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Ilha Grande is two hours from the well-known vacationing hotspot of Rio de Janeiro, but it is a world away from the chaos and hub bub of commercialization. Ilha Grande Bay has staved off commercialization and multitudes of vacationers, but it is by no means lacking comfort or brillance for those who are in on the secret of its pristine beauty.

Because of the diverse concentration of beautiful flora and fauna Ilha Grande has become a nature preserve protecting pristine rainforest, secluded lagoons, waterfalls and over 106 beaches.

Ilha Grande is vehicle-free and instead flaunts gorgeous vegetation, blue warm waters and 80 miles of various contoured coastline. Day time adventurers include sea kayaking around over 360 islands, hiking tropical forests, lounging around secluded beaches, or diving countless dive sites and wrecks.

Known as the area of greatest shipwreck concentration in the world and even a helicopter wreck, Ilha Grande is awaiting adventurous scuba divers. Diving Ilha Grande means heading out to explore islands in the Bay of Ilha Grande and numerous sites accessed from shore and afterwards winding down at a pousada with a caipirinha in hand.

(SD-6785-P)