Ilha Grande: 6-Hour Speedboat Tour to Blue and Green Lagoons

Fast boat, clear water, real trade-offs. From Vila do Abraão, this six-hour trip links Ilha Grande’s Blue Lagoon, Green Lagoon, Bay of Stars, and nearby beaches in one busy but beautiful day. You get plenty of time for swimming, floating, photos, and snorkeling, with a local seafood lunch available at your own cost.

I like the quick speedboat ride, which lets you see several corners of the island without spending the whole day aboard. I also like the easy swimming stops, especially the Blue Lagoon, where colorful fish may gather around the boat. The main drawback is the Portuguese-only operation, plus occasional delays and crowded conditions at the most popular lagoons.

The tour costs $62 per person. That is fair if you want several coastal stops in one outing and do not mind paying extra for snorkel gear and lunch. It is less appealing if you want quiet beaches, detailed guiding, or a relaxed timetable.

Key points before you book

• Blue Lagoon is the strongest stop for snorkeling, with clear water and fish close to the swimming area.
• Green Lagoon changes with the tide, sometimes appearing as a sandbank and sometimes as a natural aquarium.
• The speedboat covers a lot of ground, but the ride can feel windy and cold, so bring a jacket.
• Lunch is optional, giving you a chance to try Brazilian seafood at a restaurant in Enseada das Estrelas.
• The tour runs in Portuguese only, so you should be comfortable exploring each stop without much spoken explanation.
• Busy conditions are normal, especially at the two famous lagoons during peak periods.

Starting from Vila do Abraão

You meet at Caiçara Turismo Ilha Grande in Vila do Abraão. Show your ticket there, receive an entry wristband, and follow the local staff to the speedboat. A short safety briefing comes first, then you set out along Ilha Grande’s coast.

The precise start time depends on availability. Build some patience into your morning. One recent departure was called for 10 a.m. but did not leave until 11 a.m. That kind of delay matters if you have a ferry, transfer, or other fixed booking later in the day.

The boat carries a cooler with ice and drinking water. Foam pool noodles are also provided, a small but useful touch when you want to float without constantly swimming. You cannot bring your own cooler, speakers, pets, or smoking materials aboard.

The operator says experienced local captains handle the trip and know the waters well. The boat runs rain or shine when conditions are safe, but weather and sea conditions can change the route or affect how close the boat gets to shore.

The speedboat ride along Ilha Grande

The first stretch lasts roughly 45 minutes and is part sightseeing, part transportation. From the boat, you get broad views of forested hills, small coves, and open water around the island. The speed makes it possible to reach several destinations in one half-day, but it also creates a brisk rhythm.

This is not a slow sailing trip. Wind can be strong, and one practical tip comes directly from the experience: bring a coat or thick jacket, even in warm weather. You may start the morning in beach clothes and wish you had packed another layer ten minutes later.

The boat may stop at a safe distance from a beach if the sea is rough. You then need to manage the short entry or exit through the water. If that sounds uncomfortable, you can remain aboard during a stop, but the tour is not designed for passengers who need easy, step-free access.

Green Lagoon and its changing water

The Green Lagoon, or Lagoa Verde, is the first major swimming stop. The setting is unusual because a small sandbank links Ilha Grande with Ilha da Longa at low tide. At high tide, the area becomes a natural aquarium, giving the place a different look depending on the water level.

You get about 45 minutes here for swimming, photos, snorkeling, and quiet time by the edge. The water is clear enough to make this a good place to look for marine life, though conditions vary. Fish sightings are not guaranteed, and one account of the trip found fewer fish than expected.

The noodles are handy here. You can float, watch the water, and let the scenery do the work instead of treating every stop like a serious swimming session. If you bring a phone or camera, keep it secure around the boat and in the water.

Green Lagoon is also one of the stops where the crowds can change the mood. Several boats may arrive at once, and the area can feel more like a popular day outing than a quiet island cove. I would still keep it on the schedule because its tidal character makes it more than just another pretty swimming hole.

Blue Lagoon and the best chance for fish

After another coastal boat ride, you reach the Blue Lagoon. This is the tour’s main draw for many people. The water is famously clear, and the stop is set up for swimming and snorkeling among small fish.

You have about 45 minutes here. That is enough time to swim, rent or use snorkeling gear, take photos, and enjoy the views, but it is not an all-day stay. Snorkel equipment is not included. You can rent it near the Tourist Pier before departure, so arrange that in Vila do Abraão rather than waiting until you are already on the boat.

The Blue Lagoon works well for beginners because you can choose your level of activity. Swim along the edge, float with a noodle, or simply stay close to the boat. You should not touch marine life or feed animals, and you should bring your own towel because none is included.

Keep your expectations sensible. The water may be wonderfully clear, but fish activity depends on the day, water conditions, and crowd levels. At busy times, the lagoon can fill with boats and swimmers. You get the famous scenery, but not necessarily a private patch of sea.

Passing the island’s coves and beaches

Between the main lagoon stops, the boat passes more of Ilha Grande’s coast. These stretches last around 25 to 30 minutes and provide scenic views, wildlife watching, and a break from swimming.

The speedboat format is useful here. You see more coastline than you would on foot from Vila do Abraão, and you do not need to plan separate transport between beaches. The trade-off is that the ride itself can take up a good part of the six hours.

One criticism of this type of trip is that it can feel like a lot of riding with limited explanation. Since the captains speak Portuguese only, you may not always know the name of the cove you are passing or how much time remains at a stop. I suggest keeping track of time yourself and treating the cruise as scenic transport rather than a guided history lesson.

