island · Porto Belo, SC
Ilha de Porto Belo
Reached by boat, it holds traces of human occupation more than 4,000 years old, such as the petroglyphs of the Pedra da Cruz, seen along a trail of about 1.3 km. It is also home to the Ecomuseu Univali, with a collection on history and biodiversity.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Ilha de Porto Belo
Ilha de Porto Belo (island) is in Porto Belo bay, on the northern coast of Santa Catarina, less than 1 km from the mainland. It is a private island, open to visitors and covered in Atlantic Forest, with a light-sand beach facing the mainland, where you find the landing pier and visitor facilities.
Human occupation of the island is ancient. On the Pedra da Cruz, a large granite boulder, there are rock carvings (petroglyphs) attributed to the sambaqui (shell mound) peoples, the coast's first inhabitants, about 4,000 years old. In the 19th century the island was bought by João da Cunha, who gave it its official name, and it became home to a whaling station. Since the mid-20th century it has belonged to a family that turned it into a leisure destination.
The main activity is the nature trail, a loop of about 1.3 km through the forest, of moderate difficulty. It passes the Pedra da Cruz and viewpoints overlooking the bay, Itapema, Balneário Camboriú and Penha. The trail has a fee and is guided.
Near the beach is the Ecomuseu Univali, with a collection on the island's history (from prehistoric occupation to whaling), a natural history collection and fossils. Entry to the museum is free, according to the official website.
The island appeals to families and anyone who wants to spend the day at the beach, with calm water for swimming and snorkeling. The trail has climbs and uneven stretches and is not recommended for people with limited mobility.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
Half a day is enough for the trail and the museum; if you want to enjoy the beach, plan on the whole day.
Best time
From December to March, when the sea is warmer and calmer for swimming, arriving in the morning to do the trail before the strongest heat.
How to get there
The island lies off downtown Porto Belo and can only be reached by boat. Boats run by the Fishermen's Association leave from the tourist pier downtown, and there are also schooners departing from Porto Belo, Bombinhas and Balneário Camboriú. The crossing from Porto Belo is short.
Tip
Wear sneakers and bring water for the trail. Before you go, check the boat, trail and museum hours on the official website, as they change with the season.
Official website
A look at the place
Ilha de Porto Belo in pictures
These pictures are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs. They may differ from the place.
Click the picture to enlarge it.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Ilha de Porto Belo
How do you get to Ilha de Porto Belo?
Only by boat. Fishermen's boats leave from the tourist pier in downtown Porto Belo, and there are escunas (tour schooners) departing from Porto Belo, Bombinhas and Balneário Camboriú. The crossing from Porto Belo is short.
Is there an entrance fee for Ilha de Porto Belo?
The boat and the nature trail are paid; the Ecomuseu Univali is free. Check current conditions on the island's official website.
What is the trail on Ilha de Porto Belo like?
It is a loop of about 1.3 km through the Atlantic Forest, of moderate difficulty, done with a guide. It passes Pedra da Cruz, with rock carvings, and viewpoints over the bay.
What are the carvings on Pedra da Cruz?
They are petroglyphs carved into the rock, about 4,000 years old, attributed to the sambaqui (shell mound) peoples who lived on the coast.
How long should you stay on Ilha de Porto Belo?
Half a day is enough for the trail and the museum. To enjoy the beach as well, set aside the whole day.