Itacuruçá guide
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Itacuruçá guide · Mangaratiba · Rio de Janeiro

Nautical chart of Itacuruçá and Sepetiba Bay

Depth, rocks, safe routes to the islands, tide, wind and waves. Free, built on the Brazilian Navy charts, and it works at sea without internet.

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Depth where you areGPS with speed, heading and warnings for shallows and rocks.
Safe routeAvoids shallow water and estimates time and fuel for your boat.
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About Itacuruçá

The village that opens Sepetiba Bay

Itacuruçá is a district of Mangaratiba, on the Costa Verde (Green Coast) of Rio de Janeiro state, about 96 km from the city of Rio. Boats and schooners to the islands leave from beside the church, facing the sea. Mangaratiba has about 30 islands in Sepetiba Bay.

The name comes from the Tupi language: ita means stone and curuçá means cross. The story goes that Jesuits raised a stone cross here to convert the Tamoio people. The Church of Nossa Senhora de Sant'Ana, from 1840, faces the channel and marks the center of the village.

The railway from Santa Cruz to Mangaratiba turned Itacuruçá into a summer retreat for families from Rio. The old train station is now the Itacuruçá Cultural Center.

~96 kmfrom Rio de Janeiro
~30 islandsof Mangaratiba in the bay
1840Sant'Ana Church
Itacuruçá bay with the marina, boats and mountains behind

Itinerary

Things to do in Itacuruçá, day and night

By day

From morning to late afternoon

  1. 1
    Itacuruçá BeachLight sand and calm water, good for kids. Beach kiosks and umbrellas for rent.
  2. 2
    Ball games on the beachIf you like ball games, there is beach soccer and footvolley on the sand along the waterfront.
  3. 3
    Boats to the islandsBeside the church, facing the sea, several boatmen will take you to any island: Ilha de Itacuruçá, Jaguanum, Quatiquara and more. Full-day schooner trips also leave from here.
  4. 4
    Hike on Ilha de ItacuruçáAn easy trail between Flexeira, Praia Grande and Prainha, or a climb up the ~330 m hill for a view of the bay.
  5. 5
    Lunch at the Yacht ClubThe Itacuruçá Yacht Club restaurant is the way in to see the club and its marina.
  6. 6
    Village historySant'Ana Church, from 1840, and the Cultural Center in the old train station.

At night

A plan that works

  1. 6 pm
    Late afternoon on the beachStay on Itacuruçá Beach and watch the sky change color over the bay.
  2. 7 pm
    Walk the waterfrontStroll through the center and along the waterfront, stopping for ice cream, açaí or a drink. That's when things start to liven up.
  3. 7:30 pm
    DinnerCasa de Concília ★, Calabria Forneria, Quiosque Zé do Milho, Garagem Hamburgueria or Outbêco. See where to eat.
  4. 9 pm
    Draft beer on the waterfrontIce-cold Brahma draft beer at Casa de Concília ★, on the waterfront, to keep the night going without leaving Itacuruçá.
  5. 11 pm
    After thatThe village doesn't have strong nightlife every day. For music, dancing and more action, head to Muriqui or Mangaratiba.

Weekends: craft fair on the boardwalk. If you stay on Ilha de Itacuruçá, the bars at Praia Grande are lively from Thursday to Sunday.

Islands and boat trips

The islands of the bay

Calm water inside the bay and short crossings. The boatmen wait beside Sant'Ana Church, facing the sea, and go to any island. You can also take a schooner or your own boat. In your own boat, plot the route on the nautical chart before you leave.

Water taxi: Yuri will take you anywhere around Itacuruçá. WhatsApp (21) 99583-1371.

~15 min by boat

Ilha de Itacuruçá

The closest to the village, with guesthouses, bars and trails between the beaches. From the top of the ~330 m hill you can see all of Sepetiba Bay.

  • Praia Grande: the busiest, with calm water and restaurants. The best beach to land on.
  • Águas Lindas: the island's village, with guesthouses and bars.
  • Prainha (Maria Russa): right next to Praia Grande, about 20 min on foot, with a lookout on the way.
  • Quatiquara, Flexeira, Praia do Boi and Sapioeira.
  • Easy 1.2 km trail: Flexeira → Praia Grande → Prainha.
Route to Praia Grande Route to Prainha

~20 min by boat

Ilha de Jaguanum

The farthest and one of the most beautiful: emerald-green water and about 14 beaches, quiet on weekdays and busier on Saturdays. You can walk all the way around the island on a ~10 km trail of moderate difficulty.

