Ilha Grande’s appeal is best seen from the water: forested island shores, small beaches, and clear coves make this a day for swimming and scenic sailing, not ticking off city sights. I like that the route combines several different stops with a schooner cruise, and that hotel transfers and lunch are included in the price.
The trade-off is a very early start, with pickup around 5 a.m. and a return time that can shift with traffic, weather, or maritime rules. Also, the guide accompanies the group during the land transfer, but not on the boat. If you do not speak Spanish or Portuguese, note that one recent account described the guide’s manner as a little harsh toward people who did not speak those languages.
- Swim at Ilha de Cataguás: A first stop for a refreshing dip in the island’s inviting water.
- Snorkel at Lagoa Azul: Look for starfish, fish, and coral, but bring a mask or rent one on the boat.
- Visit Freguesia de Santana: See the site of Angra dos Reis’ first church.
- Lunch at Praia de Japariz: Take a meal break at a local restaurant, with time for another swim.
- Plan for an early, shared pickup: Transport starts before the boat trip and is offered from South Zone hotels.
- Budget for the local fee: The R$25 Sustainable Tourism Fee is payable in cash and may change.
- Rio’s early start, then the road to Conceição de Jacareí
- Sailing Ilha Grande by schooner
- Ilha de Cataguás for the first swim
- Lagoa Azul for snorkeling and marine life
- Freguesia de Santana and the island’s early church
- Lunch and a swim at Praia de Japariz
- What the price covers, and what it does not
- Timing, weather, and the realities of a shared tour
- Who will get the most from this Ilha Grande day
- Should you book this tour?
- FAQ
- What time does the tour depart from Rio?
- Which hotels have pickup?
- Is lunch included?
- Is a snorkel mask included?
- Is there a fee to pay in cash?
- Will a guide be with the group on the boat?
- Can the boat route or stops change?
- Is the tour accessible to wheelchair users or strollers?
- Can children join the tour?
- When should I expect to return to Rio?
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Rio’s early start, then the road to Conceição de Jacareí
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9 / 9The day begins around 5 a.m. with a shared hotel pickup from Rio’s South Zone, including Copacabana, Leme, Ipanema, and Leblon. Your exact time and pickup point depend on your hotel, so wait for the operator’s confirmation and be ready for a pickup that could be early or late.
The ride takes you to Conceição de Jacareí, where you board the schooner for Ilha Grande. The early departure is the main practical cost of the tour: you will need to set an alarm and keep the rest of the day free. In return, the transport is included, so you avoid arranging the road transfer and boat trip separately.
A guide who speaks English, Spanish, or Portuguese accompanies the group during the land transport. There is no guide on the boat, so once you board, the day is more about the scenery and stops than a running commentary. If you want help, be direct about asking for it before the group leaves the pier.
👉 See our pick of the 25 Best Guided Tours in Rio De Janeiro
Sailing Ilha Grande by schooner
The schooner trip is a central part of the day, not just a ride between attractions. The route passes through Ilha Grande’s calm waters, with time aboard to take in the island’s shore and prepare for the swimming stops. The stated boat ride is around three to four hours, though the schedule can change.
Expect a shared outing rather than a private cruise. The group size is listed as one to 25 people, and the boat schedule can be adjusted for weather, capacity, safety concerns, or instructions from the Brazilian Navy. That means you should treat the named stops as the planned route, not a guarantee that every location will be visited in every condition.
The boat’s swimming stops are a good reason to bring a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, and a change of clothes. Snorkel masks are not included, but you can rent one on board. Drinks, snacks, and other personal purchases are extra, so bring water and some spending money.
You can also read our reviews of more boat tours in Rio de Janeiro
Ilha de Cataguás for the first swim
Ilha de Cataguás is the first named stop, with time to get into the water and enjoy the island setting. It offers an easy shift from the road journey to the open-air part of the tour. If you have been sitting for much of the morning, a swim here can be a welcome reset.
The appeal is simple: clear water, island scenery, and a chance to cool off. The tour information does not specify how long you will stay at each swimming stop, so do not count on a long beach session. Bring what you need for a quick change and keep your belongings easy to manage.
Lagoa Azul for snorkeling and marine life
Lagoa Azul is described as a natural pool with starfish, colorful fish, and coral, making it the most appealing stop for anyone keen to snorkel. You can enjoy the water without snorkeling gear, but a mask makes it easier to see what is beneath the surface.
Masks are available to rent on the boat, though bringing your own may be more convenient if you already have one. The tour does not include a snorkel mask, and the stop’s timing or access can be affected by conditions. Keep expectations flexible and follow the crew’s direction around the water.
Freguesia de Santana and the island’s early church
Freguesia de Santana adds a brief historical note to an otherwise water-focused day. It is home to Angra dos Reis’ first church, giving you a chance to see a different side of the area beyond beaches and coves.
This is not described as an extended guided visit, and the boat has no guide onboard. Think of the stop as a chance to see a historic site and take in the surroundings, rather than a detailed history tour. The land-transfer guide may provide context earlier in the day, but the experience at the stop is not specified in detail.
