Ubatuba's boat itinerary departs from Saco da Ribeira, on Brazil's Sao Paulo north coast, and combines Ilha Anchieta, with its clear-water beaches and trails, and Ilha das Couves, known for exceptionally clear water and fish that gather close to shore. Small speedboats start at R$ 1,400 a day, October 2025 rates. March through November brings the most stable weather on this stretch of coast.
Table of Contents
- Ubatuba from the water
- Departure point: Saco da Ribeira and the town center
- Ilha Anchieta: the classic route
- Ilha das Couves: clear water and snorkeling
- The extended route: Saco do Mamangua
- How much it costs to sail in Ubatuba
- Best season to sail
- FAQ
Ubatuba from the water
Ubatuba is nicknamed the Land of 100 Beaches, a reference to how its coastline folds between the Serra do Mar mountains and the ocean, at the northern edge of the Sao Paulo coast. Many of those beaches only make sense seen from the water: sheltered coves, islands just offshore, and stretches of Atlantic Forest that run straight down to the sand with no road access. That terrain is what makes Ubatuba one of the best-equipped boating hubs on the north coast, with a fleet of speedboats, sailboats, schooners and traditional wooden boats concentrated at Saco da Ribeira.
The town borders Paraty to the north and Sao Sebastiao to the south — a short boat ride from Ilhabela — which allows routes to lean either direction depending on the time available. Visitors who already know neighboring Ilhabela will recognize the same pattern: one side more exposed to the Atlantic, and sheltered coves for family days.
Departure point: Saco da Ribeira and the town center
Saco da Ribeira holds most of Ubatuba's marinas and operators, with supporting infrastructure and easy access from the Ribeira neighborhood; it is the departure point for routes to Ilha Anchieta and Ilha das Couves. The town center also has boarding points, closer to the pier and convenient for visitors staying in the central area.
A licensed skipper, life jackets and vessel insurance (DPEM) are included in the rate at nearly every local operator; fuel is usually calculated by route, included or charged separately depending on the company. Most trips depart between 8am and 9am, which leaves a full day for travelers choosing the extended route.
Ilha Anchieta: the classic route
Ilha Anchieta, now a state park, is the classic stop for anyone departing Saco da Ribeira: clear-water beaches, short forest trails, and the historic ruins of a former prison that operated on the island until the mid-20th century, now part of the park's preserved heritage. Its closeness to the mainland makes the crossing quick, leaving more time for swimming and less for transit.
The route typically combines two of the island's beaches, with a snorkeling stop in the clearest, shallowest spots, and often includes Praia do Lazaro, just outside Saco da Ribeira, as the day's first stop — calm water that is easy for travelers boarding with young children.
Ilha das Couves: clear water and snorkeling
Ilha das Couves is Ubatuba's most photographed stop, with water clarity that rivals destinations much farther afield and schools of fish that come close to shore at low tide. It is the preferred stop for travelers prioritizing snorkeling and simple underwater photos, without the need for heavy diving gear.
The crossing to Ilha das Couves is longer than the one to Ilha Anchieta, which tends to push this stop toward full-day routes or early departures from Saco da Ribeira. On days with low tide and calm seas, the combination of visibility and fish schools is what most first-time visitors describe afterward.
The extended route: Saco do Mamangua
Travelers with a full day can extend the route to Saco do Mamangua, on the border between Ubatuba and Paraty — one of the most striking inlets on the Sao Paulo coast, with green water and Atlantic Forest running straight down to the sea in a fjord-like shape. Continuous navigation between Ubatuba and Paraty allows this stop to be combined with the wilder character of the border area, including the traditional fishing village of Picinguaba, reachable by sea or by trail.
This extension requires more time on the water and cuts into the time available for the islands closer to Saco da Ribeira; the crew adjusts the route based on the day's sea conditions and the group's interest. Families with young children tend to prefer the classic route between Anchieta and Lazaro; groups of friends and unhurried couples often choose Mamangua as the day's highlight.
