island · Angra dos Reis, RJ
Ilha da Gipóia
Close to the mainland, it's one of the most visited islands on the bay's boat trips. Its coves of calm, greenish water, such as Praia de Jurubaíba, known as Praia do Dentista, usually draw boats at anchor.
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 da Gipóia
Ilha da Gipóia is the second largest island in the Baía da Ilha Grande, in Angra dos Reis (Rio de Janeiro), after Ilha Grande itself, and one of the closest to the mainland. The name is said to come from jiboia (boa constrictor), because of the island's elongated shape.
It's surrounded by small beaches and coves of calm, clear water, with Atlantic Forest on the slopes. The most famous is Praia de Jurubaíba, known as Praia do Dentista: on weekends and in summer, hundreds of speedboats and sailboats anchor in the cove, and bar boats sell drinks from boat to boat.
The other beaches have a different feel. Flechas and Vitorino are quiet and have some facilities; Ponta da Piedade has the Igreja da Piedade; Brava and Fora beaches, facing the open sea, draw surfers.
You can only get there by boat, and the trip requires no physical effort. On weekdays and off-season, Gipóia is much emptier.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
Half a day is enough to see two or three beaches by boat; a full day lets you explore the island at a relaxed pace.
Best time
Sunny days with calm seas, preferably on a weekday morning, when the water is clearest and there are fewer boats. In summer and on holidays, Praia do Dentista is packed with speedboats.
How to get there
It's in the Baía da Ilha Grande, about half an hour by boat from downtown Angra dos Reis. There are water taxis and schooner and speedboat tours from the mainland, and tours departing from Vila do Abraão, on Ilha Grande.
Tip
To see Praia do Dentista with clear water and no crowds, go early on a weekday. At beaches without facilities, bring water and snacks.
A look at the place
Ilha da Gipóia 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 da Gipóia
How do I get to Ilha da Gipóia?
Only by boat. There are water taxis and schooner and speedboat tours from Angra dos Reis, about half an hour away, and tours departing from Ilha Grande.
What is Praia do Dentista?
It's the nickname of Praia de Jurubaíba, a cove of clear green water on Ilha da Gipóia, famous for drawing many anchored speedboats on weekends and in summer.
Does Ilha da Gipóia have restaurants?
Some beaches, such as Vitorino and Flechas, have facilities. Others have nothing; in high season, bar boats sell drinks at Praia do Dentista.
Can I go to Gipóia from Ilha Grande?
Yes. Boat trips from Vila do Abraão include Gipóia, usually with a stop at Praia do Dentista.
When is Gipóia least crowded?
On weekdays and outside summer and holidays. On high-season weekends, Praia do Dentista is packed with boats.