São Sebastião

Aparas Island, in Toque-Toque Pequeno, São Sebastião: a postcard spot with Atlantic Forest, sunset, snorkeling and a trail to the viewpoint, with views of Maresias and Alcatrazes.

Aparas Island is a natural formation about 1 km long located directly in front of Toque Toque Pequeno Beach on the North Coast of São Sebastião — just 5 km from Maresias. Its horizontal silhouette, covered in Atlantic Forest, composes one of the most recognizable postcards of this stretch of coastline, especially on summer evenings when the sun sets exactly behind it as seen from the beach.

Landscape and Nature
As a rocky, densely vegetated island with no visitor infrastructure, Aparas Island remains intact and functions as an almost scenic element — it is what defines the horizon of Toque Toque Pequeno, framing the calm, clear waters of the beach, which is characterized by a steep drop-off, ideal for relaxed swimming. Behind the island, on days of good visibility, it is possible to make out the silhouette of the Alcatrazes Archipelago — one of the most important marine wildlife refuges on the São Paulo coast.

Diving
The waters around Aparas Island are recognized as an excellent option for free diving and snorkeling, with good visibility and a diverse marine fauna on the rocky outcrops. The combination of waters sheltered by the island's position and the richness of the submerged rocky substrate attracts both beginners and experienced divers who depart from Toque Toque beach.

Aparas Island Viewpoint
One of the region's best-kept secrets is the Aparas Island Viewpoint trail — a 3 km route along the coast of Toque Toque Pequeno Beach, through the Atlantic Forest, culminating in a viewpoint with panoramic views of Aparas Island itself, the beaches of Toque Toque Pequeno, Santiago and Maresias and the open sea. The trail is rated easy, lasts approximately 3 hours, and has a history of sightings of sloths, squirrels, dolphins and turtles along the route.

Practical Information

Location: In front of Toque Toque Pequeno Beach — São Sebastião

Island access: There is no visitor infrastructure; access only by private boat

Diving: From the beach shore or by boat

Viewpoint trail: 3 km, easy level, starting from the Toque Toque Pequeno beachfront

No reviews yet for this item.