Major city · Brazil
Ilhabela
Go for 2–3 nights if you want beaches, trails and sailing; skip if you only have a day — the ferry queue and 1-road island eat the time.
Ilhabela is an island municipality off São Sebastião, reached by a 15-minute ferry. Almost everything sits on one west-coast avenue, so you sleep near the Vila or along the beaches and move by bus, car or boat. Two to three nights covers the accessible beaches, a waterfall walk and a boat trip; the wild east coast (Castelhanos, Bonete) needs a full day each.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- BRL
- Best months
- Apr–Jun, Sep–Nov
- avoid Dec–Feb (crowds, ferry queues, rain), Jul school holidays
- Airports
- GRU · CGH · SJK
- Nights
- 2–3
Rules in force · 7Above 2,500 m (Bogotá, Quito, Cusco, La Paz) keep the fir…
- South America ↗Above 2,500 m (Bogotá, Quito, Cusco, La Paz) keep the first day light; sleep lower where you can (Sacred Valley before Cusco) and descend if headache comes with vomiting or confusion.
- South America ↗A yellow fever certificate is required on arrival in French Guiana, and asked for on some routes into Bolivia, Paraguay, Suriname and Guyana, or when arriving from Amazon areas — vaccinate at least 10 days before travel and carry the card.
- South America ↗Overnight buses are the norm in Argentina, Chile and Peru, but pick top-tier companies and keep valuables on your body; on-board thefts from overhead racks are the common loss.
- Brazil ↗US, Canadian and Australian citizens need an e-visa (about US$81 — check) applied for online at the official VFS portal before travel; EU and UK citizens do not. Check your passport with Brazil's Ministry of Foreign Affairs before booking.
- Brazil ↗Yellow fever vaccination is recommended for many areas, including the Amazon and Pantanal; check with a travel clinic at least 10 days before travel.
- Brazil ↗Keep your phone out of sight in the street and on beaches; phone theft is the most common crime against visitors in big cities.
- Brazil ↗Carnival 2027 runs about 5–10 February (Tuesday 9 February; Salvador from 4 February): book Rio, Salvador and Recife/Olinda months ahead or avoid those dates.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Ilhabela190 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Ilhabela, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Brazilian real (BRL, R$).Brazil-wide
- SIM or eSIMVivo, Claro and TIM cover the country; buying a prepaid SIM needs a passport and sometimes a CPF — an eSIM before you fly is easier.Brazil-wide
- Tap waterDo not drink tap water; filtered water is provided in most homes and hotels.Brazil-wide
- TippingRestaurant: 10% service (serviço) usually on the bill; optional but normal.Brazil-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets C/N. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 127 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Brazil-wide
- SafetyIlhabela is calm by Brazilian city standards; the real risks are slippery trails, sand flies…
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsPut toilet paper in the bin, not the toilet, in most places.Brazil-wide
- Emergency numbers190 police · 192 ambulance · 193 fire (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysCarnival shuts many businesses for several days; museums often close on Mondays.Brazil-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportGRU São Paulo–Guarulhos (About 3.5–4.5 h by road to São Sebastião ferry, then the crossing).
- Getting aroundOne main avenue runs the west coast; buses cover its length (about R$4 (≈ under US$1) one-way, less with an IC card).
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeR$8–15 (≈ US$2–3)
- Beerdraught / can at a shopR$12–20 (≈ US$3–4)R$5–8 (≈ US$1–2)
- Metro or bus rideIsland bus rideR$4 (≈ under US$1)
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a weekR$40–80 (≈ US$8–15)
- Budget bedHostel dorm bed, a night, per personR$60 (≈ US$12)
- Mid-range bedPousada double room, a night, per roomR$420 (≈ US$80)
- High-end bedPousada double room, a night, per roomR$900 (≈ US$170)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget R$180 (≈ US$35) · Mid R$400 (≈ US$75) · High R$800 (≈ US$150)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- GRU São Paulo–Guarulhos (About 3.5–4.5 h by road to São Sebastião ferry, then the crossing) · CGH São Paulo–Congonhas (Closer to the coast road; same onward drive) · SJK São José dos Campos (About 2–2.5 h by road to the ferry)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Feb
Avoid
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Mar
not flagged
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Apr
Best
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
May
Best
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
Jun
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Jul
Avoid
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Aug
not flagged
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Sep
Best
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
Oct
Best
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Nov
Best
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Dec
Avoid
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Best: Apr–Jun, Sep–Nov. Avoid: Jul, Dec–Feb. Month by month →
Warmest Jan (30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)), coolest Jun (16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C) low), wettest Jan (16 rain days), driest Jun (7). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Ilhabela: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
16 rd
Feb
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
14 rd
Mar
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
13 rd
Apr
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
10 rd
May
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
8 rd
Jun
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
7 rd
Jul
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
7 rd
Aug
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
7 rd
Sep
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
10 rd
Oct
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
12 rd
Nov
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
13 rd
Dec
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
15 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
One main avenue runs the west coast; buses cover its length (about R$4 one-way, less with an IC card). A car helps for the north beaches and the Castelhanos track. The Castelhanos road is unpaved and one-way by time of day: west-to-east in the morning, east-to-west in the afternoon, controlled at the park entrance. The east and south coasts are boat or trail only.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Castelhanos beach
goDoor to door: 1.5–2.5 h each way by road
4WD or car on the unpaved park road, or a boat from the Vila
Road is one-way by time of day; go early and respect the return window.
