Aquario Pousada - Hostel

Aquario Pousada - Hostel is a great hostel with a good vibe on the outskirts of the main village on Ilha Grande.

Location

The hostel is basically where civilization drops off along the coast. It's right next door to another hostel with a lively bar, so it's not silent. It's only about a fifteen-minute walk, either along the beach or through town. To get there, when you get off the boat on the dock take a left and go all the way to the end of the road. If arriving at night, beware because the path is a bit uneven. It's pretty much the last door on the left.

Rooms and Bathrooms

The rooms and beds are decently comfortable, but they lack mosquito nets, so come prepared with bug repellent. Bathrooms are clean and showers are good, and most have working hot water (you might check before you agree to a room). The hostel is secure with the main door locked at night and locks on the room doors. There are also lockers if you want to lock stuff up.

Common Spaces

The hostel has a nice lounge, outside/deck area, and it's really easy to meet people. They have a partnership with the hostel next door, which has a lively bar and has "themed" nights where they have dinner and drink specials -- it's really a great place to meet people!

Summary

Aquario has a nice breakfast with bread, cold cuts, cheese, fruit, juice, coffee. There are lots of stray cats/dogs, so if you don't like critters, think twice. A disadvantage is that there is no kitchen at the hostel, and they don't have a water filter (and they charge a lot for bottles!). Overall though, it's a great hostel!

— Exclusive Hostelz.com Review
August 2008