island · Ubatuba, SP
Ilha das Couves
An island with clear water and a light sandy bottom, reached by boat from Praia da Fortaleza, with visits controlled by advance booking. It is the best snorkeling spot on the São Paulo North Coast.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Ilha das Couves
Ilha das Couves (island) is a small island on the northern coast of Ubatuba, near the village of Picinguaba, a few kilometers offshore. It is famous for its clear water, light sandy bottom and forest that runs down to the rocks. It is one of the most popular boat trips in town.
The boat drops you at the smaller beach, Praia da Terra, which faces the mainland. From there, a short trail crosses the island to the larger beach, Praia de Fora, more open to the sea. Among the rocks, the clear water is good for snorkeling with mask and snorkel, and you can see fish up close.
The island is inside a protected area, and visits are controlled by the Fundação Florestal, with a limited number of people per time slot. Fishing and campfires are forbidden, there is no lodging and facilities are minimal. Take your trash back with you.
The trip is easygoing and suits almost everyone: the crossing is short and the trail between the beaches is easy.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
Visiting slots last about two hours on the island, enough time for both beaches and a swim.
Best time
On sunny days with a calm sea, when the water is clearest. In summer and on holidays demand is high, so book the tour in advance.
How to get there
It is on the northern coast of Ubatuba, near the border with Paraty. Boats leave mainly from Praia da Picinguaba, and also from beaches such as Almada and Prumirim, at the far north of the municipality, with access via the BR-101 (Rio–Santos).
Tip
Since visits are limited per time slot, book the tour only with registered boatmen and agencies, and confirm your slot time before driving to Picinguaba.
A look at the place
Ilha das Couves 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 das Couves
Where does the boat to Ilha das Couves leave from?
Mainly from Praia da Picinguaba, in the north of Ubatuba. Boats also leave from nearby beaches such as Almada and Prumirim.
Do I need to book to visit Ilha das Couves?
Yes. Visits are controlled by the Fundação Florestal, with a limited number of people per time slot. Book the tour with registered boatmen or agencies.
How long do you stay on the island?
Visiting slots last about two hours.
Can you snorkel at Ilha das Couves?
Yes. The clear water among the rocks is good for snorkeling with a mask and snorkel.
Are there facilities on Ilha das Couves?
Very few. There is no lodging, fishing and campfires are forbidden, and you must take your trash back with you.