Bonete Beach, Remote beach in Ilhabela, Brazil
Bonete Beach is a 1.5-kilometer stretch of soft sand that meets the deep blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean, bordered by dense green mountains and forests. The landscape remains undeveloped and shows the natural character of this cove without modern structures or infrastructure.
The beach preserves traces of sambaquieiros indigenous settlements, whose inhabitants built substantial burial grounds from shells and stones centuries before Portuguese arrival. These early marks show the long human history of this coastal area.
Local fishermen maintain traditional boat-building techniques by crafting vessels from single tree trunks using methods passed down through generations. These skills remain central to the community's connection with the sea and daily life.
You can reach this beach either by a challenging hike through the Atlantic Forest or by boat from Ilhabela's main port. The best time to visit is on calm days, when boat journeys are safer and forest trails are easier to navigate.
At night, under specific conditions, the waters can glow from bioluminescent plankton that illuminate the waves with a soft light. This natural phenomenon occurs only at certain times and makes a nighttime visit particularly memorable for those who witness it.
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