São Sebastião

The Couves Island of São Sebastião is located about 2.4 km off the coast of Barra do Sahy — and it's worth saying right away: it is not the same Couves Island of Ubatuba. The two share the name but are completely different in size, nature and visitor experience.

Landscape and Environment
Unlike As Ilhas, Couves Island does not have a beach proper — it is surrounded by rocky cliffs and walls that prevent the approach of large vessels, creating a naturally protected environment with exceptionally clear waters. On the north face there is a small beach and a pier for mooring. Those arriving by boat or paddle can spot, from a distance, the Toca da Velha — a small cave carved by the sea in a ten-meter-high rock, one of the most singular formations of the archipelago.

Diving and Marine Life
It is a paradise for divers from the South Coast. The waters around the island host a rich and diverse marine fauna: colorful fish, turtles, rays, corals and benthic fauna on the rocky outcrops. The combination of submerged walls, good visibility and absence of larger vessels makes snorkeling and freediving genuinely spectacular.

Camping Vagalume
The most special feature of Couves Island is the possibility of overnight stays — Camping Vagalume, run by a resident couple who welcome visitors with hospitality, offers:

Campsite area with full infrastructure (bathrooms, fresh water, kitchen, barbecue)

Airbnb listing with more than 100 reviews

Limited daily visitor capacity — which preserves tranquility and the ecosystem

Trails across the island and conversations with the locals for those who want more than a swim

How to Get There
Boat — departures from Barra do Sahy, Barra do Una, Juquehy, Camburi and Boiçucanga; the Rota das Ilhas includes Couves Island, Ilha dos Gatos and As Ilhas in a single tour

Hawaiian canoe or SUP — on calm sea days, with organized departures from Juquehy Beach, always with a guide

Prices: from R$40 for a boat trip; camping separate, by reservation

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