If you’re looking for a quiet getaway from the hustle and bustle of the capital, you need to visit Montão de Trigo Island! This hidden gem off the coast of São Paulo enchants visitors with its natural beauty and absolute tranquillity, the result of its isolation in the open sea.
The “pointed island” belongs to São Sebastião and is approximately 10 kilometers from the mainland. A short boat ride is all it takes to reach this paradise, with its transparent waters and practically untouched Atlantic Forest.
Adventure destination and caiçara culture
The island has around 60 caiçara residents, who live mainly from artisanal fishing. It’s worth taking the opportunity to get to know this sustainable way of life and talk to the “monteiros”, who maintain their traditions and even have their own accent. They even have local legends, such as that the island was inhabited by pirates many years ago.
In addition to the cultural immersion, visitors can take trails through the forest that lead to the top of Montão de Trigo, revealing an unforgettable panoramic view. The crystal-clear sea that surrounds the coast is ideal for windsurfing, snorkeling and diving at different depths. If you’re lucky, you might even spot impressive animals such as dolphins, rays or turtles.
Because of the rocky coastline, there are no sandy beaches on Montao de Trigo Island. But don’t worry: on low tide days, you can enjoy a natural pool of emerald waters that leaves nothing to be desired.
How to get to Montão de Trigo Island?
To visit this tropical paradise, we recommend that you book your tour in advance through specialized agencies such as Montão de Trigo Tour or MaresiasTour. Access is via a 40-minute boat transfer from the beaches of Maresias, Boiçucanga or Barra do Una in São Sebastião.
The best time to visit the region is in summer, when the high temperatures and clear skies make the blue sea stand out even more. Finally, an important detail: despite being an isolated destination, you don’t have to be totally disconnected on Ilha Montão de Trigo. There’s plenty of internet and phone reception.