Ilhabela Island from Above

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Ilhabela Island, located in the state of São Paulo, has 83% of its natural habitat protected. Most of the island's population, around 36,000 habitants lives in one side of the island. The coast is rugged, unspoiled, wild, and beautiful, composed by 19 islands, and three inland mountains higher than 1000 meter altitude—making the island the perfect spot for drone photography and videography.

Let's say that sometimes it's not easy to reach Ilhabela. First, you must travel to Brazil and land in São Paulo. Then, travel to the São Sebastião coast for approximately three hours. From there, take a thirty-minute ferry to Ilhabela, weather permitting. Despite the effort, the journey is worth every minute spent traveling.

Some coastal locations can only be accessed by boat or by hiking through a dense, hilly jungle. It's not always easy. Believe me, I've been to Ilhabela several times, and the hikes always push me to my limits, especially when carrying photography and drone equipment in my backpack.

For this photography series, I spent fifteen days in a secluded house in the southern part of Ilhabela during my last trip in January 2024. During this travel photography trip, the weather varied from great to rainy, to gloomy, and then back to great. I encountered several wild animals, such as snakes, armadillos, lizards, monkeys, various species of birds, and countless butterflies.

While at the house or exploring Cachoeira da Laje hike, Praia Veloso, Praia da Fome fisherman village, and the secluded Praia do Poço, I also took a boat to the unspoiled northern part of the island to explore beaches, waterfalls, and spots not accessible by road.

In this travel photography series, there are only drone photos and a short movie that showcase the beauty of this island from above.

My only regret is not being able to reach the amazing Praia do Bonete. I tried a hike and a boat on two different occasions, but nature's elements didn’t permit it. Until next time Praia do Bonete.

Copy & Images by Thomas Milton

Ilhabela Drone pier view — View of the Hotel Mercedes

Ilhabela Drone Praia da Fome — Shores of Praia da fome

Ilhabela Drone Da Laje Waterfall — Da Laje waterfall bridge

Ilhabela drone do Poço beach — The secluded Do Poço Beach

Ilhabela Drone Veloso Beach — Veloso beach on a rainy day

Ilhabela Drone beach pier — A beach pier with local fisherman's

Ilhabela Drone Ilha das Cabras — The unique Ilha das Cabras

Ilhabela Drone house in the forrest — My secluded house in Ilhabela

Ilhabela Drone pier sunset — After rain sunset at the pier

Ilhabela Drone Sunset Hotel Mercedes — Sunset at old style Hotel Mercedes

My only regret is not being able to reach the amazing Praia do Bonete. I tried a hike and a boat on two different occasions, but nature's elements didn’t permit it. Until next time Praia do Bonete.

Equipment used DJI Mini Pro 3, and ND filters

Edited with Adobe Premiere Pro and Lightroom Classic.