Ilha Grande Shore Excursions
4 & 5* Ilha Grande Shore Excursions
Ilha Grande
Speedboat ride - Paradise Islands - Angra dos Reis
Duration: 5 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 25.54
Ilha Grande
Shared Speedboat Tour - Paradise Island Tour
Duration: 5 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 34.39
Ilha Grande
Shared Speedboat Ride - Itinerary Super Lagoa Azul
Duration: 5 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 34.39
Ilha Grande
Schooner ride with or without Lunch Included - Angra dos Reis and Ilha Grande
Duration: 6 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 11.79
Ilha Grande
Shared motorboat ride - Super blue lagoon - Ilha Grande
Duration: 5 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 25.54
Ilha Grande
Bebel Ilha Grande - Receptive
Port pick-up: Included
Duration: 5 - 7 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 21.80
Ilha Grande
Paradise Islands in Angra dos Reis Private Boat Route
Duration: 6 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 373.33
Ilha Grande
Ilha Grande: Pico do Papagaio - Private Hike - Sunrise or Daytime
Duration: 9 Hours
Physical difficulty: Hard
Free cancellation
From USD 175.00
Ilha Grande
Regular Schooner Ride - Ilha Grande Tour
Duration: 6 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 12.77
Ilha Grande
Ilha Grande - Private Historical Walking Tour with Natural Pool.
Port pick-up: Included
Duration: 2 - 3 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 60.00
Ilha Grande
From Ilha Grande: shared shuttle to Rio de Janeiro
Port pick-up: Included
Duration: 4 - 5 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 70.00
Ilha Grande
Feiticeira's Waterfall + Beaches of Enseada das Estrelas - Full day Private Hike
Duration: 8 Hours
Physical difficulty: Medium
Free cancellation
From USD 99.00
Ilha Grande
Boat Tour To The Beaches Of Angra Dos Reis
Duration: 6 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 20.00
Ilha Grande
Private Hike on the Pirates Route + Lopes Mendes - Ilha Grande - RJ
Duration: 9 Hours
Physical difficulty: Hard
Free cancellation
From USD 175.00
Ilha Grande
Lopes Mendes Private Hiking in Ilha Grande with return by boat
Duration: 5 - 9 Hours
Physical difficulty: Hard
Free cancellation
From USD 95.00
Ilha Grande
Super Blue Lagoon in Angra dos Reis
Duration: 6 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 373.33
Ilha Grande
From Angra dos Reis: Shared Transfer to Rio de Janeiro
Port pick-up: Included
Duration: 3 - 4 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 46.00
Ilha Grande
Private Transfer Angra dos Reis to Rio de Janeiro
Port pick-up: Included
Duration: 3 - 4 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 100.00
Ilha Grande
Angra & Ilha Grande Private Boat Tour: With Barbecue and Drinks
Duration: 8 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 1850.00
Ilha Grande
From Angra dos Reis: shared shutttle to Paraty
Port pick-up: Included
Duration: 1 - 2 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 43.00
Ilha Grande
Schooner Shuttle to Lopes Mendes from Vila do Abraao
Duration: 5 - 7 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 24.00
Ilha Grande
Private Speedboat Tour with Blue and Green Lagoons in Ilha Grande
Duration: 6 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 995.00
Ilha Grande
Angra Paradise Islands Speedboat Tour
Duration: 5 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 70.74
Ilha Grande
Highlights of Abraão and Enseada das Estrela in a 4-hour tour
Duration: 4 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 670.00
Ilha Grande
Highlights of Abraão Cove on a Half Day Hike in Ilha Grande
Duration: 3 - 6 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 65.00
Related destinations to Ilha Grande
What should I expect on a first-time visit to Ilha Grande?
A first-time visit to Ilha Grande feels like stepping into a living postcard, with lush rainforest meeting clear bays. Most visitors arrive by tender or boat taxi and join organised trips that combine short hikes, snorkelling stops and scenic boat rides. Expect basic facilities at landing spots and varied trail conditions, so pack water, sun protection and sensible footwear. This overview is intended to help you choose and prepare for Ilha Grande shore excursions without assuming prior experience. Local operators can advise on timings and what to bring, but always check schedules against your ship’s tendering arrangements.
What are the top attractions to see during a day ashore?
Highlights include the golden sands of Lopes Mendes, the historic village of Abraão and the panoramic viewpoints on Pico do Papagaio. Boat legs often stop at Lagoa Azul and Lagoa Verde, both popular for snorkelling among coral reefs and colourful fish. Visitors also enjoy visiting the ruins of the Dois Rios prison and exploring small, sheltered bays accessible only by boat. Local guides can map these points into efficient itineraries and explain ecological or historical significance during Ilha Grande tours. Check with tender schedules to decide which combination fits your time ashore.
How do half-day and full-day excursions differ?
