Baleia Beach

From the slow movement of continents, grain to grain, was shaped the special geography that distinguish the shore of São Sebastião, in São Paulo state. The ones that have been there know that there is no monotony in the landscape: each one of the beaches is different, in size, kind of sand and format.

Between Barra do Sahy and Camburi beaches, Praia da Baleia (that means whale beach) is one of the most beautiful places in this shore. The name was inspired  by the island that takes place in front of the beach: it looks like the marine mammalian. Large, flat and with long extension, it has a calm sea that is good for baths. But in the right side, in the called Canto Mágico (magic corner), the waves jolly up the surf lovers. The rough sand is appropriate for hikes, running, and biking. The main thing, however, is that Baleia beach offer genuine peacefulness for its guests: with few trade shops, the ambiance is familiar and rest away from the noisy places. By the other hand, if the intention is night amusements, there are plenty of options in the nearby beaches such as Camburi, Boiçucanga and Maresias.

But the natural attractions invite for exploration. The Barra do Sahy beach, at a 10 minute walk from Pousada Azul Maria, is other gorgeous spot of the shore. In horseshoe format, the white sand frame the calm sea, that blinks in green tones. In the corner of the beach, Sahy river holds other surprises such as the centenary little church called Capela Vila Caiçara.

Less known are the amazing islands of the area. There is a number of them near Baleia beach, such as Ilha das Couves, Ilha dos Gatos and the one called simply As Ilhas (the islands). The first one is near Barra do Sahy and it's usually visited by divers, because of the variety of marine species. Even though it has no beach of sand, it holds a small port of rocks and a tiny cave sculptured by the sea in a 10 meters high rock. On the other hand, As Ilhas have two virgin beaches that cheer up bathers and snorkeling adepts: there is an infinity of fish species.

But it's Ilha dos Gatos (island of the cats), a 10 minute boat ride from Camburi, which has the most curious history. During the 1950's, it was bought by Nelson Rockefeller's family. It is said that he saw the place as a possible bunker anti-nuclear – he was afraid that Cold War would end with the soundless bang of an atomic bomb. To serve as a private shelter, he built above the island a mansion, made with the rocks burst from the island itself. The ruins of this house are still there, between trees that grew inside. Besides the bizarre story, the nature also justify a tour. Around the small beach, the vegetation is plentiful and the crystalline sea reveal fishes, and sometimes even dolphins that visit this curious refuge.  

On the other side, in Tuim Parque, the ecological park located in Barra do Una beach, it's possible to trek in the surroundings of Atlantic Forest, bath in waterfalls, practice Arvorismo (walk and cross trees) and even ride a kayak. By means of booking, Pousada Azul Maria offers tours to Tuim Park, as long as boat rides to the islands and guides for trekking in trails. Venture yourself.