Excursion Saco do ceu – beach and mangroves ecosystem tour at Ilha Grande

Sail into the mystical Enseada das Estrelas (Cove of the Stars). Your journey begins at Praia de Fora (Outer Beach), where the gentle Perequê River meets the sea, before continuing to the remarkable Saco do Céu (Bag of the Sky or Sky's Pouch).

Saco do Céu earned its poetic name from both its distinctive pouch-like shape and the mesmerizing way it mirrors the star-filled sky on calm nights. Here, nature unveils its splendor with crystalline waters as serene as a lake, bordered by rich mangrove forests that comprise over half its coastline. These protected waters teem with marine life – from clusters of oysters to busy crustaceans making their home among the roots.

The cove holds more than just natural wonders; it harbors tales of pirates who once used this hidden haven to ambush Portuguese galleons laden with gold as they departed Ilha Grande Bay. Your adventure culminates at a fishing village, where you'll discover one of Ilha Grande's most acclaimed restaurants, nestled within the mangroves themselves.

Points of interests

Points of Interest: Enseada das Estrelas, Praia de Fora and Saco do Céu

Note

Please note: While this tour involves little walking, guests must be able to board and disembark the schooner boat. There is no pier at the stops; guests must be able to dive into the water directly from the boat; reboarding the schooner requires ability to climb up appx. five steps of side stairs over the boat’s edge. At the fishing village, guests will disembark the boat on the restaurant. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility or who require the use of a wheelchair. Beverages and seafood lunch are included; guests with any seafood allergies must alert the Shore Concierge in advance of tour to determine if an option can be provided. Children of all ages are welcome to participate but are the responsibility of their guardian(s) at all times. All guests should be prepared with beach towel, swimwear, sun hat/visor, and sunscreen.