Leaving Porto Seguro, we head some thirty miles out into the open Atlantic to a Brazilian national park, a group of four windblown nearly bare rocky islands called Isla dos Abrolhos, where we anchor in a protected harbor. The islands are uninhabited, and generally uninhabitable, but for a few park personnel who conduct scientific research and operate a lighthouse on the largest of the islands. […]
On this day, we arrive at the much-heralded town of Buzios. Long a favorite resort for rich South Americans, the place hit the headlines long ago when it was visited by Brigitte Bardot, an event the place has never quite shaken. It is the LaJolla or Nantucket of Brazil, full of fine shops, beaches, pousadas (inns) and homes with stunning views of the sea. […]
This night we lie at anchor in a well protected cove surrounded by low mountains just off the town of Cabo Frio and prepare to leave for Rio early tomorrow.
Rio de Janeiro from the sea is one of the great sights. Sugarloaf Mountain, the Corcavado with the giant statue of Christ on top, miles of stunning beaches, volcanic rocky islands around its natural harbor, all make this a truly world class city. Entering at mid-day, we easily locate the marina, situated right in the heart of the city and well protected both from the sea and from the many criminals who ply their trade here. […]
My three best buddies since we were all together in the 5th grade—Earl Robinson, Pete Cicchine and Chris Jensen—arrived on schedule this morning to spend two weeks cruising the Brazilian coast with me aboard Indigo. From the airport, we travel by van directly to the boat for a big breakfast, including grits so they’ll feel at home (and me too). They are terrific guys, and their strong northwest Florida accents are music to my ears. […]
You can’t go to Rio and not visit its famous beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema, and this is the day we choose to tour them both, keeping a sharp eye out for the latest in swimsuit fashions. For lunch, we choose to avoid these crowded places and instead go to Praia (beach in Portuguese) Vermelyha or Red Beach, a small place tucked away at the base of Sugarloaf Mountain. […]
Another special day dawns bright and clear. After a great breakfast on board, we take the tender ashore for a walk through the jungle, a prepared nature trail really, that winds through several tiny fishing villages. At one is Pousada (like an Inn) Gata Russa (Russian Cat), where we drink fresh fruit juices and while away the time sitting on the shore of the cove in perfect contentment. […]
Another great day. During a tour around the Parati harbor and surrounding area, we spot a sea snake up close, which together with the cold water, discourages everybody from wanting to swim. The beautiful little town lies at water’s edge backed by high hills covered over in thick verdure of an amazing variety. Sandy beaches lined with coconut palms give the place the feel of a remote paradise, which it surely is. […]
Today we take a van tour of a small part of the island and stop along the way at beachfront bars, sampling their wares. At each stop, we are greeted warmly by the owner, offered chairs right on the sandy beach with umbrellas to ward off the still rising sun. It’s out of season here, so there are few people in sight on this Tuesday. […]
From Porto Belo, we make our way in still inclement weather to the famous island of Santa Catarina and its principal city of Florianopolis, called Floripa by the locals. As we have moved south, the economies of the states and towns have grown ever more wealthy, the streets cleaner and less pot-holed. […]