Where the Mata Atlântica tumbles straight into the sea. Ubatuba's emerald mountains, sea-turtle conservation center, and hundred-plus beaches make it one of Brazil's most photogenic — and genuinely wild — cruise stops.
Ubatuba is a tender-only port — ships anchor in the bay and ferry passengers to shore by tender boat.
💡 Pro move: Confirm your ship's tender drop-off point before departing — it changes the whole plan.
Ubatuba has no cruise-ship dock; all lines use tenders to one of two shore points.
| Cruise Line | Typical Berth / Arrival | Dock or Tender |
|---|---|---|
| MSC Cruises & most major lines | Praia do Itaguá, town center📍 | Tendered |
| Some itineraries / expedition ships | Saco da Ribeira marina, 15 km south📍 | Tendered |
From island boat trips and sea-turtle encounters to Atlantic Forest hikes and surf lessons, Ubatuba punches well above its size.
Walk 10 minutes from the Itaguá pier to this world-renowned conservation project. Watch giant sea turtles in open tanks, learn about nesting programs, and support real science. A genuinely moving stop that's great for all ages.
Find Projeto Tamar tours →Board a traditional escuna at the Saco da Ribeira marina for the ~30-minute crossing to Ilha Anchieta. Explore the crumbling ruins of a 1950s high-security prison, hike through jungle, snorkel in crystal clear coves, and spot capuchin monkeys. The island's Sete Fontes beach is stunning.
Find Ilha Anchieta boat tours →Calm, shallow waters shaded by almond trees make Lázaro the best beach for swimmers and families. Take a 20-minute taxi south, set up at a quiosque with caipirinhas and fresh seafood, and let the afternoon drift by.
Find Ubatuba beach tours →Serra do Mar State Park covers 80% of Ubatuba with dense jungle mountains rising straight from the coast. Guided hikes access trails through primary Atlantic Forest — one of the world's most biodiverse biomes — with waterfalls, birds, and howler monkeys.
Find Ubatuba jungle hike tours →Stroll from the Itaguá pier to the 1846 Sobradão do Porto colonial mansion and the Igreja Matriz. The Feirinha de Artesanato craft market in Praça da Bíblia often opens early on cruise days — good for handmade jewelry and local gifts.
Find Ubatuba city tours →Ubatuba is São Paulo state's surf capital — Itamambuca and Praia Grande have waves for every skill level. Several schools at Praia Grande offer 90-minute beginner lessons with boards and instructors included.
Find Ubatuba surf lessons →From the Itaguá tender pier the town center is compact and walkable — Saco da Ribeira arrivals need a taxi to reach anything.
From the tender landing at Praia do Itaguá, walk north along the beachfront promenade to Projeto Tamar (10 min). Continue to the Sobradão do Porto colonial mansion and the main church before looping back through Rua Guarani, the main restaurant strip.
Head south from the Itaguá pier to the Aquário de Ubatuba (5 min walk). After visiting, continue to the Praça da Bíblia craft market square for shopping and snacks before heading back to the tender.
🗺️ See full route in Maps →Transport options from the pier — taxis, shuttles, transit passes, and whether ride-share apps work here.
Ubatuba is a tender port — ships anchor offshore and ferry passengers to the town center by small boat. The tender ride takes about 10–15 minutes.
Taxis are available from the tender dock. A ride to beaches or town areas within Ubatuba typically costs R$30–50 depending on distance.
Both Uber and 99 operate in Ubatuba. App-based rides are usually cheaper than taxis; a typical in-town ride averages around R$19–25.
Local Verdebus routes connect beaches and neighborhoods throughout Ubatuba. Cheap but infrequent — plan around schedules and allow extra time.
Boat tours departing from the waterfront are the best way to reach Anchieta Island, Couves Island, and other beaches inaccessible by road.