Praia do Bonete Ilhabela - Image 1
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Praia do Bonete Ilhabela

4.8
·1k reviews·, Brazil

A remote paradise in Ilhabela, accessible by a challenging hike or boat trip, known for its pristine beach and traditional caiçara community.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Dry Season Mornings

Best for hiking and clear views

CrowdMedium
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Praia do Bonete Ilhabela - Image 1

Praia do Bonete Ilhabela

Best Time

Dry Season Mornings

Best for hiking and clear views

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A remote paradise in Ilhabela, accessible by a challenging hike or boat trip, known for its pristine beach and traditional caiçara community.

4.8
(1k reviews)

"Beautiful! The beach is ideal for families and children. Bring your own booze and food ;)"

Vertical photo
TIP

🥾 Hike with a Guide

The 12km trail is demanding. Consider a local guide for safety and to discover hidden spots.

🦟 Borrachudo Repellent

These biting midges are infamous! Bring strong, local repellent. They love the beach as much as you do.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Hike to Bonete

The Hike to Bonete

Starts in Borrifos

A challenging 12km trek through Atlantic Forest, featuring waterfalls and stunning viewpoints. An adventure for nature lovers!

Natural Pool (O Tanque)

Natural Pool (O Tanque)

Near Praia do Bonete

A serene saltwater pool surrounded by rocks and lush vegetation, perfect for a refreshing dip.

Caiçara Community

Caiçara Community

Praia do Bonete village

Experience the traditional culture of Ilhabela's largest caiçara community, preserving rich heritage.

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Planning Your Visit

Accessing Praia do Bonete

Praia do Bonete is remote, accessible only by a challenging 12km hike or a 1-hour boat trip. Plan your transport in advance, especially if you're not an experienced hiker. Consider local boat tours for a more comfortable journey.

Pack Smart for Bonete

This beach has limited amenities. Bring your own food, drinks, and plenty of insect repellent for the notorious 'borrachudos' (biting midges). Check if local kiosks are open, as they can be seasonal.

Best Times

When
Dry Season Mornings
Why
Best for hiking and clear views
Crowd
Medium
When
Low Tide Afternoons
Why
Ideal for natural pool exploration
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Uma lancha de passeio afundou em Ilhabela hoje e por um milagre herois pescadores da praia do Bonete estavam na hora e lugar certo resgataram salvando a vidas de todos Extremo cuidado com as empresas que vao fechar seus passeios de lancha pois o mar nao é pra qualquer um, quesitos como : Experiência e conhecimento do marinheiro Conhecimento sobre as condições marítimas Lanchas confiaveis com m...
@marinheirorodrigo
193.3K likes • 4.1M views

🥾 Hike with a Guide

The 12km trail is demanding. Consider a local guide for safety and to discover hidden spots. Instagram+1

🦟 Borrachudo Repellent

These biting midges are infamous! Bring strong, local repellent. They love the beach as much as you do. Instagram

Uma das praias mais lindas de Ubatuba SP. Praia do Bonete ou bonetinho e esse ñ é o Bonete de ilhabela hahahah #ubatuba #praia #viajando #dica #sp #
@vidacaicara.uba
136.2K likes • 1.1M views
🌴✨ 9 Dicas Incríveis para Aproveitar a Praia do Bonete, Ilhabela ✨🌴 1. Fazer a Trilha do Bonete 🚶‍♂️🌳 Uma aventura de 14 km pela Mata Atlântica intocada, passando por três cachoeiras deslumbrantes: Laje, Areado e Saquinho. Uma experiência imperdível para os amantes da natureza! 2. Curtir o Dia na Praia 🏖️🌊 Relaxe na areia branquinha e mergulhe nas águas azuis da Praia do Bonete. Estenda sua ca...
pousadacantobravo
770 likes • 23.3K views

🎒 Pack Food & Water

Amenities are scarce. Bring your own snacks, meals, and plenty of water. Kiosks may be closed. Reddit

🚤 Boat Access Option

If hiking isn't your style, a 1-hour boat trip offers easier access to this secluded paradise. Instagram+1

No coração da Praia do Bonete, em Ilhabela, encontra-se um verdadeiro tesouro natural: O Tanque, uma piscina natural de água salgada que encanta pela serenidade e pelo visual deslumbrante. Rodeado por rochas e vegetação exuberante. Chegar até lá é uma aventura por si só. O acesso é exclusivo e feito apenas de duas maneiras: de barco, navegando por paisagens espetaculares, ou pela desafiadora tr...
batucadailhabela.passeios
7.5K likes • 158.6K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🥾 Hike with a Guide

