Frequently asked questions about tours in Maresias

The questions we hear most before a booking. Can't find yours? Message our team on WhatsApp or read the cancellation policy.

What is the cancellation policy?

Purchases made on the website can be canceled within 7 days of purchase, before the tour date, for a full refund. After that: 100% refund up to 72 hours before the activity, 50% up to 24 hours before, and no refund with less than 24 hours' notice or in case of a no-show. If the tour is canceled due to weather, maritime safety or operational reasons, you choose between rescheduling at no cost or getting a full refund. See the full policy at /en/pages/cancellation-policy.

Where do MaresiasTur tours depart from?

Boat tours to the islands leave from Boiçucanga Beach, right next to Maresias, and the exact meeting point is sent via WhatsApp once your payment is confirmed. The shared boat to Montão de Trigo Island leaves from Maresias Beach at 9 a.m. The BikeTour 360º, the Adventure Package and the Calhetas rappel start at our office at Av. Francisco Loup, 500, in Maresias, and the try scuba dive leaves from Varadouro, in São Sebastião.

How much does a boat tour in Maresias cost?

The shared tour of the 3 South Coast Islands starts at R$200 per person, and the shared boat to Montão de Trigo Island is R$250 per person. Private boats are priced per boat, according to group size, starting at R$1,450. Prices as of September 2026: the current price is always on each tour's page.

What's the difference between a shared tour and a private boat?

On a shared tour you pay per person, share the boat with other travelers and pick one of the set departure times, booking and paying 100% on the website. On a private boat, the boat is just for your group, the price is per boat, and you book via WhatsApp with a 50% deposit and the balance paid up to 12 hours before the tour.

What happens if it rains, the sea gets rough or the group doesn't fill up?

Shared tours need at least 8 people per departure. If the minimum isn't reached, or if weather, tides, navigation safety or an operational issue prevent the departure, you choose between rescheduling at no cost or getting a full refund.

Can children join? How do the age groups work?

All tours use the same age groups: Infant (0–2), Child (3–10), Teen (11–17), Adult (18–64) and Senior (65+), with the price for each group on the tour page. Anyone under 18 can only be booked together with a responsible adult, and some tours don't accept every age group: the BikeTour 360º, for example, doesn't take infants or children aged 10 and under.

Do Uber and 99 work in Maresias?

No. Uber, 99 and similar ride-hailing apps don't operate in São Sebastião. Plan ahead how you'll get to the meeting point: by car, local taxi or a ride from someone.

How early should I get to the meeting point?

We recommend arriving 30 minutes early. Arriving so late that you miss the departure counts as a no-show, with no refund. Date changes can be requested up to 48 hours in advance, subject to availability.

What should I bring on the tours?

Sunscreen, a cap, sunglasses, water, an ID, swimwear and a towel. On boat tours, food and drinks aren't included; for hikes, wear sneakers with good grip and bring insect repellent; for rappelling, wear closed-toe sneakers and tie your hair back.

Do the tours include a guide, a boat captain and insurance?

Yes. Hikes and rappels are led by accredited guides, and boat tours have a licensed captain. When you book, we ask for participants' details for the activity insurance and boarding control.

Where to eat and where to stay in Maresias?

MaresiasTudo, the free Maresias guide run by MaresiasTur (in Portuguese), lists restaurants, bars, places to stay, events and live music, plus ready-made itineraries: maresiastudo.com.br. Create an account there with the e-mail you used to book: your MaresiasTur tours show up under "Meus passeios" and earn Club points, 1 point per real on each completed tour.

What to do in Maresias on a rainy day?

When the weather keeps a tour from departing, you choose between rescheduling at no cost or a full refund. The Maresias Waterfall hike (7 Quedas) goes ahead in a light drizzle, but not in rain. For the rest of the day, MaresiasTudo, the free Maresias guide (in Portuguese), has the calendar of restaurants, events and live music: maresiastudo.com.br.

Can you see whales in Maresias?

Yes. Whales can show up at any time, including during boat tours, since sightings depend on nature and have no set date. The dedicated whale-watching tour, with an exclusive route, runs from May to September: message our team on WhatsApp for dates. The season guide is on MaresiasTudo (in Portuguese): maresiastudo.com.br/blog/temporada-de-baleias-em-maresias-o-guia-completo-para-ver-esses-gigantes.