Things to do in Ubatuba, Brazil: best beaches, activities, and travel tips

Set along Brazil’s southeastern coast and surrounded by lush Atlantic rainforest, Ubatuba is famous for its more than 100 beaches. It’s a popular destination for travelers looking to relax by the sea, but there’s much more here than just sand and waves. From hiking trails and boat tours to waterfalls and cultural spots, there’s no shortage of things to do in Ubatuba. No wonder it’s my favorite place to visit in the state of São Paulo.

In this guide, I’ve put together the main attractions and experiences based on time I spent living in this beautiful place. You’ll also find practical tips to help you plan your trip and make the most of your stay.

How to get to Ubatuba

Ubatuba is located about 220 km (137 miles) from São Paulo and around 70 km (43 miles) from Paraty, another beautiful beach destination. The nearest airports are in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, so here’s how to reach Ubatuba from both.

By plane

The closest airports are:

• São Paulo: Guarulhos International Airport (208 km away)
• São Paulo: Congonhas Airport (235 km away)
• Rio de Janeiro: Santos Dumont Airport (320 km away)
• Rio de Janeiro: Galeão International Airport (322 km away)

From any of these, you’ll need to continue your journey by car or bus.

By car

If you’re driving from São Paulo, the main highways for the first part of the trip are Ayrton Senna (SP-070) and Presidente Dutra (BR-116). From there, you can take either the Tamoios (SP-099) or Oswaldo Cruz (SP-125) roads toward the coast.

From Rio de Janeiro, simply follow the scenic Rio–Santos highway along the coastline.

By bus

From São Paulo, there are daily buses departing from Tietê Bus Terminal, operated by Pássaro Marron. The journey takes about 5 hours.

From Rio de Janeiro, buses leave from Novo Rio Bus Station, operated by Viação Útil. Travel time is also around 5 hours.

Another option from either city is using the BlaBlaCar app, where you can find shared rides, often at lower prices than buses.

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When to visit Ubatuba

Before planning your itinerary, it’s important to choose the right time to visit. Since it’s a beach destination, you might assume summer is ideal. However, there are two downsides: frequent rain and larger crowds during holidays.

In fact, Ubatuba is sometimes nicknamed “Ubachuva” (something like “Uba-rain”) due to its high rainfall in the summer months. That said, showers often happen in the late afternoon, so your day isn’t necessarily ruined.

The best months to visit are April, May, September, October, and November. During these periods, rainfall tends to be lower, temperatures are pleasant, and the town is less crowded.

Where to stay in Ubatuba

Choosing where to stay in Ubatuba is important because the coastline is quite long. Ideally, you’ll want to stay close to the attractions you’re most interested in to avoid long travel times.

From the town center, Ubatuba is generally divided into two areas. The south side is more developed and busier, while the north is more preserved, with wilder and less crowded beaches.

The northern beaches are often considered the most beautiful. Good areas to stay include the center (Itaguá) or slightly further north, such as Perequê-Açu and Itamambuca.

I suggest you explore my full guide on where to stay in Ubatuba for more detailed recommendations.

Things to do in Ubatuba

As I mentioned before, there’s no shortage of things to do in Ubatuba. Whether you’re looking to relax by the beach or dive into more adventurous experiences, this destination has something for every type of traveler.

To help you make the most of your trip, I’ve selected some of the best beaches, waterfalls, trails, and islands in the region. I’ll also share tips for diving spots, boat tours, cultural experiences, and things to do on rainy days.

Best beaches in northern Ubatuba

Itamambuca Beach

A favorite among surfers, Itamambuca is the place to go if you want to surf or take lessons. But it’s also great if you’re just looking to relax by the sea.

The beach has several kiosks and restaurants, and you can rent stand-up paddleboards or kayaks.

Félix Beach

Félix Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Ubatuba, and for good reason. From here, you can easily access two smaller, more secluded beaches.

On the right side, a short trail leads to Portuguese Beach, a small stretch of sand with clear water that’s perfect for snorkeling. On the left, you’ll find Conchas Beach, where the sand is made almost entirely of shells.

