Bananal Island

Bananal Island is a vast river island in the Araguaia River in Tocantins state, Brazil, and is the largest fluvial (river) island on Earth. Its landscape is a mix of seasonally flooded savanna, river channels, and riparian forest, with extensive wetlands and inland watercourses.

The island’s scale is striking - it stretches roughly 350 km in length and reaches several dozen kilometres in width in places, with an area on the order of 19,000 square kilometres. Highlights for visitors and researchers include wide river channels, seasonal wetlands that attract waterbirds, and traditional riverine and indigenous communities.

Bananal has been designated in parts as protected area and indigenous territory to conserve its ecosystems and support traditional livelihoods. Access is primarily by boat on the Araguaia River and conditions vary strongly with the seasonal flood cycle.

Geographically the island lies within the Araguaia basin in central Brazil; the nearest regional towns and transport links are on the river margins outside the island itself.

• Size: Roughly 350 km long and up to about 55 km across in places, with a total area on the order of 19,000 square kilometres, making it the largest fluvial island in the world.

What to See#

• Protected areas: Araguaia National Park and protected wetlands occupy parts of the island, protecting extensive seasonally flooded savanna and aquatic habitats.
• Indigenous areas: Indigenous territories and small traditional communities are located mainly along inland channels and the island’s margins, maintaining local riverine livelihoods.

• Arrange river transport and a local guide in advance - Bananal Island is accessed by boat along the Araguaia and much of the island is protected or indigenous land, so guide services will handle navigation, permissions and safe landing spots.
• Visit in the drier season (roughly May-October) when sandbanks, river beaches and trails are exposed and wildlife viewing is easier; in the wetter months large areas of the island flood and access is limited.
• Respect protected and indigenous areas: parts of Ilha do Bananal are national park or indigenous territory, so obtain any necessary permits, follow your guide's instructions and avoid entering restricted villages or sacred sites.