Maresias, on the northern coast of São Paulo state, Maresias, Brazil

Maresias, on the northern coast of São Paulo state

Maresias, on the northern coast of São Paulo state

Maresias is a beach in the municipality of São Sebastião, on the northern coast of São Paulo state, about 150 km (95 miles) and three hours from the city of São Paulo. It lies within the Serra do Mar State Park, the largest protected area of Atlantic Forest in Brazil, between the ocean and the mountains. The beach is almost 4 km (2.5 miles) long and is known for its surf.

A beach on the coast of São Sebastião near Maresias

Nearby beaches

The coast here is a sequence of beaches divided by headlands of Atlantic Forest. Praia de Paúba is the one neighboring beach reached on foot; the others are reached by road.

Beaches near Maresias
BeachDistance from the hotelHow to get there
Paúba500 m by trail, 2 km along the sandOn foot
Santiago4.3 kmBy road
Toque-Toque Pequeno6.1 kmBy road
Boiçucanga7 kmBy road
Calhetas9 kmBy road
Toque-Toque Grande11 kmBy road
Camburizinho12 kmBy road
Camburi14 kmBy road
Praia da Baleia15 kmBy road
Guaecá18 kmBy road
Barra do Sahy20 kmBy road
Barequeçaba20 kmBy road
Juquehy25 kmBy road
Barra do Una31 kmBy road
Waterfall in the Atlantic Forest near Maresias

Waterfalls and trails

The Sete Quedas waterfall is 850 meters from the hotel, on a 2 km round-trip trail walked with an accredited guide. Calhetas, Pedra Lisa and Água Branca are reached by road.

Waterfalls and trails
WaterfallDistance from the hotelNote
Sete Quedas waterfall850 m2 km round-trip trail, walked with an accredited guide
Calhetas waterfall9 kmA 96-meter drop
Pedra Lisa waterfall11 kmAt Toque-Toque Grande
Água Branca waterfall34 km—
Humpback whale off the northern coast of São Paulo

Whales in July and August

Between July and August, humpback whales pass along the northern coast on their migration. Whale-watching trips of about four hours, operated by local partners and arranged by the hotel’s concierge, also reach dolphins.

  • About four hours
Boat trip towards Ilhabela from São Sebastião

São Sebastião and Ilhabela

The historic center of São Sebastião is 27 km (17 miles) away, and the ferry to Ilhabela leaves from there.

The region has trails, waterfalls and boat trips to the islands off the south coast, all operated by local partners and arranged by the hotel’s concierge. Surf, stand-up paddle and sea kayaking lessons take place on the beach in front of the hotel. See the experiences.

Best time to visit

The seasons in Maresias
SeasonMonthsWhat it is like
SummerDecember to MarchHot and humid, with the warmest sea and late-afternoon rain. Brazilian high season.
AutumnApril to JuneSettled weather, still-warm water and fewer people on the beach.
WinterJuly and AugustMild and dry, with clear skies and cooler water. The year's most consistent surf, and humpback whales pass on their migration.
SpringSeptember to NovemberWarming, with longer days. Late-afternoon showers are common and usually brief.

Experience operated by a local partner and arranged by the hotel's concierge.

For safety, boat trips depend on good sea conditions and are subject to a rescheduling and cancellation policy, shared before booking.

Rappelling, trails, diving and surfing are subject to physical requirements.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Maresias?
In the municipality of São Sebastião, on the northern coast of São Paulo state, Brazil, about 150 km (95 miles) and three hours from the city of São Paulo.
What is the best time to visit Maresias?
Summer has the warmest sea and is high season. Autumn is more settled, with fewer people on the beach. July and August bring cooler water, clear skies and humpback whales passing on their migration. In spring, late-afternoon showers are common.
Which beaches are near Maresias?
Paúba is 500 meters away by trail, or 2 km along the sand. By road: Santiago 4.3 km, Toque-Toque Pequeno 6.1 km, Boiçucanga 7 km, Calhetas 9 km, Toque-Toque Grande 11 km, Camburizinho 12 km, Camburi 14 km, Praia da Baleia 15 km, Guaecá 18 km, Barra do Sahy and Barequeçaba 20 km, Juquehy 25 km and Barra do Una 31 km.
Can you see whales in Maresias?
Humpback whales pass along the northern coast between July and August. Whale-watching trips of about four hours are operated by local partners.
Is there a waterfall nearby?
The Sete Quedas waterfall is 850 meters from the hotel, on a 2 km round-trip trail walked with an accredited guide.
How do I get to Ilhabela from Maresias?
It is 27 km (17 miles) to São Sebastião, where the ferry to Ilhabela leaves.