This protected nature reserve was once home to a notorious penal colony and prison, which laid claim to hosting one of the biggest prison riots in the world when hundreds of inmates rebelled and escaped in 1952. While 129 prisoners were recaptured, many others were eaten by sharks whilst trying to flee in shoddy canoes. The island offers rare glimpses of fish and birds undisturbed in their natural habitats, and enviable views of the coast and its beautiful, deep-green waters.

To get here you can make reservations at the tourist office or many hotels and guesthouses. Sol e Mar is the most highly recommended agency. Cruise operators also leave from the Enseada and Saco da Ribeira neighborhoods in Ubatuba.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Ilha das Couves

15.73 MILES

Ubatuba's most coveted beach destination is this tiny, 58-hectare island that is paradise in every sense of the word. Golden sands, lush rainforest and…

2. Museu Waldemar Belisário

24.5 MILES

This small, two-room museum is dedicated to Waldemar Belisário, a well-regarded Paulistano modernist painter of Italian descent who lived and died on…

3. Praia da Trindade

25.58 MILES

About 25km south of Paraty, Trindade occupies a long sweep of stunningly beautiful coastline. Here you can lounge or hike along four of Brazil’s most…

4. Alambique Paratiana

29.52 MILES

Set beside the rushing Rio da Pedra Branca, Paratiana offers free tours of its cachaça distillery, where gleaming stills share space with giant casks of…

5. Fazenda Bananal

29.65 MILES

Opened in 2017, this unique park is part nature reserve, part historic site. The grounds shelter 260 species of birds, walking trails, a mini-farm where…

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