Ilha da Cocanha
A pristine island paradise with lush Atlantic Forest, offering tranquil coves, intriguing ruins, and delicious local seafood.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more serene
Ilha da Cocanha
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more serene
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A pristine island paradise with lush Atlantic Forest, offering tranquil coves, intriguing ruins, and delicious local seafood.
"A paradise in Caraguatatuba with clear waters and incredible views, perfect for a peaceful escape."
🚤 Boat Crossing Confirmation
Confirm boat availability & prices before heading to Praia da Cocanha, especially off-season.
💳 Payment Options
Check if card machines are working; Pix is often the primary payment method.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Ilha da Cocanha Island
Off the coast of Praia da Cocanha
A pristine islet with Mata Atlântica, offering birdwatching and stunning ocean views.
Abandoned Mansion Ruins
On Ilha da Cocanha
Explore the intriguing ruins of an old mansion, adding a touch of mystery to your island visit.
Restaurante Ilha da Cocanha
On Ilha da Cocanha
Savor fresh, local seafood, including the famous 'Lambre Lambe' mussels, cultivated nearby.
Tranquil Coves
On Ilha da Cocanha
Discover secluded coves with crystal-clear, calm waters perfect for a peaceful escape.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Getting to Ilha da Cocanha
Island Amenities & Payment
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚤 Boat Crossing Confirmation
Confirm boat availability & prices before heading to Praia da Cocanha, especially off-season.
💳 Payment Options
Check if card machines are working; Pix is often the primary payment method.
🧺 Pack Your Own Snacks
Bring a cooler with snacks and drinks for a budget-friendly option.
🚶♀️ Explore Island Trails
Discover hidden paths leading to ruins and secluded beaches.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚤 Boat Crossing Confirmation
Confirm boat availability & prices before heading to Praia da Cocanha, especially off-season.
💳 Payment Options
Check if card machines are working; Pix is often the primary payment method.
🧺 Pack Your Own Snacks
Bring a cooler with snacks and drinks for a budget-friendly option.
🚶♀️ Explore Island Trails
Discover hidden paths leading to ruins and secluded beaches.
🌊 Respect Nature
Practice ecotourism and conservation; keep the island pristine.
📸 Drone Photography
Capture stunning aerial views of the island and coastline.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Ilha da Cocanha is widely praised as a beautiful and tranquil island paradise, perfect for a day trip. Visitors rave about the clear waters, natural beauty, and the unique experience of exploring the island's trails and ruins. The local restaurant is also a highlight for its fresh seafood. Some minor inconveniences include potential issues with card payment machines and the need to confirm boat services outside peak season.
"Um ótimo lugar pra passar o dia! Vc pode levar seu lanche e cooler ou consumir no restaurante da ilha que tem preços dentro do padrão. Só precisa confirmar antes de o sinal da maquininha dr cartão de crédito está funcionando pq senão vc é surpreendida que pgto só pode ser via pix. Tem uma trilha que leva até um casarão e até uma prainha do outro lado da ilha."
Luluzinha Play
"Lugar maravilhoso, sem palavras para descrever... Vale muito a pena os passeios na ilha. Recomendo nota 10"
Thiago Felipe
"Linda praia, pequena e agradável enseada e um dos belos e obrigatórios passeios às ilhas de Caraguatatuba. Em seu cantinho esquerdo fica o rústico Restaurante Ilha da Cocanha. Dentre os saborosos pratos é impossível não experimentar o famoso “Lambe Lambe”, prato típico de Mexilhões, uma iguaria local servida gentilmente pelo simpático Edemilson Ranulpho e sua equipe. Um dos diferenciais é que os mariscos são cultivados pela Associação Local nos arredores da ilha e extraídos frescos, e acompanham a culinária caiçara, muito sabor em um visual incrível. Na ilha existem trilhas, ruínas, um casarão antigo e uma paradisíaca enseada em seu outro lado. Entretanto, pela proximidade, grande quantidade de visitantes, além das pequenas enseadas e rico ecossistema, vale reforçar a todos visitantes as boas práticas do ecoturismo, respeito e conservação."
Kiko Bortolusso
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
To reach Ilha da Cocanha, you'll need to take a boat from Praia da Cocanha. During the high season, there's usually a team available to ferry visitors across. They can also arrange a pickup time for your return. It's advisable to confirm boat availability and pricing, especially if you're visiting outside of the peak tourist periods.
The boat trip to Ilha da Cocanha is very short, typically around 3 minutes from Praia da Cocanha. The waters are generally calm, making for a pleasant and quick journey to the island.
No, Ilha da Cocanha is an island and cannot be reached by car. Access is exclusively by boat from the mainland, specifically from Praia da Cocanha.
While specific public transport details can vary, Praia da Cocanha is located in Caraguatatuba, SP. You can typically reach Caraguatatuba via intercity buses, and then local transport or taxis can take you to Praia da Cocanha.
The best ways to experience Ilha da Cocanha are by boat trip from Praia da Cocanha, exploring its trails, and enjoying the natural beauty. Aerial views from drones also offer a unique perspective.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There are no specific entry tickets required for Ilha da Cocanha itself, as it's a natural attraction. However, you will need to pay for the boat crossing to get to the island.
The cost for the boat crossing can vary, especially depending on the season and negotiation. It's best to inquire about the current prices with the boat operators at Praia da Cocanha before your trip.
