Angra dos Reis and Ilha Grande Full-Day Boat Tour from Rio

Angra dos Reis and the Costa Verde

Angra dos Reis sits on the Costa Verde, the green coast between Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, where mountains covered with Atlantic Forest fall straight into a calm bay. The area is said to have an island for every day of the year, which is why boat trips are the best way to see it. A day trip to Angra dos Reis from Rio is a popular choice because the coast is about two and a half hours by road.

Your day starts with the transfer from Rio, and your guide gives you an outline of the route on the way. The bay is sheltered, so the sea is usually calm, with clear water and small beaches only reachable by boat. Bring a hat and sun protection, since there is little shade on the water.

Ilha Grande, Blue Lagoon and Green Lagoon

Ilha Grande is the largest island in the area, with no cars, dense forest and many beaches. The Blue Lagoon (Lagoa Azul) is a sheltered bay of calm, transparent water where you can swim and look for fish, and the Green Lagoon (Lagoa Verde) is an emerald-coloured bay surrounded by vegetation. Many travellers ask whether an Ilha Grande day trip is worth it; these two stops explain why it is.

Time in the water is the centre of the day, so wear swimwear under your clothes. Snorkelling gear is not included, and can be rented or brought if you want to see more of the underwater life. The lagoons can get busy at midday, and your guide plans the timing so you have space to swim.

Cataguases, Freguesia de Santana and the beaches

After the lagoons, the boat visits small islands and beaches that are only reached by water. Cataguases is a small island with pale sand and calm water, and Freguesia de Santana is a quieter beach where you can walk along the shore under the shade of native trees. These are places to slow down, take photos and simply look at the water.

The stops can change with the sea conditions, and not every island gets a landing; some are seen from the boat. Your guide explains the wildlife and the history of the area as you go. Take a light towel and a dry change of clothes, since you will be in and out of the water several times.

Lunch at Japariz beach and the return to Rio

Lunch is served at a beach restaurant near Japariz with views of the sea and the tropical hills, and it is included in the option shown. It is served in the afternoon, between about 14:30 and 15:30, after the boat trip, so bring a snack and water to eat on the way there. Drinks and dessert at lunch are not included and are paid on the spot.

After lunch you return to the marina and head back to Rio by road, arriving in the evening. The full day is about fourteen hours, so wear comfortable clothes and bring something to do on the road. The Angra dos Reis boat tour from Rio de Janeiro is a long day, but a rewarding one if you enjoy water and scenery.