Ilha do Cardoso, Protected island in São Paulo coast, Brazil
Ilha do Cardoso spans 13,500 hectares with diverse ecosystems including Atlantic Forest, mangroves, marshes, beaches, and mountainous terrains reaching 589 meters in elevation.
The island marked the Treaty of Tordesillas boundary between Portuguese and Spanish territories in 1494, with Amerigo Vespucci establishing a marker during his 1501 expedition.
The Caiçaras community of 465 residents maintains traditional fishing practices and operates through a public-community conservation partnership established in 2023.
Access requires a 3-hour ferry ride or 50-minute boat trip from Cananéia, with accommodations available in local pousadas equipped with solar power and generators.
The waters surrounding the island host tucuxi dolphins, which are distinct marine mammals capable of living in both oceanic and riverine environments.
Location: São Paulo
Elevation above the sea: 589 m
GPS coordinates: -25.13167,-47.96639
Latest update: March 20, 2025 12:45
Brazil features natural areas and local sites beyond major cities. The landscape spans from waterfalls and caves to coastal regions and mountains. National parks contain sand formations, lagoons, and coral reefs. Cultural places include traditional villages and historical sites.
The South Region of Brazil combines nature reserves, waterfalls, beaches, and mountain peaks. The region contains geological formations such as canyons and caves, plus islands with archaeological sites. You will find surf areas, hiking trails, and natural parks with subtropical rainforest.
Southeast Brazil combines beaches, caves, waterfalls and mountain villages. The region includes historical sites, nature parks and islands with few visitors. The locations display Brazilian culture and nature in their original form.
Ilha do Mel
56.5 km
Ilha do Cardoso State Park
6 km
Fortaleza de Nossa Senhora dos Prazeres
54.8 km
Ilha do Mel State Park
58.4 km
Superagüi National Park
31.2 km
Guaraqueçaba Environmental Protection Area
43.9 km
Basilica of Our Lady of the Snows, Iguape
62.6 km
Salto Morato Private Natural Heritage Reserve
33.6 km
Guaraqueçaba Ecological Station
50.1 km
Jacupiranga State Park
48.5 km
Cananéia-Iguape e Peruíbe Environmental Protection Area
32.7 km
Lagamar de Cananéia State Park
24.2 km
Ilha do Mel Ecological Station
56.7 km
Cajati Environmental Protection Area
45.8 km
Serra do Mar Ecological Corridor
56.7 km
Ilha Comprida Environmental Protection Area
41.6 km
Jacupiranga Mosaic
40.4 km
Campina do Encantado State Park
57.8 km
Sebuí Private Natural Heritage Reserve
30 km
Casa Elfrida Lobo
69.6 km
Iate Park
61.1 km
Conchas Lighthouse
55.9 km
Igreja Matriz de Cananéia
13.5 km
Igreja da Irmandade de São Benedito
70 km
Igreja do Rosário
62.4 km
Historic center of Cananeia
13.5 km
Quilombo Mandira
14.7 km
Historic center of Iguape
62.6 kmReviews
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