1.You can only reach the
island by boat. You can take the ferry in Angra to Abrãao, or to take a
fishing boat to Provetá or Abraão.
2. if you want to go to the oceanic side of the Island, you should head for
Provetá and to camp in Aventureiros. Who disembarks in Abrãao can stay there,
where you find the best infrastructure of the Island or, if you prefer, you
can camp in Palmas to surf in Lopes Mendes.
3. the best waves are in the folowing beaches: do Sul (South), do Leste (East)
Aventureiros (Adventurer) and Lopes Mendes. The best time for surfing is
from April to November.
4. Take a flashlight, it's essential.
5. Mosquito repellent will bring you some comfort.
6. Get ready to walk a lot. There are many trails. For the lazy ones,
motorboats and fishing boats make the taxi role.
7. For who is going by motorboat or sailing boat Saco do Céu is the best
place of the island, besides being perfect for wake-board practice, because
the sea doesn't shake too much.
8. Take diving equipment, because the water is very clear. There are also
some diving operators in the island.
9. If you go by motorboat to there, it is worthwhile to spend a night in
Ilha do Arroz (Rice Island) or in Mandala. You can only go by motorboat,
because it is far away from the Ilha Grande.
10. "Be prepared to dance "forró" all night longll!!! Abraão's forró,
besides full, is the high point of the night." tip from Juliana V.
Mendonça
11. I am impassioned by that place... great points to dive, surf, etc... but
what is really good is to walk around the island in 5 days... TIP - don't
take extra weight, and carry your garbage. Just use the legal camps (don't
destroy what is still there, then don't do wil camping); it is a shame to
see Aventureiros so devastated, and the local population each day using more
of the hills to host the tourists... Best time = WINTER (without rains,
without crowd, etc) " tip from Carolina Monteiro
12. "I love that place. But they are putting an end to him. Galley, we will
collect our garbage. The Island tá being filthy. Full of beer cans in the
trails... If they end with her, it won't "be built" other. We will value her
while she exists. We can tan her/it without dirtying her! " clue of Aline -
Rio de Janeiro
13. "Haxi, you missed telling more about Três Rios (Three Rivers), one of
the best attractions on the Island. One can reach it by boat or on foot. By
boat, one can take one of the several schooners and fishing boats leaving
from Abraão, but they wouldn't go out to open ocean if the sea is too shaky.
I went on foot. It is a little tiresome, because it is 2:30 long and a
little more to return... Follow a dirt road that cuts the Island between
Abraão and Two Rivers, formerly used to the prisoners' transport. Next to
the end of the trail you should take a shortcut that, although it makes the
walk tougher, because of its irregular terrain, has a nice view, inside a
forest and reaches a lake called Piscina dos Soldados (Soldier Swimming
Pool), of clear waters, where you can rest a little. The arriving at Dois
Rios already gives an impression of is coming next, because it is a very
nice looking village, in spite the not so cared aspect. there are still some
employees of the old prison and even a ex-prisoner, Mr. Julio, who is allays
willing for a talk and to show the trumpet that he earned from a group of
forein reporters. He loves to tell in details some of the stories, like the
one of Escadinha - the famous prisoner - great escape. The visit to the
prison, destryed some years ago, is vey interesting. But the best is just
ahead: Dois Rios beach is wonderful, of clear waters and, as the name says,
with two rivers disemboguing in it, one from each side, forming a great look.
Ah, to eat, I recommend a meal at Getúlio's house former-employee of the
prison, whose wife prepares a simple meal , delicious and cheap. My tip is
to leave early from Abraão, spend all day in Dois Rios and to return
around16:30, because the illumination in the road is not good and after it
darkens it gets more complicate... If you want to add to my tip, I encourage
you, 'cause I think it is good for people to know that wonderful beach of
the Island, that is a little forgotten because of its "black past"... tip
from Sandra - Rio de Janeiro
14. Hi, people.... I traveled that holiday again and I went to..... ILHA
GRANDE (where else?), I can't avoid it... that place is a paradise. That's
why "Trip to Brazil" recommeds it, isn't it? See ya, dudes.. " tip from
Michel Lemos
15. "Another extraordinary place is Parnaióca, that, with the beach and the
waterfall, it becomes the perfect place, without mentioning the local
residents' hospitality (Dona Zaira and João), that prepare a good meal.
Parnaióca hardly has waves, so don't forget to take your diving equipment."
