A convenient, calm beach close to Ilhabela's main town and ferry dock, framed by dense Atlantic Forest hills rising straight from the shoreline. Ilhabela has more than 40 named beaches ranging from this easy-access bay to wilder, surf-facing beaches on the island's east side, and is Brazil's largest maritime island and a major sailing and diving destination.
Praia do Curral is a convenient bay beach close to the main town and ferry dock on Ilhabela, Brazil's largest maritime island, off the São Paulo north coast. The beach sits in a sheltered cove where dense Atlantic Forest-covered hills rise almost straight from the shoreline, giving it calm, sheltered water rather than the open surf found on the island's east side. The sand is light and the cove is compact, backed by Av. Almirante Tamandare and a cluster of beach bars and restaurants. Because it sits so close to the ferry dock and town center, Praia do Curral functions as an easy first stop for visitors arriving from the mainland, and it is a common departure point for boat trips out to the island's waterfalls and more remote coves, many of which are otherwise reachable only by boat or a longer hike. Ilhabela has more than 40 named beaches in total, and is a major center for sailing and diving in Brazil, with several dive and sailing operators based near the town. Showers are available near the main beach access, though facilities are simpler than at the larger mainland resort beaches. Reaching Praia do Curral involves a bus to São Sebastião of roughly 4-5 hours from Tiete Bus Terminal followed by the free DERSA passenger and car ferry across the channel, a crossing of about 15-20 minutes, after which the beach is within walking distance of the ferry dock.
| Distance | About 224 km northeast of São Paulo, plus a ferry crossing from São Sebastião |
|---|---|
| Getting there | Bus plus ferry: Reunidas Paulista or Litoranea from Tiete Bus Terminal to São Sebastião (about 4-5 hours), then the free DERSA passenger/car ferry across the channel to Ilhabela (about 15-20 minutes) |
| Best season | October-March for warm swimming weather; April-June and September for quieter hiking and diving conditions |
| Address | Av. Almirante Tamandare, Praia do Curral, Ilhabela SP |
Amenities
- Calm, sheltered water close to the ferry dock and town center
- Beach bars and restaurants
- Showers
- Boat trip departure point for island waterfalls and coves
- Diving and sailing operators nearby
Good to know
- Best for
- swimmers, divers, photographers, families
Weather through the year in São Paulo
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C.
Location
Av. Almirante Tamandare, Praia do Curral, Ilhabela SP
-23.7847, -45.3492 View on map
Highlights
- Sheltered cove beach a short walk from the Ilhabela ferry dock and town center
- Departure point for boat trips to the island's waterfalls and remote coves
- Dense Atlantic Forest hills rising directly behind the shoreline
- Base for several diving and sailing operators
- Calm, protected water compared with the island's surf-facing east coast
Tips for visiting
- Book waterfall or cove boat trips at the beach or in town a day ahead in high season
- The cove's sheltered water is calmer than beaches on the island's east side facing open ocean
- Ferry queues for cars can be long in summer; arriving on foot and renting transport on the island avoids the wait
- Diving and sailing operators near the beach can arrange trips with little advance notice outside peak season
- Bring cash for smaller beach bars, as card acceptance is inconsistent on the island
When to visit
October to March for warm swimming weather; April to June and September for quieter hiking and diving conditions.
Frequently asked questions
Is Praia do Curral good for swimming?
Yes, the sheltered cove keeps the water calm, in contrast to the more surf-facing beaches on Ilhabela's east side.
How do visitors reach Ilhabela and Praia do Curral?
A bus from Tiete Bus Terminal to São Sebastião takes roughly 4-5 hours, followed by the free DERSA ferry crossing of about 15-20 minutes; the beach is then within walking distance of the dock.
Can visitors book boat trips from Praia do Curral?
Yes, it is a common departure point for boat trips to the island's waterfalls and more remote coves that are otherwise reached only by boat or a longer hike.
How many beaches does Ilhabela have?
Ilhabela has more than 40 named beaches, ranging from calm, easy-access bays like Praia do Curral to wilder, surf-facing beaches on the island's east side.