Lunch at Enseada das Estrelas

The boat then reaches Enseada das Estrelas, or Bay of Stars, for roughly an hour. This is the main break for lunch, with local restaurants serving Brazilian food and seafood.

Lunch is optional and not included in the $62 price. That gives you flexibility, especially if you prefer a light meal or have a limited budget. On the other hand, Brazilian seafood is a natural match for a coastal stop, and sitting down for a proper meal can make the middle of the day feel less rushed.

Allow time for the restaurant stop when judging the value. You are not spending six straight hours in the water. Part of the cost covers the boat, the route, and the chance to visit several places, while lunch is an added expense.

After eating, you get another 25 minutes or so for photos, a short walk, and perhaps a swim. This is a good chance to stretch your legs. The beaches and calm bay offer a change from the open-water ride and the crowded lagoon stops.

The final return through Ilha Grande State Park

The last part passes through scenery connected with Ilha Grande State Park before returning to Vila do Abraão. You continue along the coast by boat, with time for views and possible wildlife watching.

This final section helps explain the appeal of the tour. It is not simply a transfer to two lagoons. You get a broad look at the island’s wooded shoreline, bays, and smaller coastal areas in a single outing.

Still, you may feel tired by the return journey. Wind, sun, salt water, and several beach entries can wear you out. Keep your windbreaker and sunscreen within reach rather than buried in a dry bag.

Portuguese-only guiding and self-guided stops

The tour operates in Portuguese. That is an important booking detail, especially because the experience may appear suitable for international visitors who expect English support.

You can still manage the trip without Portuguese if you are comfortable with a simple format: board the boat, ride to a stop, swim or walk on your own, and return when instructed. The main challenge is understanding exact timing and any changes caused by weather or sea conditions.

I would save the meeting point, boat operator name, and return instructions on your phone. Pay close attention before leaving each stop. The shared boat cannot wait for late passengers and cannot provide an early return simply because you have changed your plans.

The lack of English commentary also means you should not book this for cultural interpretation. Choose it for water, scenery, and access to several coastal sites.

Is $62 a fair price?

At $62, the price is reasonable for six hours of shared speedboat transport around Ilha Grande. You get the boat, drinking water, ice, pool noodles, and several stops in the Blue Lagoon, Green Lagoon, Bay of Stars, and other coastal areas.

The value improves if you would otherwise need separate boat trips to reach these places. It also suits you if your priority is variety. In one day, you can swim in clear water, look for fish, walk by a bay, eat seafood, and see much of the coast.

The value drops if you add several extras. Snorkeling equipment costs more to rent, lunch is separate, and you may need to budget for transport to Ilha Grande before the tour begins. A day trip from Rio de Janeiro is not recommended because ferry schedules and possible delays leave too little room for error.

For the best value, stay overnight in Vila do Abraão. That removes the pressure of connecting with a mainland ferry or a Rio transfer and lets you enjoy the outing as one part of a longer island visit.

Who should take this boat trip?

I would recommend it to active visitors who want a full coastal day without organizing several separate excursions. It is a good match for swimmers, casual snorkelers, photographers, and people who enjoy moving from one scenic stop to another.

You should be comfortable with some physical effort. At certain beaches, the boat may stop offshore, making entry and exit harder. Non-swimmers and people with reduced mobility may find this difficult, though staying aboard is allowed.

The tour is not suitable for children under five, pregnant women, people prone to seasickness, people over 80, or anyone recovering from recent surgery. The speedboat, wind, waves, and beach transfers can be demanding.

Bring swimwear, beach clothing, a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, sandals, drinks, cash, and rain gear. A windbreaker is especially useful. Leave the cooler and portable speaker at your accommodation.

Should you book the Blue and Green Lagoons tour?

Book it if you want efficient access to several famous Ilha Grande water stops and you are happy with a lively shared outing. The Blue Lagoon and Green Lagoon offer clear water, marine life, and good swimming, while Enseada das Estrelas adds a restaurant meal and time on shore.

Skip it if you need English guiding, quiet beaches, guaranteed fish sightings, or strict departure and return times. You should also avoid it as a tight Rio day trip, especially if you have a cruise connection or fixed ferry.

My practical choice would be to book this tour during an overnight stay in Vila do Abraão, rent snorkeling gear near the pier, pack a warm jacket, and accept that the most beautiful lagoons may also be the busiest. With those expectations, $62 buys a useful and enjoyable look at Ilha Grande’s coast.

FAQ

Where does the tour depart from?

The meeting point is Caiçara Turismo Ilha Grande in Vila do Abraão. Present your ticket there to receive an entry wristband, then follow the local operator to the speedboat.

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts six hours, including the safety briefing, boat rides, swimming stops, the restaurant break, and the return to Vila do Abraão.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

No. Snorkeling equipment is not included, but you can rent it near the Tourist Pier on the day of departure.

Is lunch included in the price?

No. Lunch is optional and available for purchase at a local restaurant in Enseada das Estrelas.

What language is used during the tour?

The tour is conducted in Portuguese. The stops are largely self-guided, so you have free time to swim, snorkel, walk, and take photos on your own.

Can I stay on the boat at a beach stop?

Yes. If sea conditions make getting on or off the boat difficult, you can remain aboard during the stop.

What happens if the weather is rainy?

The tour operates in rain or shine when it is safe to sail. Weather or other unforeseen conditions can cause delays, and the boat may need to stop farther from the beach in rough seas.