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

The best part of this six-hour speedboat trip is the chance to reach Ilha Grande’s two famous lagoons in one outing. Green Lagoon changes with the tide, Blue Lagoon is known for clear water and colorful fish, and the ride itself gives you fine views of the island’s forested coastline. I like the free time at each stop and the included cooler with ice and drinking water. The optional seafood lunch at Enseada das Estrelas is another useful touch.

I also like that you can float with the provided pool noodles instead of spending every minute snorkeling. The main drawback is the language and pace: the tour operates in Portuguese only, and some boats leave later than planned. Busy conditions at the lagoons can also take the edge off the peaceful setting.

Key points to know before booking

• Green Lagoon changes with the tide: At low tide, a sandbar links Ilha Grande with Ilha da Longa. At high tide, the area becomes a natural aquarium.
• Blue Lagoon is the main snorkeling stop: You may see colorful fish in clear water, but conditions and marine life vary.
• The boat ride can be cold: Bring a windbreaker or thick jacket, even on a warm day.
• Lunch costs extra: You stop at Enseada das Estrelas, where local restaurants serve Brazilian food and seafood.
• The tour is self-guided at each stop: The captain handles the route, but explanations are limited and the operating language is Portuguese.
• This is an active beach tour: Getting on and off at the shore can be awkward in rougher water, and non-swimmers may prefer to remain on the boat.

Why this tour works well for seeing Ilha Grande

Ilha Grande is best appreciated from the water. The island’s beaches and coves are spread along a heavily forested coast, and reaching several of them by land would take much longer. A speedboat lets you cover the main points in half a day, then return to Vila do Abraão without arranging separate transport.

At $62 per person, the price is reasonable if you want several swimming stops and a scenic boat ride in one package. You are paying for the boat, captain, fuel, cooler, water, and route between the lagoons and the bay. Snorkeling equipment and lunch are extra, so your final cost will be higher if you rent gear and eat at the restaurant.

The tour has a current rating of 4.1 from 31 ratings, which fits the experience well. The lagoons receive strong praise for their beauty and clear water, while the weaker points are delays, crowds, limited explanations, and the brisk boat ride.

Meeting at Caiçara Turismo in Vila do Abraão

You begin at Caiçara Turismo Ilha Grande in Vila do Abraão. Show your ticket there and receive an entry wristband. The local staff then direct you to the speedboat.

Allow extra time before departure. A scheduled meeting time does not always mean the boat leaves at that exact moment. One recent booking reported being called for 10 a.m. and departing around 11 a.m., so do not schedule a tight ferry, transfer, or return connection afterward.

The trip starts with a short safety briefing of about 10 minutes. Since this is a shared boat, the captain cannot wait for late arrivals. You also cannot count on leaving early if you decide you have had enough. The full group follows the same route and timing.

The first run across the island’s coast

The opening cruise lasts roughly 45 minutes. This is not dead time. From the water, you see the island from a different angle, with small coves, thick greenery, and changing views as the boat moves between stops.

A speedboat is practical here, but it is not a quiet sightseeing launch. Wind can be strong, and the ride may feel cold even when the sun is warm. A recent booking specifically advised bringing a coat or thick jacket. Pack a windbreaker, rain gear, sunglasses, sunscreen, swimwear, beachwear, a towel, sandals, and some cash.

The captain is responsible for the route and safety, but do not expect a detailed commentary in English. The activity runs in Portuguese. You can still follow the basic rhythm because each stop has free time, but you should be comfortable asking simple questions through gestures or limited shared language.

Green Lagoon and its changing water

The first major stop is Flutuante Lagoa Verde, or Green Lagoon. You have about 45 minutes here for swimming, photos, snorkeling, and time along the shore.

The lagoon has an unusual feature. At low tide, a narrow sandbar connects Ilha Grande with Ilha da Longa. At high tide, that connection disappears and the area functions like a natural aquarium. The look and feel of this stop can change depending on the tide, so do not expect exactly the same scene on every departure.

This is a good place to start if you want to get in the water early. You can swim, watch for fish, or simply sit at the edge with your feet in the water. Pool noodles are supplied, which helps if you want to float without wearing yourself out.

Snorkeling gear is not included. You can rent it near the Tourist Pier before departure, which is the sensible choice if seeing fish is important to you. The water is clear enough for snorkeling, but marine life is not guaranteed at every moment. One recent account found fewer fish than expected, so think of snorkeling as a pleasant possibility, not a formal wildlife encounter.

Getting ashore may require stepping directly from the boat into shallow water. If the sea is unsettled, the captain may stop farther from the beach. You can remain onboard, but this means giving up the shore time.

The cruise toward Blue Lagoon

After Green Lagoon, the boat continues along Ilha Grande for about 30 minutes, followed by another 25-minute run before returning toward Blue Lagoon. These stretches add up, but they are part of what makes the tour useful. You are moving between separate coves rather than staying at one beach.

The boat ride is also where the tour feels most exposed to weather. Rain is not an automatic cancellation if it remains safe to sail, and conditions can change during the day. The fast pace may appeal to you if you enjoy the rush of a speedboat. If you prefer a calm, narrated cruise, this may feel like too much transport and not enough explanation.

Keep your jacket close, not packed at the bottom of a bag. The cooler holds ice and drinking water, but you should bring any other drinks you want. Personal coolers are not allowed, and speakers are prohibited, which keeps the boat from becoming a noisy party platform.

Blue Lagoon, the main water stop

Blue Lagoon receives around 45 minutes. This is the stop most suited to snorkeling, with clear water and colorful fish in the sheltered area.

