Ilha das Couves: how to get there and what to see

Ilha das Couves is one of the most sought-after places in Ubatuba, on the north coast of the state of São Paulo. The water is clear enough to see the bottom from the boat, which is why almost everyone goes there with snorkeling in mind. This guide brings together what you need to know to plan the day.

Where it is

The island lies in the northern part of Ubatuba, near the Picinguaba area and Praia da Almada, already heading towards Paraty. There is no bridge and no ferry: the only way there is by boat.

How to get to Ubatuba

• From São Paulo, the most used routes are the Rodovia Presidente Dutra to Taubaté and then the Rodovia Oswaldo Cruz (SP-125), which comes straight down the mountains into Ubatuba; or the Rodovia dos Tamoios (SP-099) to Caraguatatuba and then the Rio-Santos (BR-101) heading north.
• From Rio de Janeiro, the way is the Rio-Santos (BR-101), passing through Paraty.

The mountain road has bends and fog on some days. Leave with time to spare so you do not arrive right at boarding time.

Where the boats leave from

There are two ways to reach the island:

• Leaving from the beaches near it, in the north of Ubatuba, the crossing is short. It is a good option if you are staying in that area.
• Leaving from the centre of Ubatuba, the sailing is longer and the tour usually combines the island with other stops along the way.

On Larga Tudo e Vai’s Ilha das Couves com desembarque tour, boarding is at the Orla do Itaguá at 9:30 am, with an hour and a half ashore on the island and a stop at Ilha do Prumirim. On the Ilhas Norte tour, the boat stops at the island’s natural pools, without landing. The time and the dates with seats available appear on each tour’s page before you book.

What to see

• The water. It is the reason for the trip: transparent, blue-green, with fish visible near the rocks.
• Snorkeling. In the rocky areas near the beach you can see fish without going far. Get into the water calmly and stay close to the group.
• The island’s beach, with light sand and forest right down to the edge.
• The view of the mountains, from the sea, on the way out and on the way back.

When to go

The sea changes with the weather and the wind, and the clarity of the water changes with it. On sunny days with a calm sea the water is usually clearer. If the Brazilian Navy does not allow the boat to leave, the team cancels the tour and gets in touch with you to reschedule or refund what you paid; the full rule is under FAQ.

Public holidays and summer weekends fill the island. If you can choose, a weekday is quieter.

Care on the island

• Do not step on or lean against the corals and the living rocks. What looks like rock is often an animal.
• Do not feed the fish. Human food harms them and changes how the shoal behaves.
• Take all your rubbish back, including cigarette butts and fruit peel.
• Sunscreen before you leave, not right before getting into the water: that way less product ends up in the sea.
• Wear the life jacket when the skipper asks, and follow their guidance on where to swim.

What looks like rock is often an animal.

What to bring

Sunscreen, water, a hat, a towel, swimwear and a bag for your phone. The full list, with what to leave at home, is in What to bring on a boat tour in Ubatuba.

How to book

Choose the date on the tour page or in the date search, pay a 20% deposit by Pix or card and the seat is yours right away. The rest you pay on the boat.