Ilha Grande

Ilha Grande

Ilha Grande ("Great Island"), which lies within the territory of Angra dos Reis, has been since 1978 a state nature reserve. It can be reached from the town in a 1.5 hour boat trip. Its enchanting fishing villages, lagoons, waterfalls and beaches attract large numbers of visitors. It also serves as a kind of gigantic breakwater, sheltering the waters of the bay from strong winds and marine currents. This has also helped to make Angra dos Reis a paradise for scuba divers and snorkelers.

There is still a high-security prison on the island. "Wild" camping is prohibited. Before doing any walking on the island it is advisable to obtain information and advice from the local police.