Ilha Grande: 6-Hour Speedboat Tour to Blue and Green Lagoons

The best part of this Ilha Grande outing is the chance to reach Blue Lagoon and Green Lagoon in one half-day, rather than choosing between them. The water is clear, fish gather around the boat, and the ride itself gives you broad views of Ilha Grande’s forested coast.

I especially like the fast boat and the generous time at the swimming stops. The cooler with ice and drinking water is useful, and the foam noodles make floating easy. The tradeoff is that the tour operates only in Portuguese, and popular stops can feel crowded, with several boats sharing the same beautiful water.

Key points to know

• Green Lagoon comes first on the listed route, followed by Blue Lagoon and Enseada das Estrelas.
• Snorkel equipment is not included, but you can rent it near the Tourist Pier before departure.
• The speedboat can feel cold and wet, so bring a windbreaker or thick jacket, even on a warm day.
• Lunch is optional and not included, with a stop at a local restaurant in Enseada das Estrelas.
• Beach boarding depends on sea conditions, and non-swimmers may prefer to remain on the boat at some stops.
• Portuguese is the only operating language, so this works best as a self-guided day on the water.

What this six-hour Ilha Grande trip is really like

This is a scenic water outing rather than a guided nature lesson. An experienced local captain handles the route, while you get off the boat, swim, snorkel, stroll, and decide how much activity you want at each stop.

The meeting point is Caiçara Turismo Ilha Grande in Vila do Abraão. Present your ticket there and you will receive an entry wristband before being directed to the speedboat. A short safety briefing comes first, followed by a brisk cruise along the coast.

The boat ride is part of the appeal. You see Ilha Grande from the water, with forested slopes, quiet coves, rocky shorelines, and small beaches passing by. It also means you should dress for motion and wind. One useful tip from the experience is to bring a proper coat or thick jacket, even if the weather in Vila do Abraão feels hot.

The route includes several sailing stretches and stops, so this is not six hours of continuous swimming. You will spend a good amount of time moving between coves. If you like being on a boat and want to see several parts of the island, that balance works well. If you want one long, quiet beach session, a slower beach day may suit you better.

Green Lagoon: the first swimming stop

The first main stop on the listed schedule is Flutuante Lagoa Verde, or Green Lagoon. This area has an unusual shape. At low tide, a small sandbank connects Ilha Grande with Ilha da Longa. At high tide, the water covers that link and creates the feel of a natural aquarium.

That changing shoreline is part of what makes the stop interesting. You can swim in clear water, look for fish, take photos from the boat, or simply sit near the edge. You can also walk along the shore when conditions allow.

The stop lasts about 45 minutes. That is enough for a swim and some snorkeling, but not enough for a long walk or an unhurried meal. Use the time with a plan: get your mask on quickly if you rented one, swim before the area gets busy, and leave a few minutes to return to the boat.

The water is the main attraction, but do not expect a private cove. Ilha Grande’s best-known lagoons draw plenty of boats, especially during peak periods. The setting remains beautiful, though the mood can be lively rather than peaceful.

Blue Lagoon and the search for fish

After more coastal cruising, the boat reaches Blue Lagoon. This stop also lasts about 45 minutes and is the stronger choice for snorkeling. The clear water lets you look below the surface for colorful fish and other small sea life.

Snorkeling equipment is not part of the $62 price. You can rent it near the Tourist Pier on the day of departure, which is worth doing if seeing fish is important to you. Bring your own equipment only if it is convenient, since the tour provides no mask, snorkel, or fins.

The fish count can vary. On a calm, clear day, you might see plenty around the boat. At other times, the main pleasure is swimming in clean water and looking down into the bay. Do not feed the animals or touch marine life. Those rules protect the lagoon and keep the experience respectful.

Pool noodles are provided, and they are more useful than they sound. They let you float without constant kicking, which is helpful after the fast ride and makes the stop accessible to confident swimmers who simply want to relax. If sea conditions keep the boat farther from shore, staying aboard is also an option.

Enseada das Estrelas and the optional lunch

The route then reaches Enseada das Estrelas, or Bay of Stars. Here you get about an hour for a lunch break, followed by additional time for photos, swimming, and a short visit around the shore.

Lunch is optional and costs extra. Local restaurants serve Brazilian food, including seafood. This is a practical place to try a local dish, but you should carry cash because cash is listed among the recommended items. Since no meal is included, budget for it before you leave Vila do Abraão.

I like having the meal separate from the tour price. You can choose to eat, order according to your appetite, or skip the restaurant and use the break for the beach. The downside is that the final cost is not fixed. A $62 tour can become noticeably more expensive once you add snorkeling rental and lunch.

The stop also gives the day a welcome change of pace. The lagoons focus on water and fish, while Enseada das Estrelas gives you time on land. You can take a short walk, swim, photograph the bay, or sit down for a proper meal instead of eating on the moving boat.

The speedboat ride and what to wear

The boat is a speedboat, not a slow sightseeing launch. That makes it possible to reach several coves in six hours, but the ride can be windy and rougher when the sea is unsettled. The captain may stop at a safe distance from the beach if conditions make a direct landing difficult.

Bring swimwear, beachwear, sandals, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a towel. Add a windbreaker or thick jacket, even if you think you will not need it. Rain gear is sensible too, since the tour operates in wet weather when it is safe to sail.

