Going to Bernardo Island was one of the high points of our trip to Brazil. A tour bus picked us up at the Copacabana Marriott and drove about an hour and a half South to the costal fishing town of Itacuruçá. There we went aboard an powered schooner for the trip to the island. I think the trip through Sepetiba Bay was about 45 minutes each way. While on the boat the crew made Caipirinhas for all of us to drink. I know it is the national cocktail of Brasil, but I don't care for the taste that much. But, hey it was free booze! As we got close to the island we could see that it was a beautiful tropical place.
We tied up at the dock and went ashore. Next to the dock is a really nice sandy beach and the water is so clear it's easy to see the bottom. Up on the island close to the dock is located the restaurant and a few other buildings. The island is 21 acres so it isn't very large and it's privately owned. I understand it's for sale if you have a few extra million bucks laying around. On the island we saw both parrots and a monkey. We had a wonderful buffet lunch in the restaurant and then a couple of hours to explore the island. The beach is beautiful and the water is clear and warm. We then went up on one of the higher points of the island and watched a submarine pass by just off the coast. Then back on the schooner for the trip back to the coast where our tour bus was waiting to take up back to the hotel. I highly recommend everyone visiting the Island while in Rio. I'll dig out some photos to ad of this beautiful place tomorrow.
I don't know why the location is listed as Sutherland VA rather than Itacuruçá Brasil? I don't seem to be able to change it now. read more