Generally, there are no specific fees for accessing the trails on Ilha da Cocanha. The main cost associated with visiting the island is the boat transportation.
The boat service to Ilha da Cocanha typically operates during daylight hours, especially during the high season. It's advisable to confirm operating times with the boat operators, as they may vary.
No, Ilha da Cocanha is an island and can only be accessed by boat from Praia da Cocanha. Swimming across is not recommended due to distance and currents.
🎫 🏝️ Onsite Experience
On Ilha da Cocanha, you can explore hiking trails leading to ruins and secluded beaches, enjoy birdwatching, swim in the calm waters, and relax in the tranquil coves. The island offers a natural escape with opportunities for exploration and relaxation.
Yes, there is a rustic restaurant on Ilha da Cocanha that serves delicious local seafood, including the famous 'Lambre Lambe' mussels. They also offer lunch, portions, and snacks.
The 'Lambre Lambe' is a typical Caiçara dish featuring mussels. These mussels are often cultivated locally around the island and harvested fresh, offering a unique and flavorful culinary experience.
Absolutely! You are welcome to bring your own snacks and cooler to Ilha da Cocanha. This is a great option for a more budget-friendly visit or if you have specific dietary preferences.
Information regarding restrooms on Ilha da Cocanha is not explicitly detailed in the provided sources. It's advisable to inquire locally or be prepared with personal necessities.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire island offers stunning photo opportunities, from the lush Mata Atlântica and the abandoned mansion ruins to the crystal-clear coves and panoramic ocean views. Aerial shots from drones capture the island's beauty exceptionally well.
Drone photography is popular and seems to be permitted, with several creators showcasing aerial footage of Ilha da Cocanha. Always be mindful of local regulations and privacy if flying a drone.
Ilha da Cocanha is a habitat for various bird species, including hawks, great kiskadees, and scarlet tanagers, making it a great spot for birdwatching and wildlife photography.
While general photography is encouraged, be respectful of private property (like the mansion ruins) and other visitors. Some creators note copyright on their images, so always seek permission for commercial use.
The golden hours around sunrise and sunset often provide the most beautiful light for photography. However, the clear waters and lush greenery are photogenic throughout the day.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during weekdays to avoid larger crowds, ensuring a more relaxed experience for everyone. While there's a restaurant, bringing your own food can be more practical with children. The island's natural beauty and the unique experience of reaching it by boat make it a memorable outing for families looking for a peaceful day by the sea.
💰 Budget Travelers
Focus on enjoying the island's natural attractions – the trails, beaches, and coves – which are free to explore. Instead of opting for paid activities, immerse yourself in the scenery and the tranquility. Visiting during off-peak times or weekdays might also lead to slightly more favorable boat crossing rates. Remember to check payment methods at the restaurant, as cash or Pix might be more reliable than card machines.
📸 Photographers & Content Creators
The clear, calm waters and secluded coves offer beautiful shots, especially during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset. Don't miss the chance to capture the unique 'Lambre Lambe' mussels being prepared or served at the local restaurant. While the island is incredibly photogenic, always be mindful of copyright for your work and respect the privacy of other visitors.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Island's Natural Beauty
The waters surrounding Ilha da Cocanha are known for their crystal-clear and calm nature. This makes the coves and small beaches perfect for a peaceful swim or simply relaxing by the water's edge. The island's topography also creates unique secluded coves, offering a sense of privacy and tranquility away from any crowds. It's an ideal destination for those seeking a serene escape and a connection with nature.
Ecotourism and Conservation
Given its rich ecosystem, ecotourism and conservation are paramount on Ilha da Cocanha. Visitors are encouraged to practice responsible tourism, respecting the natural environment and leaving no trace. The local community's efforts in cultivating mussels nearby also highlight a sustainable relationship with the marine environment. Adhering to these principles ensures the island remains a beautiful and healthy destination for future generations.
Culinary Delights at Restaurante Ilha da Cocanha
A signature dish you absolutely must try is the 'Lambre Lambe'. This traditional dish features mussels that are often cultivated by the local association in the waters surrounding the island. The freshness of the ingredients, combined with the authentic Caiçara preparation, makes this a truly memorable culinary experience. The restaurant's team, including Edemilson Ranulpho, is known for their warm hospitality.
Beyond the 'Lambre Lambe', the restaurant also serves lunch, portions, and snacks. While the prices are generally considered reasonable and within the standard range, it's always a good idea to confirm payment methods. Some visitors have noted that card machines might not always be functional, so having Pix or cash on hand is recommended. This ensures a smooth and enjoyable dining experience.
The Intriguing Ruins and Island Access
Accessing Ilha da Cocanha is straightforward, primarily done via boat crossings from the adjacent Praia da Cocanha. During the high season, a dedicated team facilitates these trips, making it convenient for visitors. They typically take you to the island and arrange a specific time for your return pickup, ensuring a well-managed visit. The journey itself is short, usually taking only about three minutes, allowing ample time to enjoy the island.
For those looking for a more budget-friendly or self-sufficient experience, bringing your own snacks and cooler is a popular option. This allows you to enjoy your own provisions while exploring the island's trails and coves. However, the on-site restaurant provides a convenient choice for those who prefer to dine out and sample local specialties.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit