the portuguese explorer andré gonçalves discovered the island on the 6th of january, 1502 and further expeditions took place during the 16th century.

the name ilha grande, meaning big island, is derived from the tupi language of the island's indigenous inhabitants, the tamotos, who called their home ipaum (island) guacu (big).

anchieta, an explorer who followed in the footsteps of gonçalves, reported that there were over 150 natives residing on the island, and that they were particularly athletic and had incredible hunting abilities. they were even known for catching fish under water with ease.