Choosing between a half-day and a full-day visit depends on how many beaches, hikes or snorkelling stops you want to fit in. Half-day options concentrate on a few highlights near the tender point and are best if time is limited or you prefer a relaxed pace. Full-day outings allow for longer beach time, multiple snorkel sites and a more leisurely hike into the rainforest, often including a picnic or lunch stop. Operators sometimes mix both formats, so read itineraries carefully when booking Ilha Grande shore excursions to match walking difficulty and boat transfer times. Consider sea conditions and ship timetable to avoid rushed returns.
What cultural and historical features are on the island?
Ilha Grande’s human history blends colonial-era fishermen settlements, prison heritage and long-standing traditional ways of life shaped by the sea and forest. Small villages like Abraão retain a relaxed, community feel with artisanal crafts and stories shared by local residents. Remnants of the Dois Rios penitentiary offer insights into 20th-century penal history and are interpreted on some guided visits. Guides can place cultural points in context and suggest respectful behaviour while observing local customs during Ilha Grande tours. Photography is usually welcome, but always ask permission before photographing people or private property.
What kind of nature and scenery can I expect?
The island’s Atlantic rainforest plunges to rocky headlands and secluded bays, creating dramatic contrasts between dense green canopies and turquoise waters. Many hikes thread through primary forest, offering sightings of native birds, lizards and endemic plant species in a humid, sheltered environment. Coastal sections reveal hidden coves and coral-rich bays where snorkelling showcases reef life against steep jungle-backed beaches. Photography and quiet observation are rewarded, but follow trail markers and stick to authorised paths while on Ilha Grande shore excursions to protect fragile habitats. Avoid disturbing wildlife and take any litter with you to preserve the island’s largely unspoilt character.
What should I know about food and local cuisine ashore?
Local cuisine reflects a coastal tradition with fresh seafood, grilled fish, and simple accompaniments such as rice, beans and salads. Small restaurants and beachside kiosks in Abraão serve modest portions prepared from day’s catch, often flavoured with citrus and regional herbs. Street snacks like fried fish or pastel pastries are handy for short excursions, while a sit-down meal suits a longer stay on the island. Vegetarian options can be limited outside main villages, so let providers know dietary needs in advance when booking Ilha Grande tours. Carry some cash since smaller establishments may not accept cards, and avoid single-use plastics where possible.
What activity level is required for typical excursions?
Activity levels vary from gentle beach strolls and short walks to strenuous hikes with steep sections and loose ground. Most itineraries include boat transfers that reduce walking distance but expect uneven trails, tree roots and occasional slippery rocks after rain. Snorkelling requires basic swimming ability and comfort in open water, though shallow reefs near coves are suitable for beginners. Match your chosen programme to fitness and footwear; bring trekking shoes for longer trails and reef shoes for wet landings when taking Ilha Grande shore excursions. Plan realistic turnaround times to ensure you return to the tender well before the ship’s deadline.
How accessible is Ilha Grande for passengers with reduced mobility?
Accessibility on Ilha Grande is limited by terrain and the predominance of boats for transfers, so mobility restrictions may complicate independent exploration. Beaches often require stepping from boats onto uneven rocks or wet sand, and many trails include steps, roots and steep slopes. Some operators offer lower-impact options and can advise on which landing points are easier for passengers with reduced mobility. Contact your cruise line or local providers in advance to discuss specific needs and request assistance when arranging Ilha Grande tours. If wheelchair access is essential, confirm ramp availability and transfer methods before disembarking, as facilities are generally basic.
When is the best time of year and day to visit?
The dry season from April to October generally offers calmer seas, clearer snorkelling visibility and more comfortable hiking conditions. Rainy months increase leeches on trails, make paths slippery and may force itinerary changes due to rough water or reduced visibility. Early mornings often have the calmest water and the fewest crowds, which helps if you want better snorkel conditions and quieter beaches. Cruise schedules and tender availability also influence timing, so check specific sailing windows and choose Ilha Grande shore excursions that match calmer weather forecasts. Bring lightweight rainwear year-round as tropical showers can be sudden even during the dry season.
Should I go with a guide or explore independently?
Guided trips provide local knowledge, navigation, safety oversight and context about ecology or history, which can enrich a short visit. Independent exploration suits experienced travellers seeking flexibility, but it requires careful planning of transfers, tide timings and emergency contingencies. They help manage logistics such as boarding small boats, choosing sheltered coves and coordinating with tender times to reduce stress on a tight schedule. If you prefer expert interpretation and an organised rhythm on the day, opt for certified guides or small-group Ilha Grande tours that match your interests and fitness. Consider local regulations and respect protected zones when deciding between guided and solo options; both approaches can be rewarding with the right preparation.
Which cruise lines visit Ilha Grande?
MSC Cruises and Oceania Cruises will all visit Ilha Grande this year.
What cruise ships will sail to Ilha Grande in 2026?
Ilha Grande will be visited by MSC Sinfonia, MSC Preziosa, MSC Seaview, MSC Fantasia, Oceania Vista, Oceania Marina, MSC Musica, MSC Divina and MSC Lirica.