Tours, Beaches & Trails
Ilhabela – Tours, Beaches & Trails
The Ilhabela Archipelago is one of the most beautiful spots on the Brazilian coast, with 85% of its area preserved by the Ilhabela State Park.
The city is home to the largest Atlantic Forest reserve on the planet, with lush flora, diverse fauna, 39 beaches and many waterfalls.
Ilhabela is an established tourist destination, known for sporting events such as Sailing Week and the X-Terra adventure racing world championship stage.
Boat tours
Speedboat, sailboat or schooner tours around Ilhabela allow you to discover beaches on the east coast that are difficult to access by land, such as Jabaquara, Fome, Poço, Saco do Eustáquio, Castelhanos and Saco do Sombrio. To the south, the beaches of Bonete and Indaiaúba stand out.
Tourist infrastructure
Ilhabela offers a wide hotel network with over 5,000 beds, varied gastronomy with over 70 restaurants and kiosks, plus agencies with jeep tours, sailing, speedboat, diving and water sports.
Trails
Pico do Baepi
Água Branca
Bonete
Cachoeira da LajeBaepi Trail
HardAccess through Itaguassú neighborhood, with a steep and long initial stretch, rewarded by an incredible view of valleys, beaches and sea from the summit (1058m altitude). Approximate duration of 7 hours, with high difficulty level and need for a certified guide.
Água Branca Trail
EasyFamily-friendly 2km trail, starting at the Ilhabela State Park entrance on the road to Castelhanos Beach, passing through several pools of fresh, crystal-clear water.
Laje Waterfall
EasyLocated on the Bonete trail, 4km walk from Ponta da Sepituba, offering pools, natural slides and crystal-clear water showers, with an easy trail.
Bonete Beach Trail
Moderate13km trail through the Atlantic Forest to Bonete Beach, with about 1000m of beach, rough sea suitable for surfing, waterfalls and lush vegetation, plus a traditional caiçara community.
Activities and tours
Waterfall rappelling
Rappelling at waterfalls like Três Tombos, near Feiticeira beach, 30m high, requires a guide.
Basic sailing course
12-hour courses, divided into 3 or 4 lessons, taking advantage of the constant winds of the São Sebastião channel.
Ocean sailing course
The island hosts the International Sailing Week, and 12-hour courses on 32-foot sailboats allow beginners to start in the sport.
Windsurfing lessons
With constant winds, Ilhabela is ideal for windsurfing; 12-hour courses allow beginners to perform their first maneuvers.
Kitesurfing lessons
Lessons and equipment rental, with about 10 to 12 hours of course until the practitioner feels comfortable.
Diving
The coast has several shipwrecks and spots like Búzios Island and Cabras Island, with agencies offering equipment and boats.
Fishing
Sport fishing near the coastline and ocean fishing with species like marlin, dorado and tuna, with boats and equipment for rent from November to March.