Ilhabela
Paradise, Nature, Exuberance
The isolated island of Ilhabela which is located off the coast of Brazil, is a 5 million year old volcanic geological formation. The tropical climate combined with one of the most rugged landscapes of the lush Atlantic Forest make it one of the main marine habitats in Brazil. Ilhabela is definitely a unique paradise and one of the most sought after destinations for its beautiful beaches, waterfalls and tropical environments.
Ilhabela has dozens of beaches each one more beautiful than the other! Some are more urban while others are more wild. Among the most famous are: Feiticeira, Praia Grande, Julião, Curral and Veloso in the south of the island; Jabaquara, Barreiros, Sino and Viana in the north; Bonete, Castelhanos and Eustáquio on the other side of the island, with more difficult access.
There are also many waterfalls to choose from on the island . Some are very easy to reach while others take more work. The most visited are: Três Tombos, Lage, Paquetá and Veloso in the south; Água Branca and Toca in the central region of the Island; Boi and Friagem in the north; Cacheira do Gato on Castelhanos beach; Areado waterfall on the trail to Bonete.
Ilhabela has great places to dive. You can observe several marine species in addition to shipwrecks and beautiful underwater landscapes. There are points indicated for advanced divers and also for novice divers. We highlight the Ilha das Cabras, the shipwrecks in the south of the island and the Alcatrazes Archipelago, but there are many options to be explored underwater.
In addition to visits to the popular beaches and waterfalls tourism in Ilhabela also offers several outdoor activities. You can choose between walking the trails of the Atlantic Forest, taking motorized jeep or boat trips, snorkeling or scuba diving, visiting the viewpoints, trying birdwatching or fishing, sailing or rowing in the canal, and also enjoying the shows and festivals.
Ilhabella also has many historic attractions. The Historic Center of the Village offers a visit to the past with its colonial mansions, the Church Nossa Senhora D´Ajuda and Bom Sucesso, the old jail and Forum of Ilhabela, the Waldemar Belisário museum, and the charming Rua Do Meio. There is also the external circuit of Fazenda Engenho D’água, listed by IPHAN and CONDEPHAAT.
Access to Ilhabela is provided by the ferry that leaves from the São Sebastião terminal. The crossing is generally smooth. But it may happen that the weather conditions delay the service so that the number of cars causes long boarding lines.
To check the conditions of the live ferry visit the Travessias da Dersa website here.
And to reserve a time and avoid any lines access the Appointed Time here.