Brazil sailing vacation & boat charter

Despite its incredible size, the city has kept the reputation of being the one of the most desirable cities in the world. If you plan to visit Rio, you will not be disappointed.

Brazil is an amazing blend of traditions and modernity. Walking about in Rio, one’s senses are thoroughly inundated with cultural traits that are uniquely Brazilian. Traces of European, African, Asian, modern North American and native Indian heritage all make their presence known.

What makes Brazil different is that these varied influences have fused to create the contemporary Brazilian culture, which is unique and fascinating.

You will have 3 to 1 day to discover Rio depending on your program and the time you can dedicate to it.

Then we drive a 100 miles South of Rio to Angra dos Reis.

Angra dos Reis

Angra dos Reis means "Bay of the Kings". This is because it was first reached on January 6th 1502, when Catholics celebrate Epiphany, the Day of the Three Kings. Believe me, the place makes justice to its name.

Magnificent, crystal-clear waters, thousands of beaches and an amazing number of islands and islets (supposedly 365) which would take exactly a year to be visited. Ok we have a week so… we’ll make a choice together depending on the weather and the mood of the crew.

The city of Angra dos Reis is approximately a one and a half hour drive by car and 2 1/2 hours by bus from Rio de Janeiro. It is the perfect starting point for our sailing vacation in Brazil. Angra is a city with hills, mixing Five-star hotels and charming inns, beautiful views, secluded beaches, modern amenities and quaint fisherman’s villages. Many Brazilian celebrities have summer houses in or around Angra (world famous plastic surgeon Ivo Pitanguy, in case you would have some needs.

The center of the city has a few historical sites and a great number of churches and convents that are all very charming. Angra is host to many yacht clubs, five stars hotels and quaint inexpensive Bed & Breakfast, great Brazilian food and restaurants and bars. It is modern and authentic and a lively culture. Angra is a good jumping off spot for discovering Ihla Grande and the 2000 beaches around.

We will get our boat in Angra at the Marina Verolme which provides many amenities to sailors in a safe and secure location. T

Ilha Grande (National Park)

The largest of the islands, Ilha Grande (tons of info with link) is an attraction by itself. The whole area is a Biological protected area and a National Park. Gorgeous beaches, great diving and trekking, a the small town center,

Between the 16th and 18th centuries the Ilha Grande bay was the theater of countless battles between corsairs, imperial invasions and pirates. Today, divers have the rare pleasure of exploring one of the world's largest regions of shipwrecks including European Galleons. The "big island" is distinguished by a mountainous topography, lush vegetation and spectacular beaches.

Waterfalls cascade from jungle covered mountains into an emerald ocean that surrounds 107 white-sand beaches. The entire island is a natural park where no cars or roads are allowed, except for 2 cars of the Police. There is a trail system throughout the island which is great for hiking around.

Abraão, the island’s main village offers shops, fine restaurants, a church, medical center pharmacy, internet café and nightlife. This is where you will find the most commercial activity on the entire island. Abraão bay is the most beautiful on the island, situated between high mountains and the sea. A great anchorage if you are interested in a lively nightlife and great restaurant.

Lopes Mendes Beach on Ihla Grande is considered by many travel magazines to be one of the ten most beautiful beaches in the world, although I personally prefer Praia do Sul which is almost deserted. This is the largest of the 107 beaches scattered throughout the island. The waves along its beach of thin white sand beaches, crystal clear Atlantic water. It is a Mecca for surfers.

Saco do Céu (Sky Sack) is a terrific anchorage that is extremely safe and particularly tranquil with cool breezes. At night you can see the stars reflected in the water. One of the best spot on the Ilha Grande to spend the night on board. Surrounded by mangroves the harbor is filled with plankton that glows in the night waters. It is amazing to watch them sparkle when the water is agitated.

Ilha Gipoia

The second largest island, Gipóia, is renowned for its magnificent beaches and its inviting snorkeling spots. It´s just a 3 hour sail from Angra. If you want bustle, head for Jurubaíba Beach or Praia do Dentista, where floating bars serve snacks and drinks to the boats that crow the area. A great and private spot is Pequena. Fantastic restaurants.