Drinking water and a cooler with ice are included. You may bring drinks, but a separate cooler is not allowed. Speakers are also prohibited, which is good news if you prefer to hear the sea and the engine rather than someone else’s playlist.

Seasickness deserves honest attention. The route involves speedboat travel and several open-water stretches, so people prone to motion sickness may find the outing uncomfortable. Eat lightly before departure, choose a stable seat if possible, and consider a different activity if boat motion usually causes trouble.

Language, timing, and the self-guided format

The captain and operating staff speak Portuguese. Do not book this expecting an English-speaking guide or detailed narration in English. The boat route is easy to follow, but you may not always know exactly how long remains at a stop unless you confirm before leaving or use the captain’s signals and schedule.

That does not make the tour impossible for international visitors. It simply changes the nature of the day. You are not joining a lecture about Ilha Grande. You are being carried from one beach or lagoon to another and given free time to enjoy each place on your own.

Ask about the departure time and return plan before boarding. One reported issue was a delay between the meeting time and the actual departure, with the boat leaving about an hour later than expected. Delays can occur because of weather or other operating problems, so avoid pairing this excursion with a tight ferry connection, airport transfer, cruise departure, or same-day return to Rio de Janeiro.

The shared boat also cannot wait for late passengers or arrange an early return. Plan to be at Caiçara Turismo Ilha Grande early, with your ticket ready.

How much value do you get for $62?

At $62 per person, the price is fair if you want a full half-day on the water and plan to use the swimming stops. The fee includes the speedboat, the route between several coastal sites, drinking water, ice, and floating noodles. Reaching Green Lagoon, Blue Lagoon, Enseada das Estrelas, and other shoreline areas independently would take more planning.

The value is strongest for people who want variety. You get several swims, scenic boat travel, a lunch break, and time for photos in one outing. The price is less attractive if you do not swim, dislike speedboats, or expect a quiet, highly guided tour.

Remember the extras. Snorkel rental is separate, and lunch is separate. Cash is a smart item to carry for the restaurant and any rental needs. Since the tour is shared, you are paying for access to the route rather than a private schedule.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and the option to reserve now and pay later add useful flexibility. Still, the biggest cost question is not the booking policy. It is whether you will enjoy a busy shared boat moving between popular stops.

Crowds, beach boarding, and mobility limits

The lagoons are attractive precisely because they are easy to reach by boat, so they can be busy. At peak times, expect several boats near the same swimming areas. You will still see clear water and attractive coastal scenery, but you should not picture a completely empty cove.

Getting on and off matters. Depending on the sea, the captain may need to stop away from the beach, leaving passengers to wade through the water or handle an awkward transfer. Anyone with reduced mobility, recent surgery, or difficulty balancing should avoid this tour. The activity is also not recommended for pregnant women, children under five, people over 80, or those prone to seasickness.

You can remain on the boat during a stop, which helps if the beach landing looks difficult or you simply want to rest. That option is useful, but the tour is built around swimming and shore visits, so people who cannot comfortably board at beaches may not get full value.

The trip runs rain or shine when sailing remains safe. Bring rain protection and accept that weather may alter the feel of the day. Delays are possible, and the route may change in small ways to suit sea conditions.

Who should book this Ilha Grande boat trip?

I would choose this tour if you have one day in Vila do Abraão and want to see several of Ilha Grande’s most scenic water stops without arranging separate transport. It suits confident swimmers, casual snorkelers, couples, friends, and active families with older children who can manage beach boarding.

It also works well if you enjoy making your own day. You can swim for a while, float on a noodle, take photos, or eat lunch without needing a guide beside you explaining every detail. The Portuguese-only format is manageable if you are comfortable with a simple self-guided outing.

I would skip it if your priority is silence, detailed interpretation, an English-speaking guide, or a guaranteed schedule. I would also avoid it if you have a ferry connection later that day. The beauty is real, but the tour’s success depends on weather, crowds, sea conditions, and your comfort with a fast shared boat.

Should you book it?

Book this experience if you want a practical, energetic way to reach Green Lagoon, Blue Lagoon, and Bay of Stars in six hours. Pack warm clothing, rent snorkel gear early, carry cash, and leave your schedule open after the tour.

Skip it if you need English commentary, dislike boat motion, or want an uncrowded beach day. For the right visitor, the tour offers strong value: several swimming locations, good coastal views, and a simple way to experience Ilha Grande from the water.

FAQ

Where does the Ilha Grande speedboat tour depart?

The meeting point is Caiçara Turismo Ilha Grande in Vila do Abraão. Present your ticket there to receive an entry wristband, then the local operator will direct you to the speedboat.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

No. Snorkeling equipment is available to rent near the Tourist Pier on the day of departure. The tour does provide drinking water, ice, and foam pool noodles.

Is lunch included in the price?

No. Lunch is optional and available for purchase at local restaurants in Enseada das Estrelas. Brazilian food and seafood are available, and carrying cash is recommended.

Is the tour conducted in English?

No. The operating language is Portuguese. The experience is designed as a self-guided outing, with free time to swim, snorkel, walk, and relax at each stop.

Can I join if I do not swim?

You can remain on the boat during the stops, but the tour is centered on swimming, snorkeling, and beach visits. Sea conditions may also require the boat to stop away from shore, which can make boarding difficult for non-swimmers.

What should I bring?

Bring a windbreaker or thick jacket, swimwear, beachwear, sunscreen, a towel, sunglasses, sandals, rain gear, drinks, and cash. A cooler and speakers are not allowed.