Brazil's South-East Region
Ilha Grande Travel Guide
Long, sandy beaches and crystal clear waters - you'll have to hike to see this Island's best attractions
Ilha Grande is a tropical island off the coast of Rio de Janeiro, famous for its lush Atlantic rainforest, secluded beaches, and car-free environment. The island’s main village, Vila do Abraão, is the hub for hiking and boat tours, including trails leading to Lopes Mendes Beach, once of the best beaches in Brazil, and Pico do Papagaio, an incredible sunrise viewpoint. Ilha Grande also offers world-class snorkeling and diving spots, such as Lagoa Azul (Blue Lagoon).
Top 5 Things to See & Do in Ilha Grande
Relax at Lopes Mendes Beach, one of the best beaches in the world
Hike to Pico do Papagaio for sunrise
Snorkel at Lagoa Azul
Explore Abraão Village
Visit Praia de Dois Rios
Closest airport
The closest airport is located in Rio de Janeiro or São Paulo
Main bus terminal
The closest bus terminal is located in Agra dos Reis
Vila do Abraão
Main ports
How to get to Ilha Grande
Ilha Grande can be easily reached by bus and ferry from Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo or anywhere in between. First, take a bus to one of the three ports below, then take a boat to Vila do Abraão, Ilha Grande's main port. Ferry tickets can be purchased at the port and do not need to be booked in advance.
The three ports connecting Ilha Grande to the mainland are:
Conceição de Jacareí - This is the closest to port to Ilha Grande. It therefore offers the fastest trip and the most frequent boat departures, giving you more time at the beach. Trips take just 15-20 minutes and run from 8.30am-6.15pm daily. The return trips run from 7.30pm-5.30pm daily. The trip costs R$20-30 each way.
Mangaratiba - This is the ferry port closest to Rio de Janeiro. Trips take around 1.5 hours and cost R$17 each way. The boat departs at 8am daily and 10pm on Fridays and returns at 5.30pm daily. The large ferries allow you to transport your bike for free.
Angra dos Reis - This is the port closest to São Paulo. Trips on the large ferry take around 1 hour 20 minutes and cost R$17 each way. The ferry departs at 3.30pm Monday-Friday or 1.30pm on weekends and holidays and returns at 10am daily. Again, you can transport a bike for free. Alternatively, speedboats are available and take as little as 30 minutes and run between 7am and 6pm daily. The speedboat is slightly more expensive costing between R$25-50 each way.
How to get to Ilha Grande from Rio de Janeiro
From Novo Rio bus terminal, take a bus to any of the ferry terminals: Conceição de Jacareí (2.5 hours), Mangaratiba (1.5-2.5 hours), or Angra dos Reis (3 hours). For the fastest trip, head to Conceição de Jacareí and take the speedboat. Busses run frequently however it is recommended to book in advance to ensure you get a ticket at your desired time, and don't miss the last ferry.
How to get to Ilha Grande from Sao Paulo
From Tiete bus terminal, take a bus to Angra dos Reis (8-8.5 hours). Busses run frequently, but it is best to take an earlier bus to make sure you make the last boat at 6pm. It is also possible to take an overnight bus, so you don't lose a day on travel.
How to get to Ilha Grande from Paraty
From Terminal Rodoviário de Paraty, take a bus to Angra dos Reis (1.5 hours). From Angra dos Reis, take any ferry or speedboat to Ilha Grande.
How to get around Ilha Grande
There are no cars on Ilha Grande, however the island's main town, Abraão, is small and easy to walk around. To to get between Ilha Grande's most popular beaches, you can choose to hike or take a taxi boat. The fares for taxi boats vary depending on the length of the trip and the number of other people in the boat.
Hiking in Ilha Grande
Ilha Grande is a hiker's paradise, with numerous well-established trails around and across the island. One of the most popular hikes include the hike to Lopes Mendes beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in Brazil. Another must-do hike is to Pico do Papagaio. This hike is best taken early in the morning in order to see the sunrise from the peak. Here is a map of the trails.
How to get to Lopes Mendes beach by Taxi Boat
To get to Lopes Mendes beach, take a taxi boat to Praia do Pouso, and then take a short 1km (0.6 miles) trail. The trail takes around 20 minutes each way. Boats are not allowed to stop directly on Lopes Mendes as it is a protected area.
Want more tips? See my guide for How to Spend 3 Days in Ilha Grande
Things to know before you go
ATMs - Bring Cash!
There are no ATMs on Ilha Grande. Although some shops and restaurants do accept credit card, many still do not. If you plan to use taxi boats, or buy drinks and snacks on the beach from local vendors, you will need to pay in cash.
What to bring to Ilha Grande
The island has a tropical climate, so bringing insect repellent, sunscreen, hat, and appropriate clothing for both rain and shine is crucial. If hiking, it is also recommended to bring sturdy covered shoes as the trails can become muddy and slippery after rain.
