Ilha do Mel - Getting Off the Beaten Track in South America

I had read alot about Florianopolis as a great destination to learn to surf etc and while it’s meant to be awesome, I’d really recommend venturing a little bit off the beaten track in this area, we did and had some of our best times in South America.

In my ‘Footprints’ guide to South America, (which is coincidentally far and away the best guide to South America I’ve ever read)  I came across a section about an ‘out-of-this-world’ sounding island called ‘Ilha do Mel.’

Located off the coast of southern Brazil, a two hour bus journey from Curitiba (major city and half way point between Iguasu and Rio) and half hour boat ride from the dock adjacent to the bus drop off point will get you to paradise.

If you are keen for the most spectacular sun, sea, sand and surf – this is the place for you. Throw in some reggae, hammocks, tropical beachside bars then remove all electricity, roads and cars and that just about sums up this Southern Atlantic gem.

We stayed in a friendly commune-esque resort on Long Beach, which is the far side of the island and just had some of the most memorable days of my life.

Ilha do Mel is relatively unexplored with the tourist community being predominantly Brazilian which added to its allure for us. It’s an absolute diamond for those backpackers after a more organic travelling experience.

It is worth noting that state authorities are strictly applying a ‘5,000 tourists per day’ limit on the island during peak times. So book in advance as you might not be able to get boat tickets to actually get on to the island when it’s busy.

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