Snorkeling in Ilha Grande: Feiticeira Waterfall hike

Hike through Atlantic Forest to a 13-meter waterfall, then snorkel in protected bay waters.

A full-day hike on Ilha Grande starting from Vila do Abraão that takes you through Black Beach and past 19th-century ruins to Feiticeira Waterfall, where you shower in the cascade before snorkeling in the calm waters of Enseada das Estrelas and resting on Camiranga and Pereque beaches. A bilingual local guide leads the moderate trail through Atlantic Forest. You can add a boat return to Abraão or hike back the same way. Lunch is on your own at a local spot along the route.

The experience

The trail starts in Vila do Abraão and passes Black Beach and the Lazareto ruins, an Imperial-era landmark, before crossing a 19th-century aqueduct that was considered one of Brazil's boldest engineering feats at the time. The hike itself is moderate, moving through the Atlantic Forest with its mix of fauna and flora, and the terrain has ups and downs but nothing extreme. Feiticeira Waterfall appears as a 13-meter veil of water set into the forest. After you shower in it, the group continues toward Fora beach, passing the quieter stretches of Camiranga and Pereque on the way.

Once you reach Enseada das Estrelas, the water is calm enough for snorkeling without current or swell. The bay is known for being peaceful, and the beaches here are where locals eat. Lunch spots exist along the route, though the meal itself is not part of the booking. After you've rested and eaten, the hike back to Abraão takes the same trail, or you can arrange a boat return separately if eight hours on foot is more than you want to do.

Your guide speaks English and Portuguese and holds a local license. The full day runs about eight hours from start to finish, so an early start from Abraão means you're back by late afternoon.

What’s included

• A bilingual local guide who leads the full day.
• snorkeling in Enseada das Estrelas.
• access to Feiticeira Waterfall and the beaches of Camiranga and Pereque.

Options for this experience

2 options

Hiking only ExperienceGuide in English or Portuguese · 08:00 and 09:00

Walking route, returning by boatGuide in English or Portuguese · 08:00 and 09:00Taxi boat

You pick the guide language when booking.

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:00 and 09:00

Book up to6h before

AgesAdult (10 to 70 years) · Under 10: can't be included in the booking

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Portuguese

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Ilha Grande Hiking

Is this one for you?Choose the hiking-only option if you want to move at a steady pace and return on foot. Add the boat return if eight hours of walking feels like too much after a full day in the forest and water.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Portuguese.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is the Feiticeira Waterfall hike like?

The trail is moderate with ups and downs through Atlantic Forest, passing Black Beach and 19th-century ruins before reaching Feiticeira Waterfall, a 13-meter cascade where you can shower. The hike takes about eight hours total, including time at the waterfall, snorkeling, and beaches.

Can I snorkel on this hike?

Yes. After the waterfall, you snorkel in Enseada das Estrelas, a protected bay with calm water. The bay is known for being peaceful and clear, and snorkeling is included in the hike.

Do I have to hike back to Vila do Abraão?

The hike back is part of the standard experience, but you can arrange a separate boat return to Abraão if you prefer not to walk the full trail twice. The boat return is not included and must be booked separately.

Is lunch included?

Lunch is not included, but you stop at Enseada das Estrelas where local restaurants serve traditional cuisine. You can eat there or bring your own food.

What fitness level do I need?

The hike is moderate and requires at least moderate physical fitness. It is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health, or if you are pregnant.