Maremar Turismo, Av. Princesa Isabel 90, Perequê Ilhabela (tel. 012/3896-1418; www.maremar.tur.br), is the outdoors specialist on Ilhabela, offering a variety of activities under its Adventure Team Ilhabela label. The island offers some fabulous hiking, and the treks are usually rewarded with a swim in one of the many waterfalls or a swim on a lovely beach. Visitors can choose from gentle hikes through rainforest along trails to waterfalls, or more intense hikes to the top of 3,400-foot Pico do Baepi or over rugged trails to deserted beaches. Rates for a guided hike start at R$50 (US$21) per person, including transportation.
Certified scuba divers can enjoy some spectacular wreck dives. There are eleven diveable wrecks between 5 and 20m (19-66 ft.), including several 19th-century English and Spanish wrecks. A 1-day trip, including all equipment for two dives on two different wrecks, costs R$195 (US$81) per person.
Fishing is another popular sport on the island; deep-sea fishing for marlin, tuna, or albacore will set you back R$380 (US$158) per person, for up to three people, including all equipment, bait, and refreshments. Horse lovers will be in heaven with a ride on the long stretch of Praia dos Castelhanos. Galloping (and Brazilians have no objection if you want to gallop) on this 2km (1 1/4-mile) stretch of deserted tropical beach costs R$70 (US$29) for the day (a 3-hr. horse ride plus transfers to and from Castelhanos).
A relaxing boat trip on a schooner is a great way to soak up some rays, see a number of beaches, and -- if you are lucky -- pods of dolphins; you'll pay R$35 (US$15) per person.
More extreme sports are starting to become more popular, and the Adventure team has some great packages, including a day of hiking and a day of rappelling a 70m-tall (229-ft.) waterfall, instruction and equipment included. These packages start at R$100 (US$42) per person.
Serious hikers will be pleased with the new outdoor company Espaço Ecologico (tel. 012/3896-3557; www.ciaventura.tur.br). This outfit specializes in hiking and nature tours and offers a variety of 1-day and 2-day hikes on the rugged side of the island combined with a 1-night stay at a remote beach. A popular day-hike goes up to one of the highest peak of Ilhabela, the 3,000-foot Pico do Baepi. The hike up takes about 3 hours and allows for plenty of time to rest at the top and enjoy the panoramic views. One of the most fabulous hikes is the crossing from Castelhanos to Bonete (R$140/US$58 per person) on the southern part of the island. The hike follows the beaches at first, then cuts inland through the lush forest to Bonete beach. Only accessible by water or on foot, this is one of the loveliest beaches on the island. Hikers can stay 1 night at one of the small pousadas (R$60/US$25) and hike out the next day, or return by boat, or opt to stay an extra day and explore some of the waterfalls in the area. Another fabulous overnight hike goes around the western part of the island, leaving from Castelhanos heading north to Serraria (R$155/US$65 per person). This hike stops at a number of waterfalls and visits the ruins of one of the old plantations. Sometimes hikers are lucky enough to spot turtles on Praia do Gato. After spending the night at Serraria, a boat takes you back to the main town. Prices vary a little, depending on road conditions (if a four-wheel-drive is required) and on the size of group if a boat rental is involved.
Another excellent dive shop on Ilhabela is Colonial Diver, Av. Brasil 1751 (tel. 012/3894-9459; www.colonialdiver.com.br). Colonial offers a range of full-day dive excursions for those who are already licensed. Wreck dives or dives off a number of the smaller islands cost R$75 to R$150 (US$31-US$63) for two dives, including transportation. Equipment can be rented at the dive shop and a basic package will cost R$90 (US$38) for the day.
Ilhabela is known as the sailing capital of Brazil. To really learn how to sail you can take courses with BL3, Av. Pedro de Paulo Moraes 1166 (tel. 012/3896-1034; www.bl3.com.br). The company offers full-day programs for beginner, intermediate, and advanced sailors or sailboarders. Courses for beginners cost R$395 (US$165) for a package of four 3-hour lessons. Advanced lessons cost R$155 (US$65) an hour. For something different, the club also runs kite-surfing and windsurfing programs. Beginners can try their hands at kite-surfing for R$150 (US$63) for a private lesson. Lesson packages for windsurfers cost R$395 (US$165) for four 3-hour lessons.
