Saco do Sombrio doesn't have a beach, just a narrow strand of sand beside the headquarters of the Ilhabela Yatch Club (which appears in the picture). With its calm and absolutely transparent waters, it is one of the most beautiful retreats on the whole Island. It is also the best natural mooring place on the other side of the channel.

Saco do Sombrio was the favourite shelter of the pirates that used to use the Island as a base for their operations. Due to its strategic positioning, behind Piraçununga point, it offered a perfect hiding place: vessels passing by Castelhanos bay didn't even notice that there is an entrance to this small bay. And so, the pirates rested there on the lookout, and when the Portuguese ships passed by with their cargoes heading for the metropolis, the pirates left in pursuit of their victims.