You can swim, take photographs, float with a noodle, or watch the water from the boat. The stop is short enough that you should decide in advance what matters most. If you spend 15 minutes taking photos, you may have little time left for snorkeling and swimming.

The lagoon is popular. During peak periods, several boats may arrive at the same time, and the water can feel busy rather than private. A recent booking described both Blue and Green Lagoons as beautiful but crowded, with many boats sharing the spots. Go early in the season or outside the busiest periods if you have flexibility, though the tour itself does not promise an empty lagoon.

You may also find that the captain gives only brief instructions about the exact stop and remaining time. Since the activity is conducted in Portuguese, keep an eye on the boat and the group. Do not wander far from the meeting point, and return promptly when the captain signals.

A lunch break at Enseada das Estrelas

The boat then heads to Enseada das Estrelas, or Bay of Stars. This is the longest pause, with about an hour set aside for lunch.

Lunch is optional and not included in the $62 price. Local restaurants offer Brazilian dishes, especially seafood. You can eat there or use the time for a relaxed break, depending on what is available and what you want to spend.

This stop helps break up the swimming schedule. After two lagoon visits and several boat rides, you may appreciate a proper meal and a chance to walk along the shore. Bring cash because it is specifically recommended for the tour, and do not assume every small restaurant will handle cards reliably.

After lunch, you have about 25 minutes for photos, swimming, and a visit around the bay. This makes Enseada das Estrelas more than a restaurant stop. It gives you another view of Ilha Grande, but the time is limited, so do not expect a long beach walk.

The final return through Ilha Grande State Park

The return route includes about 25 minutes of sightseeing as the boat passes the waters around Ilha Grande State Park. The ride gives you one last look at the coast before arriving back at Caiçara Turismo in Vila do Abraão.

The full route includes plenty of time underway. One recent assessment found that the tour involved a lot of riding and not much explanation. That is a fair warning for anyone who wants a guide-led nature lesson. This is primarily a transport-and-swimming day, not a lecture about the island’s plants, geology, or wildlife.

You will get the most from it if you treat the boat as your moving base and the stops as self-guided beach time. Take responsibility for your own watch, gear, sunscreen, and return time. The captain knows the route, but you should not expect constant narration.

Portuguese only, and what that means for you

The operating language is Portuguese, even though international visitors can join. The experience is designed around free time at each location, so a lack of English does not prevent you from swimming or taking photos. It does make practical details harder, such as knowing exactly how long remains at a stop or where to meet the boat.

I would not book this tour assuming an English-speaking guide. Bring a translation app if you have mobile service, or learn a few useful Portuguese phrases before departure. At minimum, make sure you understand the meeting time, the boat’s appearance, and the instruction to return when called.

There is no named guide listed for this activity. The local captains operate the boats and handle safety, but the experience depends more on the route and water conditions than on a personal guide performance.

Who should book this speedboat outing

This tour suits you if you:

• Want to see Blue Lagoon, Green Lagoon, and Enseada das Estrelas in one day
• Enjoy swimming and short beach stops
• Are comfortable with a shared boat and a fixed schedule
• Can manage stepping between the boat and the beach
• Do not need detailed commentary in English
• Want the option of a local seafood lunch without arranging it separately

It is a poor fit if you are prone to seasickness, dislike fast boats, or need a quiet and slow coastal cruise. It is also not suitable for children under five, pregnant women, people with mobility impairments, people over 80, or anyone recovering from recent surgery.

The boat may stop at a safe distance from shore when the sea is rough. That can make getting in and out difficult, especially for non-swimmers. You are allowed to stay onboard during a stop, but that reduces the value of the tour if shore access is the main reason you booked it.

How to get better value from the $62 price

The price works best when you use the tour as a full half-day outing rather than a short ride to one lagoon. You get several cruise sections, two major lagoon stops, time at the bay, drinking water, ice, and pool noodles.

Rent snorkeling equipment before boarding if you care about fish. Buying or renting gear after the boat leaves is not part of the plan. Pack your own towel and drinks, and bring enough cash for lunch and any rental.

Do not judge the value only by how long you spend in the water. The route includes about two hours of boat movement, plus the safety briefing and lunch stop. That is worthwhile if you enjoy coastal scenery and the feel of a speedboat. It may disappoint you if you want long stretches of uninterrupted beach time.

Should you book the Blue and Green Lagoons tour?

Book it if you want an efficient way to visit several water spots from Vila do Abraão and you are happy with a Portuguese-speaking, self-guided format. The clear lagoons, colorful fish, pool noodles, and optional Brazilian lunch give the day plenty to enjoy.

Skip it if you need English explanations, guaranteed calm water, a quiet boat, or a strict return time. Leave generous space around the tour for ferry and transfer plans. With a warm jacket, rented snorkel gear, cash, and realistic expectations about crowds, this is a solid value for an active day around Ilha Grande.

FAQ

Where does the tour begin?

The tour begins at 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 activity lasts six hours. The schedule includes boat rides, swimming and snorkeling stops, a lunch break, and the return to Vila do Abraão.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

No. Snorkeling equipment can be rented near the Tourist Pier on the day of departure.

Is lunch included in the price?

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

What language is spoken on the tour?

The tour is conducted in Portuguese. The boat takes you between the stops, and you have free time to explore each place on your own.

Can I remain on the boat instead of going ashore?

Yes. You can stay onboard during a stop, especially if sea conditions make getting on or off difficult.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, according to the booking conditions.