Cradled between emerald mountains and turquoise bays, Ubatuba is the crown jewel of São Paulo’s “Costa Verde.” Once a Tupi-Guarani stronghold and later a 19th-century coffee-shipping port, today it’s famed for pristine Atlantic Forest, surf breaks, and more than 100 beaches—each with its own mood. It’s also a hub of caiçara culture: traditional fishing, banana plantations, and wood-fired kitchens that perfume the night air.

Expect variety. North of town you’ll find wild crescents like Itamambuca and Félix (with hidden Praia do Português); southbound lie family-friendly Lázaro and Sununga with its “weeping” grotto. Offshore, Ilha Anchieta State Park hides a storied ex-prison among tropical trails and stellar snorkeling. On land, classic hikes like the Seven Beaches Trail string coves together like pearls.

Practical notes: summer (Dec–Mar) brings heat and occasional heavy rains—start hikes early and watch road updates after storms. Pack reef-safe sunscreen, bug repellent, and cash for beach kiosks and boat fees. Ubatuba’s cuisine leans ocean-to-table: moquecas, grilled peixe with banana-da-terra, and caipirinhas muddled with just-picked limes.

Ubatuba

Ubatuba sprawls along the Serra do Mar, where rainforest tumbles into the sea. Surfers chase consistent swells at Itamambuca; families gravitate to calm Lázaro; snorkelers love Anchieta’s sheltered coves. In town, Itaguá’s waterfront hums with cafés, seafood spots, and an evening passeggiata along Av. Guarani.

Top sights and experiences include Projeto Tamar (sea turtle conservation), the Ubatuba Aquarium (great on rainy days), Ilha Anchieta State Park (ruins, trails, and reefs), and day hikes linking pocket beaches. Food-wise, seek caiçara flavors—banana, cassava, and just-landed fish—alongside casual pizza-and-chope evenings.

• Where to stay: Base in Itaguá (walkable dining, bay views), Praia Grande/Toninhas (easy beach access), or Itamambuca (surf-and-jungle vibe). Browse stays on VRBO Ubatuba or Hotels.com Ubatuba.
• How to get there: Fly into São Paulo (GRU/CGH) or Rio (GIG/SDU) via Trip.com flights or Kiwi.com. Then rent a car (3.5–4.5 hours from São Paulo; 4.5–5.5 hours from Rio). Intercity buses run 4.5–6 hours depending on route.
• Good to know: Many beaches charge for parking; carry small bills. Boat trips typically depart from Saco da Ribeira (south) or Picinguaba/Prumirim (north). Sea conditions can change quickly—observe flag warnings and local advice.

Day 1: Arrival, Itaguá Waterfront, and a Low-Key Seafood Night

Morning: Travel to Ubatuba. Aim to arrive with daylight for scenic BR‑101 coastal views. Check in near Itaguá or Praia Grande via Hotels.com Ubatuba or VRBO Ubatuba.

Afternoon: Stretch your legs on the Itaguá promenade along Av. Guarani. Pop into Projeto Tamar (sea turtle tanks and interactive exhibits) if time allows, or save it for tomorrow. Grab açaí or espresso at a local café along the waterfront to reset.

Evening: Dinner in Itaguá. Try Jundu Restaurante for contemporary caiçara seafood—think octopus on the grill and moqueca with banana-da-terra—or split thin‑crust pies and draft beer at Senzala Pizzaria & Choperia. Walk the bay after dinner; on clear nights you’ll see the silhouette of Ilha Anchieta offshore.

Day 2: Sea Turtles, Aquarium, and Paddle on the Bay

Morning: Coffee and fresh‑baked pão de queijo at Padaria Integrale (Itaguá), known for whole‑grain breads and hearty tapiocas. Visit Projeto Tamar Ubatuba when it opens to watch feeding sessions and meet rescued turtles; then continue to the Ubatuba Aquarium for coastal species and a small touch tank—great if you’re traveling with kids.

Afternoon: Rent a kayak or SUP on the protected Itaguá bay, or head to Perequê‑Açu for a laid‑back beach afternoon and a visit to the Ubatuba Fish Market (Mercado de Peixes) where simple counters fry today’s catch. Lunch on grilled peixe with farofa and vinaigrette at a seaside kiosk.

Evening: Sunset caipirinhas back in Itaguá, then dinner at a seafood spot along Av. Leovigildo Dias Vieira—order cascudinho (crispy little fish) or casquinha de siri (baked crab). Cap it with a cup at Tachão de Ubatuba, a beloved stop for banana sweets (bananada) and strong Brazilian coffee.

Day 3: North Coast—Itamambuca Surf and Félix + Praia do Português

Morning: Drive 20–25 minutes north to Itamambuca, one of Brazil’s classic surf beaches. Book a 90‑minute surf class with a local school; beginners learn on the sandbar near the river mouth while intermediates hunt longer rights on the outside. Refuel with açaí bowls and tapioca crepes at a beach kiosk.

Afternoon: Continue 15 minutes to Praia do Félix, a shapely bay with clear water and great shade. On the far right, follow a short path over the rocks to tiny Praia do Português (also called “Caetano”)—a photogenic cove perfect for snorkeling on calmer days. Late lunch at a kiosk on Félix: grilled peixe, rice, beans, and salad served family‑style.

