Ilhabela: Castelhanos Beach Fast Boat Tour & Snorkeling

Summary

Speed across Ilhabela’s coast to wild beaches and Atlantic Forest

You’ll speed along Ilhabela’s coast by Superboat with stops for snorkeling at Praia da Fome and Praia do Eustáquio before landing at Castelhanos Beach for lunch and swimming. Enjoy city views, salty breezes, laughter with your guide, and that wild Atlantic Forest all around you — it’s a day that sticks with you long after your skin dries off.

What’s the experience like?

We zipped out of Perequê just as the sun started heating up the dock, the Superboat’s engines rumbling under us — honestly, I gripped my seat at first (it goes faster than I thought). The salt spray hit my face in bursts, and someone behind me laughed when a wave splashed over. Our guide, Rafael, pointed out the dense green of the Atlantic Forest sliding past on one side and the city shrinking behind us. He kept checking if we were good — “Tudo bem?” — which made me relax a little. There’s something about moving so fast over open water that makes you feel both tiny and weirdly free.

The first stop was Praia da Fome. We only had half an hour there but it felt like enough to get a taste — literally, since I swallowed a bit of salty water trying to use the snorkel kit (free to borrow, by the way). The fish darted around my feet, flashes of silver in cloudy blue. Back on board, sunscreen mixed with sea air stuck to my skin. Next was Praia do Eustáquio for another quick swim; Rafael said locals come here early before boats arrive. I tried to say “Eustáquio” right and he just grinned — probably not even close.

Castelhanos Beach is where we landed for real — two hours felt long but went too quick. The sand squeaked under my toes and there was this faint smell of grilled fish drifting from a beach shack (lunch isn’t fancy but it hits the spot after swimming). Some families stretched out under umbrellas; others just floated in the shallows staring at the blue-green hills. It’s busy but not crowded-crowded, you know? On the way back we stopped again at Saco do Eustáquio for more swimming. By then I’d lost track of time and didn’t really care anymore.

I keep thinking about that feeling — wind drying salt on my arms while Ilhabela faded into late afternoon haze behind us. It’s not perfect or polished, just loud engines and laughter and sea air everywhere. If you want something quiet or slow… maybe not for you. But if you want to see Castelhanos Beach with some speed (and a bit of chaos), this day trip is kind of unforgettable in its own messy way.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Superboat tour to Castelhanos beach

• Check-in at 09:00 am
• Depart Perequê at 09:30 am
• Stop 30 minutes at Praia da Fome for free diving
• Stop 30 minutes at Praia do Eustáquio for free diving
• Stop 2 hours at Praia dos Castelhanos for lunch and swimming
• Stop at Saco do Eustáquio on return
• Panoramic view at Praia da Fome on return
• Return to pier for disembarkation at 17:30

Top questions

How long does the Castelhanos Beach boat tour last?

The tour departs at 9:30 am from Perequê and returns around 5:30 pm.

Is snorkeling equipment included on this Ilhabela boat tour?

Yes, snorkel kits are available as a courtesy for free use during stops.

Are meals included at Castelhanos Beach?

No meals are included but there are local beach shacks where you can buy lunch.

Where does the tour depart from in Ilhabela?

The Superboat leaves from Perequê pier in Ilhabela.

Is hotel pickup included for this day trip?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; check-in starts at 9:00 am at Perequê pier.

How many people fit on the Superboat?

The vessel can hold up to 45 people per trip.

Are there any health restrictions for joining?

The tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women or those with serious medical problems or back issues.

What’s included

Your day includes passenger insurance, all boat transportation between Perequê pier and each beach stop, mineral water on board throughout the journey, plus complimentary use of snorkel gear during swim breaks before returning by late afternoon.