Ilha da Queimada Grande
Island Small Brazilian island home to highly venomous pit vipers
Ilha da Queimada Grande, ‘Snake Island’ off São Paulo, hosts the venomous golden lancehead viper; Brazilian authorities tightly restrict access and casual visitation is prohibited.
Ilha da Queimada Grande, commonly known as Snake Island, is a small island off the coast of Se3o Paulo state in Brazil. It is famous for hosting a dense population of the endemic golden lancehead pit viper (Bothrops insularis).
The island’s small area and isolation have allowed the snake population to evolve independently. There is an old lighthouse and a few abandoned structures on the island, but no permanent civilian settlement.
Because of the danger posed by the snakes and to protect the endemic species, access is tightly controlled by the Brazilian authorities and visits are generally restricted to research or official purposes.
- Access restrictions: Access to the island is restricted by the Brazilian Navy and civilian visits are generally prohibited because of the high density of venomous snakes.
- Size and distance: The island covers roughly 0.43 square kilometres and lies off the coast of Se3o Paulo state at around 33 km from the mainland.
How to Get to Ilha da Queimada Grande #
Ilha da Queimada Grande (Snake Island) is off the coast of São Paulo state and is not open to casual visitors. Access is only by private boat from nearby coastal towns such as São Sebastião or Ubatuba and landing requires explicit permission from Brazilian federal authorities (the Brazilian Navy). Unauthorized visits are prohibited.
Tips for Visiting Ilha da Queimada Grande #
- Do not plan to land-public visits to Ilha da Queimada Grande are prohibited for safety and conservation reasons; the island is home to the endemic highly venomous Bothrops insularis and access is tightly restricted.
- If you have a legitimate research need, obtain formal permits through the Brazilian Navy and the environmental authority (ICMBio) before attempting any visit; unauthorized approaches or landings are illegal and enforced.
Best Time to Visit Ilha da Queimada Grande #
Ilha da Queimada Grande (Snake Island) has tropical conditions year-round, but visits are generally prohibited except for authorized scientific or official trips - any planning must go through Brazilian authorities.
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