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Ilha Grande Day Trips

Ilha Grande Day Trips

The Southeast, Brazil

Island Exploration by Boat

The main "day trips" from Ilha Grande focus on exploring the island itself. Boat tours from Vila do Abraão are the main way to access many stunning, remote locations.

These destinations are reached by boat tours departing from Vila do Abraão.

Popular Boat Tours

  • Volta à Ilha (Island Loop)
  • Lagoa Azul & Lagoa Verde
  • Meia Volta (Half Loop)
  • Dois Rios by Boat (or challenging hike)

Beyond the Beaches

While Ilha Grande is known for its natural beauty, there are cultural and historical points worth visiting on the island, and practical travel considerations.

Organized Tours

These are efficient for seeing multiple remote beaches and snorkeling spots. They are cost-effective for reaching several points in one day, include a lunch stop (sometimes lunch is part of the price), and might have a guide providing information.

Tour Benefits

  • Convenient logistics
  • Multiple stops in one day
  • Informative guides

Independent Travel

This option provides greater freedom to spend time as desired at a single location. It is suitable for those who prefer to focus on specific beaches, enjoy challenging hikes, or seek solitude away from group tours.

Independent Benefits

  • Greater time flexibility
  • Ideal for hikers
  • Seek solitude

Suggested Timings

Full Day

  • Volta à Ilha: 8-9 hours
  • Dois Rios (hike): 6-8 hours
  • Pico do Papagaio (challenging)

Half Day

  • Lagoa Azul/Verde: 4-5 hours
  • Meia Volta: 4-5 hours
  • Abraãozinho hike: 1-2 hours

Connecting Beyond Ilha Grande

  • ParatyCharming colonial town
  • UNESCO SiteWorld Heritage site
  • TrindadeBohemian beach village
  • Natural PoolsCachadaço Natural Pools
  • Rio de JaneiroIconic landmarks
  • Lively BeachesCopacabana, Ipanema
  • Cultural InstitutionsRich cultural scene
  • Dynamic Nightlifecity evenings

Book Your Adventures

Explore and reserve boat tours and excursions around Ilha Grande and other Brazilian destinations. Find ideal options for discovering the region's beauty and history. Browse Day Trips on GetYourGuide

Island's Natural Splendor

Ilha Grande itself serves as the ultimate natural escape, with its protected park and diverse landscapes.

Ilha Grande State Park

A significant portion of the island protected for its unique Atlantic Forest ecosystem.

UNESCO World Heritage Site

Recognized for outstanding natural beauty and ecological importance.

Conservation Initiatives

Efforts protect native flora and fauna, freshwater sources, and manage tourism impacts.

Pristine Beaches

Boat tours offer unparalleled views of the rugged coastline and pristine beaches. Many remote beaches are accessible only by boat or challenging trails.

Beach Activities

  • Swimming in calm bays
  • Snorkeling in clear waters
  • Relaxing on white sands

Mountainous Interior

The island's mountainous terrain is covered in lush Atlantic Forest. Hiking trails climb through this dense vegetation to panoramic viewpoints.

Hiking Highlights

  • Pico do Papagaio (challenging)
  • Aqueduto and Lazareto ruins
  • Feiticeira Waterfall

Island Panoramas

Coastal ViewsRugged cliffs meeting the ocean.
Forest CanopyLush Atlantic Forest cascading.
Island from afarSweeping vistas from boat tours.
Summit ViewsGrandeur from high hiking trails.
Hidden CovesSecluded spots for tranquility.
Sunset SpotsMagical evening panoramas.

Protecting Ilha Grande's Nature

  • Minimize waste, pack out everything you pack in.
  • Conserve water, a valuable island resource.
  • Never feed wild animals.
  • Stay on marked trails to protect vegetation.
  • Support eco-friendly operators.

Regional Connections

Paraty

A beautifully preserved colonial town and an UNESCO World Heritage site, offering a charming cultural contrast to Ilha Grande.

Paraty Attractions

  • Historic town center
  • Boat trips in Paraty Bay
  • Artisan shops

Trindade

A bohemian beach village near Paraty, known for its natural pools and wild surf beaches.

Trindade Highlights

  • Cachadaço Natural Pools
  • Wild surf beaches
  • Laid-back atmosphere

Rio de Janeiro City

Brazil's iconic city. World-famous landmarks, lively beaches, rich cultural institutions, and dynamic nightlife.

Rio Essentials

  • Christ the Redeemer
  • Sugarloaf Mountain
  • Copacabana & Ipanema

Transportation Logistics

Plan boat transfers from Ilha Grande to mainland points (Angra dos Reis or Conceição de Jacareí) for onward travel.

Connecting Routes

  • Angra/Conceição to Paraty (1.5-2 hrs bus)
  • Angra/Conceição to Rio (2-3 hrs bus)
  • Shared & private transfers available

Southeast Itinerary Sample

A common and highly recommended itinerary for Brazil's Southeast region combines these destinations.

Rio de Janeiro Start

City life, culture

Ilha Grande Next

Nature, beaches

Paraty Continue

Colonial history, more islands

Optimize Your Brazilian Journey

A common itinerary combines Rio, Ilha Grande, and Paraty for a diverse Brazilian experience.