Prumirim Beach

Visiting Prumirim is, in my opinion, one of the best things to do in Ubatuba. Besides being a beautiful beach with great kiosks, it also gives you access to both Prumirim Island and Prumirim Waterfall.

From the beach, you can take a boat to the island, one of the most stunning in the area, or hike to the waterfall. It’s a great way to combine saltwater and freshwater experiences in one day.

Puruba Beach

One of the wildest and most beautiful beaches in the region, Puruba is perfect if you enjoy a bit of adventure.

To get there, you’ll need to cross a river that meets the ocean, creating a truly unique and scenic landscape.

There are no facilities here, so make sure to bring snacks, water, and take all your trash back with you.

Fazenda Beach

Located within a protected area inside the Parque Estadual da Serra do Mar, Fazenda Beach offers a long stretch of sand with a river flowing into the sea on each side.

It’s ideal if you’re looking for peace, nature, and fewer crowds. There’s also a local quilombola community here, known as Quilombo da Fazenda.

Quilombola communities are formed by descendants of formerly enslaved Africans who escaped slavery and established independent settlements across Brazil. Today, these communities preserve important cultural traditions, ways of life, and a strong connection to the land, and many are officially recognized for their historical and cultural significance.

Best beaches in southern Ubatuba

Praia Grande

One of the most famous and busiest beaches in Ubatuba, Praia Grande is perfect if you prefer easy access and plenty of infrastructure. You’ll find lots of restaurants, kiosks, and accommodation options nearby.

Sununga Beach

Sununga Beach has strong waves and a steep drop-off, making it popular for skimboarding. It can be dangerous for swimming, though.

One of its highlights is the “Gruta que Chora” (Crying Cave), which produces sounds that resemble crying due to the movement of the water.

Lázaro Beach

Lázaro Beach is a great all-around option. With calm waters, good infrastructure, and a long stretch of sand, it’s ideal for families and for activities like stand-up paddleboarding.

From here, you can easily walk to Sununga Beach and Domingas Dias Beach. Visiting all three in one day is a great plan.

Domingas Dias Beach

With calm, crystal-clear water, Domingas Dias feels almost like a natural swimming pool.

Surrounded by lush greenery, it’s perfect if you’re looking for a quieter and more relaxing atmosphere.

Best waterfalls in Ubatuba

Prumirim Waterfall

As mentioned earlier, Prumirim Waterfall is located near Prumirim Beach and is very easy to access. It has multiple cascades, and one of them forms a natural slide where the more adventurous can slide down into the water.

Tombador Waterfall

Located in the northern area of Ubatuba, in the Ubatumirim region, Tombador Waterfall is one of the most beautiful in the area. Its formation is impressive, with several cascades and natural pools, all surrounded by lush vegetation.

Água Branca Waterfall

Set deep within nature in the Parque Estadual da Serra do Mar, Água Branca is the most famous waterfall in Ubatuba. It’s also the tallest in the region, with a 200-meter drop. A spectacular sight.

Islands and boat tours in Ubatuba

Couves Island

At the northern tip of Ubatuba lies one of the most beautiful (and most sought-after) spots in the region: Ilha das Couves.

With calm, crystal-clear waters that are perfect for snorkeling, this island stands out for its untouched, tropical scenery. To get there, you’ll need to take a boat from the small fishing village of Picinguaba.

Anchieta Island

The Ilha Anchieta is a great option if you want to go beyond the typical beach experience.

The island once served as a political prison and later as a maximum-security facility, before being transformed into a state park in 1977. Today, it combines history and nature, with ruins from the old buildings surrounded by lush vegetation, scenic trails, and beautiful beaches.

It’s a well-rounded day trip. There’s even an underwater trail that you can explore while snorkeling.

Prumirim Island

Just a short boat ride from Prumirim Beach, Ilha do Prumirim is another great spot to include in your itinerary.

With calm waters, it’s ideal for snorkeling. It also has decent infrastructure, making it a comfortable place to spend the day relaxing in nature. Easily one of the most enjoyable things to do in Ubatuba if you want a mix of adventure and downtime.

Best hiking trails in Ubatuba

Seven Beaches Trail

If you want to visit several beaches in one go, the Seven Beaches Trail is a great option.

