Ilha Grande is, above all, a place of beaches. There are over 100 scattered across a car-free island, where almost everything is reached by boat or trail. To help you plan the perfect itinerary, we’ve gathered the best beaches of Ilha Grande — from the world-famous Lopes Mendes to the hidden coves on the south side — with clear tips on how to get to each one.
At the end, you'll discover how to visit several of them in a single day, without the headache of schedules, boats, and trails.
1. Lopes Mendes — the most famous beach on the Island
Repeatedly voted one of the most beautiful beaches in Brazil (and the world), Lopes Mendes has white sand so fine it squeaks underfoot, an open sea with a greenish hue, and no buildings in sight. It's the very essence of Ilha Grande.
How to get there: By boat to Praia do Pouso and then a light, approximately 20-minute trail through the forest, or directly on the Lopes Mendes tour, which already handles transportation and beach time for you.
2. Lagoa Azul — natural pool with crystal-clear water
Lagoa Azul (Blue Lagoon) is a natural pool with calm, transparent waters, formed between islets. It’s the favorite spot for snorkelers: you can see colorful fish just a few meters from the surface.
How to get there: Only by boat, on tours departing from Abraão. It’s a definite stop on the Half-Island Tour and Ilha Tour 90° itineraries.
3. Aventureiro — the postcard of the crooked palm trees
At the southern tip of the island, within a preservation area, Aventureiro is an old fishing village. The image of the palm tree lying over the rocks, with the sea in the background, is one of Ilha Grande’s most iconic scenes.
How to get there: It's far from Abraão, and access is by sea, on longer tours that explore the south of the island — such as the Full Island Tour route.
4. Cachadaço — the hidden natural pool
Near Aventureiro, Cachadaço (or Caxadaço) is a cove protected by rocks that form a natural pool of emerald-green water, excellent for snorkeling. It’s often included in itineraries that go to the south of the island.
How to get there: By boat, on tours exploring the south of the island, such as the Super South and Full Island Tour.
5. Praia do Abraão — the heart of the Village
It's the beach of the main village, where boats dock and life happens. It's not the most paradisiacal for swimming, but it's the best place to start and end the day: guesthouses, restaurants, kiosks, and the comings and goings of fishermen.
How to get there: It's the arrival point for those disembarking on the island. See how to get to Ilha Grande from Rio.
6. Praia Preta — history and dark sand just 15 minutes from Abraão
Right next to Abraão, Praia Preta stands out for its sand, darkened by the mineral monazite. Nearby are the ruins of the old Aqueduct and Lazareto, great for a light walk with a touch of history.
How to get there: On foot, via a short and easy trail from Abraão Village.
7. Saco do Céu — the sunset spot
A cove of still waters surrounded by forest, famous for the reflection of the sky in the water — hence its name. It's a classic stop for a calm swim and to watch the sunset.
How to get there: By boat, on tours that skirt the northern face of the island, such as the Half-Island Tour.
8. East Beaches: Palmas, Mangues, and Pouso
On the way to Lopes Mendes are tranquil beaches like Palmas, Mangues, and Pouso. They are excellent support stops, with calm waters and fewer people, perfect for those who want to escape the crowds.
How to get there: They are on the way to Lopes Mendes — you can get there by the Lopes Mendes tour, by water taxi, or by trail.
9. Dois Rios — wild beach with living memory
On the other side of the island, Dois Rios is an open-sea beach where the Cândido Mendes prison once operated. Today it houses an open-air museum and one of the island's wildest landscapes.
How to get there: By a longer trail from Abraão (about 2 hours) or by boat, for those who prefer to save their legs.
How to visit several beaches in one day
Since almost everything here depends on boats, trails, and tides, trying to visit several beaches on your own becomes a puzzle of schedules. The simplest way (and the one that yields the most beach time per day) is to take a guided speedboat tour.
On our boat tours in Ilha Grande, you combine the main spots into a single itinerary — speedboat, captain, and definite stops, without you having to worry about anything. If you want exclusivity, you can book a private tour just for your group.
Where to stay to enjoy the beaches
Staying in Abraão Village makes everything easier: that's where the boats and trails depart from. We have accommodation options in Ilha Grande for all types of travelers, from cozy guesthouses to more complete suites, all close to the pier.
How to get to Ilha Grande
You reach the island by boat, departing from Angra dos Reis, Conceição de Jacareí, or Mangaratiba. Those coming from Rio can sort everything out with our transfer with included crossing — we pick you up in Rio and drop you off in Abraão. If you prefer to handle everything at once, our Ilha Grande packages already include accommodation, tours, and transportation.
Frequently asked questions about the beaches of Ilha Grande
What is the most beautiful beach in Ilha Grande?
Lopes Mendes usually takes the title, for its dazzling white sand and open sea. But Lagoa Azul, Aventureiro, and Cachadaço are close contenders — each has its own beauty.
Can I go to Lopes Mendes without a trail?
You always take a short trail (about 20 minutes) from Praia do Pouso. It's an easy and well-marked path. The boat shortens the rest of the journey.
Do I need a boat trip to see the beaches?
For Abraão and Praia Preta beaches, you can go on foot. But the most paradisiacal ones — Lagoa Azul, Aventureiro, Cachadaço — are only accessible by sea, so a boat trip is the most practical way.
What is the best time to enjoy the beaches?
From December to March, the sea is warmer and the scenery more inviting, but it's high season. Between April and June and in September/October, you'll find beautiful days with fewer people.
Ready to explore the beaches of Ilha Grande?
Tell us when you're coming and how many days you have. Our team will put together the perfect beach itinerary and secure the best speedboats. Talk to Ilha Tour on WhatsApp and start planning.
