cave · Paranaguá, PR
Gruta das Encantadas
A cavity carved by sea erosion in a vein of diabase, a dark rock less resistant than the surrounding migmatite, in Morro da Gruta, in the south of Ilha do Mel. A wooden boardwalk leads to the entrance, and the name comes from the legend of mermaids said to live there.
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 Gruta das Encantadas
The Gruta das Encantadas (cave) is a crevice carved by the sea in a rock wall at the southern tip of Ilha do Mel, on the Paraná coast. It is next to the village and beach of Encantadas, within the island's protected area, and is one of the most popular outings for anyone landing there.
The cave formed over thousands of years. The waves wore away a band of dark rock, less resistant than the stone around it, and opened the cavity in the rocky shore. At the entrance, you can see this darker band at the top of the opening.
The name comes from an old legend: on moonlit nights, enchanted women, or mermaids, would appear at the mouth of the cave and lure passersby with their song. Locals and guides still tell these stories.
The path to the cave is short and follows a wooden boardwalk along the rocky shore, with views of the open sea. The visit is easy and suits families, but the rocky ground near the cave gets wet and slippery. The experience depends on the tide: when the sea is low you can get closer to the entrance.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
About an hour, counting the walk along the boardwalk and time at the cave entrance.
Best time
On sunny days, ideally in spring and summer, and always at low tide, when the sea pulls back and you can get closer to the entrance.
How to get there
The cave is in the south of Ilha do Mel, in Paranaguá (PR), near the village of Encantadas. There are no cars on the island: the crossing is by boat from Pontal do Sul or Paranaguá to the Encantadas pier. From the pier, walk through the village and along the wooden boardwalk that skirts the rocky shore to the cave.
Tip
Check the tide table before you go and wear shoes with good grip, because the rocks near the entrance get wet. Take your trash back with you.
A look at the place
Gruta das Encantadas 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 Gruta das Encantadas
Is there an entrance fee at the Gruta das Encantadas?
There is no ticket office at the cave. The cost of the visit is the boat crossing to Ilha do Mel; check official channels for any island access fee.
Do I need low tide to visit the cave?
Yes, it is the best time. At low tide you can get closer to the entrance; at high tide, the waves break on the rocks at the mouth of the cave. Check the tide table beforehand.
How do I get to the Gruta das Encantadas?
Take the boat from Pontal do Sul or Paranaguá to the Encantadas pier, on Ilha do Mel. From there, walk through the village and along the wooden boardwalk beside the rocky shore.
Do I need a guide?
No. The path is short and follows the boardwalk from the village of Encantadas. A local guide can tell you about the legend and the geology, but it is not required.
Can I bring my dog?
It is not recommended. Ilha do Mel rules do not allow pets in the State Park and Ecological Station areas, only in the villages.