Speedboat tour Angra dos Reis: five island stops with snorkeling

Five island stops in one morning: swim and snorkel at each one

A five-hour speedboat tour of Angra dos Reis with a live guide in English, Spanish or Portuguese, stopping at Lagoa Azul, two beaches on Ilha Grande, Ilha de Cataguás, and Praia das Flechas. Each stop lasts 20 to 30 minutes for swimming and snorkeling; lunch is a one-hour break at a local restaurant where you can order and pay separately. The boat holds 14 to 34 passengers and departs from meeting points in Ipanema, with the transfer to Angra dos Reis taking roughly two and a half hours.

Step-by-step itinerary

Speedboat tour visiting five stops

• Depart from Angra dos Reis by speedboat
• Snorkel and swim at Lagoa Azul
• Visit two beaches on Ilha Grande
• Relax and swim at Ilha de Cataguás
• Rest and enjoy Praia das Flechas

The Experience

The tour starts with a transfer from Rio de Janeiro to Angra dos Reis, a journey of about two and a half hours by bus from the last pickup point in Lapa. Meeting points run from Ipanema through the city, so choosing the final stop cuts the travel time in half if you're willing to wait. Once the boat leaves the dock, the first stop is Lagoa Azul, a natural aquarium ringed by small islands where the water stays so clear and shallow that snorkeling reveals colorful fish swimming freely. The visibility is good enough to watch marine life in its habitat without needing to venture far from shore.

From there, the boat moves to two separate beaches on Ilha Grande, each with its own character—one is Praia de Grumixama, a small cove with light sand and calm water, and the other is Praia da Araçá, a quieter spot framed by large rocks and native forest. Both offer the same rhythm: twenty to thirty minutes to swim, float on the provided noodles, or simply rest on the sand. Ilha de Cataguás comes next, a small island known for its fine white sand that wraps the entire shoreline and waters that shift between turquoise and emerald. The island has no buildings, so the sense of isolation and preserved nature is immediate.

The final stop is Praia das Flechas on Ilha da Gipóia, Angra's second-largest island, where the boat pulls up to a local restaurant. This is the lunch break—roughly an hour—and you order and pay for food and drinks on your own. Many travelers bring a cooler bag (up to 20 liters, no glass) with their own snacks and drinks to avoid the cost, which is allowed. A sailor and floating noodles are provided for the whole tour. Life jackets are available and required for emergencies; using one recreationally carries an extra fee. The tour runs as a shared boat with other passengers, and the schedule is indicative—the operator confirms your boarding details and exact meeting point via WhatsApp the day before.

What’s included

• A live guide in English, Spanish or Portuguese.
• a sailor to assist at each stop.
• floating noodles for swimming and floating at all five islands.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by RJ TOP TOUR EXPERIENCE

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to visit five islands with structured stops and snorkeling at each, rather than spending time coordinating multiple outings—the shared speedboat keeps to a set schedule with 20–30 minutes at each location.

Top questions

What is Lagoa Azul like for snorkeling?

Lagoa Azul is a natural aquarium with calm, crystal-clear water where colorful fish swim freely in their habitat. The visibility is excellent and the water is shallow, making it suitable for all ages and swimming abilities.

How long do you spend at each island stop?

Each stop lasts between 20 and 30 minutes, giving you time to swim, snorkel, or rest on the sand. The lunch break at Praia das Flechas is longer—approximately one hour—so you can eat and relax.

Is lunch included in the tour price?

Lunch is not included. At Praia das Flechas, you order and pay for food and drinks at a local restaurant. You can bring your own cooler bag (up to 20 liters, no glass containers) with snacks and drinks for the other stops.

How long is the transfer from Rio de Janeiro to Angra dos Reis?

The transfer takes approximately two and a half hours from the last pickup point in Lapa. Choosing an earlier meeting point in Ipanema means a longer wait but a shorter bus ride; the final stop minimizes travel time if you can board later.

What's included with the tour?

A live guide in English, Spanish or Portuguese is included, along with a sailor and floating noodles for the five stops. Life jackets are available for emergencies. You'll need to bring a towel, sunscreen, hat, and cash or card for lunch and any extras.

Can you bring your own food and drinks?

Yes, you can bring a cooler bag of up to 20 liters with your own snacks and drinks for consumption during the tour, as long as nothing is packaged in glass. This is a practical way to avoid restaurant costs at the lunch stop.