Ilha da Jipoia, Island in Ilha Grande Bay, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Ilha da Jipoia, also spelled Ilha da Gipóia, is an island in Ilha Grande Bay near Angra dos Reis, in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. It is the second largest island in the bay, with a forested interior, several beaches of varying character, and a central peak close to 290 meters (950 ft) high.
In 1597, English explorer Anthony Knivet sailed past the island and noted its shape resembled a snake. The name likely comes from a Tupi word referring to a type of snake, connecting the island's appearance to its identity from early on.
The island goes by two spellings, Ilha da Jipoia and Ilha da Gipóia, both widely used in the region. Visitors today can still see fishing nets strung between trees near the shore, a sign that fishing remains part of daily life alongside tourism.
The island is only reachable by boat, and the most common departure point on the mainland is Praia do Bonfim in Angra dos Reis. Booking the boat transfer in advance is a good idea, as some operators and guesthouses require a reservation and crossings follow set hours.
A Brazilian warship sank near the island in the 1930s, an episode that few visitors are aware of today. Before tourism took over, the island also had a sardine factory that operated until the 1960s, leaving behind a very different memory of what life once looked like here.
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