Bonete Beach in Ilhabela

About Bonete Beach

Bonete Beach is one of Ilhabela’s most special places, at the far southern tip of the island. Surrounded by Atlantic Forest, it has open sea, light sand and an unspoilt landscape that delights anyone looking to connect with nature.

Bonete is known for its rustic setting, natural beauty and calm atmosphere, ideal for seeing a more authentic side of Ilhabela. Beyond the beach, it offers a unique cultural experience, with a traditional caiçara community that keeps its traditions and its bond with the sea alive.

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The caiçara community

Bonete village is home to the archipelago’s largest traditional caiçara community, according to the city council. Its history is tied to the ocean, artisanal fishing and knowledge passed down through generations.

Fishing, regional cooking, local customs and hospitality are part of the community’s identity. Being relatively isolated from central Ilhabela, the village keeps its own character and a way of life closer to nature.

📲 See Bonete in stories

Tap a circle and swipe through the videos to discover the community, the sea and the village.

Fishermen pushing a colourful caiçara canoe at Bonete Beach

Colourful caiçara canoes on the sand at Bonete

Fishermen rowing an artisanal fishing canoe

Bonete resident sitting in a hammock doing handicrafts

View from above of the Nema river, with boats and fishermen’s huts at Bonete

Stone trail through the Atlantic Forest on the way to Bonete

Images: courtesy

What to discover in the community

Caiçara cultureThe residents’ stories, customs and way of life.

Artisanal fishingThe community’s long relationship with the sea.

Local foodDishes made with fish and regional ingredients, depending on availability.

Local businessesSmall shops and services run by residents.

💡 Tip: respect residents’ privacy, ask before photographing people or homes, and support local businesses during your visit.

Scalea tourBeach tour by boatNorth or South route, full day. R$ 290 per person.See routes →

Surfing at Bonete Beach

Bonete Beach is one of the best-known spots in Ilhabela for anyone looking for waves, unspoiled nature and a surf experience far from city bustle. Facing the open ocean, the beach has a wild landscape and a strong bond between the sea and caiçara culture.

Surfing is part of Bonete’s identity, drawing surfers in search of waves and an authentic experience on one of the most preserved beaches of São Paulo’s north coast.

🌊 What are the waves like?

Because it faces the open ocean, Bonete receives swells that can create good surfing conditions, depending on swell direction and size, wind and tide.

Waves and swellsConditions vary a lot through the year and can change from one day to the next.

Open oceanThe sea can bring powerful waves, currents and conditions that call for experience.

Experienced surfersOn big days, assess the conditions carefully before paddling out.

No guaranteed wavesThere is no set season for good waves: check the marine forecast and talk to local surfers before planning a session.

📅 Best time to surf

Autumn and winter tend to be good periods for surfing in Bonete, when south and southeast swells can produce bigger waves. Conditions depend on the mix of swell, wind and tide.

🤙 Surf and the caiçara community

Surfing in Bonete goes beyond sport: it is part of the residents’ relationship with the ocean and of the community’s identity. Knowledge of the sea is passed down through generations, and local surfers play an important role in keeping this culture alive.

A highlight is the Traditional Communities Surf Championship, which brings together local and visiting athletes, encourages children and young people to take part and celebrates the sport in caiçara communities. The 6th edition took place on 7 and 8 March 2026, with more than 60 athletes.

To follow upcoming editions, see the official Instagram profile: @campeonatosurfbonete.

✅ Tips for surfing in Bonete

Respect the localsWatch how the line-up works and respect wave priority.

Read the seaWaves can be powerful, with strong currents and fast changes.

Talk to residentsExperienced local surfers can advise on the day’s conditions and precautions.

Plan your accessThe beach can only be reached by trail or boat: arrange transport and gear in advance.

Protect the placeTake your rubbish back with you and respect the community and nature.

⚠️ Warning: Bonete can be demanding. Do not go in on heavy days without experience that matches the conditions.

📸 Bonete surf gallery

Crowd watching the Traditional Communities Surf Championship in Bonete

Kids paddling on surfboards during the Bonete championship

Athletes with surfboards on the sand before a heat

Surfer carving on a green board in Bonete

Surfer in a red rash vest carving in Bonete

Surfer in a yellow rash vest hitting the lip

Winner celebrating on friends’ shoulders in Bonete

Surfers on a big wave in the corner of Bonete

Surfer inside a barrel by the Bonete rocks

Images: Portal Arquipélago Ilhabela and promotional

Rivers and waterfalls

💧 Poço Fundo Waterfall

Beyond the sea and the waves, Bonete hides small freshwater retreats in the Atlantic Forest. One of them is Poço Fundo Waterfall, near the caiçara community and reached by a short trail.

🥾 How to get there: once at Bonete Beach, head towards the community and ask residents for directions to Poço Fundo Waterfall. It is a short walk on a trail of about 10 minutes from the beach.

Along the way you pass native vegetation, and at the end you find small cascades and a natural pool, perfect for enjoying nature and cooling off.

Crystal-clear pool reflecting the sky at Poço Fundo Waterfall

Rocks and clear water in the Poço Fundo stream

Visitor relaxing on a branch over the waterfall pool

Rapids among rocks and Atlantic Forest in Bonete

Dog playing in the shallow water at Poço Fundo

Images: promotional

Tips for your visit

Grippy footwearThe rocks can be slippery.

Watch the rainAvoid visiting during heavy rain or when the water level is high.

No litterProtect the place and leave nothing behind.

Check with residentsTrail conditions can change.

🏞️ Nema River

The Nema River is another natural highlight of Bonete. Its fresh water runs through the community and meets the sea at one corner of the beach, creating a special spot where river, sand and ocean come together.

It is a great place to take in the scenery, watch nature and learn a little about Bonete’s unique geography. The contrast between the calm river water and the open-sea waves makes this meeting point one of the beach’s most interesting details.

Aerial view of the Nema River meeting the sea at the corner of Bonete Beach, with boats on the sand

Shallow water and a large boulder at the Nema River mouth

Visitor sitting in the calm waters of the Nema River

Images: promotional

Tips to enjoy it

Check the waterLook at the conditions before going in, especially after rain.

Respect the placeCare for the vegetation and the community’s peace.

No wasteTake your rubbish back and help preserve this natural setting.

💡 Local tip: set aside some time to visit both places during your trip to Bonete. They complement the beach and show a calmer, more natural side of the caiçara community.

A visit that goes beyond the beach

The Bonete experience includes walking through the village, discovering local cuisine and observing a way of life connected to the sea. The Santa Verônica Festival, held by the community, is one of Ilhabela’s traditional cultural and religious events.

Scalea tourRent a boat just for your groupChoose the boat and the route at your own pace.See boats →

Boat or trail?

The traditional trail is about 12 km long and crosses Atlantic Forest landscapes. For a day visit, sea access reduces travel time and allows you to see the southern coastline from another angle.

Want to discover this place from the sea?

Contact Scalea to check the itinerary, boat and availability for your date.

Talk to Scalea

Editorial references

This guide was written using official and institutional sources to reduce the risk of inaccurate information.

Ilhabela City Government: Bonete Beach
Ilhabela City Government: Traditional communities

Scalea tourBeach tour by boatNorth or South route, full day. R$ 290 per person.See routes →

Bonete Beach: nature and caiçara culture

About Bonete Beach

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