Angra dos Reis and Ilha Grande Day Trip with Schooner Cruise and Lunch

Angra dos Reis and Ilha Grande Day Trip with Schooner Cruise and Lunch offers a chance to escape the city and explore Brazil’s stunning island scenery. For under $80, you’ll spend about 12 hours journeying from Rio de Janeiro, sailing on a comfortable schooner, enjoying multiple water stops, and sharing a delicious buffet lunch onboard. The trip also includes round-trip transport from your hotel, making the logistics easier.

Two things we really appreciate are the beautiful stops at Ilha Cataguases and Lagoa Azul, with their white sands and clear waters perfect for swimming and snorkelling. The friendly guides and good value for the price make it a solid choice for travelers looking for an authentic maritime adventure. However, a quick word of caution: some reviews mention the crowded boat and long bus rides, so if you’re looking for a quiet, intimate day, this might not be your best fit.

This tour suits those who enjoy water-based activities, scenic island views, and a lively atmosphere. If you’re happy with a good mix of sightseeing, swimming, and a hearty meal, you’ll find plenty to love. But if you prefer a more relaxed, less crowded experience or have language barriers, you might want to consider alternatives.

Key Points

• Stunning island stops for swimming and snorkelling, particularly at Ilha Cataguases and Lagoa Azul.
• Round-trip transportation from Rio simplifies logistics and saves time.
• Tasty buffet lunch onboard offers a variety of options, including vegetarian choices.
• Crowded boat with up to 60 people can feel hectic, especially for those seeking tranquility.
• Long travel times—about 2.5 hours each way—mean a full day of transit and activity.
• Guide quality varies; some reviews praise the guides’ energy, while others note language barriers.

The Experience: A Deep Dive

This full-day trip is primarily about seeing beautiful islands and enjoying water activities. After a morning pickup from your Rio hotel—most likely in the south zone—you’ll hop into a comfortable, climate-controlled vehicle for a roughly 2.5-hour drive to Angra dos Reis. This part of the journey, while scenic, can be on the longer side, especially with traffic, and some reviews mention this as a downside, noting the long bus ride.

Once you arrive in Angra, you’ll board your schooner, which can carry up to 40 travelers. The boat itself is a traditional schooner, which tends to be open and wind-swept, perfect for feeling the breeze and soaking up the sun. Expect to find plenty of space to lounge, with some review comments pointing out the crowded nature of the boat—a common feature of popular tours. The guide or crew will likely encourage you to mingle and relax, which can be fun if you’re up for a lively atmosphere.

Water Stops and Island Hopping

The core of the tour is the series of stops at scenic locations. The first major stop is Ilha Cataguases, renowned for its white sandy beaches and crystal-clear water—ideal for swimming and snorkelling. Many travelers like us love these moments, as the water is inviting and the scenery breathtaking. One reviewer praised the blue waters and dolphins, emphasizing how these stops can be quite magical, despite the weather not always cooperating.

Next, the boat heads to Lagoa Azul (the Blue Lagoon), an area famous for its vivid, turquoise waters. Here, you can jump off the boat into the water, swim, or snorkel with rental gear (about 20 BRL). The reviews indicate that the snorkelling is okay but not necessarily the main highlight—some found it underwhelming or crowded. Still, the chance to float in such a vivid environment is worth it.

Other stops include Praia de Freguesia de Santana on Ilha Grande and Piedade Island, where you’ll have chances to relax, swim, or just enjoy the scenery. Some reviews mention that weather conditions, particularly rain, limited the sailing distance and swimming opportunities.

Lunch and Onboard Comfort

One of the best aspects of this tour is the buffet lunch served onboard. For around 4.5 hours on the boat, you’ll enjoy steak, fish, chicken, alongside rice and beans, with vegetarian options available. Several reviewers praised the quality of the food, and it’s nice to have a substantial meal after a morning of water activities. Be aware that drinks are extra, and you’ll need cash or credit card for beverages.

The Return Journey and Overall Duration

The return trip takes another 2.5 hours by bus, meaning your total day spans roughly 12 hours. Some reviews note that the long bus ride is tiring, especially considering the traffic delays and the length of the journey—not always quick, but part of the adventure, if you’re prepared for it.

What We Like and Don’t Love

The guides on this trip are often praised for their enthusiasm and friendliness, making the long day more enjoyable. Several reviews highlight guides like Tania and Tina Turner, who bring energy and humor to the experience. However, some mention language barriers, particularly if you don’t speak Portuguese, which can make understanding the itinerary or water safety instructions tricky.

The scenery is undoubtedly the star here—the vivid colors of the water, the lush islands, and the peaceful beaches—making this a dream for nature lovers. The value for the price is generally considered fair, given the included transportation, lunch, and multiple island stops.

But, be aware that crowds can be intense, especially in high season or if weather conditions limit sailing. Reviews describe the boat as crowded and noisy, which might not suit travelers seeking serenity. Also, some mention that the snorkelling isn’t world-class, and the beach stops are often flooded with travelers, reducing the feeling of exclusivity.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re eager to see several islands in one day, enjoy water activities, and don’t mind a lively, sometimes crowded atmosphere, you’ll probably find this tour very worthwhile. It’s particularly good for first-time visitors wanting a quick taste of Brazil’s island scenery, especially since transportation is handled for you.

However, if you prefer quiet, less crowded environments or are sensitive to long bus rides, you might want to look for a more intimate or shorter experience. Also, travelers who speak Portuguese will find it easier to understand guides and navigate the day.

The Sum Up

The Angra dos Reis and Ilha Grande day trip offers a lively, scenic way to explore some of Brazil’s most beautiful waters and islands. The water stops, buffet lunch, and guided commentary will appeal to those who love being outdoors and soaking up nature’s beauty. While the crowded boat and long travel times are worth considering, many travelers find the breathtaking scenery and friendly guides make it a memorable day.

This tour is best suited for adventurous travelers, water lovers, and those comfortable with busy, lively tours. If you’re after a fun, full-day escape with plenty of photo opportunities and a good dose of ocean breeze, this trip delivers. Just come prepared for the crowds and a full schedule—so you can focus on the stunning views and the joy of island-hopping.

FAQ

How long is the bus ride from Rio to Angra dos Reis?
Most travelers can expect around 2.5 hours each way, though some reviews mention longer delays due to traffic, especially during peak times.

What is included in the tour price?
The price covers the round-trip transportation, 4.5-hour schooner cruise, buffet lunch, and a professional guide. Beverages are not included and are available for purchase onboard.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?
Snorkel gear can be rented at about 20 BRL, but it’s not included in the price. Some travelers find the snorkelling experience average, especially if the weather isn’t perfect.

Can I swim at the stops?
Yes, the stops at places like Ilha Cataguases and Lagoa Azul are designed for swimming and relaxing in the water, weather permitting.

What are the main drawbacks?
The main concerns are crowded boats, long bus rides, and weather-dependent sailing. Some reviews also mention that the beach stops can feel overcrowded and touristy.

Would this tour suit non-Portuguese speakers?
Guides may have limited English, so understanding commentary could be a challenge for non-Portuguese speakers. It’s advisable to ask beforehand or prepare some basic Portuguese phrases.

If you’re seeking a lively, scenic, water-filled day with friendly guides and stunning island views, this tour is a solid pick—just go with an open mind and plenty of sunscreen!