Lunch and a swim at Praia de Japariz
At Praia de Japariz, the group stops for lunch at a local restaurant and has time to swim in the sea. The meal is included, which makes the price easier to judge and saves you from having to arrange lunch on the island.
Drinks, desserts, and snacks are not included and can be bought at lunch or on the boat. If you have dietary needs, no special meal arrangements are specified, so check with the operator before booking rather than assuming the restaurant can accommodate them. This is also a sensible point to dry off or change clothes before the return journey.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Rio de Janeiro
What the price covers, and what it does not
The listed price starts at US$87.09, while the join-in option is also shown from US$75.75. These figures differ, so check the price for your chosen date and package before you pay. The value depends in part on how much you would otherwise spend arranging the Rio transfer, the boat trip, and lunch separately.
The tour includes round-trip hotel transfers, air-conditioned ground transport, a schooner trip with swimming stops, a guide during the land journey, and lunch. You still need to budget for the mandatory Sustainable Tourism Fee, listed as R$25 per person in cash, as well as drinks, snacks, desserts, and mask rental if needed. Carry extra cash because the fee may change without notice.
There are no tips included, and personal expenses are your responsibility. The activity is not wheelchair- or stroller-accessible, and child seats are not available. Infants and children must be included in the passenger count; children aged 0 to 4 can travel free if they do not need a separate seat, while those aged 11 and older pay the adult rate.
Timing, weather, and the realities of a shared tour
The advertised schedule runs from a 5 a.m. departure to a return around 4 p.m. That is a useful guide, not a firm promise: road traffic and weather can affect the day, and maritime routes may change for safety or Navy instructions. Do not schedule an appointment for the evening unless you can afford to be late.
A shared transfer is practical, but it can mean waiting while other pickups are completed. The operator reconfirms pickup details in advance; if you have not received them the day before, contact the operator. Arrive at your confirmed pickup point 15 minutes early.
Pack light and keep essentials close. Larger bags are treated as two pieces, but a day bag with swimwear, towel, sunscreen, water, and a change of clothes will be easier to manage on the boat and at the beach. Mobile vouchers are accepted, and the voucher is valid only for the date and time shown.
Who will get the most from this Ilha Grande day
This trip suits you if you want to see several island stops in one day without arranging separate transport, and you are happy to trade a slow beach day for a structured route. It is particularly useful if you are staying in Rio’s South Zone and want hotel pickup rather than having to make your own way to the coast.
It is less suited to anyone who dislikes early starts, needs wheelchair or stroller access, or wants a quiet, private boat outing. The group can include up to 25 people, and stop times may shift. If you are mainly interested in snorkeling, bring or rent a mask, but remember that the sea and schedule determine what is possible.
Should you book this tour?
Book it if you want a full day of island scenery, swimming, a historic stop, and lunch, with the main transport arranged for you. The combination of Cataguás, Lagoa Azul, Freguesia de Santana, and Japariz gives the outing variety, while the included meal and hotel transfers help make the day straightforward.
Skip it if you need a relaxed start, a guaranteed schedule, or a guide beside you throughout the boat trip. Before booking, compare the price shown for your date, set aside cash for the local fee, and ask the operator about pickup details. With those expectations in place, this is a practical way to reach Ilha Grande’s water and beaches from Rio.
Ilha Grande Boat Tour with Lunch from Rio de Janeiro
“The tour was great! The guide is a little harsh. She just needs to be nicer with people who don't speak Spanish or Portuguese.”
FAQ
What time does the tour depart from Rio?
The listed departure is 5 a.m. Hotel pickup begins before the activity, and your confirmed pickup time may vary.
Which hotels have pickup?
Round-trip transfers are provided from hotels in Rio’s South Zone, including Copacabana, Leme, Ipanema, and Leblon. The operator confirms the nearest pickup point and time.
Is lunch included?
Yes. Lunch at a local restaurant at Praia de Japariz is included. Drinks, desserts, and snacks are not.
Is a snorkel mask included?
No. A mask is available to rent on the boat. You can bring your own.
Is there a fee to pay in cash?
Yes. The Sustainable Tourism Fee is listed as R$25 per person, cash only, payable at the city entrance. The amount may change.
Will a guide be with the group on the boat?
No. A guide accompanies the group during land transport, but there is no guide onboard the boat.
Can the boat route or stops change?
Yes. Weather, capacity, safety concerns, and Brazilian Navy instructions can alter the maritime route or require stops to be skipped.
Is the tour accessible to wheelchair users or strollers?
No. The activity is not wheelchair- or stroller-accessible, and child seats are not available.
Can children join the tour?
Yes. Children aged 0 to 4 can join free if they do not occupy a separate seat. Children aged 0 to 17 must be accompanied by a paying adult, and those aged 11 or older pay the adult rate.
When should I expect to return to Rio?
The listed return time is around 4 p.m., but traffic and weather can cause delays. Avoid scheduling appointments for the same day.
