Brazil isn’t just about Carnival, samba, and the Amazon, it’s a nation of thousands of islands scattered along its 7,400-kilometer Atlantic coastline and deep within its vast river systems. From volcanic peaks rising out of the ocean to freshwater islands formed by the Amazon, Brazil’s island geography is as diverse as the country itself.
In total, Brazil has an estimated 3,000 to 3,500 islands, spanning everything from tiny coral atolls to massive fluvial landmasses. The Amazon Basin alone accounts for over 70% of them, including Marajó Island, the largest in the world’s river system, bigger than Switzerland. Meanwhile, its oceanic islands like Fernando de Noronha and Trindade sit hundreds of kilometers offshore, protecting pristine marine ecosystems and rare wildlife.
And then there’s Florianópolis (Ilha de Santa Catarina), Brazil’s most livable island, where surf beaches meet city life and Azorean villages meet digital-nomad cafés.
This guide dives into the best islands in Brazil, from world-famous destinations like Fernando de Noronha to hidden eco-havens such as Boipeba and Ilha do Cardoso. Whether you’re chasing waves, wildlife, or pure barefoot escape, these are the islands that define Brazil’s tropical side.
1. Fernando de Noronha
- Location: 545 km off the coast of Recife, Pernambuco
- Vibe: Protected paradise, luxury eco-travel
Fernando de Noronha is Brazil’s most exclusive island destination, a UNESCO World Heritage Site of volcanic peaks, emerald water, and world-class diving.
Visitor numbers are strictly capped (460 per day), and access to beaches like Baía do Sancho and Baía dos Porcos often ranks among the best in the world.
It’s expensive, yes, but absolutely unmatched.
Top experiences:
- Snorkel with sea turtles and dolphins
- Hike to Morro Dois Irmãos
- Watch sunset from Forte do Boldró
- Explore underwater caves at Sueste Bay
💡 Did you know? Fernando de Noronha charges an environmental preservation fee per day, helping keep the archipelago pristine.
2. FlorianópolisLocation: Southern Brazil, state of Santa Catarina
Vibe: Surf paradise meets modern city
Home to over 70 beaches, lush lagoons, and a thriving digital nomad scene, Floripa blends untouched nature with vibrant culture and nightlife.
Highlights:
- Joaquina and Mole for surfing
- Lagoa da Conceição for kitesurfing and cafés
- Santo Antônio de Lisboa for Azorean heritage and oysters
- Jurerê Internacional for beach clubs and world-class DJs
- Ilha do Campeche, just offshore, for snorkeling and ancient rock carvings
🌊 Whether you’re here for the waves, the work-life balance, or just to fall in love with island life, Florianópolis has it all.
👉 Explore more: Things to Do in Florianópolis
3. Ilha Grande
- Location: Angra dos Reis, Rio de Janeiro State
- Vibe: Jungle trails, remote beaches, no cars
Ilha Grande is an adventurer’s dream, 100 miles from Rio de Janeiro but worlds away in energy. Once a leper colony and high-security prison, it’s now an eco-paradise with 100+ beaches and no cars or motorbikes.
Don’t miss:
- Hiking to Lopes Mendes Beach
- Swimming in natural pools at Abraão
- Diving the Aquece wrecks
Expect wild trails, monkeys in the trees, and beach bars that feel straight out of a shipwreck fantasy.
4. Ilha do Mel
- Location: Paraná State, 150 km from Curitiba
- Vibe: No cars, no stress, no crowds
Ilha do Mel (Honey Island) is one of Brazil’s most peaceful getaways.
Cars are banned, daily visitors are limited, and life moves at walking pace — literally.
Highlights:
- Hike to Gruta das Encantadas (Cave of the Enchanted)
- Visit the 18th-century Fortaleza Nossa Senhora dos Prazeres
- Enjoy unspoiled beaches like Praia de Encantadas and Brasília
Perfect for those seeking tranquility and eco-tourism at its purest.
5. Ilhabela
- Location: Northern coast of São Paulo State
- Vibe: Adventure, waterfalls, sailing
True to its name (Ilhabela literally means “beautiful island”), this archipelago combines rainforest-covered peaks with over 40 beaches and 360 waterfalls.
Top things to do:
- Surf at Praia do Bonete
- Sail during the Rolex Ilhabela Sailing Week
- Chase waterfalls like Cachoeira do Gato
It’s also Brazil’s sailing capital — with a lively town, boutique hotels, and jungle trails just minutes apart.
6. Boipeba Island
- Location: Bahia State, near Morro de São Paulo
- Vibe: Barefoot luxury meets local life
Still relatively untouched by mass tourism, Boipeba is where palm-lined beaches meet tide pools and mangroves.
It’s part of the Tinharé Archipelago and accessible by boat from Valença or Morro de São Paulo.
Highlights:
- Snorkel at Moreré Beach
- Eat moqueca (Bahian fish stew) in Velha Boipeba village
- Walk the long stretch of sand at Cueira Beach
7. Ilha do Marajó
- Location: Pará State, at the mouth of the Amazon River
- Vibe: Exotic wetlands, wildlife, slow travel
Marajó is the world’s largest river island, and one of its most unique ecosystems. Picture buffalo herds crossing flooded plains and scarlet ibis flying over mangroves.
