1. Overview of Ubatuba
Ubatuba (“ooba-Tuba”), one of the main cities on São Paulo’s North Shore, features a sinuous shoreline with 92 stunning beaches positioned near the mountains of Brazil’s coastal range. This region’s hills are often covered with native rainforest, and a portion of Ubatuba falls within Parque Estadual da Serra do Mar, one of the state’s largest conservation areas.
2. Population and Location
The area’s population of 75,008 balloons to over 350,000 during New Year’s Eve celebrations, highlighting its popularity as a tourist destination. Ubatuba is located approximately 234 kilometers (under 150 miles) from São Paulo, right where the Tropic of Capricorn meets the Brazilian coast.
3. Ubatuba Beaches
Ubatuba’s beaches and surrounding islands offer a diverse range of recreational opportunities. You can find calm waters suitable for relaxation, as well as beaches with big waves perfect for surfing tournaments. There are also secluded coves for quiet moments and expansive stretches of sand facing the open sea, ensuring that you can always discover a peaceful beach, even during peak season.
4. Beach Tips
Here are essential tips to enhance your experience on Ubatuba’s beaches:
- The closer a beach is to the rainforest, the more likely it is to have mosquitoes, particularly in the early morning and at dusk when the weather is warm and rainy.
- Be cautious as the Ubatuba sea can be rough and unpredictable; some beaches may not have lifeguards.
- Water quality tends to be poorer at centrally located beaches, so it’s advisable to check beach quality reports before swimming.
- Known locally as “Ubachuva” due to its frequent rains, the best weather generally occurs from May to October, with the driest months being June to August.
5. Ubatuba Canoes and Caiçaras Culture
Ubatuba’s indigenous Tupi-speaking tribes, particularly the tupinambás, were skilled canoe makers and referred to their land as uba-tyba, meaning “many canoes.” The traditional canoe is a central symbol of caiçaras culture, representing the heritage of the region’s inhabitants, who descend from indigenous populations, Portuguese colonizers, and African slaves. On beaches like Picinguaba, you can spot canoa de um pau só, or canoes crafted from a single tree trunk.
6. Historical Context
Initially, Ubatuba connected to the rest of the state via mule trails in the Serra do Mar. The port city flourished in the 19th century, but after port operations ceased and railway projects failed, it faced a significant isolation period, relying primarily on canoes for transportation. Change came in the 1930s with the construction of a road linking Taubaté to Ubatuba, drawing affluent residents seeking beach vacations.
7. Fun Activities in Ubatuba
Some enjoyable activities in Ubatuba include simply watching the sunrise, wandering between various beaches to find your perfect spot, savoring healthy caiçara cuisine, and returning to the beach at night for leisurely socializing. Each of these activities allows you to immerse yourself in the local culture.
8. Where to Stay
Consider exploring a variety of hotels and pousadas in Ubatuba for comfortable accommodations, with options that suit different preferences and budgets.
9. Downtown Ubatuba
The central area of Ubatuba, located directly under the Tropic of Capricorn, offers convenient access to supermarkets, banks, drugstores, and various attractions. Itaguá is the main central beach, while the downtown area features important medical facilities like Santa Casa and local clinics, providing necessary health services.
10. Renting a Car in Ubatuba
For ease of travel, rather than renting a car in São Paulo, consider taking a Pássaro Marron bus to Terminal Rodoviário Tietê and then renting a vehicle directly in Ubatuba at Localiza (Rua Guarani 194, Aeroporto).
