Ilha Grande 2026: 7 must-sees, excursions from Rio and where to stay

Ilha Grande is covered by the Atlantic Forest biome. It is a very dense and humid tropical jungle that reaches all the way to the sea.

Ilha Grande is one of those destinations that is absolutely worth visiting if you are in Rio de Janeiro, even just for a day. Jungle, crystal-clear beaches and a completely different rhythm from the city make the contrast immediate.

7 must-see places in Ilha Grande

1- Crystal-clear beaches - Ilha Grande is known for its clear waters and green-blue tones. Even the beaches closest to the port offer excellent visibility, perfect for swimming and relaxing.

2- Praia do Aventureiro - One of the most iconic beaches in Ilha Grande, famous for its leaning palm tree and remote atmosphere. It takes longer to reach than other beaches, but it is considered one of the most beautiful spots on the island.

Praia do Aventureiro, Ilha Grande, Brazil.

3- Lopes Mendes Beach - One of the most famous beaches in Brazil. Long, wild and surrounded by nature. It can be reached by hiking or boat and is one of the most visited places on the island.

Lopes Mendes Beach, Ilha Grande, Brazil.

4- Lagoa Azul - A classic tour stop. Calm, crystal-clear waters perfect for snorkeling and spotting fish close to the surface.

5- Trails - Jungle hikes - The island is crossed by trails connecting beaches and small communities. Hiking is essential to the experience and reveals hidden spots. A popular option is the Pico do Papagaio sunrise hike.

Trail to Lopes Mendes, Ilha Grande, Brazil.

6- Vila do Abraão - The main arrival point and the island’s “center.” It has restaurants, simple bars, accommodations and a relaxed vibe, perfect after a beach day.

7- Praia de Caxadaço - A hidden gem, small and surrounded by rocks and jungle.

Excursions to Ilha Grande from Rio de Janeiro

Important tip: it is better not to book tours in advance online. In Rio you can easily find better prices and more options.

On beaches like Copacabana, many vendors offer full-day trips to Ilha Grande. These tours usually include:

Transfer from Rio to Angra dos Reis
Boat ride to Ilha Grande (round trip)
Stops at beaches or snorkeling spots
Lunch included

Prices are usually very affordable considering everything included.

What to eat in Ilha Grande

Fresh fish and seafood - The base of local cuisine, simply grilled and very fresh.
Moqueca - Traditional Brazilian seafood stew with coconut milk and spices. Perfect after a beach day.
Simple beach meals - Rice, beans, salads and hearty dishes for energy after hiking and swimming.
Fresh juices - Tropical fruit juices are essential in the island’s relaxed atmosphere.

In Ilha Grande, Brazil, the cuisine is based on fresh seafood such as shrimp and octopus, with moqueca and caldeirada as signature dishes.

How to get to Ilha Grande

From Rio de Janeiro: bus or van to Angra dos Reis, Conceição de Jacareí or Mangaratiba + boat to Vila do Abraão
From São Paulo: direct bus to Angra dos Reis + boat
Tours: organized packages including transport + boat
Key fact: no cars are allowed on the island

Where to stay in Ilha Grande

Vila do Abraão: best option for most travelers, with restaurants, shops and tour agencies
Praia de Araçatiba: quieter and more remote
Enseada do Bananal: exclusive and very peaceful, surrounded by nature

Tips and information

Currency: Brazilian real (BRL)
Transport: no cars, everything is done on foot or by boat
Prices: moderate; tours from Rio are good value
Climate: tropical, hot and humid
Best option: book tours directly in Rio (especially Copacabana)
Cash: no ATMs on the island; carry cash in case of power cuts
Insects: bring strong repellent
Best time to visit: October to May
Tip: staying 1–2 nights allows a much better experience than a day trip

High humidity (80–90%) makes the jungle very green, but trails can be slippery and mosquitoes are common.

Our experience in Ilha Grande

Ilha Grande feels like the perfect escape from Rio. The change of pace is immediate: less noise, more nature and a slower rhythm.

Even a day trip is worth it, but staying overnight makes the experience much better, especially at sunrise or sunset when the island is quiet. It’s one of those destinations that fits perfectly into any Brazil itinerary.

Crystal-clear water in Ilha Grande, especially in lagoons, due to the absence of large rivers bringing sediment.

Fresh fish and seafood - The base of local cuisine, simply grilled and very fresh.
Moqueca - Traditional Brazilian seafood stew with coconut milk and spices. Perfect after a beach day.
Simple beach meals - Rice, beans, salads and hearty dishes for energy after hiking and swimming.
Fresh juices - Tropical fruit juices are essential in the island’s relaxed atmosphere.

From Rio de Janeiro: bus or van to Angra dos Reis, Conceição de Jacareí or Mangaratiba + boat to Vila do Abraão
From São Paulo: direct bus to Angra dos Reis + boat
Tours: organized packages including transport + boat
Key fact: no cars are allowed on the island

Vila do Abraão: best option for most travelers, with restaurants, shops and tour agencies
Praia de Araçatiba: quieter and more remote
Enseada do Bananal: exclusive and very peaceful, surrounded by nature

Currency: Brazilian real (BRL)
Transport: no cars, everything is done on foot or by boat
Prices: moderate; tours from Rio are good value
Climate: tropical, hot and humid
Best option: book tours directly in Rio (especially Copacabana)
Cash: no ATMs on the island; carry cash in case of power cuts
Insects: bring strong repellent
Best time to visit: October to May
Tip: staying 1–2 nights allows a much better experience than a day trip

Ilha Grande feels like the perfect escape from Rio. The change of pace is immediate: less noise, more nature and a slower rhythm.

Even a day trip is worth it, but staying overnight makes the experience much better, especially at sunrise or sunset when the island is quiet. It’s one of those destinations that fits perfectly into any Brazil itinerary.