Boat tours guide
Ilha Grande Boat Tours: The Guide to the Best Trips & Things to Do (2026)
Ilha Grande was made to be seen from the water. There are over 100 beaches, islands of crystal-clear water and coves only a boat can reach — and it's on the boat tours that the island shows its best. Almost all depart from Vila do Abraão, on licensed boats, with mineral water, a cooler with ice and life vests on board. This guide helps you pick yours.
🏝️ The favorite: Ilhas Paradisíacas
It's the most complete and famous route — and one of the island's most sought-after. It gathers the most photogenic beaches in a single day: Praia do Dentista, Ilha de Cataguases, Ilhas Botinas and Praia da Piedade (the former Ilha de Caras), passing by more exclusive spots. About 7 hours, on a speedboat.
The house picks
Ilha Tour's recommended trips
If you want a sure bet, these are the three we recommend most:
- 🐠Ilha Tour 90° — an exclusive route by the brand, the calmest one: Lagoa Azul, Saco do Céu and spots off everyone else's route. It leaves later (around 11:30am, back at 4pm), great for those who arrive in the morning or leave the same day.
- 🏝️Ilhas Paradisíacas — the most complete and famous one (the highlight above): the most photogenic beaches in a single day.
- 🐢Ilha Tour 210° — the most exclusive tour you'll find on the island. It only runs sometimes, when conditions allow: Praia de Meros, Lagoa Verde, Araçatibinha and the Cantinho da Ilha Tour, with an underwater cave for snorkeling.
North Coast at your pace
Meia Volta and Ilha Tour 45°
For calmer days on sheltered water: the Meia Volta (~6h) is the route that spends the most time in the lagoons — Lagoa Azul, Lagoa Verde, Praia do Amor and Feiticeira, with plenty of swimming and snorkeling. The Ilha Tour 45° is a half day (~3h) through the calm waters of Saco do Céu — light, quick and ideal with kids or a more relaxed family.
The most famous beach
Lopes Mendes
Voted one of the most beautiful beaches in Brazil and the world, Lopes Mendes is almost 3 km of white sand and clear sea. The tour goes by schooner to the Mangues/Pouso area + a short 900 m walk (20–25 min) through the forest to the beach. Go early for emptier sand.
Coveted and rare
Volta à Ilha and Super Sul
These are two of the most desired tours — and also the rarest, because they depend on the tide and sea conditions. When they run, they're unmissable.
The Volta à Ilha is one of the most coveted and usually runs a bit more than Super Sul. It's the full loop around the ocean coast, with Praia do Aventureiro (the one with the leaning coconut tree, the island's postcard, with its caiçara fishing village to explore), Parnaioca, Meros and Caxadaço.
The Super Sul is even rarer. It has the historic side at Dois Rios, with the ruins and Museum of the old prison, passes by Lopes Mendes, the Ilha de Jorge Grego (a great dive spot and the area with the most dolphins on the island) and Caxadaço.
Regular and very popular
Gruta do Acaiá
A classic that runs often: the Gruta do Acaiá is a seaside stone chamber with fluorescent-blue water found in very few places in the world. Along the way: Lagoa Azul, Lagoa Verde and Saco do Céu. ⚠️ Access is through a narrow passage between rocks — not recommended for anyone with claustrophobia (ages 10+).
The liveliest
Caipirinha Tour — the party at sea
If the idea is to have fun, the Caipirinha Tour is the liveliest tour on the island: a schooner with a DJ, music all the time and free caipirinha in several flavors, passing by Lagoa Azul and Praia do Amor. More than a tour, it's entertainment at sea.
Just for your group
Private tours
Want to leave on your own schedule, without sharing the boat? The private tours reserve the boat just for your group — like the Águas Cristalinas, focused on Caribbean-clear waters.
How to choose
Which tour is yours?
- 🥇First time / the most complete: Ilhas Paradisíacas.
- ✨Want exclusivity and calm: Ilha Tour 90° and Ilha Tour 210°.
- 👨👩👧With kids: Ilha Tour 45° (sheltered water of Saco do Céu).
- 🏖️Iconic beaches: Lopes Mendes, Volta à Ilha and Meia Volta.
- 🧭Adventure and culture: Super Sul and Gruta do Acaiá.
- 🎉Party vibe: Caipirinha Tour.
Good to know
How the tours work
Departure is from Vila do Abraão (check-in at the Ilha Tour Agency, Av. Getúlio Vargas, 153), on licensed boats with a local crew. You'll have mineral water, a cooler with ice and life vests on board; lunch at the stop is optional (not included). After purchase, the team schedules the best date with you on WhatsApp. Not sure which to pick? Talk to Ilha Tour Support.
Help me choose on WhatsAppQuick answers
Frequently asked questions
What are the most popular tours in Ilha Grande?
The Ilhas Paradisíacas (Praia do Dentista, Cataguases, Botinas and Piedade) are among the most popular, along with Ilha Tour's recommended trips. See them all in Ilha Grande tours.
Do I need to swim or have snorkeling experience?
No. Snorkeling is simple and suitable for all ages, and a life vest is available on board.
Does the tour run even if it rains?
Yes. Tours run normally, even on rainy days. They're only interrupted for safety reasons, like bad weather at sea.
What if the tour is canceled due to bad weather?
You choose from three options: reschedule to another day of your stay, a credit with an open date, or a full refund.
What's included?
Mineral water, a cooler with ice and life vests. Lunch at the stop is not included (it's optional).
Do I need to buy a package to take a tour?
No. Tours are sold individually — just tell us the date and the tour you want and we'll check availability.
Ready to build your perfect day on the island? 🚤
Pick a route and we handle the rest — departure from Vila do Abraão, local crew, water, cooler and life vests included.
