September 30, 2009
Hey, all you wind addicts:
This month we bring you to a secret hidden spot in Brazil very few have heard of. When you think of Brazil, Fortaleza and Jericoacoara comes to mind first, then the beaches of Rio de Janeiro. But we would like to highlight one of the most unusual wind destinations in Latin America: Brazilian Archipelago of Ilhabela (Portuguese for beautiful island).
Ilhabela
With the coastline sculptured by wind, it is covered in rainforest and mountains as well as in treasure mysteries and pirate’s legends. Magnificent archipelago Ilhabela is just off the coast of Sao Paulo state. The nearest international airport is São Paulo (GRU). To access the major island take a free 10 minutes ferry ride from São Sebastião.
Locals say that Canas Point on Ilhabela is one of the very best places to windsurfing and kitesurfing in all of Brazil. This place is shared by both wind and kite surfers. There are rental shops and lessons. You won’t soon forget the experience of sailing or kiting here, if you can imaging a mix of the Gorge, and Costa Rica’s Lake Arenal with mostly flat water open ocean sailing. The beauty of the island will make memories that last a life time. In the fall the winds average in 18-20 knots.
On the weekend Canas Point gets totally packed by locals from San Paulo. Although there are many alternative beaches for sailing, such as Pinto and Armação, to the north; Feiticeira and Grande, further south and many more. There are 41 beaches on the main island, so you’ll find a beach all for yourself if this is what you want. Also in the area of the São Sebastião Channel you’ll get a channelling effect of the wind that forms a narrow straight between the Coastal Mountains and those of the island itself.
As for the lodging, there are numerous posadas and guesthouses on the island. On the west coast, you can stay at the Porto Pacuiba Hotel which includes a delicious Brazilian breakfast buffet. Also you could spend the night in the Bonete fishing village. The friendly Pousada Canto Bravo offers comfortable accommodations. Overlooking the beach and lit by candlelight at night (there's no electricity in Bonete), Canto Bravo makes a great romantic hideaway.
As for the other things to do should you get an occasional light wind day, well, a coastal Atlantic rain forest is yours to discover. Hike to observe the diverse forms of rain forest’s flora and fauna, climb mountain peaks and take a dip in any of the 400 waterfalls. Ilhabela’s forests are “overflowing” with waterfalls! Add to that legendary pirate treasures hidden somewhere on the island and underwater ship wrecks to explore.
One peace of advise folks: you are surrounded by rainforest so bring lots of mosquito repellent.
Check out more info at http://www.ilhabela.org
Happy Sailing,
Windresorts Administration.
P.S. Praia dos Castelhanos bay in Ilhabela was once a pirate hideout. Legend has it that this is where British pirate Thomas Cavendish buried a fabulous treasure stolen from São Vicente village on Christmas, 1591.
We don’t sell travel, our goal is to provide unbiased info and advice on wind destinations in the Caribbean.
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