Full-Day Ilha Grande Northern Coast Speedboat Tour

Full-Day Ilha Grande Northern Coast Speedboat Tour

Imagine cruising along Ilha Grande’s shimmering coastlines in a swift speedboat, with the salty breeze in your hair and some of Brazil’s most beautiful beaches and lagoons unfolding before your eyes. This 6-hour tour, priced at around $63 per person, offers a chance to explore Lagoa Azul, Lagoa Verde, and pristine beaches like Praia do Amor and Praia da Feiticeira. Guided by friendly, knowledgeable guides (sometimes with reviews mentioning “Carlos” as a guide), the experience promises a blend of sightseeing, snorkeling, and relaxing in nature’s simplest pleasures.

Two things we really appreciate about this trip are the chance to snorkel in vivid waters at Lagoa Verde and Lagoa Azul—both highlight the incredible clarity and color of the local lagoons—and the opportunity to enjoy quiet, uncrowded beaches like Praia da Feiticeira, which feels more secluded compared to busier spots. The tour’s focus on natural beauty makes it a great choice for anyone eager to see Ilha Grande’s standout sights without spending days on the water.

A potential consideration is the vagueness of the meeting point and the potential for confusion, as one reviewer noted arriving early and finding no clear landmark. Since the tour route varies with weather and tide, the timing and stops might change, possibly affecting the experience if you’re expecting a very fixed schedule. Also, the tour doesn’t include food or drinks, so you’ll want to bring snacks or plan to purchase lunch at some stops.

This tour suits travelers who value natural scenery and snorkeling, don’t mind a group setting, and are prepared for a flexible schedule. It’s especially ideal if you’re looking for a reasonably priced way to explore Ilha Grande’s northern coast with a professional guide.

Key Points

• Highlights include snorkeling in Lagoa Verde and Lagoa Azul, relaxing on white beaches, and enjoying a scenic speedboat ride.
• Duration is approximately 6 hours, making it a full but manageable day trip.
• Price at $63 offers good value for access to multiple beautiful spots and guided commentary.
• The experience is flexible, with stops lasting about 40-60 minutes, depending on weather and tide.
• Included amenities are water, a professional guide, and the boat ride itself.
• Food, diving masks, and snorkels are not included but can be rented or brought along.

A Detailed Look at the Experience

The adventure kicks off at Getúlio Vargas Street in Vila do Abraão at 10:30 am. From there, a speedboat whisks you across the calm waters of Ilha Grande’s northern coast. The first stop is Lagoa Verde, where we loved the way the water’s turquoise hue invites you to snorkel and see the vibrant marine life. Expect about an hour here, soaking in the lush scenery beneath the surface. One reviewer, Lisa, called this stop “pretty good,” noting that it’s a place you can’t access without a boat, which makes the experience special.

Next comes Lagoa Azul, one of the most popular spots among travelers. Its well-earned reputation is all about the refreshing blue waters perfect for swimming or just floating around. You’ll appreciate the chance to cool off in a setting that feels both untouched and accessible, thanks to the guided tour. Be aware, as one reviewer pointed out, that the experience is “average,” but the view alone makes it worthwhile.

After the lagoons, the boat heads to Saco do Ceu Beach, where you’ll have about 40-60 minutes to relax on soft, powdery sands and potentially purchase a seafood lunch cooked in Brazilian style. This is a highlight for many, as it’s a chance to unwind and enjoy the tropical backdrop. One traveler appreciated the knowledgeable guide during this part, highlighting that the tour strikes a good balance between sightseeing and downtime.

The next stops offer a mix of beach relaxation and freshwater fun: Praia do Amor and Praia da Caraminga. Here, you might even dip into a river for a refreshing break. These beaches are generally praised for their beauty, with some reviews mentioning that they’re less crowded and more tranquil, perfect for lounging or taking photos.

The tour concludes at Praia da Feiticeira, a secluded beach surrounded by lush forest. It’s an ideal spot to relax in calm waters while soaking in the natural scenery. The return trip to Vila do Abraão is roughly around 4 pm, giving you a full but fulfilling day on the water.

Practical Tips and What to Expect

Since the route varies based on weather and tides, you might find the specific stops change day to day. The boat is a speedboat, so expect a lively, wind-in-your-hair ride rather than a leisurely cruise. The maximum group size is 15 travelers, which keeps things intimate but lively enough for shared experiences.

Snorkel gear is available for rent, but bringing your own mask and fins might make your experience more comfortable. Also, since food isn’t included, consider packing snacks or a light lunch if you’re hungry after a morning of swimming and sunbathing. Water and bottled water are provided, which helps keep everyone hydrated.

Timing at each stop is generally 40 to 60 minutes, giving enough time to snorkel, relax, or explore. The tour begins at a vague meeting point—R. da Praia, 681—which can cause some initial confusion, so arriving early and asking around might save you some stress.

Authentic Experiences and Honest Feedback

The authenticity of this tour lies in its focus on natural beauty and outdoor fun. As one traveler noted, “The destinations are beautiful and you can’t get to these places without a boat,” which sums up the tour’s main appeal.

However, not all reviews are glowing. Steven, for example, expressed frustration about meeting logistics—arriving 30 minutes early and finding no clear landmarks. It’s a reminder that communication and clarity can sometimes be an issue, so being prepared and arriving early is wise.

The tour offers value for the price, especially given the access to remote beaches and lagoons. It’s a great option for those who want a short, scenic, and active day exploring Ilha Grande’s natural highlights without overextending themselves.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for nature lovers and water enthusiasts who want to see Ilha Grande’s most stunning spots in one day. It’s suited for travelers who don’t mind group tours and appreciate guided commentary about the sights. If you enjoy snorkeling, relaxing on quiet beaches, and don’t mind some flexibility in the schedule, you’ll find this tour well worth the price.

If you’re looking for a more exclusive or luxurious experience, or prefer a fixed itinerary and precise timing, then other options might suit you better. But for an authentic, nature-centered adventure at a reasonable price, this tour hits the right notes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts about 6 hours, starting at 10:30 am and returning around 4 pm, giving you plenty of time to explore multiple spots.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at R. da Praia, 681 in Vila do Abraão and returns to the same location at the end of the day.

Is food included?
No, food and drinks are not included. You might want to bring snacks or purchase lunch at Saco do Ceu Beach.

What should I bring?
Bring your own snorkeling gear if you have it, sunscreen, a hat, and some cash for souvenirs or snacks. Water is provided.

Can I rent snorkeling gear?
Yes, snorkeling masks and fins are available for rent, but bringing your own may be more comfortable.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, but consider the age and swimming ability for snorkeling and swimming parts.

Final Thoughts

The Full-Day Ilha Grande Northern Coast Speedboat Tour offers a lively, scenic way to explore some of Brazil’s most beautiful beaches and lagoons. Its value lies in access to pristine spots that would be difficult to reach otherwise, combined with the fun of a speedboat ride. While there are some logistical hiccups—like unclear meeting points and flexible stops—the natural beauty and relaxed pace make up for it.

This tour is a great choice for travelers eager to combine adventure and relaxation in a setting that showcases Ilha Grande’s most memorable outdoor scenery. It’s especially suited for those who appreciate snorkeling and secluded beaches but aren’t looking for a highly structured or luxury experience. For a day filled with sunshine, salt air, and stunning vistas, this trip delivers in spades.

Remember: Always check the weather forecast before heading out, arrive early for the meeting point, and be prepared for a flexible schedule. With a little planning, you’ll walk away with wonderful memories of Ilha Grande’s natural splendor.