Castelhanos (Ilhabela)

Castelhanos (Praia dos Castelhanos) is Ilhabela’s remote east-coast beach-break setting, reached by a long 4x4 trail through the Atlantic Forest and/or by boat. The spot is described as a wide sandy bay with scattered rocks at the far ends, and conditions generally suit surf sessions when tides and swell line up—especially high tide with a rising tide. Surf quality is described as regionally classic and usually consistent, with waves starting to work below 1 m and holding up to about 3 m+. Sources also describe rides as typically short (< 50 m), with good days extending to roughly 50–150 m. The wave character is mixed/peeling depending on the day, and large swell can make the surf very heavy and challenging, even if the bay holds the size. Wind for wind sports is centered on easterly directions (E through ESE to SE) and is reported with a typical range around 12–20 knots and medium reliability. For kitesurfing, it’s possible in the right wind windows, but multiple notes emphasize how remote and logistically demanding it is—making it more suitable for experienced/advanced riders compared with more accessible areas. Safety is a key consideration here: reports mention rip currents, heavy shore break, and an aggressive biting-midge presence (borrachudos). On top of that, lifeguards are not reported and rescue is described as limited due to the distance and restricted access. If you’re going, plan for insect protection, respect local rules in the protected state-park setting, and arrange your return transport ahead of time.