tip from Marcos R. F. Machado
16. "I knew Ilha Grande for the first timeduring the carnival, it was the
best place that I have ever gone. I walk by several trails, it is
indescribable, you have to go to believe. That place changed my life, I
started to review my life. I intend to return to it as soon as I can. People
from diferent cultures are found in Aventureiros..... " tip from Juliana
Leite, RP
17. "A tipp against mosquitos and black flies... Two weeks before camping,
take complex B, everyday. Two days before, take a doubled dose. The forced
metabolism generates a natural repellent in our skin." tip from Gilson
Teixeira Cornelio
18. "For who's going to camp in Parnaioca or Santo Antônio, please collect
your garbage and take care with the Southwest wind!!!Tie your tent tight and
take a canvas so, on rainy days it would be possible to cook or just sit
outside to talk a little! Go without a returning date set, because if it
rains a lot, there are no boats and the trails get all messy... PRESERVE THE
ISLAND, SO THAT IT WILL KEEP BEING OUR ISLAND!!! Kisses " tip from Dani -
Rio de Janeiro
19. "Last carnival, I went to camp at Ilha Grande. It is THE place,
understand? it is simply wonderful. Just have some tip to give: I went by
boat, that, in spite of the price (2,80) it is not worthwhile for who will
stay in Palmas for a long time, it is much better to take one of those boats
there in Mangaratiba, and to go straight to it, the price varies between 10
or 15 reais, but there is allways one ready to leave. But if you're in quest
for adveture since the begining, take the ferry to Abraão and then the trail
to Palmas. But remember!! (an experienced friend's piece of advice) don't
TAKE A LOT OF WEIGHT!! Don't come after, telling me I didn't warn you... I
took two hours and ten minutes to reach it. The trails is hard, but when you
arrive there in the top, my friends... it is so beautiful. Another important
thing is to well choose the camp you will stay. I stayed in Alexandre's camp
and I didn't like it much, in spite of being the cheapest, it doesn't have
infrastructure ofr a carnival period, for example. I'm not saying it is a
bad place, but it was the very owner who overcrowded the place. The food:
the best place of Palmas to eat is, for sure, Sabor das Palmas ("Flavor of
Palmas"), the meal is good and cheap. That's all, folks. Hugs and have a
good trip." tip from Aline.
20. "People, this year I had the opportunity to know a Wonderful place:
"Ilha do Aventureiro"(Adventurer's Island), I was simply charmed with the
place. The waters are clear... many fishes... And the night is very cool,
because of the forró inside the huts... lots of Peace and Love, I loved the
place. Moreover, I was with my boy, Alexandre, who is my great partner in
these adventures... However here it is a tip for you all who want to know
the place, take food, because unhappily, there aren't many restaurant s in
the village and the food ends fast, and if the person is not prevented will
be hunger... But it is worthwhile all effort, mainly if it be accompanied,
the feeling is pure passion.... It's cool!!!! Hugs from an adventurer... "
tip from Maria - Resende R.J.
21. Ilha Grande is a great point! One stupid thing is when those guys
overfill their motorboats and turn the music too loud and irritates everyone
around. Escape from that, mainly in lingering weekends. Prefer the walks,
less crowded. Oh! And collect your garbage, dude! " tip from Cristian
Campinas
22. "Peopleeee, Ilha Grande is just awesome! If the paradise really exists,
then Ilha Grande is its clone. There, hs everything is good, crystalline
waters, a wonderful climate, nice state of mind! You need to know the
Aventureiro beach (it is written without the "S" in the end) which is very
cool, mainly for who likes to surf, to dance a good forró, to do a lual at
the beach, to play the guitar on the seashore, to sing with the friends...
hummmm, just thinking makes me remember it and miss it!!! To sleep under the
moonshine and to wake up at the beach with the sun rising and touching your
face and warming up you... and that coconut tree that was born already
leaning!!! Hummm, so good. Take your tents and enjoy all the beauty of Ilha
Grande, take food or eat bought meals that are delicious, home-made food of
good quality, besides the low price. There are trails that cross the whole
island, you can know everything in one week, it is very tiresome but it is
also stunning!!! Kisses, " tip from Marcelle Lopes
23. "You missed Lagoa Azul (Blue Lagoon)! It is a nice place of shallow and
more than transparent waters. It is very pleasant to enter in that totally
transparent water and to notice that you are enclosed by colored fishes!!!
On the stones you find a colored aquatic fauna, very entertaining and it is
a very cool walk even for who is going with children. Don't miss knowing
that piece of the paradise. Attention: if somebody is on agency trip, pay
attention and see if the personnel of the boat really knows the Island as to
serve as guide... Many of them just know the name of some beaches... Here in
the Haxi site, he has much more information than most of the walks offer...
Another on boats: BE VERY CAREFUL WITH THE BOATMEN THAT LEAVE MANGARATIBA
AND ANGRA DOS REIS! In Mangaratiba, a guy offered me a boat for 15 reais and
later I knew in a local bar that the guy is a known drunk and that it would
have take an eternity for us to cross the Bay! When in Angra, try to arrange
a price with the own boatman. I say that because there are some guys seeking
passengers in the wharf and that they are not going with you in the
embarkation. They say a fictitious price, because they make money filling
the boat or the motorboat. In my case, it was said by the guy that the
children would not pay and when almost arriving at Ilha Grande the owner of
the motorboat almost decided to collect on board for all of the children and
when the tourists complained he offended everybody in a threatening way...
