Ilhabela Brazil Cruise Port Guide

Location:

As cruise ships are not able to dock here you will be tendered ashore.

A choice of good beaches with fairly basic amenities. This is a rather laid back beach town. Just relax here.

Printable map to take along.

Cruise calendar for this port.

Watch a destination video.

Sightseeing:

The green, mountainous island of Ilhabela has always held itself slightly apart from the mainland of Brazil. Discovered in 1502 by Américo Vespúcci, the island has served as an outpost against foreign navies, pirates, slavery and smugglers. Later attempts at taming the island for coffee production failed. Now all that remains of the plantations is a rough network of mountain trails beneath the rain forest canopy. Today, most of the island is a state park reserve. It creates a unique dichotomy. There, the virgin beaches and rain forest are preserved for exploration and adventure. On the other side of the island you'll find the same great restaurants and fun nightlife you'll find elsewhere in Brazil. Between the two sides runs a rocky mountain spine, blanketed in rain forest and cut through with small rivers and waterfalls.

Tours Excursions Transportation:

What makes Ilhabela unique is its pristine beaches and untouched rain forest. Don't miss the opportunity to explore this great outdoor paradise. Head to one of the beaches in the state park, like Praia dos Castelhanos, a long, wild, completely undeveloped stretch of beach. There, you'll see the deep blue sea and the mountains rising above the beach, covered in virgin rain forest. These beaches are hard to get to -some are only accessible by boat -but worth the trip.

Be aware that in the height of summer the bugs are murder, especially the little bloodsuckers known as borrachudos. Use plenty of insect repellent at all times.

Nearby Places:

Maremar Turismo in Perequê near the ferry organizes all kinds of outdoor activities, including schooner trips around the island (from R$35 per person), diving to offshore wrecks (full day including equipment from R$200), and horseback riding (two hours from R$50).

Shopping and Food

Ilhabela is famous for having the best shrimp in all of Brazil. You'll find them almost everywhere here, served in many different ways. Fresh caught tuna is another local specialty. But you'll see fish of all kinds offered, mouth-watering fresh and delicious.

An interesting area of shops, bars & stalls in the small village by the landing stage.

Currency:

Brazilian Real

Currency Converter

Communication:

Portuguese spoken.

Cafes which offer free WiFi for customers are sparse.

Opening Hours and Holidays:

Basic hours for most stores and businesses are from 9am to 6pm, with an extended lunch hour from around noon to 2pm.

Many museums are closed on monday.

Holidays in Brazil

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