Shipwrecks and sanctuary reefs backed by Atlantic Forest waterfalls
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Overview
Ilhabela is an oceanfront escape where Atlantic Forest mountains drop straight into the Sao Sebastiao Channel, creating a rare mix of shipwreck dives, protected snorkel spots, and jungle waterfall days in one compact trip. Scuba is mostly boat diving to reefs, small caves, and a surprising wreck collection, from shallow training hulks like Aymore to deeper targets like Velasquez, Theresina, and the storied Principe de Asturias. The signature site is Ilha das Cabras, a municipal submarine ecological sanctuary with easy depths and reliable fish life for divers and snorkelers. Plan around summer crowds and rain, watch for shifting visibility, and expect a trip that feels like a blend of coastal adventure and rainforest retreat.
Ilhabela is a Brazilian island municipality off Sao Paulo state. Most visitor infrastructure sits on the sheltered, channel-facing side (Pereque, Barra Velha, Vila), while the wilder ocean side is largely protected Atlantic Forest inside Parque Estadual de Ilhabela.
Ilhabela is one of the best wreck-focused day-trip destinations within driving distance of Sao Paulo. Combine easy dives at Ilha das Cabras (a municipal submarine ecological sanctuary) with wrecks like Aymore for novices, Velasquez and Theresina for intermediate profiles, and Principe de Asturias for experienced divers with the right training and conditions.
Ilha das Cabras is protected from hunting and underwater fishing. Treat it like a no-take classroom: no collecting, no touching, and no feeding fish. In the state park, stay on marked trails, pack out trash, and follow local rules on vehicle access to sensitive areas like the Castelhanos road.
Trip callouts
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Last updated: January 23, 2026 • 18 sources
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Dozens of recorded wrecks lie around the archipelago, giving Ilhabela a rare concentration of wreck profiles for a road-and-ferry destination.
A municipal submarine ecological sanctuary protected from hunting and underwater fishing since 1992, with beginner depths and reliable fish life.
Fly into GRU or CGH, drive to Sao Sebastiao, then cross by ferry. You can be on the island without a domestic flight connection.
Parque Estadual de Ilhabela covers most of the island, delivering waterfall hikes, viewpoints, and remote beaches that feel far from the city.
scuba
Why Ilhabela for Scuba Diving
Ilhabela delivers real-deal Brazilian coastal diving: boat rides across the Sao Sebastiao Channel to reefs, small caves, and an outsized list of shipwrecks. Beginner dives cluster around Ilha das Cabras and shallow wrecks like Aymore, while intermediate divers can step up to Velasquez and Theresina for classic reef-and-wreck profiles. For highly experienced teams, the legendary Principe de Asturias is the marquee deep wreck. Water is warmest from October to April (often 24°C to 28°C), and operators run year-round when seas allow. Local centers such as Oceano Sub and Narwhal Ilhabela handle logistics, rental gear, and site selection based on daily visibility and current.
freedive
Why Ilhabela for Freediving
Ilhabela is best for adventure-style freediving rather than competition depth. Sheltered coves on the channel side and the shallows around Ilha das Cabras make good settings for technique work, buddy practice, and underwater photography. When seas are calm, boat support can take you to deeper water for line training, but currents and boat traffic mean you should plan conservatively and always use a buoy with a dive flag. Water is warmest from October to April (often 24°C to 28°C), while winter can feel cooler and more variable.
snorkel
Why Ilhabela for Snorkeling
Ilhabela snorkeling shines when the sea is calm: you can see plenty from the surface at rocky coves and at the protected waters off Praia das Pedras Miudas, facing Ilha das Cabras. Because many of the best reefs sit close to shore, it is easy to combine a beach morning with a boat taxi or short tour for a longer session around the islet. Expect visibility to change fast with wind and rain, so prioritize early hours and choose coves with less swell. Water is warmest from October to April (often 24°C to 28°C), with cooler months bringing thicker rashguards or a light wetsuit.
topside
What to do when you're not in the water
Between dive days, Ilhabela feels like a national-park island with a foodie waterfront town attached. Parque Estadual de Ilhabela covers most of the island and delivers waterfall hikes, viewpoints, and remote beaches. Make time for the ocean-side adventure to Castelhanos (4x4 road with limited access) or the longer trek to Bonete. Back in Vila, you get cobblestone streets, bars, and restaurants that make a post-dive sunset routine easy. Because summer can be rainy and buggy, pack for both beach heat and trail mud.
