Ilha Grande: Speedboat Tour to Lagoa Azul & Japariz Lunch

Summary

Speedboat journey through Ilha Grande’s lagoons beaches and local flavors

You’ll ride a shared speedboat around Ilha Grande bay, swim among colorful fish in Lagoa Azul, walk Cataguases’ powdery sand, relax at Grumixama Beach, then try fresh caiçara dishes for lunch on Japariz Beach. Expect laughter with your guide and moments that linger long after you dry off.

What’s the experience like?

I almost missed the boat—literally. The pier was louder than I expected, with kids chasing each other and a guy selling sweet coffee from a thermos. Our guide, João, waved me over just as I was fumbling with my sunscreen (which I later realized I’d barely rubbed in). We squeezed onto the speedboat with a mix of locals and travelers—someone’s playlist competing with the engine as we zipped off toward the Cataguases Islands. That first blast of salty wind felt like waking up for real.

The main keyword here is the Blue Lagoon, or Lagoa Azul if you want to sound like you know what you’re talking about. João tossed us floating noodles—he called them “spaghetti”—and told us not to feed the fish too much or they’d start expecting it. The water was clearer than any pool I’ve seen, all turquoise and flashes of yellow from the fish. At one point I just floated there, watching sunlight flicker on the sand below. Someone tried to teach me how to say “cardume” (school of fish) but I probably butchered it; we laughed anyway.

We stopped at Grumixama Beach next, which was quieter—just a few locals napping under trees, and that sticky-sweet smell from the forest mixing with sunscreen and grilled fish somewhere nearby. There was this soft hush except for our group’s voices and waves lapping at the boat. The sand stuck to my feet and didn’t really come off until much later at Japariz Beach, where lunch was waiting. The restaurant had plastic chairs right in the sand; I ordered whatever João suggested (some kind of fried fish), and honestly it hit different after swimming all morning. Not fancy, but real food you remember.

I still think about that moment floating in Lagoa Azul—the quiet under the water, just breathing and watching those bright little fish dart around my legs. If you go, bring extra sunscreen (trust me), maybe practice your Portuguese greetings, and don’t expect everything to run exactly on time. But that’s kind of why it works—you get swept up in Ilha Grande’s rhythm instead of your own.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Speedboat tour of Ilha Grande bay

• Visit Blue Lagoon Aquarium
• Walk on Cataguases Islands beach
• Swim with fish in Lagoa Azul
• Explore Praia da Grumixama beach
• Visit Freguesia de Sant´Anna settlement
• Take ecological walk on Araçá Beach
• Try caiçara cuisine at Japariz beach restaurant

Top questions

How long does the speedboat tour around Ilha Grande last?

The tour covers several stops in one day; exact duration depends on conditions but typically lasts several hours.

Is lunch included on the speedboat tour?

Lunch is available at a restaurant on Japariz Beach but is not specified as included in the base price.

What should I bring for swimming at Lagoa Azul?

Bring swimwear, sunscreen, towel, and your phone or camera; floating noodles are provided.

Are there guides on this Ilha Grande speedboat tour?

Yes, a local guide accompanies your group throughout the day trip.

Is this tour suitable for children or infants?

Infants must sit on an adult’s lap; suitable for all fitness levels but not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal injuries.

Can I use public transportation to reach the departure point?

Yes, public transportation options are available nearby for reaching the meeting point.

What languages are spoken by guides during the tour?

The main language is Portuguese; some guides may speak basic English or Spanish depending on availability.

What’s included

Your day includes shared speedboat transport between Ilha Grande’s highlights like Lagoa Azul and Cataguases Islands, use of floating noodles (“spaghetti”) for swimming stops, guidance from a local expert throughout each stopover—including an ecological walk—and time for lunch at a beachside restaurant before returning by boat.