in other words, prefer schooners that travel in the Island, and preferably
that belong to some agency of the place." tip from Fábio Aldovrando
24. "Haxi, I went to Ilha Grande (Palmas) with my boyfriend in this New
Year's Eve. It was wonderful!!! The place is extraordinary. My tips are: 1 -
you can share a commercial meal, and it is cheap, it is about 6 reais. 2 -
take a pot and spoon to prepare breakfast. Take powdered milk and coffee,
instant coffee, because it is expensive to take breakfast in the Island. You
can allways find someone to borrow a portable stove, if you're not carrying
one. 3 - take this piece of advice: take repellent and flashlight. 4 - take
only trainers and slippers. 5 - clothes: shorts and bikini. By night, there
is a weak breeze: take a coat. 6 - it is worthwhile to go to Conceição de
Jacareí on the return because it is only a 1 hour trip. 7 - don't take drugs
(and don't use it too, of course) but, for are on it, know the police is
watching the trails to catch some users, besides, when arriving in the
Island in Abrão's wharf, be alert so that your walk won't end earlier. Only
in this New Year's Eve there were more than 70 people taken to the Police
station, being of these, 10 foreigners. They were most from Abraão and
Palmas. 8 - take your camera, take plenty of pictures. 9 - take toilet paper,
it will be necessary. 10 - for those who smoke, take your own cigarettes.
There, it is more expensive!!! A kiss and I hope my tips help!!! " tip
from Alice from Rio de Janeiro.
25. "Hi, haxi, how are you? Well, besides everything of the island, the tip
is this: The cops are really being hard when searching drugs!!! (soon when
you got off the ferry in the island) watch out, budy! The rest is all good!!!
obs: the restaurants are not that good at the island. EXPENSIVE FOOD! "tip
from Mario & Guto.
26. "People, if you go to Ilha Grande think twice before being in Lúcio's
camping. The place is clean and the infrastructure is not bad, but the owner
of the camping is totally paranoid. In the beginning, we found it was great
the camp had gates due to safety... but later that was revealed to be a sign
of his problems. The guy made terrorism as soon as we arrived, talking about
violence in the city, something that turned to be over the top. Especially
because there more policemen than inhabitants in the city... but the owner
of the camp kept watching us 24hs. One day, when we were caoming back ona
night, at 5 in the morning, we opened the gate and were saying goodbye to a
friend of ours when the guy came from inside the camp, shouting and
complaining that we left the gate open for more than 5 minutes and locked us
outside! Can you believe that? It was REVOLTING, we were neither making
noise nor anything. And we followed all the rules. We were 3 girls, and he
didn't have any reason for complaining in any moment about our behavior. The
guy got to insinuate things, I was disgusted!!! Think twice when choosing to
stay there, because it is hard even to sleep because of the lights that are
lit for safety... pure Paranoia!!!! "tip from Fabiana
27. "WOW!!! That place is everything in the life... Seeing the pictures
gives no idea of how beautiful the place is. It is a shame that the local
residents just think about earning money, filling the camps, because besides
being uncomfortable, it pollutes and it destroys the beach. There is a
"forró" at night in Luiz's camp and in the camping after the chapel, but it
doesn't end late. The trail to Parnaióca is cool, nice view... it goes by
Praia do Sul South), do Leste (East beaches) and inside of a swamp till
arriving to cross the hill. It is worthwhile. If going before lunch, take
food, because it can happen to arrive in Parnaioca and the food is already
over (it happened to me...). Things in Parnaióca are more expensive than in
Aventureiro and there aren't many campings. There is a nice waterfall there.
However in Aventureiro, the Sunrise is the most blinding thing that I have
ever seen my life. I can die a thousand times, but I will take that memory
for all the other lives!! Don't forget to bring your garbage back... "tip
from Aline Araújo - RJ.
28. "for me it is the best place of the world. Lopes Mendes's beach. It is
perfect. Try to go out of the season. Avoid holidays. The place seems to be
yours. Climbing Pico do Papagaio (Peak of the Parrot) tires, it puts an end
to our legs. But the view compensates any effort and sacrifice. Abraão's
town is cool. Meet the residents, they are full of stories to tell. Oh!!!!
there is this guy who is always there making caricatures!!!! I did. It is
funny. The island is the paradise that god left in Earth for us to enjoy...
Also visit Gruta Acaiá (Acaiá cave). If you like to dive is, so that's the
place. There are two entrances to the cave. One on the ground, where you
have to walk leaned over about 40 meters and in the end you only see a neon,
the blue of the sea is wonderful. It is a piece of this very special world.
The entrance in the sea is also awesome. But, seek an experienced guide in
the area. Do never go alone, ok? Kisses “tip from Lanuza Madruga de Volta
Redonda
29. "Gee! Pernambuco has the most beautiful beaches of the Northeastern
coast, but Ilha Grande really enchanted me. Aventureiros, to be more
precise. I had already seen pictures in trip magazine, but live, it's
another story. It is soooo beautiful! And it is still better when you're in
love. If there is no moon, don't worry, because the stars take charge of
decorating the night. Remember to take a flashlight, in case you want to go
up the trail to Provetá, because cell phone signal reach the top of it. But
it may not work for all kinds.To arrive in Aventureiros, you just have to
take a boat in Angra port, because some residents of the beach do the
transportation themselves. You just have to arrange it with someone to take
you there and catch you later. Good trip and don't forget to leave the beach
clean! " - Tip from Dani Vilela, Recife – PE
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