How much it costs to sail in Ubatuba
Reference ranges for the Sao Paulo north coast, per vessel, surveyed in October 2025:
| Vessel type | Reference range (per day) |
|---|---|
| Short trip (up to 4h) | R$ 799 to R$ 1,200 |
| Small speedboat (up to 26 feet) | from R$ 1,400 |
| Mid-size speedboat (27 to 36 feet) | R$ 1,800 to R$ 3,000 |
| Large speedboat or flybridge (37+ feet) | R$ 3,500 to R$ 7,000 |
These are per-vessel rates, not per person, and the same range applies to neighboring Sao Sebastiao — our Ubatuba and Sao Sebastiao pricing guide, published this same week, breaks down the per-person math and what is typically included at each tier.
Best season to sail
The Sao Paulo north coast has stable weather from March through November, with calmer seas between April and September, when rainfall is lower and the sun appears more consistently — the best window for longer routes such as Saco do Mamangua. Peak season runs December through February, with New Year's Eve and Carnival as demand peaks; July also picks up because of school holidays.
Autumn and winter mornings tend to bring the flattest seas of the year, ideal for the crossing to Ilha das Couves. Outside peak season, prices sit at the lower end of the range and there is more availability at the Saco da Ribeira marinas.
FAQ
What is the classic boat itinerary in Ubatuba? Departing Saco da Ribeira with a stop at Praia do Lazaro, followed by Ilha Anchieta for swimming, a short trail and snorkeling. Travelers with more time extend to Ilha das Couves, farther out, or to Saco do Mamangua, on the border with Paraty, depending on the booked route.
How much does it cost to rent a boat in Ubatuba? Small speedboats up to 26 feet start at R$ 1,400 a day; mid-size boats, 27 to 36 feet, run R$ 1,800 to R$ 3,000; large or flybridge boats above 37 feet run R$ 3,500 to R$ 7,000. Short trips of up to 4 hours cost R$ 799 to R$ 1,200. October 2025 rates.
What is there to see on Ilha Anchieta? Clear-water beaches, short forest trails, and the ruins of a former prison that operated on the island until the mid-20th century, now part of the preserved state park. Its closeness to Saco da Ribeira makes the crossing quick, leaving more time for swimming on the route.
Why is Ilha das Couves so popular? For its water clarity and the schools of fish that gather close to shore, especially at low tide — ideal conditions for snorkeling without heavy gear. The crossing is longer than the one to Ilha Anchieta, which tends to reserve this stop for full-day routes.
Can Saco do Mamangua be visited and returned from in one day? Yes, but the day runs longer, since Saco do Mamangua sits on the border with Paraty and requires more time on the water from Saco da Ribeira. The crew adjusts the route to the day's sea conditions; many groups prefer to book this stop when there is no rush on timing.
What is the best season to sail in Ubatuba? March through November, with calmer seas between April and September — the best window for longer routes. December through February is peak season, with New Year's Eve and Carnival as demand peaks, and July also picks up with school holidays.
Do I need a boating license to rent in Ubatuba? Not on crewed trips, the standard format in the region: the skipper drives and decides on stops based on the day's sea conditions. Self-driving requires a Brazilian Arrais Amador license and is uncommon in local tourist rentals. Foreign visitors board normally with a passport or photo identification.
What is the best departure point in Ubatuba? Saco da Ribeira holds most of the marinas and operators, with easy access from the Ribeira neighborhood. The town center also has boarding points, closer to the pier for visitors staying centrally. Confirm the exact location with the operator when requesting a quote.
Plan your Ubatuba boat trip
Contact the Voguer team on WhatsApp with your date, group and preferred route — Anchieta and Lazaro for the classic day, or Couves and Mamangua for the extended one — and receive speedboat options with current price ranges. Bookings are secured with a 50 percent deposit via Pix.
Keep exploring: Boat rental in Ubatuba · Speedboat rental in Ubatuba · How much to rent a boat in Ubatuba and Sao Sebastiao · Boat itinerary in Ilhabela · Boat itinerary in Paraty · Ilha Grande: complete boat itinerary