Bonete
overnightDoor to door: Half a day or more
12 km (7.5 mi) trail from the south of the island (4–5 h) or a boat from the Vila7.5 mi (12 km) trail from the south of the island (4–5 h) or a boat from the Vila
No cars, little light; sleep one night rather than rush back.
São Sebastião
goDoor to door: About 1 h
Ferry to the mainland, then bus or car
Mainland beaches and the onward bus terminal.
Ubatuba
overnightDoor to door: 2–3 h
BR-101 north by car or bus
Too far for a comfortable return day; sleep there.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Vila (Ilhabela centre)
Ferry landing, restaurants, shops; walkable, good for a first night without a car.
Perequê and Barra Velha
South of the Vila along the main avenue; pousadas and hostels, bus stops on the road.
Northwest beaches (Siriúba, Armação, Pedra do Sino)
Quieter, calmer water; you need a car or bus and each beach is a short walk off the avenue.
Castelhanos and Bonete
Reached by trail or boat only; simple camping and pousadas, no cars in Bonete.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- R$180–320 (≈ US$35–60) excl. bed
- Mid
- R$350–650 (≈ US$65–130) excl. bed
- High
- R$700 (≈ US$130)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Pousada double room1 × 3 nights × R$420 | R$1,260 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 3 days × R$400 | R$2,400 |
| Ferry, car each way1 × R$14 · R$11–17 depending on vehicle; foot passengers free | R$14 |
| Island bus, one ride2 × R$4 · About R$2.50 with IC card | R$8 |
| Boat trip to a remote beach2 × R$150 | R$300 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × R$60 | R$120 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | R$410 |
| Trip total≈ R$752 per person per day, bed included | R$4,512≈ US$850 |
2026 estimate in reais; long-distance travel to the coast excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | R$8–15 (≈ US$2–3) |
| Self-service lunch by weight | R$50–90 (≈ US$10–17) per kg |
| Moqueca or seafood plate | R$70–140 (≈ US$13–30) |
| Beer: draught / can at a shop | R$12–20 (≈ US$3–4) / R$5–8 (≈ US$1–2) |
| Island bus ride | R$4 (≈ under US$1) |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | R$40–80 (≈ US$8–15) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Sand flies (borrachudos) on many beaches: cover up and use repellent, especially at dusk.
- Ferry queues for cars can reach an hour or more in high season; foot passengers and cyclists cross free.
- Some northwest beaches get mainland pollution after heavy rain; check local advice before swimming.
- The Castelhanos track is one-way by time of day — miss the window and you wait.
- Trails are slippery when wet; the Bonete trail is 12 km (7.5 mi) and takes 4–5 h on foot.Trails are slippery when wet; the Bonete trail is 7.5 mi (12 km) and takes 4–5 h on foot.
Emergency numbers
- Police
- 190
- Ambulance
- 192
- Fire
- 193
Pocket card
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IlhabelaIlhabela
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
Para este endereço, por favorTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police190
- Ambulance192
- Fire193
Embassy
No embassies on the island; consulates-general are in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Ferry São Sebastião → Ilhabela, foot passenger: free, about 15 min, every 30 min 06:00–00:00free, about 15 min, every 30 min 6:00 AM–12:00 AM
- Ferry, car: R$11–17 (≈ US$3–4) each way
- Island bus, one ride: about R$4 (≈ under US$1)
Say or show
- Com licença / Desculpe — Excuse me / Sorry (kong lee-SEN-sah / des-KUL-pee)
- Obrigado / Obrigada — Thank you (oh-bree-GAH-doo / oh-bree-GAH-dah)
- Quanto custa? — How much is it? (KWAN-too KOOS-tah)
- Posso pagar com cartão? — Can I pay by card? (POH-soo pah-GAR kong kar-TOWN)
- Onde fica a praia? — Where is the beach? (ON-jee FEE-kah ah PRY-ah)
- Preciso de ajuda — I need help (preh-SEE-zoo jee ah-ZHOO-dah)
Ferry runs 24 h; last buses on the island are early — check times before a late beach.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Ilhabela. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Apr–Jun, Sep–Nov · avoid Dec–Feb (crowds, ferry queues, rain), Jul school holidays · month by month →
- 3 airports and 4 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 4 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Ferry contract: foot vs car, high-season queue windows, last crossing times field-checked.
- Four walking clusters with rescue anchors: Vila, Perequê–Barra Velha, northwest beaches, Castelhanos.
- Place pages with verified access rules (Castelhanos one-way window, Bonete trail) and eat pages with last orders.
- Boat-trip and trail fixtures so gates A–D can go green.