  • Praia do Sul: has a restaurant on the beach.
  • Araçá: the beach with the most facilities.
  • Pitangueiras, Calhaus, Cabeceiros, Mocambo, Várzea and more.
  • Kayaks and stand-up paddleboards for rent.
  • Bring snacks and drinks: many of the beaches have no restaurant. Stock up first at Mercado do Teyyy, the cheapest in town.

Coordinates (Google Maps)

Ilha de Jaguanum: 22°59'42.7"S 43°55'37.1"W (-22.99520, -43.92699)

Praia do Sul: 23°00'34.8"S 43°56'02.7"W (-23.00968, -43.93408)

Route Itacuruçá → Jaguanum Route to Praia do Sul View on Google Maps

Boat access only · Ilha de Itacuruçá

Quatiquara Beach

On the eastern tip of Ilha de Itacuruçá. Well preserved, with coconut palms and native forest. Reachable only by boat. Few or no facilities, so bring water and snacks and take your trash back with you.

Route Itacuruçá → Quatiquara

Full day

Schooner trip

They leave Itacuruçá pier in the morning and return in the late afternoon, with swimming stops. The route depends on the weather and the sea.

  • Usual stops: Jaguanum, Ilha Bonita, Ilha Vigia and Prainha.
  • On the way you pass Ilha dos Gatos, which can only be seen from the boat.
  • Many schooners serve fruit, snacks and lunch on board.

Adventure · water taxi + lunch

By water taxi to Restaurante Visual

Take a water taxi from Itacuruçá across the bay to Ilha da Madeira for lunch at Restaurante Visual: seafood on a deck over the water, surrounded by colorful fishing boats. Arriving by sea is a great experience, and the dishes are excellent.

Ilha da Madeira is actually a peninsula, so you can also drive there. But by boat is much more fun.

Restaurante Visual · Estr. Wilson Pedro Francisco, 652, Ilha da Madeira (Itaguaí) · every day, 11:30 am–5 pm · +55 21 2688-6860 · about 7 nautical miles from Itacuruçá

Book the water taxi See the boat route Go by car

Since 1945

Itacuruçá Yacht Club

The Yacht Club was born from a love of the sea and the friendship of a group of summer visitors to Itacuruçá, back when the train brought families from Rio to the village. It is one of the most traditional sailing addresses on the Costa Verde.

  1. 1945The club is founded by a group of Itacuruçá summer visitors.
  2. 1948First steps on the waters of the bay, bringing together families and boat lovers.
  3. 1958The clubhouse is established and the club becomes a meeting point for boating life on the Costa Verde.
  4. 202075 years, celebrated with a plaque, the planting of a brazilwood sapling and the book "Lembranças – 75 anos de história – 1945-2020".
  5. TodayMore than 80 years, with a marina, gym, events and a memory gallery that keeps the club's history.

How to visit

The easiest way to see the club is through its restaurant: have lunch at the club, by the bay, and take a look at the marina.

Rua Evelina, 30, about 200 m from Sant'Ana Church.

Office: (21) 98669-0989. Call ahead to check the restaurant's hours.

RestaurantMarinaSailingSince 1945
Yacht Club website

No boat needed

Things to do on land

Itacuruçá is a quiet village where you can do everything on foot: walk the waterfront, have a coffee, fish at night and hang out in the square until late.

Walk · about 1.5 km · around 20 min

From the waterfront to BR Marinas

Start at the beach in front of Sant'Ana Church and follow the seafront to BR Marinas, Itacuruçá's marina. Along the way you see Ilha de Itacuruçá, the channel and boats coming and going. Best early in the morning or late in the afternoon.

BR Marinas Itacuruçá · Alameda Bons Ventos · 8 am–5 pm · +55 21 2680-7551

See the walking route

Coffee and bakeries

Coffee shop

Eu Quero – Cafeteria & Empório

Cappuccino and homemade cakes in a calm, cozy setting.

R. Cecília, 106 · 8 am–8 pm (Sun until 6 pm, closed Wednesdays)

View on Google Maps

Coffee and gifts

Lar Café

Coffee, pão de queijo (cheese bread) and savory snacks, plus a gift and decor shop. Close to the beaches.

R. da Igualdade · Mon–Sat 9 am–5 pm

View on Google Maps

Breakfast on the waterfront

Casa de Concília

★ Highly recommended

Opens at 8 am with breakfast facing the sea.

Av. Dr. Raphael Levy Miranda, 365

View on Google Maps

Bakery

Padaria da Natalia

On the neighborhood square, with griddle-toasted bread, cakes, pies and cream doughnuts.

