MORE ABOUT ILHABELA (Sao Paulo Coast)

FACTS ABOUT ILHABELA: Ilhabela is located in the state of Sao Paulo, 210km from São Paulo City, and 435km from Rio de Janeiro City. It is an island of 340km2, surrounded by 6 other islands and crystal clear sea waters. The island is situated only 4km from the continent and one can access the island, by ferry boat from the port in Sao Sebastiao City, which takes approx 15min to go across the straight. There live about 21.000 people, but during high season the population increase three times or more. The distance to Ubatuba is approx 85km, to Caraguatatuba 30km, to Paraty 160km, to Guaruja/Santos 135/145km, and to the port in Angra dos Reis 260km.

HOW IS ILHABELA: On the Island of Ilhabela (or the formal name, Island of Sao Sebastiao), there are innumerous of beautiful beaches, more than 300 waterfalls and an enormous variety of the Atlantic Rain Forest’s fauna and flora. All this are factors that caused the island’s nickname “Ilhabela” (the beautiful island). 85% of the island is defined as a national park, declared by the UN (UNESCO) as on of the last untouched areas of the Atlantic Rainforest. Ilhabela's archipelago attracts tourists during the whole year with its pleasant climate and beaches, and according to good winds it is considered to be the capital of sailing in Brazil. It is an island of sports and activities; here it is possible to practice sailing, windsurfing, scuba diving, surfing, fishing, abseiling (rappel), climbing, trekking and adventures off-road.

The island's inside has road going along the coast, but on the outside there is no roads and difficult to access. The outside might be the islands most beautiful and untouched part. It is possible to access the beach of Praia Castelhanos, which is considered to be one of Brazil 10 most beautiful beaches. It is possible to go there by boat or more adventurous by Jeep Off-Road, through the rainforest, crossing the island and its mountain range. 

There are many options of bars, restaurants and other activities on Ilhabela, and most places are situated in the village main village center, by the beach Saco da Capela. For those that visit the island without car, may stay in a hotel with walking distance to the village’s center. During the day it is always easier to arrange transports and tours to different places / beaches. But if you have a rented car, you will be more independent and flexible, and can stay at any place and/or go to beaches, restaurants, etc any were at anytime.

HOW TO GO: By Road: Through Dutra Highway, follow on Airton Senna Highway (SP-170) and Highway Carvalho Pinto, until São José dos Campos; then take Tamoios Highway (SP-099) until Caraguatatuba. Continue in the direction of São Sebastião City, on the continent, through Rio-Santos Highway (BR-101). Finally, take the ferry boat to cross the channel, heading to Ilhabela. Coming from the cities of São Paulo or Rio de Janeiro through Rio-Santos (BR-101), you will arrive directly at the city of São Sebastião.

WHEN TO GO / CLIMATE: The annual mean temperature stays around 18ºC – with a maximum of 27ºC, and minimum of 15ºC. The climate is humid and moderate, the summer and rain season last from November to March, and the “winter” dry season between March and October.

TIPS: The mosquitoes known as “borrachudos” have substantially reduced with the urban growth of the city, but they still show up – mainly in locations away from the city, by the end of the day. It is advisable to take insect repellents, especially in outings to Jabaquara and Castelhanos Beach.

EVENTS
Shrimp Festival
Annual event that includes musical shows and gastronomical competitions in the agenda. Usually held in August.

International Sailing Week
It is the largest sailing event in south America. It has taken place since 1973 and gathers over 400 boats and 1,500 sailors for 10 days of the month of July. Those who accompany the competition on land can also watch lectures, shows and exhibitions.

ATTRACTIONS
Sports

Wind-Surfing / Sailing
The fantastic geography of the Island and of the São Sebastião Channel provides one of the best conditions for the practice of sailing in Brazil. This occurs not just because the Island forms a natural obstacle to large open sea waves, but also because of the wind channeling effect in the channel area. Turned to the South and forming a narrow corridor between the high mountains of the Serra do Mar and of the Island, with peaks that exceed 1,200 m high, the São Sebastião Channel offers sailors calm waters and strong winds throughout most of the year.

Scuba Diving
Ilhabela is the paradise of the lovers of underwater fishing and free, autonomous diving. the clear sea provides good visibility of the local sea life and of over 20 wrecks, which serve as home for the vast flora and fauna. A large variety of fish, turtles and luckily, even dolphins and whales, can be seen in the region. Ilhabela has diving operators that offer courses for beginners and dives with specialized guides.

