island · Ubatuba, SP
Ilha Anchieta
Protected as a state park since 1977, the island was home to a prison opened in 1908, the scene of a major rebellion in 1952. Today the boat trip combines the restored ruins of the old prison with calm-water beaches and forest trails.
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 Anchieta
Ilha Anchieta (island) is the largest island in Ubatuba and one of the largest on the São Paulo coast. Covered in Atlantic Forest and surrounded by calm-water beaches, it has been protected since 1977 as the Parque Estadual da Ilha Anchieta, managed by the Fundação Florestal.
Its history is what makes the visit different. In 1908 a correctional colony opened there, later turned into a political prison, when the island was still called Ilha dos Porcos, and later the Instituto Correcional da Ilha Anchieta. In June 1952 the prison was the scene of a major rebellion, with a mass escape. It was closed in 1955.
The tour starts at Praia do Presídio, where you find the restored ruins of the cells and the buildings of the old village. The island has seven beaches; the most visited are Presídio, Sapateiro and Engenho, good for swimming and snorkeling. Some forest trails lead to viewpoints and more remote beaches, and some of them can only be done with a park guide.
It is a full-day or half-day trip, good for families: the sea is usually calm and the ruins are close to the pier. The trails take a little more effort.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
Half a day lets you see the ruins and swim at one beach; a full day lets you hike a trail and visit other beaches.
Best time
On sunny days with a calm sea, from late spring to early fall; leave early in the morning to get more time on the island and cross while the sea is calmer.
How to get there
You can only get there by boat. Schooners and speedboats leave mainly from the Saco da Ribeira pier, south of downtown Ubatuba, and also from the Itaguá waterfront. From Saco da Ribeira the crossing is short; from the downtown waterfront it takes longer.
Tip
On top of the boat trip, the park charges a separate entrance fee. When you book the tour, check whether it is included, and bring cash for anything that is not.
A look at the place
Ilha Anchieta 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 Anchieta
How do you get to Ilha Anchieta?
Only by boat. Schooners and speedboats leave mainly from the Saco da Ribeira pier and the Itaguá waterfront, in Ubatuba.
Is there an entrance fee for Ilha Anchieta?
Yes. On top of the boat trip, the state park charges an entrance fee. Check whether it is already included in the tour.
What is there to see on Ilha Anchieta?
The restored ruins of the old prison, calm-water beaches for swimming and snorkeling, and Atlantic Forest trails.
How long should you spend on the island?
Half a day is enough for the ruins and one beach. To hike a trail and see more beaches, set aside the whole day.
When did the Ilha Anchieta prison close?
It opened in 1908 as a correctional colony, had a major rebellion in 1952 and was closed in 1955. The island has been a state park since 1977.