In Tupi-Guaranian language - Ubatuba means “the land of many canoes”. A trip through the region is enough to see that the Indians knew what they were talking about. With 100 km of coast, 92 beaches and an infinity of nooks and coves, the region is auspicious in receiving yachts, sailboats and even canoes of different sizes and drafts. As if this isn’t enough, 80% of the municipal area is preserved by the Serra do Mar State Park – which ends up transforming the place into an excellent attraction for nature lovers, waters sports, trekking and other adventure sports.
The Atlantic Forest’s preservation also contributes to Ubatuba being highlighted as one of the principal observation points for birds in the Americas. Studies show that in the area that envelopes the town there are around 400 different species with plumages and songs that embellish the city’s environs.
Amongst the 92 existing beaches on the town’s coast, a few have bars and restaurants structure, 27 are good for surfing, however there are still many beaches in which access is difficult and that, for this reason, could be pointed to as small untouched paradises. You can really only get to these places by boat or long trails.
Tired of the continent? The city also has 16 islands and 7 islets, highlighting Anchieta Island with more than 800 hectares of Atlantic Forest forming the island’s State Park. With few beaches, the island has a coastline dominated 80% by rocky shores - guaranteeing a rich marine biodiversity and pleasurable diving. To make the diving even better, underwater visibility reaches 20 metres and the year long water temperature remains in the order of 24°C.
After laying anchor in front of Praia do Presídio, its well worth getting to know the history of the prison that was established on the island at the beginning of the last century and that, in the 50’s, was closed after suffering the biggest rebellion followed by fire, for that time. hung on the walls and structures which outlived the fight and fire, there are pictures telling a piece of this story that involves conflicts, executions of guards and employees and the frustrated attempt, for the majority of rebels, to win their freedom. The island only had a boat which could take them to the continent. After passing through the annals of history on Anchieta Island, its well worth walking for less than 30 minutes to Praia do Engenho, where great rocks form a natural sea swimming pool.
Due to its proximity to São Paulo, Ubatuba is also able to service small reparations and painting of hulls and sides of launches and sailboats. During the restoration works, there is no shortage of excursions to make. Amongst the existing trails, Bonete is a highlight, where, walking along the Atlantic Forest coast, you traverse various different beaches in about an hour. Those with more energy can extend the journey for another hour and continue to the Fortaleza beach. Another option is to simply lift anchor and set sail to the south. In Fortaleza, on the left hand side corner for whoever arrives by sea, anchoring is tranquil and the draft reaches 4 metres at the point where anchors and canoes are.
For those who want an adventure a little further from sea, but with no less pleasure, a great idea is to walk up to Ipiranguinha waterfalls. However, you have to have legs! To the side of the waterfalls is a trail that, in the past, was used by merchants and donkeys responsible for communication between Ubatuba and Vale do Paraíba, in the interior of São Paulo. Even today, it’s possible to walk a trail the trail which shelters eight other waterfalls, however, this trail requires a specialised guide and six hours of energetic will to walk and go up the mountain range.
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