Ilhabela is favored by those who like beach and water sports; indeed, many sailing competitions are held here as well as scuba diving. This is the biggest sea island in the country, with 22 calm beaches along its western shore, which faces the mainland. The hotels are mostly at the north end, though the best sandy stretches are the 13 to the south, which face the open sea. Eighty percent of the island is in a state park area, with some parts accessible by car and others by boat only.
There are two small towns on the island: one is where the locals live; the other is where most visitors stay because of its hotels, restaurants, and stores. During the winter months most businesses that cater to tourists, including restaurants, are open only on weekends.
Scuba divers have several 19th- and early-20th-century wrecks to explore—this region has the most wrecks of any area off Brazil’s coast—and hikers can set off on the numerous inland trails, many of which lead to a waterfall (the island has more than 300). Mosquitoes are a problem; bring plenty of insect repellent.