R. Nair, 10

View on Google Maps

Bakery

Padaria Maná

The "beach bakery": big bread rolls and sweets like the cream doughnut.

R. Sereder, 332

View on Google Maps

Bakery and pastry shop

Palácio dos Pães

Breakfast, bread, cakes and savory snacks, at the entrance to the village.

RJ-014, 3950

View on Google Maps

Evenings, no rush

Family outing

Evenings in the square

The village is quiet and you can relax in the square at night without worry, with kids playing, an açaí or ice cream in hand and locals strolling by.

  • Ilhas Tropicais Açaí e Sorvetes: R. João Bermudes de Castro.
  • Casa do Açaí: R. Nair, 10, on the square.

Fishing

Night fishing

At night, lots of people fish with a line from the waterfront and the pier, on the calm water of the bay. Bring a flashlight, repellent and a small stool.

  • Itapesca: fishing tackle, bait and boating supplies. R. Cel. Moreira da Silva, 127, 8 am–6 pm. (21) 99579-0321
  • Boat fishing: Pesca Embarcada Itacuruçá takes you fishing by boat. (21) 98395-2920

A short drive away

Waterfall · 10 min by car · along the Rio-Santos road

Cachoeira do Sahy

About 10 minutes from Itacuruçá, along the Rio-Santos road towards Mangaratiba, in the Sahy neighborhood. You can drive close to the water and there is parking. A quiet waterfall, good for families and for relaxing in the forest.

Estrada da Fazenda Santa Bárbara, Sahy · bring repellent: there are mosquitoes in the forest · the last stretch of road is rough, drive slowly

Driving directions

History and nature

Sant'Ana Church

From 1840, facing the channel. It is the heart of the village and where the boatmen leave from.

Cultural Center and fair

The old railway station is now a cultural center, with objects and documents from the region's history. There is usually a craft fair on the boardwalk at weekends.

Cachoeira do Itingussú

A short trail to a freshwater waterfall near Itacuruçá. A good pick for cooler days.

Where to eat

Restaurants, beach kiosks and bars

Eating in Itacuruçá is good value compared with Rio. Some people drive from Rio just to have dinner here.

Lunch and dinner · hotel

Hotel Mont Blanc restaurant

★ Highly recommended

Very good, generous food. Dishes from R$ 40, and picanha for 2 to 4 people costs around R$ 140, half what you'd pay in Rio.

Barbecue · seafront

Toca da Picanha

A seafront steakhouse, with meals from R$ 40.

Lunch, dinner and Brahma draft beer · waterfront

Casa de Concília

★ Highly recommended

A waterfront restaurant next to the Navy, with a pleasant setting and good prices. Worth the trip just for lunch. At night, it's the place for ice-cold Brahma draft beer.

Seafood · Ilha da Madeira

Restaurante Visual

A deck over the water and excellent seafood dishes. Go by water taxi for the full experience, or by car.

Every day, 11:30 am–5 pm

How to get there by boat

Pizza

Calabria Forneria

A pizzeria for the evening.

Until midnight

Seafood · beach kiosk

Quiosque Zé do Milho

Seafood right on the beach.

Until 11 pm

Burgers

Garagem Hamburgueria

For something more casual.

7 pm to midnight

Bar food

Outbêco Itacuruçá

Bar food and cold drinks.

Until midnight

Lunch · club

Yacht Club restaurant

A way to see the Itacuruçá Yacht Club and its marina. Learn more.

Grocery store

Local grocery store

Mercado do Teyyy

The cheapest in town, with great prices and deals. Good for stocking your holiday rental or buying snacks and drinks before taking the boat to the islands.

Av. Santana, Itacuruçá

Mon–Sat 7:30 am–8 pm · Sun 7:30 am–2 pm

View on Google Maps

Plan for tonight: 7 pm waterfront walk → 8 pm dinner → 9:30 pm Brahma draft beer at Casa de Concília → 11 pm decide whether to stay or head to Muriqui.

Hours and prices may change. If in doubt, check before you go.

Where to stay

Sleep facing the bay

View from the ItaBreeze balcony over Itacuruçá bay and the marina

Accommodation in Itacuruçá

ItaBreeze

Your seaside retreat in Itacuruçá. Balcony with sea view, air-conditioned bedroom with a double bed, fully equipped open kitchen and a Smart TV with cable.

