Backed by the rainforest-blanketed mountains of Serra do Mar National Park, Ubatuba is a picturesque coastal town in the Brazilian state of São Paulo. It’s renowned for its surf breaks and hosts professional competitions throughout the year and is a gateway to the wildlife-filled island of Anchieta.
Things to do in Ubatuba
Stretching north of Ubatuba is Praia do Pereque Acu, which lies at the mouth of the Rio da Barra Seca. It offers picturesque views of the surrounding mountains and is backed by several beach bars where you can grab drinks and snacks throughout the day. Further north is Praia de Itamambuca, which is renowned for its powerful surf.
A short boat ride from Ubatuba is the former prison island of Ilha Anchieta, which is now protected as a state park. Its forested hills provide important habitat for coatis while the surrounding waters are a feeding ground for sea turtles. You can relax on the golden sands of Praia do Presídio, which stretches in front of the prison ruins, or come face-to-face with local marine life at the Aquario Natural.
Sharks and Magellanic penguins can be observed at the Ubatuba Aquarium, which was founded in 1996 by a group of oceanographers. It’s home to one of the largest saltwater tanks in Brazil, as well as a touch tank where you can get hands-on with sea cucumbers, urchins and starfish. Learn about the devastating impacts of plastic pollution on our oceans before relaxing with a drink at the on-site cafe.
Getting around Ubatuba
Ubatuba is around three hours’ drive from São Paulo and Guarulhos International Airport, which has flights to destinations across the globe. Regular buses connect to Ubatuba and travel throughout the town while boats can be rented for visiting Ilha Anchieta.