
Ilha do Cardoso
A boat in Dolphin Bay, a fishing village and deserted beaches
On São Paulo’s southern coast, on the Paraná border, the park created in 1962 covers 15,000 hectares and is a UNESCO Natural World Heritage site. No cars, no power grid and no mobile signal at Marujá. Two days bring boats, dunes, an abandoned village and a waterfall.
Why go
Sunrise by boat
You arrive through Dolphin Bay. Depending on the tide, they show up.
Ararapira, the ghost town
A village founded by the Portuguese crown in the 18th century, now abandoned.
A real disconnect
Solar power, Wi-Fi only, few people and a sunset to close the day.
Almost everything included
Boat, lodging, breakfasts, two lunches and dinner are in the package.
Photos of the place
Itinerary
Dolphins, dunes and Ararapira
- Arrive before dawn and take a boat through Dolphin Bay at sunrise
- Breakfast in the fishing village and walk to the rocky shore
- Lunch and speedboat to Ararapira, passing the dunes
- Deserted island on the SP-Paraná border, afternoon coffee and sunset
Cachoeira Grande
- Breakfast at 8 a.m. and a visit to Cachoeira Grande
- Lunch and heading back to São Paulo
What’s included
- Round-trip transport São Paulo / Cananéia (with-transport option)
- Speedboat between Cananéia, Marujá, Ararapira and Dolphin Bay
- 1 night in a simple double or triple room
- 2 breakfasts, 1 afternoon coffee, 2 lunches and 1 dinner
- Travel insurance
- Certified adventure tourism guide
Not included
- Personal expenses
Is it for me?
- Rooms are simple, with fans, no AC. Solar power is limited.
- There are no shops or bars at Núcleo Marujá, and phones work on Wi-Fi only.
Where it is
What to bring
- Swimwear and towel
- Sunscreen and insect repellent
- Sneakers for the trail
- Cash for extras
FAQ
Why do we leave the night before?
So we arrive early and enjoy the whole day. The trip date is the activity day; boarding is the night before, as shown under "Meeting point".
Can I drive to Cananéia?
Yes. With the no-transport option, you meet the group in Cananéia for the boat.
How do I book?
Choose the date, option and number of travelers and check out. Your booking is confirmed once payment is approved and the confirmation email is sent. Read purchase and cancellation
What if it rains or the weather changes?
For safety, the route may be adjusted or rescheduled if there’s a risk. See Purchase and cancellation (in Portuguese). Read purchase and cancellation
Can I cancel?
Yes. The amount retained depends on how far in advance you cancel. Full rules are in Purchase and cancellation (in Portuguese). Read purchase and cancellation
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