From São Paulo: Santo Amaro Island & Wild Beaches Day Trip

This full-day adventure takes you from the bustling streets of São Paulo to the untouched shores of Santo Amaro Island, specifically exploring the northern beaches of Guarujá. For $108 per person, you’ll enjoy about 12 hours of hiking through rainforests, discovering secret beaches, and swimming in natural pools—an authentic escape into Brazil’s rugged coastlines. Your guide will be Mauricio, whose knowledge and friendly approach get rave reviews, making this a memorable experience for those craving active exploration and scenic beauty.

What we really love about this tour is how it combines wild nature with manageable adventure. First, arriving by ferry adds a touch of seaside excitement, and the trails lead you through lush rainforests that feel miles away from city life. Second, the opportunity to swim in natural pools and Atlantic Ocean waters at each beach offers refreshing breaks that are both relaxing and invigorating. A third plus: the small-group size—limited to only 7 participants—means you’ll get personalized attention.

On the downside, the tour’s difficulty level is medium to hard, which might not suit everyone, especially those with mobility issues or older travelers. Also, since the trail can be steep and wet, proper footwear and good fitness are essential, especially after rainy days. This tour is best suited for active travelers who enjoy hiking, can handle a 5-hour trek, and want to see some of Brazil’s wild coastline up close.

If you’re a nature lover, physically prepared, and eager for an off-the-beaten-path adventure, you’ll find this tour offers a genuine and rewarding escape into Brazil’s coastal wilderness.

Key Points

Authentic Experience: Hike through rainforests and explore remote beaches accessible only by trail.
Scenic Beauty: Visit three stunning beaches—White Beach, Black Beach, and Camburizinho—with opportunities for swimming.
Expert Guides: Mauricio and team provide knowledgeable, friendly guidance tailored to small groups.
Active Nature: Expect a 5-hour hike covering around 10 km with some steep and wet sections.
Practical Details: Includes transportation, hotel pickup within 6 km of São Paulo, and insurance; bring your own snacks, swimwear, and gear.
Considerations: Not suitable for young children, elderly, or those with mobility issues; a good choice for fit, adventurous travelers.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Santo Amaro Island Hiking Tour

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Getting There and Starting the Adventure

From São Paulo, the tour begins with a comfortable ride in an air-conditioned vehicle, with pickup offered from hotels within a 6 km radius of Sé Square—central São Paulo. If you’re staying outside that zone, you’ll meet the group at the Ibis Paulista hotel on Avenida Paulista, a convenient landmark. The journey to Bertioga is straightforward, and the ferry crossing to Santo Amaro Island adds a sense of adventure right from the start.

The ferry ride itself is short but scenic, offering your first glimpse of the coast and setting the tone for the day. Once on the island, your guide Mauricio will go over safety instructions and prepare you for the trail ahead.

The Trail: Hans Staden to White Beach

The highlight of this trip is the hiking route. Starting on the Hans Staden Trail, you’ll trek through lush rainforest, which is a highlight for many travelers. The trail is approximately 10 km total and takes around 5 hours, with some steep, wet sections—so good shoes are a must. As one reviewer put it, “The trail is partially steep and wet. But with caution manageable.”

Along the way, you’ll encounter stunning views and the chance to see local flora and fauna, making it more than just a walk—it’s a window into Brazil’s natural richness.

First Stop: White Beach (Praia Branca)

Your first destination is White Beach, a pristine stretch of sand accessible via the trail. While it’s called “White,” the sand is just as inviting as the name suggests. Here, there’s time to relax, dip your toes in the ocean, and appreciate the solitude. The guide will likely point out features of the coastline and share insights into the area’s ecology.

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Second Stop: Black Beach and Waterfall

Next, you’ll continue along the trail to Black Beach — a striking contrast with its darker sands. This beach is renowned for its wild beauty and seclusion. Most travelers love the chance to swim in the Atlantic Ocean here, as one reviewer shared, “Mauricio was very knowledgeable and nice. The beach and the track are beautiful.”

A highlight is the Camburi waterfall, where you can also enjoy a cool dip. The waterfall adds a refreshing break during the trek, and many appreciate this natural swimming spot. It’s especially satisfying after a hike and offers a great photo opportunity.

