The Angra dos Reis and Ilha Grande Tour from Rio offers an enticing day trip through Brazil’s stunning coastal landscapes. Travelers can expect a scenic boat ride, visits to idyllic locations, and a delightful seafood lunch. While reviews are mixed, the tour provides an immersive experience in the region’s natural beauty. Whether looking to spot friendly dolphins or simply soak in the serene surroundings, this excursion promises an unforgettable adventure.
Key Points

- A popular day trip from Rio de Janeiro that includes round-trip transportation, a 4-hour boat excursion, and a local seafood and vegetarian lunch.
- Highlights include stops at Lagoa Azul, Cataguas Island, Freguesia de Santana Beach, and Praia de Japariz, with a local guide providing commentary.
- The tour is not wheelchair accessible and may not be suitable for pregnant travelers or those with serious medical conditions.
- Complimentary lunch is provided, but beverages must be purchased separately, and opportunities to spot dolphins and marine life are available during the excursion.
- Reviews indicate mixed experiences, with some praising the beautiful scenery and boat experience, while others express dissatisfaction with overcrowded boats, long wait times, and concerns about food quality and safety instructions.
Overview of the Tour

The Angra dos Reis and Ilha Grande Tour is a popular day trip from Rio de Janeiro, offering visitors the chance to explore the stunning natural beauty of the region.
The tour includes round-trip transportation from Rio hotels, a 4-hour boat excursion, and a delicious lunch served on board. Guests can marvel at the picturesque islands, beaches, and wildlife, with stops at Lagoa Azul, Cataguas Island, Freguesia de Santana Beach, and Praia de Japariz.
A bilingual guide provides commentary on the area’s history and geography. The tour is approximately 6.5 hours in duration, with pickup times ranging from 6:45 am to 8:30 am.
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Highlights of the Itinerary
The boat excursion through Angra dos Reis allows visitors to explore a variety of small islands and beaches.
Visitors can explore a variety of small islands and beaches through a boat excursion in Angra dos Reis.
Highlights include:
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Spending 45 minutes at the stunning Lagoa Azul, a picturesque lagoon surrounded by lush greenery.
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Visiting Cataguas Island for 40 minutes, where you can interact with friendly dolphins.
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Relaxing on the white sand of Freguesia de Santana Beach for 45 minutes.
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Spending an hour at Praia de Japariz, known for its crystal-clear waters and scenic vistas.
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Throughout the tour, a local guide provides informative commentary about the area’s history and geography.
Transportation and Accessibility

For the tour, transportation is provided via air-conditioned vehicles for the transfers between Rio hotels and the meeting point in Copacabana.
Once at the meeting point, guests will board a schooner for the boat excursion around Angra dos Reis and Ilha Grande.
The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and infants must sit on laps. Snorkeling equipment is available for rent on location.
However, it’s important to note that this tour may not be suitable for pregnant travelers or those with serious medical conditions.
Guests should confirm their pickup time prior to the tour and pack accordingly.
Onboard Services and Amenities
During the boat excursion, guests can enjoy a complimentary lunch served onboard. The menu features local seafood dishes and vegetarian options. Beverages, however, aren’t included and must be purchased separately.
A complimentary onboard lunch is served, featuring local seafood and vegetarian dishes, but beverages must be purchased separately.
Plus, the tour offers:
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Opportunities to spot dolphins and other marine life
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Snorkeling equipment available for rent
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Souvenir photos taken by the crew for purchase
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Restroom facilities available on the boat
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Ample indoor and outdoor seating for a comfortable journey
While food is provided, guests may want to bring extra snacks or drinks to customize their experience.
Customer Feedback and Experiences

Reviews of the Angra dos Reis and Ilha Grande tour from Rio de Janeiro are mixed.
Positive feedback highlights the beautiful scenery, engaging boat experience, and friendly guides.
However, some customers are dissatisfied with the overcrowded boats, long wait times, food quality concerns, and lack of safety instructions in English.
Common themes indicate travelers generally enjoy the natural beauty, but are disappointed by the organization and timing issues.
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Important Information for Travelers
Children under 4 travel complimentary, but must be accompanied by an adult. This tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with serious medical conditions.
It’s also unavailable on Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, and during Carnival season.
To make the most of your tour, be sure to:
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Bring swimwear, sunglasses, sunscreen, and hats
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Confirm your pickup time prior to the tour
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Expect potential overcrowding and longer wait times
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Be aware that lunch is included, but drinks and desserts are not
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Consider renting snorkeling equipment to explore the underwater world.
About Angra Dos Reis and Ilha Grande

Angra dos Reis is a picturesque municipality located about 150 kilometers southwest of Rio de Janeiro.
It’s renowned for its stunning natural beauty, featuring lush forests, pristine beaches, and over 365 islands.
The tour takes visitors on a boat excursion through this enchanting archipelago, allowing them to explore hidden coves, serene lagoons, and the charming Ilha Grande.
Along the way, travelers can interact with dolphins and partake in water sports, seeing the region’s vibrant marine life.
The tour also provides insights into the area’s history and geography, enriching the overall experience.
The Sum Up
The Angra dos Reis and Ilha Grande Tour from Rio offers an unforgettable day trip immersed in Brazil’s stunning natural beauty. Despite mixed reviews, the tour provides a scenic boat ride, picturesque stops, and a delicious local lunch, making it an excellent choice for travelers seeking to explore the region’s breathtaking landscapes. With proper planning and realistic expectations, this tour can be an unforgettable experience.
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