Brazil's South-East Region
The Ultimate Brazil Travel Guide: Ubatuba
From the hills covered by the Atlantic Rainforest to the rolling waves by the sea, Ubatuba is a tropical paradise
Ubatuba, located on the northern coast of São Paulo state, is a popular beach destination with over 100 beaches surrounded by the Atlantic Forest. The region is known for its biodiversity, offering activities such as surfing, hiking, and birdwatching, particularly in the Serra do Mar State Park. Ubatuba's beaches, including Praia Grande and Praia do Félix, are a favorite among surfers, while the nearby islands like Ilha Anchieta are popular for snorkeling.
The best beaches in Ubatuba
Best easy-access beaches in Ubatuba
These beaches are close to the centre and require minimal planning, making them the most practical option for short stays.
Praia Grande is one of the most accessible and developed beaches, with kiosks and consistent waves
Praia das Toninhas offers moderate waves and a balance between swimming and surfing
Praia do Lázaro has calmer, sheltered water and is commonly used for swimming
Praia da Enseada is another sheltered option with easier conditions
Best beaches in Ubatuba if you have a car
With a car, you can reach beaches that are less crowded and have better water conditions.
Praia do Félix has both calm and more exposed sections
Praia do Prumirim is known for clearer water and views of nearby islands
Praia da Fazenda is located within a protected area and is typically less crowded
Praia da Almada offers a quieter setting with basic facilities
Best remote and less crowded beaches
Some beaches require more effort to reach but offer a more natural setting.
Praia Brava de Camburi is accessed via a trail and has strong waves
nearby beaches in the Camburi area are less developed and receive fewer visitors
Best beaches in Ubatuba for surfing
Itamambuca Beach is one of the main surf beaches in Brazil
Praia Grande has consistent waves close to the centre
Praia Brava de Camburi suits more experienced surfers
Beaches to prioritise if you are short on time
If you only have a few days, focus on a small number of beaches rather than trying to cover the entire coastline.
for convenience: Praia Grande or Lázaro
for better water: Praia do Félix or Prumirim
Top Things to See & Do in Ubatuba
Ubatuba is best known for its beaches, but there are also hiking trails, waterfalls, and nearby islands that can be explored as part of your trip.
Coastal hikes & waterfalls
The Seven Beaches Trail is a coastal trek that links seven beaches between Lagoinha and Fortaleza. The walk is approximately 10 kilometres and passes through Atlantic Forest, rocky coves and fishing communities. Local guides are available.
The trail to Praia do Bonete is longer at 12km and more demanding, passing by small waterfalls. Access is also possible by boat.
Cachoeira da Escada is one of the most accessible waterfalls, located near the road towards Paraty
The surrounding Serra do Mar State Park includes additional trails and natural swimming areas
Beaches and surfing
Itamambuca Beach is considered one of the best surf beaches in Brazil, and regularly hosts competitions
Praia do Félix has two distinct areas: one with calm waters for swimming and one with stronger waves for surfing.
Boat trips and islands
Ilha Anchieta State Park is a short boat trip from Ubatuba. It has beaches, hiking trails, snorkelling sites and ruins of a former prison. Park rangers provide guided tours, and the surrounding waters have coral reefs and abundant marine life.
Wildlife attractions
Projeto Tamar focuses on sea turtle conservation and education
Ubatuba Aquarium includes marine species from Brazil and the Amazon
Is Ubatuba worth visiting?
Ubatuba is worth visiting if you want a relaxing destination focused on beaches and nature. Ubatuba is known for its large number of beaches, many of which are backed by Atlantic Forest and hiking trails, and its laid back surf culture.
When Ubatuba is worth it
you want to explore multiple beaches in one trip
you prefer nature-focused destinations over cities
you are travelling with a car
When it may not be the best fit
you are looking for a compact destination where everything is walkable
you want strong nightlife or a city atmosphere
How long to spend in Ubatuba
How long you stay in Ubatuba depends on how many beaches you want to visit and whether you plan to explore both the north and south of the coastline. I recommend to spend at least 3 days in Ubatuba to hike the 7 beaches trail, and visit a variety of the town's local beaches and waterfalls.
