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

The draw is simple: a fast boat ride to two clear-water lagoons, with time to swim and look for fish before continuing around Ilha Grande. The Green Lagoon changes with the tide, and its shallow water can feel like a natural aquarium.

I like the contrast between the two lagoon stops and the quieter pause at Enseada das Estrelas. I also like that the boat carries drinking water and foam noodles, so you can float without packing extra gear.

One thing to weigh: the captains speak Portuguese only, and the popular lagoon stops can get crowded. You’ll need to manage your own time and comfort at each stop, and sea conditions can make getting on and off the boat harder.

• Two lagoon stops: About 45 minutes each at the Green Lagoon and Blue Lagoon for swimming, snorkeling, and shore time.
• A tide-shaped setting: The Green Lagoon’s sandbank connects Ilha Grande and Ilha da Longa at low tide; at high tide, it becomes a natural aquarium.
• A speedboat route: Expect scenic passages between stops as well as time off the boat.
• A Bay of Stars break: The tour includes an optional local meal stop, with time for the beach and views.
• Plan for the elements: Snorkel gear is rented separately, and a windbreaker is useful on the open water.

The Speedboat Starts in Vila do Abraão

The tour begins at Caiçara Turismo Ilha Grande in Vila do Abraão. Show your ticket there to receive a wristband, then follow the local operator to the boat. A short safety briefing comes before the ride.

This is a shared six-hour outing, not a private charter. The boat follows a set route and cannot wait for late arrivals or return early for individual passengers, so arrive on time and plan your day around the full outing.

A speedboat lets you cover several parts of the island in one half-day, but the ride itself is part of the experience. The schedule includes stretches of sailing between stops, with scenic views and chances to spot wildlife along the way. If you prefer a slow, shore-based day, this may feel like too much time in transit.

The captains know the local waters and are responsible for the safety of the trip. The tour runs in Portuguese, and there is no English guide listed. You can still enjoy the self-guided format, since the boat takes you from place to place and you have free time to explore at each stop. But you should be comfortable following basic instructions without relying on English commentary.

The Green Lagoon Changes With the Tide

The first lagoon stop is Flutuante Lagoa Verde, or the Green Lagoon. It is known for clear water and marine life, with a shallow sandbank linking Ilha Grande to Ilha da Longa at low tide. At high tide, the water covers the connecting area and the lagoon takes on the feel of a natural aquarium.

You’ll have about 45 minutes here for swimming, snorkeling, photos, and time by the shore. That is enough for a refreshing swim and a look around, but it is not a long beach stay. Bring your own snorkel mask and fins or rent equipment near the Tourist Pier before departure. Snorkeling gear is not included.

The water and fish are the main event, though sightings are not guaranteed. You might see colorful fish, but it is best to treat snorkeling as a chance to explore rather than a promise of constant marine life. Don’t touch the animals or feed them.

Foam pool noodles are provided, which is a small but useful touch if you want to float and relax instead of swimming continuously. Drinking water and a cooler with ice are also included. You cannot bring your own cooler, so pack personal drinks rather than extra chilled supplies.

The Blue Lagoon Offers Another Swim Stop

After a scenic passage through Ilha Grande, the boat reaches the Blue Lagoon. This stop is also scheduled for about 45 minutes, with time for swimming, snorkeling, photos, and marine-life viewing. Its clear water is the reason many people choose this route.

The two lagoons are distinct stops, but don’t expect a guided nature talk in English to explain every feature. The experience is largely yours to shape: swim, use your snorkel gear, take photos, or stay on the boat. If you want to know more about local ecology, bring questions you can ask in Portuguese or do a little reading before you go.

These are popular places, and the water can feel busy when several boats arrive at once. One practical benefit of a short stop is that you get to visit both lagoons in one outing; the trade-off is that you may not find a quiet stretch of water to yourself. Keep your expectations realistic, especially during peak times.

The boat may stop a safe distance from the beach if the sea is rough. In that case, getting to shore can be difficult for anyone who does not swim confidently or has reduced mobility. You can stay aboard during a stop, but this is not a good choice if you need dependable, easy beach access.

Sailing Between Lagoons Is Part of the Day

The route includes several passages between the lagoons, the bay, and other points around Ilha Grande. The schedule includes scenic sailing and sightseeing, with time to look out for wildlife. These stretches give you a broader sense of the island than a single beach visit, though they also account for a meaningful part of the six hours.

The boat’s speed can make the route feel exciting, but open-water wind can be sharp even on a warm day. A visitor on a late-October trip found a coat or thick jacket essential, and that is sensible advice for any season. Pack a windbreaker, rain gear, sunglasses, sunscreen, swimwear, a towel, and sandals. Cash is useful for the optional meal.

