ILHA GRANDE, BRAZIL - DAY 7

 

        We dropped anchor offshore the island of Ilha Grande at 7:30 this morning.  So far no rain with some sun peeking through the clouds.  Very humid and 77 degrees this morning but up to 88 degrees in the afternoon.

Historical/Background Info:

         Ilha Grande or “big island” is a (75 sq mi) forested island located off the Atlantic coast of Brazil, 150 miles north of Sao Paulo and 100 miles south of Rio de Janeiro.  Ilha Grande is one of the most pristine examples of Brazil’s endangered rainforest habitat, containing multiple species of plants and animals.  87% of the island is protected status by a reserve and state park.  There are all kinds of rare creatures on the island with the largest remaining populations of many endangered species.  There are no roads and motorized vehicles are banned.  The island has 93 miles of hiking trails.  Its claim to fame is over 200 beaches, snorkeling, hiking, and the rain forests.

        There aren’t many villages on the island but we are anchored near the largest which has a population of 1900.  This is a tender port.  Ferries are the only way to get to the island other than an occasional cruise ship.  We were here in 2012.

LAST EVENING

        Abiegail  and Lin are every excited as they are going home in two days (at Rio) after 9 months on the ship.  We will miss them in the Meridian Lounge.  They have been packed for a week!

Our starters in Compass Rose are the Alaska crab & avocado salad for me.  Rebecca had a Caesar salad.

      Kas recommended this R collection red blend red wine for my dinner.  Not tannic and good!

                               Rebecca had the lemon-thyme marinated tiger shrimp with rice.

                                            I had the Smithfield pork chop with potato gratin.

                         For dessert I had to have this banana-macadamia  nut pudding.

                            We did go to Stephanie's show.  Her voice is very, very good.  

TODAY

                                                                          Pilot boat.

                                             Lowering a tender below our suite balcony.

        Following are some photos of the island.  Remember you can click on the photos to enlarge them.  There are only two different tours offered here.  One is a walking tour and the other a snorkeling tour.  Why, you ask?  There are no buses on the island!

                                                                  Interesting chairs

         We went up to La Veranda for lunch as I wanted to talk to the Sette Mari chef.  This is chef Francis.  I wanted to show him a photo of the way I want him to prepare my veal parmesan this evening.  We will be having an Italian dinner up in Sette Mari this evening.  He will be making a smaller potion than the one we had down in Compass Rose a few nights ago.

                  Had my usual anchovies and blu cheese plus some gravlax to start with.

                                           I ordered the lobster nachos from the pool grill.

        This afternoon Rebecca went back up to the library to finish the book she has been reading.  I will try to find another movie to watch.  

        So far it has not rained today.  That may change later this afternoon.  We will be sailing again at 6pm.  It's just a short hop up to Rio de Janeiro where will be docked by 8am.  We just missed (thankfully) Rio Carnival 2026 which was from February 13th to the 21st.  They were expecting over 1 million visitors for it.

        This is tonight's Compass Rose menu even though we will not be dining here.  As I mentioned we are going up to Sette Mari for dinner.  Tonight's show is the second one by the incredible tango dancers, Pampas Devils.  We plan to be on the front row again.