It sounds like fiction, but it’s true: there’s an island in São Paulo that you can only access by crane. We’re talking about Ilha dos Arvoredos, a paradise on the coast of Guarujá.
Located 1.6 kilometers from Pernambuco Beach, the island surprises tourists with its “unusual entrance”. After a boat trip to the site, you have to board a metal cage that will be lifted by a crane about 10 meters above the sea, towards the local facilities.
But Ilha dos Arvoredos has many other surprises to offer, apart from its unusual access. From unspoiled landscapes and sustainable technologies to works of art and architecture!
Ilha dos Arvoredos: paradise in Guarujá
Until the mid-20th century, the island was just a rock. But in 1950, the Brazilian Navy authorized the site to be used as a research center, and engineer Fernando Lee transformed it into a habitable, self-sustaining island. Since then, study and treatment centers for marine animals have been operating there.
But to the delight of travelers, in 2021 Ilha dos Arvoredos opened its doors to tourism! Thus, this sustainable sanctuary in Guarujá has also become a nature and adventure attraction, allowing visitors a breath of fresh air and breathtaking scenery.
The island is currently under construction, which means that visits have been temporarily suspended. But when they return, you can take advantage of the “adventure on Arvoredos Island” tour, for example, available during the summer. Or the sports tours, with kayak and stand up paddle rental, as well as group ecotourism visits. And the technological and architectural works that make up the space, such as sculptures and solar energy panels, set it apart.
How to get to know it?
As we mentioned above, Ilha dos Arvoredos is temporarily closed for construction work. There is still no forecast for the reopening, but you can keep an eye on the website or social networks of the Sustainable World Project, which manages the site, to find out when they will resume visitation.
But for those who want to prepare themselves, the visit to Ilha dos Arvoredos previously cost R$166 (full price) or R$103 (students, teachers and Guarujá residents). The boat trip to the island cost R$50 per person.
When you get there, the only way to get up to the facilities is by crane, which is supported by a concrete structure in the shape of a phoenix. This is when you can “fly” over the water in a small metal cage. We guarantee it’s an unforgettable experience!
