Ilha do Mel day trip from Curitiba: Caves, lighthouse & beach

There are no cars or motorbikes on Ilha do Mel: only sandy trails connecting both sides of the island.

A full-day tour from Curitiba to Ilha do Mel on Paraná's coast, with air-conditioned vehicle pickup, private fast boat and accredited guide in English or Portuguese. You visit Gruta de Encantadas (a cave accessible at low tide), climb 144 steps to Farol das Conchas lighthouse, swim at Praia do Farol, and have free time to explore Praia de Fora or take an optional boat or bike to the 18th-century Fortaleza. The 10- to 12-hour tour includes the round-trip drive from Curitiba and the 10-minute boat crossing. Lunch and bike rental are optional.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Ilha do Mel highlights

• Travel from Curitiba to Pontal do Sul
• Take private fast boat to Ilha do Mel
• Visit Gruta de Encantadas cave
• Walk to base of Farol hill
• Climb 144 steps to Farol das Conchas lighthouse
• Have lunch in Vila do Farol (optional)
• Swim at Praia do Farol beach
• Visit Praia de Fora beach
• Optional bike, walk, or boat to Fortaleza

The experience

Pontal do Sul is where the boat departs, a 2.5-hour drive from Curitiba on normal days. The private fast boat takes 10 minutes to reach Ilha do Mel, cutting out the wait that slows down shared ferries. Once on the island, sandy trails replace roads (no cars, no motorbikes), so the pace is entirely yours. Your guide gives tips on lunch spots in Vila do Farol and points out the best swimming and walking routes.

Gruta de Encantadas is a natural cave formation you reach via a quiet trail and a rock-lined access deck. At low tide you can walk inside and see the interior. From there, the walk to Farol das Conchas takes about 40 minutes along the island's trails. The lighthouse sits 144 steps up a hill, and from the top you see Praia do Farol, Praia de Fora, and Praia Grande stretching below. Praia do Farol itself is calm for swimming most days, though the base of the lighthouse has a current and rocks, so you stay clear of those. Praia de Fora, smaller and nearby, draws surfers and offers rougher waves if you prefer that.

Free time lets you swim, eat lunch at one of the restaurants your guide recommends, or explore further. The Fortaleza (a colonial-era fortress 5 km along the beach) is optional: you can rent a bike, walk the practically empty beach, or take a boat there. It was built in the 18th century to defend Paranaguá Bay and still holds cannons and the original structure. The tour wraps with the boat back to Pontal do Sul and the drive to Curitiba, so plan for a full day out.

What’s included

• Air-conditioned vehicle pickup from Curitiba.
• private fast boat transport from Pontal do Sul to Ilha do Mel and back.
• Ilha do Mel preservation fee (access bracelet).
• accredited guide in English or Portuguese.
• access to Gruta de Encantadas and Farol das Conchas.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 07:30

AgesAdult (13 to 59 years) · Senior (60 and older) · Child (3 to 12 years) · Infant (under 3)

GroupUp to 10

Live guideEnglish and Portuguese

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 36 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated 14 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effort

Operated by Special Paraná

Is this one for you?The 10- to 12-hour commitment includes the full round-trip drive from Curitiba and boat time, so you need a full day free. That schedule lets you visit both sides of the island, climb to the lighthouse, swim, and still have time to explore Praia de Fora or take an optional trip to the Fortaleza without rushing.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Portuguese.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 12 years); Infant (under 3).

How long is the drive from Curitiba to the boat at Pontal do Sul?

The drive takes approximately 2.5 hours on normal days and may be longer during holidays or busy periods. This time is included in the total 10- to 12-hour tour duration.

What is Gruta de Encantadas and when can you go inside?

Gruta de Encantadas is a natural cave formation on Ilha do Mel reached by a quiet trail and rock-lined access deck. You can walk into the interior at low tide to see the cave itself.

How many steps are there to the top of Farol das Conchas?

There are 144 steps from the base of the hill to the top of the lighthouse. You go at your own pace and can see three beaches from the summit.

Is lunch included, and where do you eat on the island?

Lunch is optional and not included in the tour price. Vila do Farol has several restaurants at varying price points, and your guide will recommend places based on your preferences.

Can you visit the Fortaleza, and how do you get there?

The Fortaleza is optional and located 5 km along the beach. You can rent a bike, walk the practically empty beach, or take a boat there. It is an 18th-century fortress with cannons and original colonial-era structures.