Ilha Grande - island hopping

Final stop on the South American adventure: Ihla Grande. Backpackers playground, Emily sick inducing jealousy centre.

We took a mini-bus from Paraty winding along the coastline to a smelly town and pier where we'd catch the boat out to the island paradise.

Ihla Grande was the point on the trip (appropriately about two days before we're due to return) where I really felt that I could do more of this travel lark. Meeting so many travellers who were either on their way around the whole of the southern continent, or on their way back, turned me a shade of forest.

But our few days in the fleshy jungle and on the hot sands was nothing to be sniffed at.

High point was the boat trip - a whole 9 hours in blistering Brazilian sun speeding around every corner of the island. The little boat was filled with 15 Europeans and true to form the mad dogs and Enlgishmen chose to sit out front with no sun shade. Cue this fantastic picture of the boys mid-afternoon.

Had a great time floating off snorkel masks in full action, as we were gently caressed around the corner of the bay by the sea whilst in search of puffafish and tortoises. Also included in this most brilliant day; jumping off rocks, climbing in and out of the speed boat at each beautiful beach, making new friends and generally having a fab time - none of which I have a photo of (of course).

So instead here's a pretty beach shot...