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Final Stop: Camburizinho and Return to White Beach

The last stretch takes you to Camburizinho, a small, charming beach that’s perfect for a final swim or just soaking in the scenery. Afterward, you’ll retrace your steps back to White Beach, where you have free time to unwind, eat, and reflect on the day’s adventures before heading back.

Authenticity and Value

What makes this tour stand out is the genuine focus on Brazil’s wild coastline—not the crowded tourist beaches—but untouched, accessible only by trail. The combination of rainforest, waterfalls, natural pools, and pristine beaches offers a rich, multi-sensory experience.

The price of $108 includes transportation, a knowledgeable bilingual guide, and insurance, which collectively add up to good value for this immersive outdoor experience. Transport and small-group size ensure a personal touch, especially with guides like Mauricio who clearly love sharing their knowledge and passion for the area.

What You’ll Really Love

Travelers consistently praise Mauricio’s expert guidance—“very knowledgeable, kind, and attentive”—which enhances the experience by ensuring safety and sharing interesting tidbits about the local environment. The “beautiful beaches” and “partially steep and wet” trails are often highlighted as memorable parts of the adventure, especially for those who enjoy physical activity with scenic rewards.

Things to Keep in Mind

This tour isn’t suitable for everyone—it’s better suited for those in good physical condition, prepared for a medium/hard hike. It’s not appropriate for very young children, the elderly, or anyone with mobility or health issues, as noted in the tour description and reviews. Proper shoes and gear are critical, particularly if recent rains have made the trail slippery.

Also, since the tour involves swimming and hiking, it’s wise to bring along swimwear, towels, sunscreen, insect repellent, and snacks. There is a mention of not including boat tickets, so if you want to add a boat ride, you’ll need to purchase that separately.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

Active travelers who enjoy outdoor adventures and scenic hikes will love the challenge and rewards of this trip. It’s perfect for those looking to escape the city’s hustle and discover Brazil’s wild coastlines with a knowledgeable guide. Nature lovers seeking quiet beaches, waterfalls, and rainforest scenery will find plenty here.

On the flip side, this tour isn’t ideal if you prefer relaxed, beach-only days or if you have mobility concerns. It’s best for fit individuals ready for a 5-hour trek across varied terrain.

The Sum Up

This Santo Amaro Island tour offers a rare chance to experience Brazil’s untouched beaches and lush rainforests in one day. The guided nature of the trip, combined with small-group intimacy, makes it a personalized adventure that’s both active and scenic. Expect breathtaking views, a good dose of physical activity, and the chance to swim in natural pools—all led by a guide who clearly loves sharing this special corner of Brazil.

If you’re craving an authentic, off-the-beaten-path experience that rewards your effort with untouched beauty, this tour could be just what you’re looking for. It’s especially well-suited for adventurous, fit travelers who enjoy combining hiking, swimming, and nature photography in a setting far from crowds.

Just remember: come prepared for a bit of a workout, and you’ll be rewarded with some of Brazil’s most pristine beaches and lush landscapes.

FAQ

Is transportation included?
Yes, your transfer in an air-conditioned vehicle is included, with pickup from hotels within 6 km of Sé Square or from the Ibis Paulista hotel if outside that zone.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, swimwear, change of clothes, towel, sunscreen, insect repellent, and snacks are recommended for comfort and safety during the hike and beach breaks.

How long is the hike?
The entire trek covers approximately 10 km and lasts about 5 hours, with some steep and wet sections.

Is this tour suitable for children?
No, it’s not appropriate for children under 12, nor for elderly or those with mobility issues due to the physical demands.

What if it rains?
Rain can make the trail slippery, so proper footwear and caution are advised. The trail remains manageable but could be more challenging.

Can I swim at all the beaches?
Yes, you’ll have time to swim at White Beach, Black Beach, and Camburizinho, and at the waterfall. Bring your swim gear!

Do I need to purchase additional tickets?
Boat ride tickets are not included, so if you wish to include that, it must be arranged separately.

This tour offers an excellent blend of adventure, natural beauty, and authentic outdoor Brazilian coastal scenery—ideal for active travelers eager to explore beyond the usual beaches.