Almost no cars reach Ilha Grande: you take a ferry or boat from Angra dos Reis or Mangaratiba on the Rio de Janeiro coast, then walk or sail everywhere from the village of Abraao. The 6 tours below start there, from speedboat loops to a summit hike.
Related: Best Things To Do in Biarritz: Grande Plage & Rocher de la Vierge
Top-Rated Ilha Grande Tours & Experiences
Historic and Natural Walking Tour with Natural Pool and Beaches to Enjoy
This walk links the village of Abraao with the Atlantic forest trails behind it, pairing the island’s history, including its former prison, with nature. It suits travelers who want context before the beaches. Wear proper shoes and bring insect repellent.
Full Day Around the Island of Ilha Grande and Its Beaches
A full day around the island is mainly a boat day, with swim and snorkel stops at beaches and coves that are hard to reach on foot. It suits groups who want range. Check whether lunch is included and how long each stop lasts.
Full Day Ilha Grande Northern Coast Speedboat Tour
The northern coast option is also a full-day outing, aimed at beaches and viewpoints away from the main village. Boat departures depend on sea conditions, so take motion-sickness tablets if you need them and check the itinerary for swim stops.
However you plan your time in Ilha Grande, booking key experiences ahead tends to save both money and stress.
Browse more Ilha Grande tours on Viator →
Where to Stay in Ilha Grande
Ferries leave from Angra dos Reis and Mangaratiba, and the crossing takes roughly an hour and a half on the slower boats, less on speedboats. Buses from Rio to either port take about two to three hours, depending on traffic. Most visitors sleep in Abraao, where pousadas, restaurants and tour offices sit within a few streets of the pier.
There are no cars on the island, so you will walk from the pier to your lodging; pack light.
Seasons and Crowds in Ilha Grande
December to March is hot, humid and busy, with afternoon downpours. May to September is drier, milder and clearer for hiking, though the sea is cooler. Weekends and holidays fill the ferries, so aim for midweek if you can.
Rain can arrive quickly in the forested interior at any time of year, so a light rain jacket is worth packing for hikes.
How These Ilha Grande Tours Were Chosen
Five of the six listings are boat rides, which says plenty about how people explore the island. The 6 priced tours carry 950 reviews averaging 4.8 stars. Speedboat ride has the most feedback, with 241 reviews at 4.9 stars, while Ilha Grande: Pico do Papagaio – Private Hike – Sunrise or holds a 5 rating from 20 reviews.
How Much Ilha Grande Tours Cost
Shared boat rides cluster near $27, the schooner listing Schooner ride is the cheapest at $12, and the guided Pico do Papagaio hike at $175 reflects a far longer, more specialized outing. Check whether lunch, snorkel gear or park fees are included before you compare.
Booking Tips for Ilha Grande
Boat departures depend on sea conditions, so it helps that some listings offer free cancellation up to a day before the start; read each policy. Bring sunscreen, a waterproof bag for your phone and shoes that grip wet decks.
Comparing the Best Ilha Grande Options
The shared boat rides are cheap and sociable but follow a fixed loop; the hike reaches views a boat cannot. With two days, do a boat loop on one and the walk on the other, ideally in the morning before the heat builds.
Quick Questions About Visiting Ilha Grande
How do I get to Ilha Grande?
By ferry or boat from Angra dos Reis or Mangaratiba, both roughly two to three hours by road from Rio de Janeiro. Most tours begin in Abraao, so allow time for the crossing before your first activity.
How much do Ilha Grande boat tours cost?
Shared boat rides mostly cluster around $27, and the cheapest listing, Schooner ride, costs $12. Across all listings the range reaches $175, which is the guided hiking option.
Which Ilha Grande tour has the most reviews?
Speedboat ride leads with 241 reviews at 4.9 stars, while Ilha Grande: Pico do Papagaio – Private Hike – Sunrise or has 5 stars from 20 reviews.
Is Ilha Grande worth a night or just a day trip?
A day trip works for a boat loop, but ferry times eat into the day. A night in Abraao lets you take an early boat tour or a hike without watching the clock.
Write Your Review
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience!