational reasons, you choose between rescheduling at no cost or a full refund, under the cancellation policy.
- Holidays: November has three holidays in 2026. See the November holidays in Maresias and, if you are already thinking about high season, when to book summer in Maresias.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Maresias worth visiting in spring?
- Yes, if you want fewer crowds than in summer and pleasant temperatures for hiking, rappelling and boat trips to the islands. It is also a time to pick dates and tour times more calmly.
- Does it rain a lot in Maresias in spring?
- Spring sits between the drier winter and the rainier summer. Rain is concentrated from December to March, so the end of the season already brings more showers, usually in the afternoon.
- Are there boat tours in Maresias outside high season?
- Yes. The shared boat tour to The 3 Islands departs at 9 a.m., 12 p.m. and 3 p.m., but needs a minimum of 8 people. If that is not reached, MaresiasTur offers rescheduling or a full refund.
- Which tour is best in Maresias on a cool day?
- The Cachoeira das 7 Quedas trail, 2 km and easy, and the 10 m Lookout Rappelling, between Paúba and Maresias, are great on cool days.
- Where to stay in Maresias close to the beach?
- Among MaresiasTur partners, Pousada Azul da Cor do Mar is 20 m from the beach. Villa'l Mare Hotel, about 500 m away, has a free van that takes guests to the beach every day.
- Is there a discount at the accommodations mentioned?
- Yes. When booking directly with the partner accommodations, mention the code MARESIASTUR. Terms, dates and availability are set by each property.