2 to 3 days (short visit)
You can visit a few beaches close to your base, but you will not cover much of the coastline. You can:
focus mostly on central beaches or one other area (north or south)
see 2-3 beaches and do one hiking trail
4 to 5 days (ideal for most visitors)
This is the best balance for most trips. You can:
explore several beaches in one or two regions in depth
complete some longer hikes, including the 7 Beaches Trail
include short drives to nearby areas without rushing
6 days or more
With additional time, you can:
explore both the north and south coasts, and do a variety of hikes
ideal if you plan to surf or travel at a slower pac
Where to stay in Ubatuba
In Ubatuba, the coastline is long and spread out, and while there is a main road connecting everything, travel times between areas can add up. Unless you have a car, where you stay will likely impact what you can see. The most popular areas for tourists to stay in Ubatuba are Itaguá, Tenório and Praia Grande. Itaguá attracts visitors looking for nightlife, restaurants and easy access to city amenities. Tenório is popular for its calm beach close to the centre and convenience. Praia Grande is chosen by families and groups for its large sandy beach and range of facilities.
Find cheap accommodation for your stay in Ubatuba, or see my recommendations below.
Best area to stay in Ubatuba for most visitors
Central Ubatuba (Itaguá / Centro)
This is the most practical option, especially for shorter stays.
central location along the coastline
access to restaurants, shops, and services
good base for exploring both north and south beaches
Best places to stay for a central stay in Ubatuba:
Casa Melville Hospedagem (availability)
Ubatuba Praia Hotel (availability)
Best for beaches and convenience
Praia Grande / Tenório
close to central Ubatuba
easy beach access with good infrastructure
popular and can be busy in peak periods
Best places to stay in Praia Grande / Tenorio:
Hostel Trópico de Capricórnio - good for backpackers on a budget (availability)
Best for quieter beaches (north)
Itamambuca
one of the main surf beaches in the region
more natural setting with fewer high-rise buildings
quieter than central areas
Best places to stay in the north of Ubatuba:
Pousada Canto do Dado (availability)
Best for relaxed stays (south)
Lázaro / Domingas Dias / Enseada
In the south, various beaches such as Praia do Lázaro, Domingas Dias, Praia da Enseada, and Praia do Sapê offer quieter alternatives with calmer water and fewer crowds.
calmer water and more sheltered beaches, good for swimming
popular for families
less crowded than Praia Grande
Best places to stay in the South of Ubatuba:
Hotel Nacional Inn Ubatuba - best for those who want a resort experience (availability)
Catalina Hotel - rooms with jaccuzis, great for couples (availability)
Villa Sapê Pousada (availability)
Areas to avoid (for most travellers)
staying too far north or south if you don't have a car
choosing remote beaches if you plan to move around frequently
Hiking trail in Ubatuba
Where is Ubatuba, Brazil
Quick Facts about Ubatuba
Population of Ubatuba
92,981 people (IBGE, 2022)
Nickname
People from Ubatuba are called ubatubanos, while people from São Paulo State in general are called paulistas. Ubatuba is nicknamed Ubachuva because of its frequent rain.
Closest airport
The closest airport is located in the city of Sao Paulo
Main bus terminal
Terminal Rodoviário de Ubatuba - Litorânea
How to get to Ubatuba
It is easy to reach Ubatuba by bus from Sao Paulo, as well as from other coastal towns such as Paraty. Sao Paulo is well connected with international and domestic flights.
See all bus connections and find cheap tickets to Ubatuba
How to get to Ubatuba from Sao Paulo
From Sao Paulo's Tiete bus terminal, take a bus directly to Ubatuba. The trip takes around 5-5.5 hours (tickets & timetable).
