
Ilha Grande Day Trip from Rio de Janeiro with Boat Tour & Lunch
About This Tour
Experience one of the best day trips from Rio de Janeiro with a full-day adventure to Ilha Grande, one of the most beautiful tropical destinations along Brazil's famous Costa Verde.
Perfect for travelers from the United States and Canada looking for things to do beyond Rio's major landmarks and city beaches, this Ilha Grande day trip from Rio de Janeiro combines tropical islands, crystal-clear water, swimming stops, a scenic boat cruise and an included buffet lunch.
Your experience begins with pickup from selected hotels in Copacabana, Leme, Ipanema and Leblon. Travel approximately 165 km in an air-conditioned vehicle from Rio to Angra dos Reis, where you'll board a traditional schooner for approximately 4 hours of cruising around Ilha Grande.
Your first stop is Cataguás Island, known for its beautiful scenery and calm blue waters. Take a refreshing swim before continuing toward one of the highlights of the day, Lagoa Azul (Blue Lagoon).
One of Ilha Grande's best-known natural pools, Blue Lagoon offers clear water where you may see colorful fish, coral and marine life while swimming. Snorkeling equipment can be rented aboard the boat for travelers who want to explore below the surface.
Continue to Freguesia de Santana, a small beach that's home to a historic church built in 1843, adding a cultural stop to your island adventure.
The cruise then reaches Japariz Beach, where an included buffet lunch will be served, with vegetarian options available. Enjoy additional time to relax by the ocean or swim before beginning the return journey.
After approximately four hours exploring Ilha Grande by boat, return to Angra dos Reis and travel comfortably back to Rio de Janeiro.
Whether you're searching for things to do in Rio de Janeiro, the best day trips from Rio, an Ilha Grande boat tour or tropical beach excursions in Brazil, this full-day experience offers an easy way to discover one of the country's most beautiful coastal destinations.
WHY CHOOSE THIS EXPERIENCE?
Experience one of the best day trips from Rio de Janeiro
Discover beautiful Ilha Grande
Enjoy approximately 4 hours aboard a traditional schooner
Swim in the waters of Cataguás Island
Explore the famous Blue Lagoon
Visit Freguesia de Santana
Relax at Japariz Beach
Enjoy an included buffet lunch
Round-trip transportation from Rio's South Zone
Professional guide in English, Spanish and Portuguese
A great addition to a first-time Rio de Janeiro vacation
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Total duration: approximately 12 hours
Boat cruise duration: approximately 4 hours
Scheduled departure time: approximately 7:30 AM
Exact hotel pickup times may vary depending on traffic, hotel location and operating conditions
Pickup is available from selected hotels in Copacabana, Leme, Ipanema and Leblon
If direct pickup is unavailable from your accommodation, you will be assigned the nearest available pickup point
Your hotel or accommodation name must be provided to confirm pickup
The tour operates rain or shine when conditions allow safe operation
Boat routes and swimming stops are subject to change based on weather, sea conditions and instructions from the Brazilian Navy
Children must be accompanied by an adult
This experience is not accessible for guests with limited mobility
We recommend bringing swimwear, sunscreen, water, a towel, dry clothes and a camera or smartphone
Snorkeling masks and snorkels are not included but can be rented aboard the boat.
Select Date
Highlights
- Ilha Grande
- Angra dos reis
- Blue Lagoon
- Cataguás island
- Japariz beach
- Freguesia de Santana
- Ilha Grande boat tour
- Costa Verde beaches
- Buffet lunch included
- Day trip from Rio de Janeiro
Meeting Point
Pickup and drop-off are available from selected hotels in: Copacabana, Leme, Ipanema, Leblon If direct pickup is not available from the hotel, the operator will provide the closest available meeting point. During checkout, please enter the name of the hotel where you will be staying in the “Special Requirements” section.
What's Included
- Round-trip transportation from Rio de Janeiro
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Pickup and drop-off from selected hotels in Copacabana, Leme, Ipanema and Leblon
- Traditional schooner cruise around Ilha Grande
- Swimming stops
- Visit to Cataguás Island
- Stop at Blue Lagoon
- Visit to Freguesia de Santana
- Stop at Japariz Beach
- Buffet lunch with vegetarian options
- Professional local tour guide
- Live commentary in English, Spanish and Portuguese
- All taxes, fees and handling charges
What's Not Included
- Drinks
- Desserts
- Snorkeling mask and snorkel, available to rent aboard the boat
- Optional gratuities
- Personal expenses
- Services not specifically listed under "Included"
Cancellation Policy
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the scheduled tour, with a full refund.
Available Languages
Andrea (Argentina)
Muy buena excursión desde Río. El paseo en barco fue lo mejor y el agua en algunas paradas es espectacular. El almuerzo estuvo muy bien.
Sonia Monaci
Nos encantó Ilha Grande. Lagoa Azul es increíble y tuvimos bastante tiempo para meternos al agua. Fue un día perfecto pero para nosotros valió totalmente la pena.
Diana (Mexico)
Todo muy lindo, especialmente Cataguás y la Laguna Azul. Hay que tener en cuenta que son varias horas desde Río pero los paisajes compensan mucho.
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