island · Mangaratiba, RJ
Ilha de Jaguanum
An island covered in preserved Atlantic Forest, reached by boat from Itacuruçá. Praia do Araçá, with about 250 meters of light sand and clear water, is the most popular, and the rocky coast is home to a small fishing community.
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 Jaguanum
Ilha de Jaguanum is in the district of Itacuruçá, in Mangaratiba, on the Costa Verde of Rio de Janeiro state. It's covered in dense Atlantic Forest and has 14 cataloged beaches, almost all small with calm water. Access is by boat only.
The most popular beach is Araçá, with about 250 meters of light sand and clean water, restaurants and a leaning coconut palm that has become a postcard image. Praia das Pitangueiras has most of the houses, the pousadas and kayak and stand-up paddle rentals. There are also quieter beaches, such as Calhaus, do Sul, full of rocks, and Catita, with a small chapel.
The island is home to a fishing community, with small bars where you can eat fresh fish. Trails link the beaches through the forest, passing Estopa and Calabouço on the way to Araçá. The full route is long, unmarked and has steep stretches with rocks and roots.
It's a destination for those who want a quiet beach and preserved nature close to Rio. If you just want to swim, take a boat straight to the beach of your choice.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
A full day for one or two beaches; to hike the trail between the beaches at a relaxed pace, it's worth staying overnight on the island.
Best time
On sunny days in summer and spring, when the water is clearest; late afternoon is lovely for watching the sunset.
How to get there
Along the Rio-Santos highway (BR-101) to the district of Itacuruçá, in Mangaratiba. Speedboats and fishing boats leave the Itacuruçá pier for the island's beaches; the speedboat is faster and the shared boat cheaper. Schooner trips from Itacuruçá also usually stop at the island.
Tip
Bring a snorkel mask, insect repellent and water; if you're hiking the trail between the beaches, don't go alone, because the path isn't marked.
A look at the place
Ilha de Jaguanum 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 Jaguanum
How do I get to Ilha de Jaguanum?
By boat, from the Itacuruçá pier, in Mangaratiba. There are speedboats, which are faster, and shared fishing boats, which are cheaper. Arrange your return with the boatman.
What's the most beautiful beach on Ilha de Jaguanum?
Praia do Araçá is the most popular: it has about 250 meters of light sand, clean water and restaurants.
Are there places to eat and stay on the island?
Yes. There are restaurants at Araçá, Várzea and Pitangueiras, and pousadas, rental houses and camping, mainly at Pitangueiras.
Can I hike on Ilha de Jaguanum?
Yes, forest trails link Pitangueiras to Araçá. The path is long, unmarked and has steep stretches; don't go alone.
How many beaches does Ilha de Jaguanum have?
There are 14 cataloged beaches, including Araçá, Pitangueiras, Calhaus, do Sul, Catita and Várzea.