What to Pack for a Boat Tour, Hike, Rappelling and Diving
By MaresiasTur · · Updated on · 4 min read
Quick answer
For the boat tour in Maresias, bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, water and a snack, since food and drinks aren't included. For the hike, wear shoes with good grip and bring insect repellent; for rappelling, closed shoes and tied-back hair; for diving, the equipment is provided.
Knowing what to pack for a boat tour, hike, rappelling or diving in Maresias makes the difference between a comfortable day and hours of strong sun with no water on hand. The list changes with the activity and, above all, with what the tour already includes: the island tours don't include food or drinks on board, while rappelling and diving come with all equipment provided.
Use the checklists below and check the items included on each tour's page before you head out.
What should you bring on any tour?
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a cap or hat.
- A reusable water bottle: drinks aren't included on the tours, and on the Biketour 360º not even water is.
- Photo ID and a charged phone.
- Cash for personal expenses, which aren't included.
- A bag to carry your trash back with you.
The day before, check the CPTEC/INPE forecast for São Sebastião and the INMET weather alerts. If the tour is canceled due to weather or safety conditions, you can choose between rescheduling at no cost or getting a full refund.
What to pack for a boat tour
| Tour | Already included | Bring yourself |
|---|---|---|
| Shared boat (The 3 Islands) | Licensed boat captain, safety equipment and pool noodles | Water, a snack and a snorkel mask, if you have one |
| Shared boat (Montão de Trigo) | Licensed boat captain and safety equipment | Water, a snack, snorkel mask and pool float, which aren't included |
| Private boat | Boat just for the group, captain and safety equipment | Snacks and drinks for the group |
| Ilhabela route | Boat, captain, stops for lunch and diving | Cash for lunch in Ilhabela, which isn't included |
- Swimwear worn under your clothes, and a towel.
- A dry bag or pouch for your phone and documents.
- Sunscreen reapplied throughout the tour, which spends 3 to 6 hours at sea depending on the route.
If you tend to get seasick: the MSD Manual recommends staying where the boat moves the least, looking at the horizon, keeping good ventilation, avoiding reading, and avoiding alcohol and heavy meals before and during the trip. Medication only with guidance from a doctor or pharmacist. See more in seasickness on a boat tour.
In the water, watch fish and turtles without touching or feeding the animals. Equipment and etiquette tips are in the guide to snorkeling in São Sebastião.
What to pack for a waterfall hike
The Cachoeira das 7 Quedas hike is 2 km round trip, easy level, and ends at a waterfall suitable for swimming. The certified ecotourism guide is included; drinks, food and photos are not.
- Hiking shoes or sandals with good grip.
- Insect repellent.
- Swimwear and a small towel for the waterfall.
- A small backpack that keeps your hands free, with water and a light snack.
On the Calhetas Beach EcoTour, transportation and the guide are included, but sunscreen, repellent, swimwear and a towel are up to you. Other options are in the guide to hikes in Maresias.
What should you wear for rappelling?
For rappelling, all equipment is provided, along with individual insurance. What matters is your clothing:
- Closed shoes.
- Clothes that allow movement; avoid skirts, dresses and very loose fabric.
- Hair tied back, and no large earrings, bracelets or rings.
- Tell the team about any health condition before the activity.
Lookout Rappelling, at 10 meters, starts with an easy 2 km hike. On the 96-meter rappel at Cachoeira de Calhetas, the descent is made right in the waterfall, so wear clothes that can get wet. On the Adventure Package, pack swimwear for the Poço do Caetano and cash for lunch, which isn't included. If it's your first time, read rappelling for the first time.
What to pack for the scuba diving experience
On the try scuba diving experience at Ilha das Cabras, the full equipment, the PADI® instructor, boat transport to the dive site and individual insurance are included. The minimum age is 10, with parental or guardian consent.
- Swimwear and a towel.
- Avoid a heavy meal and alcohol beforehand.
- Schedule the dive so it doesn't fall on the same day as your return flight.
- Transportation to the departure point, in Varadouro, São Sebastião, which isn't included.
What should you leave at home?
- Valuables you don't want to get wet or lose.
- Glass bottles.
- Speakers: respect other visitors and the wildlife.
See all the itineraries in the what to do in Maresias guide.
Frequently asked questions
- What should you bring on a boat tour in Maresias?
- Swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, water, a light snack and a dry bag for your phone. Food and drinks aren't included on the island tours.
- Do I need to bring a snorkel mask?
- If you have one, bring it. On the shared boat to Montão de Trigo, masks and pool floats aren't included; on the shared 3 Islands boat, the pool noodles are.
- What should you wear for rappelling?
- Closed shoes, comfortable clothes that allow movement, hair tied back and no loose accessories. Equipment is provided.
- Do I need to bring equipment for the scuba diving experience?
- No. The full diving equipment and the PADI® instructor are included; bring swimwear and a towel.
- How do you avoid seasickness on a boat tour?
- Stay where the boat moves the least, look at the horizon, avoid reading, and don't overdo food or alcohol beforehand. Medication only with guidance from a doctor or pharmacist.
