Snorkeling Ilha Grande: Three beaches by schooner

Three island beaches in one morning, reached by water instead of hiking trails

A half-day schooner tour from Ilha Grande visits Lagoa Azul, Freguesia de Santana and Japariz, with 40–50 minutes at each stop to swim, snorkel or dive. The boat departs Vila do Abraão at 10:30 am and returns at 3 pm, led by an English- or Portuguese-speaking guide. Safety equipment and noodle buoys are included. Snorkel and dive gear are available to rent.

Step-by-step itinerary

Schooner tour visiting three beaches

• Depart Vila do Abraão port at 10:30 am
• Stop at Lagoa Azul for snorkeling
• Visit Freguesia do Santana and see the church
• Stop at Japariz beach for lunch
• Return to Vila do Abraão port at 3 pm

The experience

You arrive at Vila do Abraão port and board a schooner that holds up to 150 passengers. The boat departs at 10:30 am and heads to Lagoa Azul first. The turquoise lagoon ringed by islands that Ilha Grande locals call the second wonder of the island. The water is clear enough to snorkel without a guide pointing out what to see. You spend 40–50 minutes there before a horn signals the return to the schooner.

The second stop is Freguesia de Santana, where Ilha Grande's first settlement took root in the 1600s. The Church of Santana, built in 1843 from whale oil and beach sand, still stands on shore: a brief walk from where you dock. After time to explore and swim, the horn sounds again and the schooner moves to the final stop at Japariz, a quieter beach with calm water. Lunch is not included, so bring food or plan to eat before boarding, or grab something light at the port before departure.

The schooner leaves Japariz at 3 pm and returns to Vila do Abraão. A professional guide in your choice of English or Portuguese is aboard the whole time. Safety instructions happen at departure, and the boat carries a dinghy and floats. Snorkel and dive masks are available to rent if you don't have your own. Noodle buoys are provided for all swimmers.

What’s included

• Safety equipment and noodle buoys for swimmers.
• schooner ride with capacity for up to 150 passengers.
• professional guide fluent in English or Portuguese.

Options for this experience

2 options

Portuguese Speaking Guide10:30Shared tour with a guide who speaks Portuguese.

English Speaking Guide10:30Shared tour with a guide who speaks English.

You pick the guide language when booking.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 10:30

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (3 and older) · Under 3: can't be booked

GroupUp to 150 · max 5 per booking

Live guideEnglish and Portuguese

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.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Gray Line Brazil

Is this one for you?Book the English-speaking option if you want the guide's explanations of the islands and history. Choose Portuguese if you're comfortable in that language or traveling with Portuguese speakers. Either way, the fixed 40–50 minute stops at each beach let you snorkel at your own pace without waiting for a group to finish.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Portuguese.

What is Lagoa Azul like for snorkeling?

Lagoa Azul is a turquoise lagoon surrounded by islands, known for clear water and visibility that makes snorkeling rewarding without a guide narrating every fish. You get 40–50 minutes in the water at this stop.

Can I bring my own snorkel gear or do I have to rent?

You can bring your own snorkel and dive mask. Masks and snorkels are available to rent from the operator if you prefer not to travel with your own equipment.

What happens at Freguesia de Santana?

Freguesia de Santana is the site of Ilha Grande's original settlement from the 1600s. The Church of Santana, built in 1843, is visible from the beach. You have 40–50 minutes to swim, walk ashore and explore before the horn signals return to the boat.

Is lunch included, and where do I eat?

Lunch is not included in the tour price. Japariz, the final stop, is a quiet beach where you can bring your own food or eat before boarding at Vila do Abraão port. Plan accordingly if you want to eat during the tour.

What time does the schooner leave and return?

The schooner departs Vila do Abraão at 10:30 am and returns at 3 pm, making this a 5-hour tour with three beach stops of 40–50 minutes each.

Do I need to know how to swim or dive to join?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels. You can swim, snorkel or dive depending on your comfort in the water. Infants must sit on an adult's lap, and safety instructions are provided at departure.