Ilha Grande to Paraty Shared Shuttle & Speedboat Transfer

Summary

Shared transfer from Ilha Grande to Paraty with boat and van

You’ll cross from Ilha Grande to Paraty by speedboat and shuttle van, sharing laughs (and maybe some sea spray) with fellow travelers along the way. Expect easy WhatsApp ticketing, trilingual support if you need it, a friendly local driver for the road trip part, plus air conditioning and travel insurance included. It’s simple but surprisingly memorable.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed stepping onto the dock at Vila do Abrãao was the way the morning air smelled — kind of salty, but also like sunscreen and coffee. There were a few of us waiting, some swapping stories in Spanish or Portuguese, others just quietly scrolling on their phones. Our tickets had come through WhatsApp the night before (which honestly made me nervous until I saw everyone else doing the same thing). The speedboat looked newer than I expected — bright blue paint, seats still a bit sticky from the sun. When we took off, it was loud and fast; spray hit my face and I could taste salt on my lips. Someone’s little kid started giggling every time we bounced over a wave.

After about half an hour — maybe less? — we pulled into Angra dos Reis. There was this moment where everyone kind of paused, not sure if we’d missed something, but then our driver waved us over with a big grin. He introduced himself as Paulo and helped an older couple with their bags (I tried to help too but mostly just got in the way). The van was cool inside, which felt amazing after that boat ride. Paulo chatted in Portuguese and English, switching back and forth so everyone understood what was happening next. The drive to Paraty isn’t long — maybe two hours? — but it’s winding and green outside the windows, all jungle hills and flashes of ocean when you turn a corner.

I didn’t expect to feel so relaxed on what’s basically just a transfer between Ilha Grande and Paraty. Maybe it was because everything felt organized but not stiff — like if you needed something or got confused, someone would actually help instead of just shrugging. At one point Paulo pointed out where he grew up along the road; his voice got softer for a second before he switched back to joking about Brazilian drivers. I still think about that view down toward Paraty as we came around the last bend — all those red roofs against the green hills. It wasn’t dramatic or anything, just… real.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Shared shuttle transfer from Ilha Grande to Paraty

• Arrive at Cais Do Abrãao
• Board speedboat to Vila Do Abrãao
• Cross sea for 30 minutes
• Meet driver at Cais Santa Luzia
• Travel by van or minibus to Paraty

Top questions

How long does it take to get from Ilha Grande to Paraty?

The speedboat crossing is about 30 minutes from Vila do Abrãao to Angra dos Reis, then the van ride to Paraty takes roughly two hours.

Is pickup included for this shared transfer?

The transfer starts at Cais do Abrãao on Ilha Grande; you need to arrive 10 minutes before departure for boarding.

Are tickets sent online or do I need paper copies?

Your boarding ticket is sent via WhatsApp one day before your activity; you show it on your phone when boarding.

Is there air conditioning in the vehicles?

Yes, all vans or minibuses used for road transport are air-conditioned.

Is this transfer suitable for families with infants?

Yes, infants can ride in prams or strollers and specialized infant seats are available upon request.

Is wheelchair access provided?

The transfer is wheelchair accessible according to provided information.

Do drivers speak English?

The service offers trilingual support 24/7; drivers are experienced and qualified.

What’s included

Your journey includes a maritime ticket for the speedboat crossing from Ilha Grande to Angra dos Reis, followed by road transport in an air-conditioned van or minibus all the way to Paraty. You’ll have a qualified professional driver at the wheel, satellite tracking for safety, travel insurance throughout, plus all fees and taxes covered—so no surprises along the way.