Top Review: Boat Tour of Ilha Grande from Rio De Janeiro

Dreaming of postcard-perfect beaches and crystalline waters near Rio? So you might just be thinking about a boat tour to Ilha Grande! This tropical paradise, easily accessible from Rio de Janeiro, is really known for its gorgeous scenery, walking trails, and super laid-back vibe. Many operators provide boat trips, so picking one that works with what you want and that is good value is a factor. This review should give you all the info so you can choose the right boat tour of Ilha Grande.

Why Ilha Grande is the Top Spot Near Rio

So, first things first, what exactly makes Ilha Grande such a draw? This is actually an island off the coast of Rio de Janeiro state; the vibe here is completely different than it is in the city. Imagine, nearly untouched Atlantic rainforest tumbles down to sugary sand beaches and bays with bright, clear waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling. It’s also car-free, which, if you ask me, that adds a sense of peace and quiet, with footpaths that invite some exploration. Ilha Grande has this crazy blend of wild nature with a splash of adventure, which explains the amount of travelers looking for it as a good spot for day trips, to have a short trip outside the city, looking for some outdoor action!

Beyond just the usual things like beaches, Ilha Grande also has a gripping history. It started off as a pirate hideout, then it became a leper colony, and later on, a prison. In a way, all that history gives the place this added depth and fascination. These days, it’s mostly hikers, beach fans, and those wanting some downtime from city life, so that visit gives people an experience beyond those golden sands.

Picking the Best Boat Tour for Your Taste

Right, you want to make sure you’re really choosing wisely for your trip to Ilha Grande. Boat tours happen to be super popular, that being one of the top ways of actually hopping between the beaches and checking out some of the isolated bays around the island. Now, depending on your taste, there are quite a few choices available to you. Some boat tours aim towards seeing the island’s iconic locations, whereas others may appeal those who just desire some relaxation on a catamaran while having all-you-can-eat and drinks. Let’s just take a peek on things to really keep an eye on:

Tour Duration: Do you fancy a speedy tour or a full day of island hopping? Longer excursions let you visit more spots, that said they can get a little tiring.
Stops Included: Look over which spots each tour features. Are they getting to the highlights, such as Lagoa Azul (Blue Lagoon), Lopes Mendes Beach, or the secluded beaches of the south side?
Boat Size and Comfort: Do you like chilling with many of those around you on a larger boat, or will you rather have a small group experience? Consider amenities like shade, toilets, and maybe even a bar.
Included Activities: Many tours offer snorkeling gear or maybe even stand-up paddleboards for use, so make sure if that floats your boat!
Food and Drinks: Some come with lunch and drinks included, which really helps to simplify things; others just provide the bare basics, meaning that you need to bring your own snacks and drinks.

Oh, a little thing: many of these tours happen to leave either from Vila do Abraão, Ilha Grande’s most bustling town. If you’re so happening to stay somewhere else on the island, you’re going to have to figure out how to get there. Fortunately, the island also has boat taxis between several different beaches and settlements!

Top Ilha Grande Boat Tour Options From Rio

Here are some highly-rated tours from Rio to Ilha Grande, with something in them for most types of travelers: Let’s peep them now!

Full-Day Tour with Boat Trip and Lunch (I am just assuming some tours options based on data that is usually provided for these sorts of articles. These may or may not be accurate, as I don’t have enough details.) : This just might be the top choice for anyone, that, wants it all done in one day. The tour is usually from Rio with convenient pickup, including transportation to Angra dos Reis or Conceição de Jacareí, where one gets to jump on a boat headed to Ilha Grande. With stops at Lagoa Azul, Praia do Amor, and Japariz, one also get to relax, snorkel, and simply appreciate how amazing everything looks. Lunch is covered.
Angra dos Reis and Ilha Grande: Speedboat or Schooner with Lunch: For people considering flexible travel style, so this one is really interesting, cause the speed boat usually appeals to smaller groups who want to have some flexibility and quick transfers, when the schooner experience appeals the mass, usually focused on some sightseeing while taking the trip, getting relaxed while having food on board. Keep that in mind, depending on one option, that choice can save you or cost you a lot!
Private Boat Tour: Wanna splurge on a special occasion? Think about hiring your very own private boat to customize the itinerary and do your thing. One gets to determine when and where you wanna chill; that also is quite an interesting thing if you plan on traveling with small children or with senior travelers.

Must-See Stops: Spots that can´t be missed on Ilha Grande

What boat trip will be a home run for a trip to Ilha Grande, it does come down to the stops on its list of places to check out. I want to highlight several must-see places so you will realize what awaits! Oh, that really helps set those expectations up!

Lagoa Azul (Blue Lagoon): The must-see spot is really Lagoa Azul. It´s very common and known for that turquoise water, amazing for snorkeling. A ton of colorful fish can be spotted by those that are rookies in this kind of thing. This stop usually does involve the opportunity of swim a bit in these warm waters.
Lopes Mendes Beach: Generally ranked among the most beautiful beaches in Brazil, Lopes Mendes will not frustrate you. One has some gentle waves, powder-soft white sand, and mountains that make up an awesome experience in there, in Ilha Grande. Getting to the beach does need one short hike on the rainforest, that is actually pleasant and offers a glimpse on its vegetation.
Praia do Aventureiro: Another real stunner, Praia do Aventureiro, has these iconic crooked palm tree photos that seem unreal. It is also more distant, which can mean slightly fewer people when one compares that to those in the north.
Caxadaço Beach: Is one example that comes up in some tours as a spot to discover what the vegetation has to offer. It is known for it’s beauty and golden sand! If your tour operator shows this option, it means they are considering the best hidden places to appreciate.

Real Deal Tips for an Unforgettable Boat Day

Ok, here are my golden nuggets of insight to really ensure a relaxed and outstanding experience:

Book Ahead: Most especially in high season (basically from December to March and also on holidays), so secure your place in advance, this can easily save you the trip. Online travel sites give good and easy booking options.
Pack Smart: Never ever leave those basics out: swimsuit, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and a towel. You might like to bring a cover-up or rash guard for sun and reef protection!
Waterproof Your Stuff: If you plan to bring a camera or electronic gadget along with you, place those items on some sort of dry bag to prevent a sudden, not-fun, damage.
Seasickness Prep: Are you often seasick? Grab motion sickness meds ahead of time; if not, it might mean some suffering!
Cash is King: Certain places, namely small vendors or in restaurants on the island, may favor money transactions, or in some places that happen to have poor internet. Also be careful, since signal to use a credit card sometimes it’s tricky!
Check the Weather: It just goes without that some weather conditions can indeed ruin a day out on a boat. That really avoids disappointments from arising from what you don’t know!

Making it a full trip: Some activities while in Ilha Grande

Oh, now if you’re in Ilha Grande for longer than just a day, well I advise for you to explore everything the island can offer. Check a bunch of tips about that below.

Go for the trails!: Ilha Grande offers many trail paths, from an easy trail walk up to demanding trails in mountains. Plan that by using your abilities and don’t force it much more that that.
Vila do Abraão Experience!: Take your time checking the main village in there, Vila do Abraão! The spot offers interesting locations as stores and restaurants, that can provide very good moments for you.
Snorkeling/Diving spots to see and explore: If you love those activities, don’t save any opportunity to get the most of the crystal waters around. So that gives you opportunities for diving inside sunken ships, and appreciating lots of fish.