Evening: Return to town. For a casual night, try burgers and craft beer near the Itaguá strip, or keep it ocean-to-table with a simple peixe grelhado at a local seafood house. Gelato or a Rochinha ice cream pop makes an easy dessert as you stroll the promenade.

Day 4: Ilha Anchieta State Park—Prison Ruins, Trails, and Snorkeling

Full Day: Book a schooner or speedboat from Saco da Ribeira to Ilha Anchieta State Park (30–50 minutes each way). Start with the interpretive trail through the island’s former penitentiary—its 20th‑century uprising is a gripping slice of Brazilian history—then walk shaded forest paths to beaches like Palmas, Lopes, or Sul. Snorkel over rocky points where sergeant majors and green turtles patrol; visibility is best in the morning. Boats usually include fruit and water; bring cash for simple snacks and the small park fee, plus your own reef‑safe sunscreen.

Tip: If you prefer a private rhythm, hire a lancha (speedboat) for flexible beach-hopping and better snorkeling windows. Return mid‑afternoon, nap, and finish with a low‑key dinner near your stay.

Day 5: The Seven Beaches Trail (Trilha das Sete Praias)

Morning: Early start to beat the heat. Park at Praia da Lagoinha and hike the classic coastal path that strings together Oeste, Peres, Bonete, Grande do Bonete, Deserta, Cedro do Sul, and ends at Praia da Fortaleza. Expect moderate ups/downs, jungle shade, and frequent swim breaks. Carry at least 2L of water per person, snacks, and bug repellent.

Afternoon: Lunch at a simple beach-side kiosk at Bonete or Fortaleza—grilled fish, rice, beans, and lime-spiked salads. If you’re tired, arrange a taxi/boat back from Fortaleza; otherwise, reverse a shorter section of the trail to your car.

Evening: Easy night. Share pizzas, cold chope, and a green salad in Itaguá, or pick up ingredients and dine in if you’ve booked a kitchen-equipped stay via VRBO Ubatuba.

Day 6: Optional Island-Hopping to Angra dos Reis & Ilha Grande (Big Day Out)

Full Day (Optional): Up for a showstopper? Drive ~2.5–3 hours early to Angra dos Reis and join this catamaran cruise to emerald coves around Ilha Grande—swim spots, sandy stops, and lunch included. It’s long but unforgettable if you love turquoise water and boat days.

Pirate Cataraman Tour Angra dos Reis and Ilha Grande with Lunch (Viator)

Plan B (Stay Local): Prefer to linger near Ubatuba? Head north to Praia da Fazenda in the Serra do Mar State Park for a serene, protected bay and mangrove boardwalk—great for birding and families. Pair it with the nearby Prumirim Waterfall (natural pools) or, when visitation is permitted, a boat over to Ilha das Couves from Picinguaba/Prumirim for snorkeling. Always check daily sea conditions and any visitor caps.

Evening: Back in town, celebrate with a seafood moqueca and a maracujá caipirinha. Dessert idea: stop again at Tachão de Ubatuba for take-home banana sweets.

Day 7: South Beaches—Lázaro, Sununga & the “Weeping” Grotto; Departure

Morning: Pack early and drive 20 minutes south to Praia do Lázaro, a tranquil arc ideal for a last swim. Stroll to adjacent Sununga Beach to see the Gruta que Chora (the “Crying Grotto”) where waves push mist through rock pores—on big-swell days it roars.

Afternoon: If timing allows, hire a small boat from Saco da Ribeira to Sete Fontes Beach for a final dip and simple lunch at a rustic kiosk. Rinse off, return your car, and depart mid‑afternoon for São Paulo or Rio. Search flight options on Trip.com or Kiwi.com.

Evening: Fly home or onward. If you’re overnighting near the airport, keep dinner simple and rehydrate—Brazil’s sun and salt sneak up on you.

Coffee, snacks, and dining cheat-sheet:

• Breakfast/coffee: Padaria Integrale (Itaguá) for artisanal breads and tapiocas; espresso or pour‑over at small cafés lining Av. Guarani; roadside Tachão de Ubatuba for coffee and banana confections.
• Lunch on the sand: Kiosks at Itamambuca, Félix, Bonete, and Lázaro serve grilled fish plates, shrimp pastéis, and açaí bowls—carry cash and expect leisurely service.
• Dinner in town: Jundu Restaurante (creative caiçara plates); Senzala Pizzaria & Choperia (thin‑crust pizzas, cold chope). In nearby Paraty (day trip), celebrated kitchens include Banana da Terra and Quintal das Letras for special occasions.

Optional Rio add‑on before/after Ubatuba: If you’re routing through Rio, consider a one‑day city highlight tour to see Christ the Redeemer, the Selarón Steps, and Sugarloaf with tickets and lunch included—handy when time is tight.

Rio's Full Day: Selarón Steps, Christ & Sugarloaf – Tickets & Lunch Included (Viator)

Seven days in Ubatuba gifts you rainforest mornings, salt‑skinned afternoons, and starlit dinners on a bay that never quite sleeps. From Anchieta’s reefs to Itamambuca’s waves, you’ll cover Brazil’s essential elements—green mountains, blue water, and generous tables—without ever leaving the coast.