Ilhabela, Brazil

Ilhabela offers a wealth of natural attractions. A must-see is the historic center itself, known as Vila, where your tender will dock. You can explore its charming colonial architecture, visit the 17th-century Nossa Senhora d'Ajuda e Bom Sucesso church, and browse the local shops and cafes.

For beach lovers, Praia do Curral is one of the most popular and vibrant beaches, known for its calm waters and excellent infrastructure, located about a 20-minute taxi ride south of Vila. Nature enthusiasts should not miss a trip into the Ilhabela State Park, which covers over 80% of the island. Many guided jeep tours include a stop at a beautiful waterfall, such as Cachoeira do Gato, for a refreshing swim after a short hike.

While on Ilhabela, most day trips focus on exploring different parts of the island itself rather than traveling to the mainland. A highly popular excursion is a trip to Castelhanos Beach, located on the undeveloped, Atlantic-facing side of the island.

This beautiful beach is accessible via a rugged 22-kilometer trail through the rainforest, typically traversed by organized 4x4 jeep tours, which takes about 60-90 minutes each way. Another nearby attraction is Ilha das Cabras, a small islet just off the coast that serves as an ecological sanctuary. It is a prime location for snorkeling and diving and can be reached by a very short boat trip from nearby beaches.

Cruise ships visiting Ilhabela do not dock at a pier. Instead, they anchor in the scenic São Sebastião Channel, which separates the island from the Brazilian mainland.

Passengers are then transported to the island via the ship's tender boats. The tenders arrive at a pier located in the heart of Vila, the island's main town and historic center. This convenient location means you step off the tender directly into the main area for shopping, dining, and sightseeing, with no need for shuttles to reach the town center.

The official currency used in Ilhabela is the Brazilian Real (BRL). While major tourist establishments in the historic center might accept credit cards, carrying some local currency is highly recommended for smaller purchases, taxis, and beach vendors.

ATMs (caixas eletrônicos) can be found in Vila, the main town where tenders dock. US dollars and Euros are not commonly used for direct transactions, so exchanging money or withdrawing Reais from an ATM is your best option. Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted in most restaurants and shops.

Ilhabela is generally considered a safe destination for tourists. The main town of Vila and popular beach areas can be explored independently with standard safety precautions, such as being aware of your surroundings and keeping valuables secure.

The most significant local nuisance is the presence of 'borrachudos', a type of small black fly. It is essential to use a strong, oil-based insect repellent to avoid their persistent and itchy bites, especially when near jungle areas or freshwater. When planning hikes to waterfalls or remote areas, it's safer and more practical to join a guided tour to avoid getting lost on poorly marked trails.

Ilhabela has a tropical climate, characterized by hot and humid conditions throughout the year. The main cruise season aligns with the Southern Hemisphere's summer, from December to March, which is the warmest and wettest period.

During this time, daily temperatures typically range from 22°C (72°F) to 30°C (86°F). Expect sunny mornings followed by a higher chance of short, heavy rain showers in the afternoon. Essential items to pack include lightweight clothing, swimwear, a hat, strong sunscreen, and a waterproof layer or umbrella for sudden downpours. Most importantly, do not forget to pack a potent insect repellent.

Upon arrival by tender in Vila, the town center is immediately accessible on foot. To explore further, several transportation options are available.

Taxis are readily available near the pier and can take you to the various beaches along the main road. Local buses also run frequently along the western coast of the island, offering a more economical way to travel between the town and the beaches to the north and south. For visiting the more remote, rugged eastern side of the island, specialized 4x4 jeep tours are the required and recommended mode of transport.

The primary shopping area in Ilhabela is concentrated in the charming streets of Vila, the historic town center where tenders dock. Stroll along Rua do Meio and its side streets to discover a variety of boutiques, art galleries, and souvenir shops.

Local specialties to look for include artisanal cachaça, the famous Brazilian sugarcane spirit, and unique handicrafts. The island is also a great place to shop for stylish Brazilian beachwear, including bikinis and sarongs (kangas). Prices in most stores are fixed, but you may find some room for gentle negotiation with smaller craft vendors.