The 12km trail is demanding. Consider a local guide for safety and to discover hidden spots. Instagram+1

🦟 Borrachudo Repellent

These biting midges are infamous! Bring strong, local repellent. They love the beach as much as you do. Instagram

🎒 Pack Food & Water

Amenities are scarce. Bring your own snacks, meals, and plenty of water. Kiosks may be closed. Reddit

🚤 Boat Access Option

If hiking isn't your style, a 1-hour boat trip offers easier access to this secluded paradise. Instagram+1

🌊 Check the Tides

For the natural pool, visit during low tide. High tides and strong currents can be powerful. Instagram+1

What Travellers Say

4.8
(1k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Praia do Bonete is lauded for its stunning natural beauty, including a beautiful beach and a unique natural pool. Visitors appreciate the challenging hike and the opportunity to experience the traditional caiçara community. However, the remote access and limited amenities, such as the infrequent opening of kiosks and lack of toilets, are common drawbacks.

"Beautiful! The beach is ideal for families and children. There is even a small sweat water source where showering is possible. The time we were here (October) the bar was not open, no foods nor drinks could be bought here. Bring your own booze and food ;)
The beach is sandy and flat, ideal for children. No toilets."

Peter Toth

"It's small beach that you can only arrive by boat or ferry. It's really a small place with only one kiosk. Do not expect it to be something heavenly and isolated. On the contrary: it is always full! So, take it into consideration."

Henrique Leme Orsi

"Top"

Rafael Corrêa

What People Like

Beautiful natural pool
Challenging hike
Caiçara community culture

What People Dislike

Limited amenities
Borrachudos (midges)
Difficult access

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Praia do Bonete is primarily accessed via a challenging 12km hike through the Atlantic Forest, starting from Borrifos in the south of Ilhabela.Instagram+1 Alternatively, you can take a boat trip, which typically lasts about an hour.Instagram+2 The hike is considered one of the most beautiful treks on the North Coast of São Paulo, often featuring waterfalls and viewpoints along the way.Instagram+1

Yes, the hike is considered intense and demanding, covering approximately 12 kilometers one way.Instagram+2 It's recommended for experienced hikers, and many suggest going with a local guide for safety and to better appreciate the route.Instagram

No, Praia do Bonete is not accessible by car. Its remote location means you must either hike or take a boat to reach it.Instagram+1

Yes, boat tours are a popular and more comfortable way to reach Praia do Bonete, especially for those who prefer not to hike the long trail.Instagram+2 These tours typically depart from various points in Ilhabela and take about an hour to reach the beach.Instagram

The hike to Praia do Bonete typically starts in Borrifos, located in the extreme south of Ilhabela.Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

There are no specific entry tickets required for Praia do Bonete itself, as it's a public beach. However, if you opt for a boat trip, you will need to pay for the tour.Instagram+1

The hike itself is free, but if you choose to hire a local guide, there will be a fee for their services.Instagram

Praia do Bonete is a natural attraction and is generally accessible at any time. However, for safety and comfort, visiting during daylight hours is recommended, especially if hiking.Instagram

No, the natural pool, known as 'O Tanque', is a natural feature and does not have an entrance fee. Access is free, though it's best visited during low tide.Instagram

Information on camping facilities is limited. It's advisable to check with local authorities or accommodation providers in Ilhabela beforehand if you plan to camp.

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Praia do Bonete offers a chance to relax on its sandy shores, swim, explore the natural saltwater pool ('O Tanque'),Instagram+1 and experience the unique culture of the local caiçara community.Instagram+1 The challenging hike to get there is also a major activity for many visitors.Instagram+1

Based on traveler reviews, there are no public toilets available. Some mention a small freshwater source that can be used for showering, but it's best to confirm availability upon arrival.Reddit

Borrachudos are small, biting midges common in coastal areas of Brazil, including Ilhabela. They are known to be quite bothersome, so bringing a strong insect repellent is highly recommended to enjoy your time on the beach.Instagram

Yes, reviews suggest the beach is sandy and flat, making it ideal for families and children.Reddit However, the difficult access (long hike or boat trip) and limited amenities should be considered.

The natural pool, known as 'O Tanque', is a serene saltwater pool surrounded by rocks and lush vegetation.Instagram+1 It's a beautiful spot for a refreshing swim, especially during low tide when it's most accessible.Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Amenities are very limited. While there might be a kiosk, reviews indicate it's not always open and may not offer food or drinks.Reddit It's strongly advised to bring your own food and beverages for your visit.Reddit

Due to its remote location and the presence of a traditional caiçara community, there are no conventional restaurants. Visitors typically bring their own provisions.Reddit

Pack plenty of water, snacks, and a packed lunch. If you plan to stay longer or enjoy a meal, consider bringing items that are easy to transport and consume outdoors.Reddit

While there's a mention of a freshwater source for showering, it's not explicitly stated if it's potable for drinking. It's safest to bring all your drinking water.

