Located on an island formed by two river branches, Pousada Refúgio da Ilha sits on the edge of the crystal-clear waters of the Salobra River, in the Salobra River Delta – nestled between the northern part of the Serra da Bodoquena mountain range and the Miranda Pantanal wetlands. It is the most accessible lodge in the Pantanal, as it is only 11 km from its entrance on the BR-262 highway, along a well-maintained gravel road. It is also the closest to Bonito in the entire Southern Pantanal, being halfway there.
The lodge's private reserve constitutes an important ecological sanctuary of permanent preservation for the Salobra Pantanal. The low environmental impact of our operations, together with the conservation work in our area, characterizes the sustainability of this ecotourism project, and guests are the direct supporters of this cause.
In addition to charming accommodations, the inn boasts indoor and outdoor spaces that are true havens of tranquility. You can enjoy the cozy living room, the charming pergolas surrounding the lodge, relax in the video room, explore the small library, or even our little shop. We also have three decks where you can appreciate the stunning Pantanal landscape surrounding the lodge, one of them on the banks of the Salobra River, ideal for admiring the river and taking a refreshing dip.
The indoor restaurant is perfect for enjoying a refined dinner and a delicious breakfast accompanied by the symphony of birds. Meanwhile, the outdoor restaurant and bar, situated on the banks of the Salobra River, offers a unique lunch experience, immersed in nature.
The lodge offers eight cozy apartments, carefully equipped with private bathrooms featuring hot showers, air conditioning, ceiling fans, king-size beds, screened windows and balconies, and high-quality bedding and bath products. The team performs daily cleaning, organization, and restocking, ensuring your stay is impeccable.
The Refúgio da Ilha guesthouse is part of the Salobra River Delta Pantanal (blue on the map), a so-called "border Pantanal," south of the Southern Pantanal. The Salobra Delta, in turn, connects the Miranda Pantanal, where it discharges its waters, and the Serra da Bodoquena, from where it receives the large volume of water that, during the flood season, inundates the Salobra Delta plain.
The activities aim to encompass the diverse environments of the Salobra Pantanal and at different times of day, always prioritizing the most pleasant times and the greatest possibility of spotting the fauna and flora. These include: boat rides, canoeing, horseback riding, nature & bird walks and jeep rides.
The Salobra River, with its headwaters in the Serra da Bodoquena mountain range, is curiously different from many rivers in the Pantanal. First, its waters are crystal clear for most of the year. Fishing is prohibited by state law, and therefore, there is no noise pollution from boats.
Activities will be carefully selected depending on the weather and time of year. To avoid the intense sun during the day, activities preferably take place in the early morning and mid-afternoon. During these times, the movement of animals and birds is much greater, thus increasing the likelihood of spotting them.
