Tours & Excursions in Ilha Grande
Since the island is car-free, boats are how you reach its best beaches and lagoons. Here are the classic schooner circuits, the themed trips and the land adventures — with durations, what they visit and rough prices.
Almost every visitor takes at least one passeio de barco (boat trip). They all leave from the pier at Vila do Abraão, and they come in two flavours: shared schooners (escunas), which are slower, cheaper and sociable, and speedboats (lanchas), which are faster, more flexible and usually pricier per person. You book on arrival at one of the many agencies along the seafront — compare a couple, ask exactly which stops are included, and reserve a day ahead in high season.
The classic boat circuits
All trips leave from Vila do Abraão. Tap any beach stop to see its full guide entry — the times shown are a typical reference and vary by operator.
Lagoa Azul
≈ 4–5 hThe most popular, budget-friendly trip: a brilliant-blue natural pool on the calm north side, ideal for snorkeling.
StopsMeia Volta
≈ 5–6 hThe half-island loop through the sheltered lagoons and southern beaches — great for snorkeling and families.
Stops- Lunch stop 1 h–1 h 30
Lopes Mendes
≈ 6–7 hBoat to Pouso and a short forest walk to Lopes Mendes, one of Brazil’s most beautiful beaches.
StopsVolta à Ilha
≈ 8 hThe full loop around the island past the wild, open-ocean beaches. Weather-dependent.
Stops- Lunch stop · Maguariquessaba
Super Sul
≈ 7 hAn open-sea run to the dramatic southern coast. Stunning but exposed — good weather only.
StopsLanding at Dois Rios carries a small fee (≈ R$20 per person).
Ilhas Paradisíacas
≈ 5–7 hThe turquoise islets of the Angra bay, with several snorkeling stops.
Stops- Lunch stop 1 h–1 h 30
Gruta do Acaiá
≈ 5–6 hThe classic lagoons plus the Gruta do Acaiá, a turquoise sea cave.
Stops- Lunch stop 1 h–1 h 30
The cave has a small entrance fee (≈ R$37 per person).
Themed and special trips
- Slow boat with lunch — a relaxed, guided day (often to Freguesia de Santana and Saco do Céu, with its floating restaurant) that includes a meal and a caipirinha.
- Party boat — music, DJ and unlimited caipirinha around Praia do Amor, Praia de Fora and Lagoa Azul. Fun and sociable; not the trip for peace and quiet.
- Sunset trips — short late-afternoon outings to the calm north side for the light and the swimming.
Beyond the boat
- Pico do Papagaio trek — a guided night climb to the 980 m summit for sunrise over the whole bay. Demanding, usually starting around 1–2 am; guides provide a headlamp.
- Scuba diving — baptism dives for beginners and guided dives for the certified, gear included, on the reefs and wrecks around the island.
- Snorkeling — the clear lagoons (Azul, Verde) are superb; masks can be rented, and it is the only way to really see the marine life.
- Kayak & stand-up paddle — easy to hire in Abraão for exploring the nearby coves under your own steam.
- Boat-taxis — quick private transfers to individual beaches if you prefer to skip the full-day circuits.
How much do excursions cost?
Prices are per person and approximate — they shift with the season, the boat type and a little bargaining, and there may be a small pier (embarque) fee. As a rough guide:
- Lagoa Azul (schooner): from ≈ R$50–90 — the budget option
- Meia Volta: ≈ R$120–200
- Volta à Ilha: ≈ R$140–200
- Ilhas Paradisíacas: ≈ R$130–180
- Lopes Mendes: ≈ R$160–280
- Super Sul: ≈ R$250–320
- Guided Pico do Papagaio trek: ≈ R$170
- Scuba diving: ≈ R$450–500
Always confirm the current price and the exact stops before you pay.
Practical tips
- Book on arrival at an agency in Abraão and compare a couple; ask which beaches are included and whether lunch is.
- Watch the forecast — open-ocean trips (Volta à Ilha, Super Sul) are cancelled or swapped when the sea is rough; deposits are usually refunded.
- Bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, cash or Pix, and your own snorkel if you have one (rentals are available). Meals stops come late, so pack a snack.
- No glass on board, and take all your rubbish back with you — much of this is protected park.