Major city · Brazil
Caraguatatuba
Give Caraguatatuba 2 nights as a north-shore base: beach day, Morro de Santo Antônio at opening, then move on to Ubatuba or Ilhabela.
Caraguatatuba (Caraguá) is the largest town on São Paulo's north coast, about 3 hours by bus from São Paulo and 1 hour from São José dos Campos. It is a summer beach base for Paulistas, with a long line of beaches, a hill viewpoint over the channel to Ilhabela, and easy road links to Ubatuba and São Sebastião. Two nights covers the town; most travellers pair it with the neighbours.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- BRL
- Best months
- Apr–May, Sep–Nov
- avoid Dec–Feb (crowds, peak prices), Carnival
- Airports
- GRU · SJK
- Nights
- 2
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$81 — check) applied for online at the official VFS portal before travel; EU and UK citizens do not. Check your passport with Brazil's Ministry of Foreign Affairs before booking.
- Brazil ↗Yellow fever vaccination is recommended for many areas, including the Amazon and Pantanal; check with a travel clinic at least 10 days before travel.
- Brazil ↗Keep your phone out of sight in the street and on beaches; phone theft is the most common crime against visitors in big cities.
- Brazil ↗Carnival 2027 runs about 5–10 February (Tuesday 9 February; Salvador from 4 February): book Rio, Salvador and Recife/Olinda months ahead or avoid those dates.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Caraguatatuba190 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Caraguatatuba, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Brazilian real (BRL, R$).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
- SafetyCaraguatatuba has a rough reputation, but violence is mostly drug-related; for visitors the real risks are night walks on the beach…
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsPut toilet paper in the bin, not the toilet, in most places.Brazil-wide
- Emergency numbers190 police (military) · 192 ambulance (samu) · 193 fire brigade (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 International (About 3–4 h by road via the Tamoios highway; bus from Tietê terminal instead).
- Getting aroundThe town is spread along BR-101 and the coast, so a car or app ride is the practical way to reach beaches.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeR$6–12 (≈ US$2–3)
- Beerdraught at a kiosk / can at a shopR$10–18 (≈ US$2–4)R$5–8 (≈ US$1–2)
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)5 km (3.1 mi) app ride3.1 mi (5 km) app rideR$15–30 (≈ US$3–6)
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a weekR$40–80 (≈ US$8–15)
- Budget bedHostel bed, a night, per personR$70 (≈ US$13)
- Mid-range bedPousada double room, a night, per roomR$380 (≈ US$75)
- High-end bedPousada double room, a night, per roomR$800 (≈ US$150)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget R$180 (≈ US$35) · Mid R$350 (≈ US$65) · High R$700 (≈ US$130)
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 International (About 3–4 h by road via the Tamoios highway; bus from Tietê terminal instead) · SJK São José dos Campos (About 1.5 h by road; the closest useful air gateway)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Feb
Avoid
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Mar
not flagged
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Apr
Best
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
May
Best
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Jun
not flagged
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
Jul
not flagged
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Aug
not flagged
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
Sep
Best
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Oct
Best
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Nov
Best
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Dec
Avoid
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Best: Apr–May, Sep–Nov. Avoid: Dec–Feb. Month by month →
Warmest Jan (31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)), coolest Jun (16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C) low), wettest Jan (17 rain days), driest Jun (8). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Caraguatatuba: 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
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
17 rd
Feb
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
15 rd
Mar
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
14 rd
Apr
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
11 rd
May
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
9 rd
Jun
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
8 rd
Jul
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
8 rd
Aug
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
8 rd
Sep
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
11 rd
Oct
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
13 rd
Nov
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
14 rd
Dec
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
17 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
The town is spread along BR-101 and the coast, so a car or app ride is the practical way to reach beaches. Local buses run along the main road but are slow and infrequent. Uber and 99 work in the centre; agree the fare or use the app. Walking works only within the centre.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Door to door: About 1–1.5 h
BR-101 north by car, or Litorânea/Praiamar bus from the rodoviária
More beaches and surf; a full day or an overnight.
Door to door: About 1.5–2 h
BR-101 south to São Sebastião, then the ferry
Ferry queues are long on summer weekends; go early.