Weather does not automatically cancel the tour. It operates rain or shine when conditions are safe for sailing, and delays can happen because of weather or other unforeseen circumstances. Avoid booking it on a day when you have a tight ferry, transfer, or cruise connection to catch afterward.

Lunch at Enseada das Estrelas

The route includes a stop at Enseada das Estrelas, or Bay of Stars, with about an hour set aside for lunch. Food is not included in the $62 price, but local restaurants offer meals for purchase. Seafood is a natural choice in this coastal setting, though you should budget separately and bring cash.

There is also another stop in the bay for photos, a visit, swimming, and views, scheduled for about 25 minutes. This gives the day a change of pace after the lagoon swims. You can have a meal, spend some time on the beach, or simply enjoy the setting before the boat moves on.

The optional lunch is a useful part of the schedule because you do not have to pack a full meal for the whole day. Still, it is not included in the ticket, and the available menu and prices are not specified. If you have dietary needs or a strict budget, plan accordingly rather than assuming the meal is covered.

What $62 Buys You

At $62 per person, you are paying for a six-hour boat excursion that connects several stops around Ilha Grande, not for a guided lesson in local history or marine biology. The price includes the boat tour, drinking water, ice, and foam noodles. The main value is seeing both lagoons and the bay in one outing without arranging separate boat transfers yourself.

Snorkeling gear and lunch cost extra. That matters because both are central to how some people may want to spend the day. If you already own a mask and fins, bring them; otherwise, you can rent gear near the Tourist Pier. If you plan to eat at the bay, leave room in your budget beyond the ticket price.

The schedule gives you around 45 minutes at each lagoon, about an hour for lunch, and additional time in the bay, plus the boat passages. This is a good amount of variety for a half-day trip, but it is not a slow, all-day stay at one beach. Your value depends on whether you want to see several places or would rather settle in and spend longer in one.

The tour has a 4.1 out of 5 rating from 31 reviews, which points to a generally appealing outing with a few real caveats. The most consistent strengths are the beautiful lagoon stops, friendly local captains, and time to swim. The practical concerns are the language barrier, crowds, and occasional wait before departure.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour Most

This outing suits confident swimmers and snorkelers who want to see several coastal spots in one trip. It also works well if you are staying in Vila do Abraão and want a boat-based day without organizing your own route. The schedule leaves you free to choose how active you are at each stop, and you can remain aboard if you do not want to go ashore.

It is not suitable for children under five, pregnant women, people with mobility impairments, people prone to seasickness, people over 80, or anyone who has had recent surgery. Even for other participants, boarding and leaving the boat at beaches can be tricky when sea conditions force the captain to stop offshore.

The speedboat and open water may be uncomfortable if you are sensitive to motion or cold wind. Bring the warm layer, even if the weather looks sunny at the pier. The boat can feel much cooler once it is moving.

This is also a poor fit for a day trip from Rio de Janeiro or any plan with strict timing. You need to reach Vila do Abraão before departure, and the tour itself can be delayed. Build in a generous buffer for ferries and onward transport.

Should You Book the Blue and Green Lagoon Tour?

Book it if you want a practical way to visit the Blue and Green Lagoons, swim in clear water, and see more of Ilha Grande from the boat. The strongest reasons to go are the pair of lagoon stops, the included water and float noodles, and the chance to add a local lunch at Bay of Stars.

Think twice if you need English-speaking guidance, quiet beaches, easy access from boat to shore, or a fixed return time. This is a self-guided day on the water, and the most rewarding version is one where you arrive ready to swim, accept that popular stops may be busy, and have time to spare after the boat returns.

FAQ

Where does the tour depart from?

It departs from Vila do Abraão on Ilha Grande. Present your ticket at Caiçara Turismo Ilha Grande to receive your wristband and be guided to the speedboat.

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts about six hours. Starting times depend on availability.

Which places does the tour visit?

The route includes the Green Lagoon, Blue Lagoon, Enseada das Estrelas, and scenic passages around Ilha Grande.

How much time is spent at the lagoons?

The scheduled stops at the Green Lagoon and Blue Lagoon are about 45 minutes each.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

No. You can rent snorkeling gear near the Tourist Pier on the day of departure.

Is lunch included in the price?

No. Lunch is optional and can be purchased at local restaurants during the stop at Enseada das Estrelas.

What is included in the ticket?

The ticket includes the boat tour, a cooler with ice and drinking water, and foam pool noodles.

What language does the captain speak?

The tour is conducted in Portuguese. The experience is self-guided at each stop, with free time to explore.

Can I stay on the boat instead of going ashore?

Yes. You are welcome to stay aboard during stops, including when sea conditions make beach access difficult.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, sandals, a windbreaker or rain gear, drinks, and cash. Snorkeling gear is not included.