26. Ilha Comprida
Section: Ilha Comprida
Park where this section is located: Monumento Natural das Ilhas Cagarras
Summary
Ilha Comprida is part of the Cagarras Islands Archipelago, located off the coast of Rio de Janeiro, approximately 5 km from Ipanema Beach. The Cagarras Islands are named due to the large amount of seabird droppings that run down the rocks, and Ilha Comprida for its longer shape compared to the nearby islands. The islands are part of the Monumento Natural das Ilhas Cagarras, under the responsibility of ICMBio. Access is only possible by sea via small boats.
Orientation
1.2 km
1 h
Climbing: No
Direction
Praia Vermelha ➤ Ilha Comprida
Direction
Ilha Comprida ➤ Praia Vermelha
Technical Information
Difficulty
Medium
Sun
High
Orientation
Easy
Risk
Medium
Signage
Good
Hydration
No
Attractions
Fauna/Flora
Viewpoint
Section Map
How to Get There
Access to the Cagarras Islands, 5 km from Ipanema Beach, is mainly by boat or speedboat. Boats depart from Marina da Glória or Posto 6 in Copacabana. The journey takes between 30 minutes and 2 hours, depending on the vessel. Disembarking on the island requires caution as boats can only approach up to 10 meters from the island, requiring swimming across a stretch in waters where you cannot touch the bottom.
Trail Entrance
Disembark swimming
Trail Exit
Ilha Comprida
Trail Description
The trail runs along the rocky shores of Ilha Comprida with the possibility of taking a longer circuit and a shorter one from the landing point. A sign indicates where the two circuits split (see the interactive map).
Attractions
View of the Rio de Janeiro south zone coastline, wildlife observation, diving, hiking on rocky shores.
Commerce/Lodging
There is no commerce or lodging on the island, and camping is also prohibited.
Water Points
It is recommended to get water at a store before starting the navigation, as there are no streams or sources of drinking water along the way, and during the summer the temperature gets very hot on this section.
Photos
Important Facts
Ilha Comprida is mainly responsible for ensuring the sheltered waters inside the Cagarras Archipelago, representing a traditional shelter for sailors on days of strong winds and waves coming from the south quadrant. Its elongated shape, low altitude and easy access make it the best known and most visited island in MoNa Cagarras. Historically occupied by fishing camps, it bears marks of this occupation, such as areas of suppressed vegetation. The current absence of seabird nests is another striking feature of Ilha Comprida. With the exception of Ilha das Palmas, the other islands in this UC shelter seabird colonies.
On the western portion there is a well-developed forest with medium-sized trees, while on the eastern side there is another shrubby patch, separated by a central extension of the island largely colonized by guinea grass (Megathyrsus maximus).
Its northern portion is quite sheltered from the prevailing winds and waves from the south and east quadrants, constituting the most used anchorage in the area. The submerged portion in this area is predominantly rocky, with many crevices and a maximum depth of around 13 m.
On the south face, the rocky slope is steeper, exposed to wave pounding and reaches almost 40 m in depth.
Source: https://ilhasdorio.org.br/ilhas-mona-cagarras/