Ilha do Cardoso, Protected island in São Paulo coast, Brazil
Ilha do Cardoso is a protected island off São Paulo's coast with diverse habitats including Atlantic Forest, mangroves, marshes, beaches, and hilly terrain. The landscape shifts from flat coastal areas to elevated ground in the interior.
The island served as a key survey point during early European exploration, with Amerigo Vespucci using it as a boundary marker in 1501. This marking helped document the division of newly encountered lands between European powers.
The Caiçara residents here follow ancestral ways, practicing traditional fishing tied to the coastal rhythms that shape their daily lives. Their presence reflects a long relationship between communities and this coastal land.
Access requires a boat journey from Cananéia, with transport options varying based on weather and season. Visitors should prepare for natural conditions and follow local guidelines for the island.
The waters surrounding this island are home to river dolphins that can move between ocean and freshwater river environments. These rare mammals are a special marker of the rich marine life here.
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