Brazil's South-East Region
Ilhabela Travel Guide
A sanctuary for nature, Ilhabela has 360 waterfalls, beautiful beaches and dense jungle
Ilhabela is a mountainous island off the coast of Sao Paulo, known for its rainforests, waterfalls, and beaches. As a protected area with 85% of its territory covered by the Ilhabela State Park, it offers extensive hiking trails and wildlife watching opportunities. Ilhabela is also a popular sailing destination and hosts the annual Sailing Week, one of Brazil's largest regattas. It is increasingly popular for adventure sports such as rappelling and rock climbing.
Top 5 Things to See & Do in Ilhabela
Hike to Cachoeira do Paqueta (Paqueta Waterfall)
Visit the 40 metre high Cat Waterfall (Cachoeira do Gato)
Snorkel with sea turtles at Praia da Fome or Praia do Oscar
Go rock climbing or repelling with experienced local guide, Ilhadventure
Relax at Praia do Curral
Where to stay in Ilhabela
Find cheap accommodation for your stay in Ilhabela, or check out my personal recommendations below:
Hotels
DPNY Beach Hotel & SPA - A luxury beachfront resort (see prices)
Hotel Vila Kebaya - Boutique hotel conveniently located in the town center (see prices)
TW Guaimbê Exclusive Suítes - Beachfront hotel at Praia Do Julião, with pool and sea view (see prices)
Pousadas (Guesthouse)
Hospedaria Fascino Del Mare - guesthouse with jungle views by Praia do Curral (see prices)
Villa Cachoeira da Rocha - Peacefully located in the jungle with river views (see prices)
Apartments
Casa Natu Ilhabela Mirante - apartments for rent by Praia do Itaguaçu (see prices)
Casas do Mar - townhouses for rent by Praia do Oscar (see prices)
Backpacker Hostels
Clan.Destino Hostel - Laid-back social hostel with small bungalows (see prices)
Hostel Da Vila Ilhabela - Shared accommodation with a swimming pool (see prices)
Where is Ilhabela, Brazil
Closest airport
The closest airports are located in São Paulo
Main bus terminal
The closest bus terminal is located in São Sebastião
Balsa Ilhabela
Main ports
How to get to Ilhabela
How to get to Ilhabela from Sao Sebastiao
To get to the island of Ilhabela, you will first need to take a bus to Sao Sebastiao, and then a ferry.
A car and passenger ferry runs frequently from Sao Sebastiao to Ilhabela. The ferry operates from 5.30am to 11.30pm, and the trip takes around 20 minutes. It is free for passengers crossing on foot or by bicycle, while cars and other vehicles must pay a fare.
Catch the ferry from Travessia São Sebastião to Balsa Ilhabela. Updated times and fare prices for different types of vehicles can be seen here.
How to get to Ilhabela from Sao Paulo
Busses run regularly from Sao Paulo to Sao Sebastiao, and take between 3.5 to 4 hours (tickets). From the bus station, walk 15 minutes (1 km) to Travessia São Sebastião where you can wait for the ferry.
How to get to Ilhabela from Rio de Janeiro
Busses run from Rio de Janeiro to Sao Sebastiao, taking around 7.5 hours (tickets).
There is also a bus connecting other coastal cities with Ilhabela, including:
Angra dos Reis (5 hours), the main port connecting Ilha Grande to the mainland - tickets
How to get around Ilhabela
Local busses along the western coast of the island every 30 minutes, 5am to 1:30am. The bus stops at the ferry terminal. It costs R$4, but there is a discount if use the Bilhete Único, São Paulo's rechargeable public transport card.
The South and East coasts can only be reached by hiking through the forest, or by boat.
Things to know before you go
Ilhabela has over 360 known waterfalls, and around 85% of the island is designated as a national park, providing numerous opportunities for hiking through lush forest. The island's trails lead to stunning viewpoints and hidden waterfalls, where you can take a swim and cool off in the cold water. Some of the most famous waterfalls on Ilhabela include Cachoeira Da Toca, Casacada del Gato, Cachoeira dos Tres Tombos, and Cachoeira Paqueta, however there are many many more to explore.
In addition, Ilhabela has some of the best snorkeling spots in Brazil. Its pristine beaches are home to a variety of marine life, including turtles and tropical fish, making it a paradise for snorkelers. The clear waters and vibrant underwater scenery provide a memorable experience for both novice and experienced snorkelers. Several companies also offer scuba diving trips.
For those seeking more adrenaline-fueled activities, the island offers guided adventure tours for activities such as rock climbing and abseiling.
It is important to be prepared for the island's notorious black flies, known locally as borrachudos. These insects are a huge pain (literally) leaving itchy bites, so it's advisable to bring insect repellent and wear long sleeves and pants to minimize exposure.
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