Just 35 kilometers off the coast of the state of São Paulo is a paradise with landscapes that look like they’re straight out of a tropical movie: the Alcatrazes Archipelago Wildlife Refuge. Located in front of the municipality of São Sebastião, the group of islands attracts attention for its clear waters, large rocky walls and almost untouched nature , characteristics that make it one of the most surprising trips on the São Paulo coast.
Until a few years ago, however, the scenario was different: the Alcatrazes Archipelago was used as a base for firing practice by the Brazilian Navy. After a lot of pressure from researchers, the area became the Alcatrazes Refuge and began to receive tourists – always under strict rules to keep the ecosystem protected.
Alcatrazes Refuge: from shooting target to nature sanctuary
The history of the Alcatrazes Archipelago begins long before the Wildlife Refuge was created. Since the 18th century, fishermen and caiçaras from São Sebastião used the islands as a fishing area, integrating them into the life and traditions of the coast.
From the 1980s onwards, however, during the military dictatorship, the Navy began to use the site for cannon firing exercises. The tests were frowned upon by researchers and civilians, especially since 2004, when they caused a fire that destroyed 20 hectares of vegetation and killed countless animals. As a result, criticism gained momentum and the federal government suspended military use, officially creating the Alcatrazes Refuge in 2016.
Today, the Alcatrazes Archipelago is home to more than 1,300 animal species, including fish, birds, reptiles and mammals – more than 100 of which are threatened with extinction. This rich fauna takes refuge amidst an exuberant and unspoiled landscape, surrounded by blue sea and imposing walls.
Embark on this tour to paradise
To visit the islands, you need to book a tour with tour companies accredited by the Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation (ICMBio). You can choose between the Embarked Visit, with observation of the fauna and the possibility of snorkeling , or Scuba Diving, with dive sites of varying difficulty.
The main objective of the Refuge is to protect the Alcatrazes species. For this reason, tourists are not allowed to fish, land on the island or visit it with their own boats. The entire tour takes place on board or in the water, always in the company of authorized guides, but make no mistake: the experience is still transformative. The itinerary allows you to observe dolphins, turtles and whales, as well as experience scenery that seems like another planet. But it’s right there, just off the coast of São Paulo!
What’s more, a trip to the Alcatrazes Archipelago Wildlife Refuge provides the perfect excuse to explore the charms of São Sebastião. The city, voted one of the most “off the beaten track” in the world, is the ideal destination for a coastal getaway. Check out our guide to the best beaches in São Sebastião and enjoy!
