The other, more open side, offers blowholes, mangroves, Lion Beach – where turtles lay their eggs, Dolphin Bay where dolphins play for 80% of the year and can be visited by boat. Atalaia Beach allows only 30 people at a time and is lined with a pristine coral reef. Caieira Cove features sand dunes, nesting birds and shallow pools teeming with colourful fish
The Island has a total of 21 beaches with roughly half each on either of the distinct sides of the island. 10 face Brazil and contain stretches of sand with overhanging palm trees, rock pools and surf waves. On this side lie the Bay of Pigs, a collection of small islands with superb snorkelling opportunities and Sancho bay, voted the best beach in Brazil
The Island contains five hiking trails all of which are protected by the National Marine Park. The five trails vary from two to five km in length with each one covering a different aspect of the islands flora and fauna. From Dolphin lookout you can see the spinner dolphins spinning and twirling in the water.
The Schrad Grass Trail has a high degree of difficulty as you have the more challenging ascent over the islands volcanic rock, with views over Lion Beach. The longest is the Lighthouse Trail (4.8km) and includes some of the islands diverse vegetation with views of both the continental side and the open seashore
This is a new idea aimed at those people who prefer to remain closer to the surface. It involves being pulled by a boat at low speed with a board that takes you just below the surface, allowing you to explore a vast area of this underwater world without having to swim!
With a large variety of options here for snorkelling, there is something for everyone, from snorkelling off one of the beaches to snorkelling around one of the many islets and islands that make up the archipelago
Manor Cottage, Papermill Lane, South Moreton, Oxfordshire, OX11 9AH
