Ilhabela is an island a short ferry ride from Sao Sebastiao, on Brazil's Sao Paulo coast. Its boat itinerary departs the Vila to combine the wild Bonete and Castelhanos beaches on the east coast with the calmer Curral and Juliao on the west. Small speedboats start at R$ 1,400 a day, October 2025 rates. The classic day runs the east coast early, closing with lunch on the west side.
Table of Contents
- Ilhabela from the water
- Departure point: the Vila de Ilhabela
- East coast: Bonete and Castelhanos
- West coast: Curral and Juliao
- How much it costs to sail in Ilhabela
- Best season to visit
- What to bring
- FAQ
Ilhabela from the water
Ilhabela is nicknamed the Island of 365 Waterfalls, a reference to the Atlantic Forest-covered mountain range that drops straight into the sea — most of it visible, or reachable, only from the water. Separated from mainland Brazil by the narrow Sao Sebastiao channel, the island holds the largest urban archipelago on the Sao Paulo coast and a sailing culture recognized nationwide: every year in July or August, the channel hosts one of Brazil's most traditional sailing weeks, drawing boats from several countries to race in front of the Vila, the island's main town.
That two-sided geography is what shapes any boat itinerary here: the east coast, facing the open Atlantic, holds the wildest and least road-accessible beaches; the west coast, facing the channel, has calm water, beachfront restaurants and proper boarding infrastructure. A good full-day route uses both sides — the same combination that sets Ilhabela apart from nearby destinations such as Buzios and Cabo Frio.
Departure point: the Vila de Ilhabela
The Vila is the island's natural departure point, with marinas, parking and restaurants a short walk from the ferry terminal connecting the island to Sao Sebastiao. Most private trips leave from there in the morning, especially routes covering the east coast, which is farther out and depends on calm seas. Porto de Ilhabela also handles departures and is an alternative depending on the chosen route.
A licensed skipper, life jackets and vessel insurance are included in the rate at nearly every operator on the island; fuel varies by company, particularly on longer routes such as a full circuit of the island. The ferry crossing between Sao Sebastiao and Ilhabela is short and is not part of the boat trip itself — travelers arriving by car should budget that crossing time separately when planning the day.
East coast: Bonete and Castelhanos
Praia do Bonete, at the island's eastern tip, is the most celebrated stop on any itinerary: clear sand, water in shades of green, and access that is almost exclusively by boat or a long trail from the Vila. It is the kind of beach that justifies booking a full-day speedboat on its own. Nearby, Baia dos Castelhanos delivers a more open, dramatic setting, with livelier surf and a long stretch of sand — a stop for travelers chasing wild scenery over still water.
Both spots form the island's adventure route and depend on cooperative seas, since they sit exposed to the open Atlantic. The crew assesses conditions before confirming the extension to Castelhanos; on rougher days, the route may stay focused on Bonete alone, with more time for swimming and less time spent in transit.
West coast: Curral and Juliao
On the other side of the island, Praia do Curral is the most developed stop, with beach kiosks, restaurants and calm water year-round — the natural lunch stop on a full-day route. Nearby, Praia do Juliao forms a small, sheltered cove, ideal for families with young children and for travelers who prefer still water to swell.
| Side | Beaches | Sea conditions | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| East coast | Bonete, Castelhanos | Open, livelier | Couples, adventure groups |
| West coast | Curral, Juliao | Sheltered, calm | Families, young children |
The classic full-day route combines both sides: an early departure from the Vila to Bonete, when the east-coast sea tends to be flattest, swimming and photos, a return for lunch at Curral, and a final calm swim at Juliao before heading back to the Vila. Families with young children often prefer to keep the whole day on the more sheltered west side.
How much it costs to sail in Ilhabela
Reference ranges from the Ilhabela market, per vessel, surveyed in October 2025:
| Vessel type | Reference range (per day) |
|---|---|
| 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 (37+ feet) | R$ 3,500 to R$ 7,000 |
These are per-vessel rates, not per person, and include a skipper, life jackets and insurance; fuel may or may not be included depending on the operator, so confirm it when requesting a quote. Split among 10 travelers, a R$ 2,400 mid-size speedboat works out to R$ 240 per person; with 15 travelers, that drops to R$ 160. Weekdays outside summer sit at the lower end of the range; weekends and the December-to-February peak season push rates toward the top.