Climbing
The varied geography of the Island offers very good locations for climbing, with several levels of difficulty. From small rocky walls – perfect for training beginners, to the hill sides of the Baepi Peak, with a huge potential for exploration in Ilhabela.

Abseiling / Rappel
The extremely bumpy relief offers many locations for the practice of this sport – from large stones all around the island, to coastal areas and huge rocky walls, such as those of Pico do Baepi.

Off-Road
Ilhabela also attracts many off-road enthusiasts and practitioners. The peculiar weather conditions of the Brazilian tropical forest lash heavy punishment on the dirt roads, with periodic rainfall and high humidity levels, keeping the clay always “ready” to demand the most from vehicles and pilots. A common tour is to go to the Castelhanos beach and spend the day there.

Fishing
Ilhabela is an important competitions venue, for contests such as the Ocean Fishing Competition, the most traditional of the kind in Brazil, organized by the local Yatch Club. Different fish species are found in the waters of the archipelago, such as the blue marlin, considered the greatest fisherman’s trophy, white marlins, golden, anchovies, groupers and robalos.

Surfing
Surf is not the sport most commonly associated to Ilhabela. Nonetheless, the city has some of the best points on the São Paulo coast for it. of difficult access, these places are worth any effort to get there due to their huge waves.

Beaches
Pacuíba beach
Gathers fishing farms and is a very good place for the practice of free diving. Favorite gathering point of youth who love adventure.

Jabaquara Beach
Submarine hunting location. Stands out for having a brook on each one of the beach ends.

do Gato Beach
Its small orla has thick sand that mixes up with the colored shells.

Baía dos Castelhanos Beach
It is part of the State Park of Ilhabela. Access is by launch or dirt road, recommending 4x4 vehicles only. They say that it was an old pirate refuge and today lives an Indian tribe there, that provides with some bar / restaurant service.

Bonete Beach
It holds a picturesque fishermen’s villa where time has stopped passing for decades. Access can be by launch or trail of 1h 30 minutes from Laje Waterfall.

do Curral Beach
With much movement, it is one of the highest points of the Island, with its small bars by the sea. In front of the River bank end there is a shipwreck.

do Julião Beach
Also known as Remanso, it has a different sea scenario, despite its short extension.

Feiticeira Beach
Legends about treasures hidden by a sorceress, serve to create an enchantment about the place, made up of Três Tombos Waterfall, with delicious natural pools

Ilha das Cabras Beach
Perfect for diving. A statue of Neptune is the attraction for visitors.

Perequê Beach
It has a bicycle track and broad sidewalk. It starts at the ferry’s pier, or Red Barra – as it is known - , from where the boats and schooner depart on outings. Coconut trees decorate the orla.

Itaguassu Beach
One of the most popular rendezvous of Ilhabela. Bars and kiosks liven the place.

Saco da Capela Beach
Joining into one place the space fishing, water sports lovers and bathers.

Waterfalls

Cachoeira do Gato
It is located in the Ilhabela State Park. It has natural pools and trails for treks that lead to a 70m waterfall.

Cachoeira da Lage
Pools of various sizes and natural slides are the attraction of the place.

Trails

Lage
Leaving the car at the far South of the road (Sepituba), a 40-minute trek toward the Bonete beach leads to the Laje Waterfall. The river course forms some falls, slides and natural pools. Perfect outing option.

Baepi 
Go up to the Baepi Peak – which has over 1000m of altitude – is a 4 hr challenge of steep trekking through the forest. It is necessary to obtain authorization from the Park’s administration and be accompanied by guides. Avoid the climb on rainy days as the trail becomes quite slippery and dangerous. On light days and without clouds, the view from the peak reaches the mountain range of Ilhabela, the channel and good part of the Sea Range, forming a remarkable landscape.

Bonete
This adventure requires good physical condition, and if possible, one overnight at Bonete Beach, which offers good accommodations. The 13 km of the trail , starting from the Sepituba End, its is quite bumpy and passes by three waterfalls – perfect resting stops. Going takes 3 to 4 hours trekking.

Água Branca
With 2,145m of extension, it is the best signed trail of the Island, with resting places for outdoor picnics and identification of different tree species present on the way. Delicious waterfalls and natural pools, refresh the trek. It starts that the security post of the Ilhabela State park, in the Castelhanos road.

Other attractions

Church of Igreja Matriz
Inaugurated in 1806, its floor is completely in marble from Spain. Well preserved, it tells a little of the history and culture of the local inhabitants.

Sugar Mill of Engenho D’água Ranch
Built in the 18th century, it keeps the characteristics of the time and tells a little of the local history.