Ilhabela
Mountainous Island Off The SãO Paulo Coast, Largely Protected As Ilhabela State Park; Brazil'S Sailing Capital · Ilhabela, São Paulo
Ilhabela, the beautiful island, is a mountainous island off the north coast of São Paulo state, reached by a short car ferry from São Sebastião, and most of it is protected as a state park covered in Atlantic rainforest. Its peaks rise to more than 1,300 metres, and the forest hides hundreds of waterfalls. The sheltered channel side, facing the mainland, holds the village, pousadas and calm beaches; the ocean side is wild, reached by boat or by a rough 4x4 track to Castelhanos, a long beach with a small community. The island is Brazil's sailing capital, hosting its biggest sailing week, and its waters hold many shipwrecks that divers explore. Ilhabela is also known for the borrachudo, a tiny biting fly so persistent that repellent is the first thing anyone mentions. It is a weekend escape for São Paulo, three to four hours away, which means heavy ferry queues on holidays. Midweek and out of season it is quiet, green and easy to love.
Vila de Ilhabela, Ilha de São Sebastião, SP, Ilhabela, São Paulo, Brazil
The island is open at all times. The state-run car ferry from São Sebastião runs around the clock, with more frequent crossings by day; on weekends, holidays and in summer the standby queue can stretch for hours in both directions, and the reservation system for cars is the only reliable way through, so book a slot as soon as your dates are fixed. Foot passengers usually walk straight on. The state park's trails open in daylight and some require a registered guide; the Castelhanos road is a steep dirt track that is closed or restricted after heavy rain, and ocean-side boat trips are cancelled in rough seas. Cachoeira da Toca and other private waterfall sites keep daytime hours. Sunday afternoon ferry queues back to the mainland are the classic weekend trap.