Best season to visit
Between March and November, sailing conditions in Ilhabela are more stable: moderate winds in the channel, favorable seas on the east-coast beaches, and fewer boats competing for the same anchor spots outside holiday weekends. Peak season runs December through February, with intense heat and warmer water, but also the heaviest competition for boats and for boarding slots at the Vila.
Sao Paulo state holiday weekends, such as the July 9th holiday, also draw crowds outside summer. In any season, leaving early improves the odds of flat seas on the east coast and secures quieter beaches at Bonete and Castelhanos before the midday crowds arrive.
What to bring
Sunscreen, a cap or hat, sunglasses and swimwear cover the basics for any route. A waterproof bag protects phones and wallets during swimming stops, and a light jacket helps on the return leg, when the channel breeze tends to pick up. For Castelhanos or Bonete, light water shoes make landing easier over rocky patches at low tide.
Water and light snacks are welcome, especially on the full-day route that crosses both sides of the island; many operators allow guests to bring their own on top of what is included. A phone or camera with splash protection is worth packing — the combination of green sea, mountains and a secluded beach is the most-requested photo for first-time visitors to Ilhabela.
FAQ
What is the classic boat itinerary in Ilhabela? A full day combining both sides of the island: an early departure from the Vila for Praia do Bonete on the east coast, followed by Castelhanos when the sea allows; a return for lunch at Praia do Curral, and a calm swim at Juliao on the more sheltered west coast to close the day.
How much does it cost to rent a boat in Ilhabela? 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; larger boats above 37 feet run R$ 3,500 to R$ 7,000. October 2025 rates, per vessel, including a skipper, life jackets and insurance.
Can Praia do Bonete only be reached by boat? Boat is the most common way in, departing from the Vila; a long trail from Borrifos also reaches it, but requires more time and physical effort. Most visitors choose the boat, which lands directly on the sand and allows Castelhanos to be added on the same trip when sea conditions allow.
What is the difference between the east and west coasts? The east coast, home to Bonete and Castelhanos, has open, livelier seas, wilder scenery and less beach infrastructure. The west coast, facing the channel, has calm water year-round, restaurants and better boarding infrastructure — the safer choice for families with young children.
Do I need a boating license to rent in Ilhabela? Not on crewed trips, the standard format on the island: the skipper knows the channels, currents and anchor points, which matters most on the more exposed east coast. Self-driving requires a Brazilian Arrais Amador license and is uncommon in local tourist rentals.
What is the best season to visit Ilhabela by boat? March through November, with moderate winds and more predictable seas on the east coast. December through February is peak season, with heat and warmer water, but also heavier competition for boats. Sao Paulo state holiday weekends also raise demand outside summer.
Can you go sailing in Ilhabela? Yes, the Sao Sebastiao channel is one of the birthplaces of sailing in Brazil, with steady winds that support a strong nautical tradition on the island, including a traditional sailing week held every year in July or August. Sailboats are available for half-day and full-day trips with a licensed skipper.
How do you get to Ilhabela from Sao Sebastiao? By ferry, on a short crossing linking the mainland to the island; boat trip departure times are arranged after arrival. Trips can also depart directly from Sao Sebastiao, though the crossing time cuts into the hours available for the island's beaches.
Plan your Ilhabela boat trip
Contact the Voguer team on WhatsApp with your date, group size and preferred route — Bonete and Castelhanos for adventure, or Curral and Juliao for a family-friendly day — and receive speedboat options with current price ranges. Bookings are secured with a 50 percent deposit via Pix.
Keep exploring: Boat rental in Ilhabela · Speedboat rental in Ilhabela · Boat itinerary in Cabo Frio · Boat itinerary in Arraial do Cabo · Boat itinerary in Buzios · Boat itinerary in Paraty
