The Cagarras are the islands you see on the horizon from Ipanema and Leblon. They have been a federal natural monument since 2010, and since June 2026 one of them has a trail open to the public. This is not just another boat ride: you land by swimming, and the ground is solid rock. This guide explains what you can do and what to know before you book.
At a glance
- What it is: the Monumento Natural do Arquipélago das Ilhas Cagarras (Mona Cagarras), managed by ICMBio ↗, off Ipanema Beach.
- What you can visit: the Trilha da Comprida, on Ilha Comprida. It is open daily from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., and overnight stays are not allowed.
- How to get there: by boat only, with a "wet landing": you swim about 30 meters to the island.
- Difficulty: moderate to high. ICMBio recommends it for people over 12 with no mobility limitations.
- Who to go with: ICMBio recommends hiring accredited boat transport and guides; it publishes the lists on its website.
What the monument protects
The archipelago includes several islands: Comprida, Palmas, Cagarra, Redonda, and two smaller islets, Filhote da Cagarra and Filhote da Redonda. According to ICMBio ↗, frigatebirds and brown boobies nest on Cagarra and its islet. From June to August, with a bit of luck, you can spot humpback whales from the south face of Comprida.
ICMBio states that the other islands are reserved for conservation and research. Visits on land are limited to the Comprida trail.
The Trilha da Comprida
The trail opened on June 28, 2026. According to ICMBio's announcement ↗, it is the first ocean section of the Trilha Transcarioca and has three routes:
| Route | Distance | Where it goes |
|---|---|---|
| Out and back | 400 m | South face, returning the same way |
| Short | 800 m | Loop along the south and north faces |
| Long | 1,200 m | Loop along the south, north, and east faces |
The distances are short, but the terrain is not easy: the first stretch is uneven, wet rock. From the top you can see the Tijuca massif, Morro Dois Irmãos, Sugarloaf Mountain, and the beaches of Ipanema and Copacabana.
How to get there
There are no scheduled ferries to the Cagarras. You go on a hired or private boat, and ICMBio describes the landing like this:
- The boat approaches Comprida without docking.
- You swim about 30 meters to the shore.
- You climb the rocks at the water's edge to reach the start of the trail.
If you are not a confident open-water swimmer, this visit is not for you. The monument's page ↗ publishes the Operational Visitation Protocol, the list of guides accredited for the trail, and the list of accredited dive operators.
With a guide or on your own
ICMBio allows independent visits on the permitted days and hours, but strongly recommends going with accredited transport and guides. Each guide can lead groups of up to five people. Before you go:
- Read the Visitor Guide and the visitation protocol. You need to know the rules and the risk acknowledgment form.
- If you book a tour, check that the company appears on ICMBio's lists. A boat passing near the islands is not necessarily an accredited service.
- Check the marine forecast. With swell or strong wind, the landing becomes risky.
If you would rather not swim, a boat trip that only circles the islands is another way to see them; confirm with the operator what is included. To sail without leaving the bay, see boat trips on Guanabara Bay.
What to bring
- Shoes with good grip that can get wet.
- Water, sunscreen, and a hat: the trail is in full sun.
- A dry bag for your phone and documents.
- Nothing that leaves waste on the island: whatever you bring comes back with you.
Frequently asked questions
Can you land on any island?
No. According to ICMBio, land visits take place on the Trilha da Comprida; the other islands are reserved for conservation and research.
Can you see the islands from the shore?
Yes. You can see them on the horizon from the Ipanema waterfront and from Pedra do Arpoador. Ideas for the area in the Ipanema guide.
Can I swim at the beach afterward?
Check the INEA bulletin before going in the water at any beach in the city. To choose where, see the beach guide.
Sources: ICMBio: Mona do Arquipélago das Ilhas Cagarras ↗ and ICMBio: opening of the Trilha da Comprida ↗, accessed October 27, 2026.