Although only the Rio do Inferno (River of Hell) separates Ilha de Boipeba from the Ilha do Tinharé, where Morro de São Paulo is located, Boipeba is Morro de São Paulo as it was 20 years ago before an influx of tourism blew everything out of proportion. Its beautiful unspoiled beaches are framed by lush jungle and crisscrossed by warm rivers that are ideal for bathing.

Although Boipeba is becoming a hip beach resort for those in the know, it has managed to retain a bucolic tranquility along with some 20 kilometers (12 miles) of stunning white-sand beaches protected by coral reefs. The most “developed”—which, thankfully, isn’t saying much—is Boca da Barra. Here you’ll find lots of barracas where you can dig into fresh fish and seafood.

A half-hour walk brings you to the dazzling white sands of Tassimirim, followed by the blissfully deserted Praia de Cueira—both of which are ideal for snorkeling. From here, you can keep going for another three hours of the same maritime nirvana to Ponta dos Castelhanos, a great diving destination.

In early June, the Festa do Glorioso Divino Espírito Santo marks three days of celebrations in honor of the island’s patron saint. If the idea of forró in paradise appeals to you, make a point to show up.

Getting to Ilha de Boipeba

Difficult access to Boipeba has helped keep the tourist crush at bay. From Valença you can take a boat directly (3.5 hours) or take a bus to the town of Torrinhas and then board a ferry for Boipeba (1.5 hours), which stops in the colonial town of Cairu. From Morro de São Paulo, tour operators can organize trips by boat or Jeep to Boipeba.