Cananéia Travel Guide

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The dolphins living in these waters are of Tucuxi species. Their length usually reaches the 2 meters, which is rather small, and have a grey back and a belly that is a mixture of white and pink. They feed on small fish, shrimps and seashells and prefer the shallow waters near sandy and muddy coasts where they can easily find their food. They can be found in Cananeia year-round, especially near Cardoso and Comprida islands and generally in South and Central American coasts. Unfortunately the graceful creatures are threatened by men's actions, like growing tourist activities, and the contamination of sea water by pesticides and chemicals....!

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Sambaquis are mounds of shells - [samba=seashell qui=hill] - left by primitive nomad people of the region, the sambaqui people. The staple diet of this Indian group was mollusks and fish, so they always left the empty shells on the sand. The mounds accumulated through time to form small hills. They also used these shells in combination with bones for the construction of their houses. The remains of those houses are now protected. The Sambaquis are estimated to have lived from 4,000 BC until 1,000 AD.

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Ilha Cardoso has been a natural reserve since 1962, with a remarkable diversity of species. The flora and fauna on the island is protected and there is also a small settlement for scientists of the Institute of Oceanography. There are lakes, rivers, and forests housing caimans, ocelots, tortoises and numerous other creatures. It is also protected by Unesco. There are some Sabaquis - hills of seashells - remains of primitive people of the region.
Near the long beaches of the island hundreds of dolphins share the peaceful waters with people who seem to enjoy this entertaining play. The water has a murky dark colour but it is absolutely clean as locals assure me...
Ilha Comprida is connected with regular transport. Ferries cover the short distance in 10 minutes, twice a day or more frequently in high seasons. There are buses that forward visitors to the interior or better beaches on the other side of the island, like Praia da Tricheira and Vila Nova.

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The most popular beaches are Prainha, Ilha Gardoso beach with the dolphins, Pereirinha, the nearest to Cananeia, Itacuruca with shallow water, difficult for boats to navigate, Ipanema, good for free diving, with a sort of natural pool and accessible on foot. Camboriú(Cambriú) beach, good for beginners in diving, Fole Pequeno y Grande, accessed by boat or paths, Morretinho with fine white sand, and Marujá with a fishing village.

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The nearest islands are Cardoso and Comprida. There are many more islands to the south , like Ilha do Castilho, a paradise for birdwatchers, Ilha Bom Abrigo with a lighthouse, Figueira, Camboriú and more... They can be reached by private boats which are easily available for hire. Sometimes there are tourist trips organised by the local boat owners.
All the islands are unspoilt with long clean and lonely beaches where you feel really free, lakes, rivers and waterfalls..

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The institute keeps remains and specimens of marine fauna in its museum and belongs with the University of São Paulo. It is found at the end of Rua Professor Besnard. There is a settlement of the Institute on Cardoso island.

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Although the rest of the buildings in Cananeia were built in the 19th century São João Batista church dates back to the 16th century in 1577. It was built as part of a fort with small windows and a strong door, so that it can resist the attacks of pirates . Later in the 17th century it was rebuilt as a church. It is found on Praça Martim Afonso de Sousa, the central square, named after the leader of the mission when the Portuguese arrived. The church plays a major role in the religious life of the locals especially during the Semana Santa and other religious events.