What to see:
- Buffalo herders in Soure
- Ceramics and crafts in Salvaterra
- Boat trips through the Amazon estuary
8. Ilha de Tinharé
- Location: Bahia State
- Vibe: Laid-back beach town with island nightlife
Ilha de Tinharé is home to Morro de São Paulo, one of Brazil’s most famous island villages — car-free, vibrant, and lined with palm-fringed beaches named simply “First,” “Second,” and “Third.”
Expect beach parties, snorkeling, and relaxed pousadas — plus easy access to neighboring Boipeba.
9. Ilha dos Lençóis
- Location: Maranhão State, north of São Luís
- Vibe: Remote dunes and lagoons
Not to be confused with the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, Ilha dos Lençóis is an isolated sand island with freshwater lagoons and desert-like dunes.
Almost untouched by tourism, it’s accessible only by boat and feels otherworldly — like a mirage come to life.
10. Ilha do Cardoso
- Location: Southern São Paulo State
- Vibe: Nature reserve, waterfalls, dolphins
A state park since 1962, Ilha do Cardoso is a haven for nature lovers.
Expect waterfalls, wild monkeys, forest trails, and beaches that stretch for miles without a single bar in sight.
Activities:
- Whale and dolphin watching
- Hiking to Cachoeira Grande
- Visiting the fishing village of Marujá
11. Ilha de Restinga
- Location: Paraíba State
- Vibe: Quiet, protected, eco-reserve
With over 80 species of migratory birds, Ilha de Restinga is one of Brazil’s best-kept eco secrets. Located in the estuary of the Paraíba do Norte River, in an area of 540 hectares, it’s ideal for nature photography and slow exploration, bring binoculars and patience, not beach towels.
Fun Facts About Brazil’s Islands
How Many Islands Does Brazil Have?
Brazil has an estimated 3,000–3,500 islands, depending on how you count, including oceanic, coastal, and river (fluvial) types.
Over 70% are in the Amazon River system, created by sediment and seasonal floods. By comparison, Canada has over 52,000 islands and Norway over 320,000, but Brazil’s islands are far larger on average.
Types of Islands in Brazil
- 🏝 Oceanic Islands: Volcanic and remote, like Fernando de Noronha, Trindade, and Martim Vaz.
- 🐠 Coastal Islands: Connected to the continental shelf — e.g., Florianópolis (Ilha de Santa Catarina), Ilhabela, Ilha Grande.
- 🌊 Fluvial Islands: Formed in rivers — especially in the Amazon, with the massive Marajó Island (40,100 km²).
Largest and Smallest Islands
- 🏆 Largest: Ilha do Marajó — 40,100 km² (bigger than Switzerland).
- 🌋 Smallest: Atol das Rocas — Brazil’s only true coral atoll, about 5 km².
- 🌴 Most Populated: Ilha de Florianópolis — 537,000 residents and growing.
- 🐍 Most Dangerous: Ilha da Queimada Grande (“Snake Island”) — home to up to 5,000 venomous vipers per km².
Furthest Islands from Mainland Brazil
- Trindade and Martim Vaz Archipelago – ~1,200 km off Espírito Santo.
- Fernando de Noronha – ~545 km off Recife.
- Atol das Rocas – ~144 km from the Rio Grande do Norte coast.
These are volcanic oceanic islands rising straight out of the Atlantic, formed millions of years ago from underwater eruptions.
Biodiversity Highlights
- Over 200 endemic species found only on Brazilian islands.
- Fernando de Noronha hosts spinner dolphins and the Noronha vireo, both unique to the region.
- Ilha do Cardoso and Bananal Island protect jaguars, manatees, and giant otters.
- Atol das Rocas is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and vital nesting ground for green turtles.
People & Culture
- Around 1.5 million people live on Brazil’s inhabited islands.
- The most culturally distinct are Florianópolis (Azorean influence), Marajó (indigenous Marajoara heritage), and Boipeba (Afro-Brazilian fishing communities).
- Some islands, like Ilha Fiscal in Rio, played historic roles — it hosted Brazil’s final imperial ball before the Republic was declared in 1889.
Tourism & Conservation Facts
- 30% of Brazil’s islands fall under environmental protection laws.
- Fernando de Noronha charges a daily environmental tax (~R$112/day).
- About 2 million tourists visit Brazil’s accessible islands annually.
- Projects like Blue Map Brazil are restoring coral and reef systems along Bahia and Pernambuco.
Changing Coastlines
Rising sea levels could affect 10–15% of low-lying islands by 2050, particularly along the northern coast and Amazon delta.
Researchers are using satellite mapping to track erosion and disappearing fluvial islands, making preservation even more urgent.
Final Thoughts
From Fernando de Noronha’s crystal waters to Florianópolis’ surf breaks and Boipeba’s palm-lined beaches, Brazil’s islands offer something for every kind of traveler.
Some are wild, some are luxurious, and a few — like Ilha dos Lençóis — feel like another planet entirely.
Whichever you choose, you’ll find Brazil’s island life has a rhythm of its own: barefoot days, salty sunsets, and endless reasons to stay longer than planned.