Yes, a picnic is a great idea given the limited food options. Just remember to pack out all your trash to keep the beach clean.

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the dramatic coastline, the serene natural pool ('O Tanque'),Instagram+1 the lush Atlantic Forest during the hike,Instagram+1 and the traditional caiçara village.Instagram+1 The views from the hiking trail are also spectacular.

Early morning or late afternoon offers beautiful golden hour light for photography. Midday can be harsh, but the natural pool offers shade and interesting textures.

There are no specific restrictions on photography for general visitors. However, always be respectful of the local community and ask permission before taking close-up photos of individuals.

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive beach and landscapes. A waterproof camera or phone case is useful for the natural pool and potential sea spray.Instagram

Drone regulations can vary. It's best to check with local authorities in Ilhabela regarding drone usage in protected natural areas and near communities.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Praia do Bonete offers a sandy and flat beach that's great for children to play on.Reddit The natural pool, 'O Tanque', can also be a fun and safe spot for kids to splash around, especially during low tide.Instagram However, the challenging access via a long hike or a boat trip requires careful planning for families. Ensure you pack plenty of snacks, drinks, and child-friendly insect repellent for the borrachudos.Instagram

🚶‍♀️ Adventure Seekers & Hikers

The 12km hike to Praia do Bonete is a prime attraction for adventure seekers.Instagram+1 This trek through the Atlantic Forest is a true test of endurance, rewarding hikers with stunning scenery, waterfalls, and a sense of accomplishment. Consider hiring a local guide to navigate the trails safely and discover hidden gems along the way.Instagram

🧘‍♀️ Nature Lovers & Relaxation Seekers

For those seeking tranquility, Praia do Bonete offers a remote escape. The pristine beach and the serene natural saltwater pool provide perfect settings for relaxation.Instagram The opportunity to connect with the traditional caiçara community also adds a unique cultural dimension to the experience.Instagram+1

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Journey to Paradise: Accessing Praia do Bonete

Reaching Praia do Bonete is an adventure in itself, emphasizing its secluded charm. The most common way is via a challenging 12km hike through the dense Atlantic Forest.Instagram+2 This trek is renowned for its natural beauty, passing by stunning waterfalls like Laje, Areado, and Saquinho, and offering breathtaking viewpoints.Instagram It's a journey that requires good physical condition and preparation, with many recommending a local guide for safety and to enhance the experience.Instagram

For those seeking a less strenuous route, boat trips are a popular alternative.Instagram+2 These journeys typically take about an hour from Ilhabela and provide a different perspective of the island's coastline. The boat access is crucial for the local caiçara community, who rely on it for supplies and transport.Instagram It's important to note that the sea can be rough, so checking weather conditions is advisable.TikTok

Embracing the Local Culture: The Caiçara Community

Praia do Bonete is home to the largest caiçara community in Ilhabela.Instagram+1 These traditional coastal dwellers have preserved their unique culture and way of life, deeply connected to the sea and the surrounding nature. Visitors have the opportunity to witness this rich heritage firsthand, offering a glimpse into a more traditional Brazilian lifestyle.Instagram

This community plays a vital role in maintaining the pristine environment of Praia do Bonete. Their presence ensures the area remains relatively untouched by mass tourism, preserving its natural beauty and tranquility. Interacting respectfully with the community members can offer valuable insights into their sustainable practices and deep knowledge of the local ecosystem.

Nature's Wonders: Beaches, Pools, and Trails

Praia do Bonete itself is a beautiful, long stretch of sandy beach, ideal for relaxation.Reddit However, the surrounding natural attractions are equally captivating. A significant highlight is 'O Tanque', a natural saltwater pool formed between rocks and lush vegetation.Instagram+1 It's a tranquil spot perfect for a refreshing swim, especially during low tide when it's most accessible and serene.Instagram

The hiking trails leading to and around Praia do Bonete are a major draw for nature enthusiasts. Beyond the main trail, the area is dotted with waterfalls that offer opportunities for a cool dip and stunning photo opportunities.Instagram The biodiversity of the Atlantic Forest surrounding the beach is remarkable, making any exploration a rewarding experience for those who appreciate nature's raw beauty.

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