It is also possible to take a bus directly from the Sao Paulo Airport (GRU) to Ubatuba, taking around 5 hours (tickets & timetable). There is no bus directly from CGH, if arriving at São Paulo Congonhas Airport (CGH), you will have to first head to the Tiete bus terminal.
How to get to Ubatuba from Paraty
Ubatuba is just one hour from the popular coastal town Paraty. There are regular bus connections to Ubatuba from Terminal Rodoviário de Paraty (map). The trip takes around 1.5 hours (tickets & timetable).
How to get to Ubatuba from Rio de Janeiro
From Rio de Janeiro's Novo Rio bus terminal, take a bus directly to Ubatuba. The trip takes around 5 hours (tickets & timetable). You can also book a private transfer.
How to get around Ubatuba
Getting around Ubatuba depends on where you stay and how much of the coastline you plan to explore. While some areas are walkable, most travel between beaches requires a drive due to the length of the coast and the layout of the main road.
Walking is only practical within your immediate base. In areas such as Itaguá and near Praia Grande, you can move between restaurants, shops, and nearby beaches on foot. Outside these zones, distances increase quickly, and walking is not a realistic way to explore multiple beaches.
Using a car is the most efficient way to get around. It allows you to move between the north and south of the coast, get to trailheads and waterfalls, and means you'll need less forward planning. Even with a car, travel times can be longer than expected due to a single coastal road and heavier traffic on weekends and holidays.
Public buses run along the Rio–Santos Highway and connect most of the main beaches and neighbourhoods. This is a reliable and low-cost option, but it is slower and requires planning, particularly if you are trying to visit multiple beaches in one day.
Ride apps such as Uber and 99 are available and work well for short trips, especially in central areas. Availability can be more limited in quieter areas or later at night.
Boat transport is mainly used for accessing islands and a small number of less accessible beaches. Trips to places such as Ilha Anchieta State Park typically depart from the piers on the central beaches and are organised locally.
Things to know before you go
Ubatuba is a coastal town often referred to as the “Surfing Capital of São Paulo,” and for good reason. With over 100 beaches, the town offers a variety of surf spots suitable for all levels, from beginners to advanced surfers. Ubatuba is nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and the Serra do Mar mountains.
Is Ubatuba safe for tourists
Ubatuba is considered a safe destination for visitors. The atmosphere is relaxed, and it is a very different experience compared to larger Brazilian cities. As with any trip, it is still sensible to follow a few simple precautions, but these are more about peace of mind than real risk.
A few tips to stay safe in Ubatuba
Keep an eye on your belongings at the beach, or ask someone to watch them if you go for a swim
Don't walk around with large amounts of cash, carry only the cash you need for the day or a credit card
At night, stick to the main streets or paths where other visitors and locals are walking
Ask your pousada or host if you are unsure about the best routes or areas to explore
Travel insurance for Ubatuba
Travel insurance is not just a nice-to-have, it is an important safety-net that can prevent a stressful incident from turning into an expensive disaster. The reality is that unexpected events can happen on any trip. Even something as simple as missing a connecting flight can lead to unexpected accommodation and transport costs. If you become unwell, medical bills in another country can quickly become expensive. Without insurance, you have to handle all of this on your own in an unfamiliar environment, possibly in a language you do not speak.
I have personally relied on travel insurance multiple times, including when I had belongings stolen in Europe, fell sick while travelling in Asia, and had flights cancelled. In each case, the support I received meant I could focus on solving the problem instead of worrying about costs.
When travelling to Ubatuba, it is especially important to have travel insurance, as the island’s remote location can make access to specialised medical care more difficult. If you plan to take part in activities such as diving, hiking, rock climbing, abseiling, and others, confirm that your policy specifically covers these adventure sports before your trip.
For a small daily cost, you can be covered for a wide range of scenarios, from theft to delayed flights and medical emergencies. Having one phone number to call and a company that deals with the problem for you is worth far more than the price of the policy. I personally use Safety Wing, and I recommend them to friends, family, and anyone travelling internationally. You can get a quote here.
Resources for planning your trip to Ubatuba
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