Information and bookings: (21) 99314-9994

Message on WhatsApp Visit the ItaBreeze website
Pool and sea seen from above Bedroom opening onto the balcony with sea view Bedroom with a double bed Living room with sofa and TV Open kitchen with microwave and minibar fridge Balcony with chairs and sea view

Parties and events

Have your party in Itacuruçá

Espaço Vagão party hall decorated with tables, a foliage wall and lighting

Party venue in Itacuruçá

Espaço Vagão

A full venue for birthdays, sweet fifteen parties, mini weddings, get-togethers and company events. In business for 10 years.

  • Up to 150 guests (45 seated)
  • Pool with glass window and infinity edge
  • Optional heated water
  • Equipped barbecue area
  • 24,000 BTU air conditioning
  • 2 arcade machines with 4,500+ games and foosball
  • Bluetooth sound and Wi-Fi
  • Draft beer with tap included

Bookings: (21) 99314-9994

Check dates on WhatsApp Visit the Espaço Vagão website
Espaço Vagão pool with mountains behind Tables set with white tablecloths in the hall Cake table decorated with an arch and foliage Two arcade machines and a foosball table Barbecue grill with counter Beer tower on the lit counter

Chopp Costa Verde

Ice-cold draft beer for parties and events. A 50-liter keg with tap included serves about 333 glasses of 150 ml. Taps can also be rented on their own, electric or ice-cooled.

Get a draft beer quote

Plan your trip

Getting there and when to go

By car

From Rio, take Avenida Brasil to the Rio-Santos highway (BR-101), through Itaguaí and Coroa Grande. About 96 km, just over an hour without traffic.

By bus

There are buses from Rio's Novo Rio bus terminal to Itacuruçá. Another option is to go to Itaguaí and take a van to the center of Itacuruçá.

To the islands

Beside Sant'Ana Church, facing the sea, several boatmen will take you to any island. Agree on the price and the return time before you board. Yuri's water taxi: (21) 99583-1371.

When to go

December to March is hot, with summer showers: boat and beach season. June to August is drier and cooler: good for hiking and waterfalls.

Services

Water taxi

Táxi Boat Yuri

Takes you anywhere around Itacuruçá: islands, beaches and trips around the bay.

WhatsApp: (21) 99583-1371

Call

Laundromat · open 24 hours

Lavanderia Uau Itacuruçá

Self-service laundromat, open every day, 24 hours. Washing takes about 40 min and drying 45 min. Handy if you're in a holiday rental or back from the boat with wet towels.

RJ-014, nº 2214, Itacuruçá

WhatsApp: (21) 99932-2474

View on Google Maps

Grocery store

Mercado do Teyyy

The cheapest in town. Av. Santana.

See details

Frequently asked questions

Questions about Itacuruçá

How long does it take from Rio de Janeiro to Itacuruçá?

It's about 96 km. By car, via Avenida Brasil and the Rio-Santos highway, it takes just over an hour, depending on traffic.

How do I get to Ilha de Itacuruçá?

By boat. Beside Sant'Ana Church, facing the sea, several boatmen go to any island. The crossing to Ilha de Itacuruçá takes about 15 minutes.

How long is the boat ride to Ilha de Jaguanum?

About 20 minutes by boat from Itacuruçá.

Where can I have a party in Itacuruçá?

Espaço Vagão is a party venue in Itacuruçá for up to 150 guests, with a pool, barbecue, arcade machines and draft beer. Bookings on WhatsApp (21) 99314-9994.

Is there a free nautical chart of Sepetiba Bay?

Yes. The nautical chart in this guide uses the Brazilian Navy charts, shows the depth where you are, plots a safe route and works without internet after being opened once.

Can I visit the Itacuruçá Yacht Club without being a member?

Yes, through the club restaurant at Rua Evelina, 30. Call the office first, +55 21 98669-0989, to check the hours.

Where can I eat well and cheaply in Itacuruçá?

The Hotel Mont Blanc restaurant has dishes from R$ 40 and picanha for 2 to 4 people for about R$ 140. Toca da Picanha, on the seafront, also has meals from R$ 40. For lunch, try Casa de Concília, next to the Navy.

What is there to do in Itacuruçá at night?

Walk the waterfront from 7 pm, have dinner at one of the village restaurants, such as Casa de Concília, Calabria Forneria or Quiosque Zé do Milho, and finish with a Brahma draft beer at Casa de Concília. After 11 pm, for more action, go to Muriqui or Mangaratiba.

Where can I do laundry in Itacuruçá?

At Lavanderia Uau Itacuruçá, a self-service laundromat open 24 hours every day, at RJ-014, no. 2214. WhatsApp +55 21 99932-2474.