Located in southern Ubatuba, this hike connects Lagoinha Beach to Fortaleza Beach, passing through seven different beaches along the way: Oeste, Peres, Bonete, Grande do Bonete, Deserto, and Cedro do Sul.

The full trail is about 10 km (6.2 miles) long and is considered moderately difficult due to some uphill sections. It usually takes around 6 hours to complete.

Corcovado Peak Trail

This one is for those with energy to spare. Corcovado Peak sits at 1,168 meters (3,832 feet) above sea level and is one of the highest points in the Serra do Mar mountain range along São Paulo’s northern coast.

The hike is about 8 km (5 miles) long and involves a steep climb, making it a challenging trail that requires good physical fitness.

But the view from the top makes it all worth it. From up there, you can see across the entire region of Ubatuba, as well as nearby cities like Caraguatatuba and Ilhabela, plus the Paraíba Valley in the distance.

Keep reading:
Brazil travel tips: Insider advice from a local nomad
41 free things to do in Rio de Janeiro
Where to stay in Paraty, Brazil

Things to do in downtown Ubatuba

Historic Center

Exploring the historic center is a great addition to your list of things to do in Ubatuba, especially if you want to experience the city beyond its beaches.

The main attractions are all within walking distance and make for a pleasant stroll:

• Cadeia Velha, an old jail now home to the Ubatuba Historical Museum.
• Sobradão do Porto, which houses the Arts and Culture Foundation.
• Igreja Matriz de Ubatuba, the main local church.
• Casa do Artesão, an association of local artists who sell a wide variety of handmade crafts.
• Feira de Artesanato de Ubatuba, a crafts market which is another good choice for buying souvenirs.
• Praça da Baleia, a seaside park in the central area of Ubatuba with ocean views. Its most striking feature is the skeleton of a humpback whale displayed on columns, creating a unique and somewhat surreal landmark right by the coast.
• Farol da Barra, also known as Farol do Cruzeiro, is a small lighthouse located by the sea.

Tamar Project

If you’re looking for things to do in Ubatuba on a rainy day, visiting the Projeto Tamar Ubatuba is a great option.

Located in the Itaguá area, this conservation project focuses on protecting sea turtles. The space includes educational exhibits, tanks and aquariums with turtles, an auditorium, cultural areas, a shop, and a snack bar.

It’s both informative and enjoyable, especially if you’re traveling with kids or want a break from the beach.

Things to do in Ubatuba at night

Guarani Street

Rua Guarani is the go-to place if you want to eat well, do some shopping, or just stroll around in the evening.

With plenty of restaurants, bars, pizzerias, ice cream shops, and small stores, it’s a lively area and a great spot for a late afternoon or night out.

Nightlife

If you still have energy after a full day of beaches and exploring, Ubatuba has a few nightlife options.

One of the most popular venues is Morro da Prainha, a concert space that hosts well-known Brazilian artists, especially in samba, funk, and pop. It’s located near Perequê-Açu Beach.

Also nearby is 180 Graus Ubatuba, a nightclub with a dance floor and live shows, popular with a younger crowd.

In Itaguá, you’ll find Blues on the Rocks, a more laid-back bar with live rock and blues music.

5-day itinerary for Ubatuba

By now, you’ve probably realized there are plenty of things to do in Ubatuba. To help you organize your trip, here’s a suggested 5-day itinerary covering some of the main highlights:

Day 1: Arrival in Ubatuba, check-in, and a relaxing day at Itamambuca Beach
Day 2: Prumirim Beach, Prumirim Waterfall, and a boat trip to Prumirim Island
Day 3: Sununga Beach, the “Crying Cave,” Lázaro Beach, and Domingas Dias Beach
Day 4: Félix Beach, hike to Portuguese Beach and Conchas Beach
Day 5: Tamar Project, Historic Center, and departure

Did you enjoy these tips on things to do in Ubatuba? Let me know in the comments 🙂

Text and photos by Rafaela Beatriz, contributor to the Janelas Abertas blog

Photo credits: Unsplash (Creative Commons) and Rafaela Beatriz (provided for publication on Janelas Abertas)

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