Another great beach is Juruba, sheltered by hills, a rocky shoreline and a dense native vegetation, is more peaceful and secluded which can only be reached by dinghy. The north beach is small, with fine white sand. Sururu is almost deserted, with strong waves that crash against the reefs. Oeste beach is wilder, with warmer water.

Gipóia. It is situated along a calm and safe bay on the north coast of the Ilha Grande, and is the perfect place for those who enjoy meeting locals. although anchoring along Praia de Jurubaíba may be very busy. So depending on the mood we will decide for a calmer anchoring spot. Before that, we will make sure to stock up on the seafood and drinks available at the floating bars anchored nearby.

Paraty (A UNESCO World Site Heritage).

The main attraction of Paraty is its historic core, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with beautifully preserved colonial architecture. The region surrounding the city adds much to Paraty’s quiet beauty. Paraty is surrounded by so many islands that it hard to describe them . Just follow the link above and you'll have an idea of the great diversity and beauty of the site.

The island is sheltered by Ilha Grande and is a stunning rainforest paradise. The island boasts white sandy beaches, incredible nature walks complete with waterfalls and sparkling clear rivers. It is an inviting destination to drop anchor and stay for the quiet and pristine surroundings. Enjoy walking through the picturesque historical center and all the small streets, drinking café and real caipirinha.

Paraty is one of the oldest cities of Brazil. A great portion of the city was preserved and remains as it was four centuries ago. Visit the historical buildings, such as the House of Culture with its painting collection and the many events and exhibitions.

There are many local craft shops in which to pick up a treasure or refuel in one of the local restaurants. Many bars offer live music and refreshing drinks to compliment the perfect atmosphere. Saco do Bom Jardim is the best place for anchoring and to spend the night, close to great restaurants and bars.

Ilha Paqueta

is also a favorite spot near "Ilha Grande". Paqueta is in the Guanamara bay which is known for its beauty. There is a typical snack bar where we can taste delicious seafood. A fishermen own the seafood bar so you can eat it really fresh. You can find calm water depending in which side of the Island we decide to stay.

Ilha Itanhanga

is a little piece of paradise where you can take long walks, dive, climb in a nearby cannon. The view from the top of the hill is amazing. Itanhanga has a little classic colonial style Bed & Breakfast.

Ilha Sao Joao

are two small islands, one of them full of coconut trees is located between Gipoia and Botinas Islands. It’s a good fishing spot. It is also superb for scuba diving and snorkeling because the waters are very clear.

Ilha Botinas

are also known as the sisters islands because of their resemblance. It is the city the Post Card of the area.

The Botinas are the spot in the whole Angra Bay with the clearest waters.

Ilha Porcos

is also known as the Pitanguy Island is the residence of the famous Plastic surgeon. It is one of the biggest islands in Angra dos Reis only surpassed by only Gipoia and Ilha Granda. It is a fauna and flora sanctuary.

360 Islands, more than 2000 beaches. We will have the choice. The final itinerary will be decided between the crew and depending on the weather and wind conditions.

Select this link for more info about the islands and beaches around Angra.

Diving

Angra´s calm, crystal clear waters, its good visibility for most of the year, water average temperature of 23 C (74 F), make it ideal for diving. The waters off the rocky shores of Brandão, Josefa, Redonda and Papagaio islands are recommended for sponges, coral and colorful fish.

The sea bed off Laje Zatim and the Imboassica, Queimada Grande and Queimada Pequena islands is very similar, while the waters off the Botinas and dos Porcos islands are so abundant in fish and so clear that one can see enormous schools, even from the boat.

The wreck of the Panamanian freighter Pinguino, which sank in the Sitio Forte island in 1967, makes a great diving site. At a depth of 15 to 20 meters (50 to 60 feet), divers can explore its hold, engine room and captain's cabin. In Araçatiba inlet, near the Vermelha beach on Ilha Grande, rests the California, a Brazilian vessel that sank in 1866.

In Laje Matariz, there is a helicopter 7 meters (22 feet) down, and the water is so transparent that on clear days even snorkelers can make it. Off one of the bay´s headlands is the wreck of the Bezerra de Menezes, a steam driven freighter that sank in 1860.

There are plenty of small companies and people offering boats guided diving tours; One of them is Aquamaster. Let us know if you want to book a few dives and we will arrange it.

| Links