Monday, March 3, 2013 Ilhabela, Brazil (pronounced ill-ha-bel-a)
After traveling 210 miles south from Rio, the Crown Princess arrived off shore of the Island of Ilhabela (1806) at 7:30am. Four tender boats were then lowered. These boats would take us to this island known for its golden sand beaches, emerald waters and unspoiled landscapes. 85% of the island is designated as Ilhabela State Park.
After breakfast in our room, Larry and I went to the 4th deck and boarded a tender boat right away....with 2200 passengers on board, it was amazing how efficiently things moved along. The view from tiny boat was awesome. High rolling mountains of lush green foliage. We were told that inland the island had many beautiful waterfalls; however, you had to have a four wheel drive to get to them. The little tender boat wisked us across the calm Sao Sebastiao Channel to the Tender Pier where we walked around the quaint town of Vila. This charming colonial town had little cafes, museums, and quaint shops as well as a small grocery/butcher shop.
We walked up two flights of steep steps up the hill to the old Church of "Our Lady of Help" affording us gorgeous views out to the Sao Sebastiao Channel and marina of numerous ships and sailboats.
With 80 miles of coastline, a two mile wide canal between mainland and island, calm waters and strong winds, the area has become the Brazilian Capitol of Sailing.
After taking in several sights we boarded the local island bus and enjoyed following the coastline to the little town of Barra Velha where you could catch a car ferry to the mainland. The views across the water were fantastic with little beach cafes and places to just relax under a palm tree.
We wandered around the town, shopped, and had lunch before boarding the island bus and heading back around 1:30pm. The bus took a mountain route through a different part of the island on the way back. We viewed local life up close. We got off the bus and walked along the waterfront about a mile back into Vila. We enjoyed every step with fantastic views of our ship and the water.
Jet skis, paddle boats, canoes, kayaks, wind surfers and all kinds of boating vessels were spotted out enjoying the day on the water.
Upon arriving into the town we stopped at one of the seaside cafes, had a refreshing drink and listened to a wonderful little Brazilian jazz band.
We boarded the tender boat and arrived back at the ship around 3:30pm, half an hour before the last tender was suppose to leave the island. Ilhabela means beautiful island....that is exactly what it is! It was our favorite place that we have visited on this trip so far.
We headed to our favorite place on the boat....the very back of the ship on the 15th deck. With soothing music and a gorgeous view of the island, we sat back and took in the last views of Brazil. What an amazing place!
Ilhabela was a gorgeous island with mountains rising from the sparkling blue waters, shady beaches, scenic views, cool breezes, and wonderful music. As they say in Costa Rica..."Pura Vida"....meaning everything is as good as it gets!
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