Our exploration of the state of Rio de Janeiro took us south of the city yesterday to the port town of Angra dos Reis. Our ultimate destination was the largest of the 187 in the bay at 193 square kilometers (and over 1000 meters high), Ilha Grande. The views were spectacular and Brad Wagner captured them on camera here.
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There are lots of boats in the harbor at Angra dos Reis, but only one of them has the best boat dog, Merlin.
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See, no Merlin here.
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There are also lots of little islands. This is not Ilha Grande.
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Still not Ilha Grande.
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Closer to the mainland, the bay is full of swimmers and snorkelers in the clear waters.
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Merlin is keeping an eye out for dolphins.
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Merlin spots Ilha Grande, which is too big to miss.
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There are four villages on the Big Island and a little more than 1,000 residents.
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They receive shipments and tourists from the mainland every day.
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The island has more than 15 small hotels and houses to rent and a handful of restaurants. But it's easy to find a secluded spot.