Alcatrazes Islands, Marine conservation archipelago near São Sebastião, Brazil.
The Alcatrazes Islands consist of five granite rock formations spread across approximately 170 hectares, located 35 kilometers from the northern São Paulo coast. This protected marine zone features rugged land masses rising from the ocean and home to large bird colonies that occupy the rocky surfaces.
The archipelago was originally inhabited by the Tupinambá people, who called it Uraritã, meaning 'land of birds' in their language. Over time it became a refuge for pirates and later a strategic location in the region's Portuguese colonial history.
The name Alcatrazes comes from Arabic and means 'the diver,' referring to the atobá birds that plunge into the water to catch food. These seabirds remain central to the identity of the islands today and shape what visitors notice when they arrive.
The islands are only accessible through authorized boat operators, with journeys from São Sebastião or Ilhabela taking between one to four hours depending on conditions. Visitors should prepare for rough ocean conditions and bring weather-appropriate clothing and sun protection, as the protected status of the site means strict regulations apply.
The archipelago hosts one of the world's largest concentrations of frigatebirds, with thousands of these large seabirds nesting on the rocky surfaces. These birds take advantage of the wind-rich conditions around the islands to glide and hunt effortlessly through the air.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
