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South-east of Rio de Janeiro in the Agra dos Reis district of Brazil lies Ilha Grande, a long mountainous ridge emerging from the turquoise sea. There are over 360 islands in the bay, their forested slopes leading down to some of the most pristine beaches in the world. Much of the area is designated as the Ilha Grande State Park to protest its natural beauty. There was once a penal colony here, the infamous Candido Medes, set up to hold the country's most notorious criminals, but today people come here to enjoy themselves in the glorious natural surroundings.
Between the 16ft and 18th centuries, the bay saw countless battles between corsairs, imperial invaders and pirates. This has resulted in one of the greatest concentrations of shipwrecks in the world, and a wonderful place for diving and snorkelling. Among the best sites are Lage do Guriri (Ponta de Castellanos), Jorge Grego Island, Meros and Naufragios Islands. There is even the wreck of a helicopter 8 m (26 ft) below the surface. The ocean floor also offers a fascinating selection of caves and caverns 10-20 m (32-65 ft) high, home to a great variety of fish and corals. The excellent visibility and calm seas make diving here a memorable experience.
But if you prefer less active pursuits, take a stroll around Abraao, a pretty village with whitewashed churches and low buildings in soft hues of yellow, blue and pink. There are restaurants, cafes and craft shops here, and a lovely soft sand beach. This tropical paradise offers many other beautiful beaches, many of them accessible only by boat or Kayak. Lopes Mendes is excellent for surfing, windsurfing and other water sports, as are Freguesia de Santana and Saco do Cebu. The calm, shallow, azure waters of Lagoa Azul (Blue Lagoon) on Macaco's Island are home to millions of yellow and black fish and make this a lovely place to spend the day.
Also worth a look at is the cave at Acaia. Inside the cave, the intensity of the sun makes the water change from light blue to emerald green. The foam on the water catches the light and twinkles like diamonds, making this an enchanting experience.
Trekking is also a popular activity here. The forested hills are dotted with exotic, colourful blooms, and give way to coastal plains and mangroves. Wildlife includes many bird species, such as parrots and caracaras, in addition to a variety of monkeys, iguanas and snakes. Most of the trekking trails pass through tropical forests and end on a pristine beach, perfect for a picnic lunch.
When to visit
March to June
How to reach
Ferry from Angra dos Reis or Mangaratiba on the mainland.
Highlights
- Diving and snorkelling around the many shipwrecks in the bay.
- Hire a kayak to explore the beautiful coastlines and find deserted, pristine beaches for a swim.
- The Praia do Sul biological reserve - explore the abundant flora and fauna of the island.
- Abraao - the unofficial capital of Ilha Grande with pretty architecture and interesting churches. Here are the best bars, restaurants and hotels.
You should know
Most of the bay and islands are designated State Parks to preserve this tropical paradise.
