Ubatuba can be explored through different themes: protected coastal landscapes, rainforest, cultural heritage, and activities related to the sea and the environment. When planning your outings, it helps to distinguish between these highlights: some places are suited to observing nature, while others offer historical context or a specific viewpoint.
Coast, Rainforest and Traditional Communities
The Núcleo Picinguaba of Parque Estadual Serra do Mar protects five beaches: Brava da Almada, Fazenda, Picinguaba, Cambury, and Brava do Cambury. These five names provide a specific reference point if you want the coastal landscape to be the focus of your trip.
The Núcleo also includes traditional communities in Vila de Picinguaba, Cambury, Sertão da Fazenda, and Sertão do Ubatumirim. In these communities, you can experience traditional caiçara and quilombola cultures. This cultural focus complements the natural highlights with the ways of life associated with this landscape.
Another landscape feature is Pico do Corcovado. It lies in a protected area of Atlantic Forest and, at about 1,168 meters, is one of Ubatuba’s highest points. This elevation places the peak among the region’s notable landscape features without implying any particular route or hiking time.
Sea, River and Different Outings
Aquário de Ubatuba was founded in February 1996 and is an educational and recreational destination focused on coastal environmental protection. It has one of the country’s largest saltwater tanks, with sharks and rays. At the penguin enclosure, visitors can take part in feeding the penguins. The aquarium therefore highlights both the coastal environment and opportunities to observe specific animals.
In 1991, Projeto Tamar in Ubatuba became the first base established by Tamar in a sea turtle feeding area on the Brazilian coast. The visitor center is located on the base grounds and covers 2,500 m². Current visitor offerings may vary; if a visit is important to your plans, check what is currently available in advance.
For a nature activity on the water, one option is the Trilha Fluvial on the Rio Fazenda. The excursion uses rowing aluminum boats, and you can observe mangrove and restinga habitats. The Trilha das 7 praias offers a different experience: it is approximately 10 kilometers long and links Lagoinha and Fortaleza beaches via seven beaches. Comparing them can help you choose between a named beach route and an activity featuring river landscapes and boats.
Praia Vermelha do Norte and Itamambuca in northern Ubatuba are described as traditional surf spots. If surfing is one of your interests, these two names offer a specific point of reference for planning your trip.
Cultural Heritage and Viewpoints
The Ruínas da Lagoinha are remains from the early 19th century, associated with a prosperous period in Ubatuba’s history and protected by CONDEPHAAT. In 2001, Cadeia Velha was recognized as Ubatuba’s municipal historical heritage site and became the home of the Museu Histórico “Washington de Oliveira.” Opening arrangements at Cadeia Velha may vary; check what is available before planning a visit.
For a view of the bay and two beaches, São Pedro Pescador viewpoint is a specific point of reference. It can be reached via an entrance after the Perequê-Açu bridge. From the base of the statue, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Baía de Ubatuba, as well as Cruzeiro and Itaguá beaches.
Getting There and Local Traditions
The route depends on which direction you are coming from: From Taubaté, the SP-125, Rodovia Oswaldo Cruz, leads toward Ubatuba. From Santos and Rio de Janeiro, Ubatuba can be reached via the BR-101, Rodovia Rio-Santos.
The Festival do Camarão is also part of the local picture: at the municipal level, it is one of Ubatuba’s longest-running festivals. If the festival is relevant to your trip, check the dates in advance.
Discover more destinations: Estrela do Norte, Vargem, São Bento do Sapucaí, Tupã, Pindamonhangaba, Altinópolis, Rebouças, Rancharia.
For the broader travel overview: São Paulo.
