Ilha Grande: Blue Lagoon Motorboat & Snorkeling Day Trip

Four island stops, one boat, lunch served on the beach

You board a shared motorboat with a small group and visit four stops: snorkel at Blue Lagoon with starfish and reef fish, explore the 18th-century church at Parish of Santana, swim at Cataguases Island's calm waters, and have lunch served beachside at Araçá. The boat handles all the logistics and timing, so you just show up at the dock with your gear.

Step-by-step itinerary

Shared motorboat tour around Ilha Grande

• Stop at Cataguases Island beach
• Snorkel at Blue Lagoon natural aquarium
• Visit Parish of Santana and church
• Lunch at Beach of the Arrows restaurant
• Relax at Araçá Beach

The experience

So you're standing at the dock in Angra dos Reis and the boat's already loaded (coolers, snorkel gear, maybe fifteen other people max), and you realize you don't have to drive yourself around Ilha Grande or figure out which beach is actually worth the trip. The motorboat leaves and within minutes you're at Cataguases Island, which people call the Brazilian Caribbean, and yeah, the water is that clear. White sand, no waves, and you can already see why this place gets the attention it does. The boat crew knows the rhythm. They're not rushing you, but they're not dawdling either.

The snorkeling stop at Blue Lagoon is where the day shifts. You're in what feels like a natural aquarium, starfish on the bottom, fish moving through in actual schools, and the water temperature is warm enough that you forget you're wearing a wetsuit. Some people stay in for twenty minutes, some for an hour. Nobody's watching the clock. After that comes Parish of Santana, the third stop, where the 18th-century Church of Santana sits quiet on the island. It's the oldest settlement on Ilha Grande and the kind of place that makes you understand why people moved here in the first place. The tranquility isn't an accident.

Lunch happens at Araçá Beach on Gipoia Island, and here's the thing nobody expects: the restaurant staff brings the menu to you on the boat so you order before you land. By the time you're on the sand with a cold drink, your food is already being prepared. Araçá itself is 400 meters of fine sand backed by dense vegetation, green water, the kind of beach that fills up in high season but still feels like you found it yourself. The name comes from a vulture species, Tom Jobim even wrote about it, and standing there you get why a poet would care about a place like this.

The whole loop takes the day, and you're back before evening. Parking for your car is included, so you're not paying extra to leave it at the dock. Just show up with your documents: the municipality charges a sustainable tourism tax when you enter Angra dos Reis, which goes toward keeping the island intact, and that's handled separately, but it's not a surprise if you know to ask about it.

What’s included

Shared motorboat transportation to all four stops, snorkel gear, entry to Blue Lagoon for snorkeling, lunch at a regional restaurant on Araçá Beach, parking for private vehicles at the dock, and stops at Cataguases Island, Parish of Santana, and Araçá Beach.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 11:30

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (4 and older) · Infant (under 4): free

GroupUp to 18 · max 6 per booking

Live guidePortuguese

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 28 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Angra dos Reis Turismo

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to see multiple sides of Ilha Grande (snorkeling, history, and beach time) without renting a boat or driving between islands yourself. The fixed stops and small group size mean you're moving at a pace that lets you actually enjoy each place instead of rushing through a checklist.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Infant (under 4): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How many people are usually on the motorboat?

Groups stay small, typically around fifteen passengers maximum.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes, snorkel gear is provided on the boat.

What's included in the lunch?

A meal at a typical regional restaurant on Araçá Beach. You order from the menu while still on the boat.

How long is the full tour?

The itinerary covers four stops across the day, though exact duration depends on how long you spend at each location.

Do I need to arrange my own transportation to the dock?

You can drive: parking for private vehicles is included. Public transportation to Angra dos Reis is also available.

Is there a sustainable tourism tax?

Yes, the municipality of Angra dos Reis charges a Sustainable Tourism Tax (TTS) for visitors entering the city. This is paid separately and goes toward environmental preservation.

What should I bring?

Swimwear, sunscreen, a towel, and any medications. The boat provides snorkel gear.