Door to door: About 40–60 min
BR-101 south by car or bus
Maresias and the channel beaches; easy half-day.
São Luiz do Paraitinga
cautionDoor to door: About 2 h
Car via the Tamoios highway and inland roads
Colonial town; better as an overnight from São José dos Campos.
São José dos Campos
skipDoor to door: About 1.5–2 h
Litorânea bus from the rodoviária, or car via Tamoios
Transport hub only; nothing here for a beach trip.
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.
Centro / Praia do Centro
Walkable to the Calçadão, crafts fair and restaurants; best for a car-free stay.
Martim de Sá and Indaiá
Beachfront hotels and pousadas, 5–10 min by car from the centre.
Massaguaçu and Cocanha (north)
Quieter beaches toward Ubatuba; you need a car.
Prainha and Porto Novo (south)
Near the São Sebastião road; good for onward travel.
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$180–300 (≈ US$35–60) excl. bed
- Mid
- R$300–550 (≈ US$60–110) excl. bed
- High
- R$550 (≈ US$110)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Pousada double room1 × 2 nights × R$380 | R$760 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × R$350 | R$1,400 |
| Bus São Paulo (Tietê) → Caraguatatuba, one way2 × R$90 · check | R$180 |
| Bus São José dos Campos → Caraguatatuba, one way2 × R$50 · check | R$100 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × R$60 | R$120 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | R$256 |
| Trip total≈ R$704 per person per day, bed included | R$2,816≈ US$550 |
2026 estimate in reais; long-distance travel excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | R$6–12 (≈ US$2–3) |
| Per-kilo lunch buffetLunch only. | R$45–80 (≈ US$9–15) |
| Beer: draught at a kiosk / can at a shop | R$10–18 (≈ US$2–4) / R$5–8 (≈ US$1–2) |
| Fried tainha or shrimp plate | R$60–120 (≈ US$12–25) |
| 5 km app ride | R$15–30 (≈ US$3–6) |
| Beach kiosk chair and umbrellacheck | R$20–40 (≈ US$4–8) |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | R$40–80 (≈ US$8–15) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Do not walk on the beach or unlit streets at night; use an app car.
- Rented summer houses are targeted by break-ins: check locks and alarms, or stay in a hotel.
- Do not enter lower-income neighbourhoods, day or night.
- Summer and Carnival fill every bed: book weeks ahead.
- The Morro de Santo Antônio access road limits cars (about 18 at a time, 15-minute stay): walk up or go early.
Emergency numbers
- Police (military)
- 190
- Ambulance (SAMU)
- 192
- Fire brigade
- 193
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
CaraguatatubaCaraguatatuba
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
Para este endereço, por favorTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police190
- Ambulance192
- Fire brigade193
Embassy
No embassies here; the US, UK and other consulates are in São Paulo or Rio de Janeiro.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Bus São Paulo Tietê → Caraguatatuba: about R$90 (≈ US$17), 3 h (check)
- Bus São José dos Campos → Caraguatatuba: about R$50 (≈ US$10), hourly (check)
- App ride centre → Martim de Sá: R$15–25 (≈ US$3–5) (check)
Say or show
- Bom dia — Good morning (bom JEE-ah)
- Obrigado / Obrigada — Thank you (oh-bree-GAH-doo / -dah)
- Quanto custa? — How much is it? (KWAN-too KOOS-tah)
- A conta, por favor — The bill, please (ah KON-tah por fah-VOR)
- Onde fica a praia? — Where is the beach? (ON-jee FEE-kah ah PRY-ah)
- Socorro — Help (soh-KOH-hoo)
Print this card before you leave; mobile signal is patchy on the beaches.
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 Caraguatatuba. 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–May, Sep–Nov · avoid Dec–Feb (crowds, peak prices), Carnival · month by month →
- 2 airports and 4 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 5 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for GRU and SJK: last bus departures, taxi fallback, overnight rung.
- Beach pages with verified access, parking and kiosk hours for Tabatinga, Cocanha, Martim de Sá and Porto Novo.
- Morro de Santo Antônio page with the car limit, checkpoint rules and sunrise timing.
- Festa da Tainha and Festa do Camarão dates confirmed with the municipal calendar.