Snorkeling in Angra dos Reis: Botinas Islands & Gipóia beaches

Botinas Islands and three Gipóia beaches in one speedboat run

A shared speedboat tour in Angra dos Reis stops at four sites over six hours: the Botinas Islands (also called the Twin Islands) with their transparent waters and coral reefs, then three beaches on Gipóia Island (Jurubaíba, Praia da Piedade and Praia das Flechas) each with calm seas and white sand. You swim and snorkel at each stop, which lasts 20 to 30 minutes, with a lunch break of about an hour. The speedboat holds 14 to 34 passengers and departs on a regular schedule shared with other travelers.

Step-by-step itinerary

Speedboat tour of Angra dos Reis islands

• Depart from Angra dos Reis city
• Visit Botinas Islands for snorkeling
• Relax at Jurubaíba Beach on Gipóia Island
• Enjoy Praia da Piedade and chapel view
• Spend time at Praia das Flechas beach
• Return to departure point

The experience

The Botinas Islands are the centerpiece: twin formations rising from turquoise water, surrounded by coral reefs and schools of colorful fish. Access is by boat only, which keeps the islands undeveloped and preserves the marine life that makes snorkeling here worthwhile. You get roughly 20 to 30 minutes in the water at each stop, enough to explore the reef without rushing, then back aboard for the run to Gipóia Island.

Gipóia is Angra's second-largest island, and the tour hits three of its beaches. Jurubaíba (also called Dentista Beach) has the postcard look (white sand, clear water, lush vegetation behind), and draws boaters in summer but stays quieter on weekdays. Praia da Piedade sits below a small chapel perched on a hill overlooking the sea. At low tide a sandbar connects to nearby islets. Praia das Flechas is the only stop with kiosks and restaurants, so if you want a drink or snack beyond what you bring, that's where to get it. Each beach offers the same calm water and swimming time, so the choice between them depends on the day's crowd and the tide.

The speedboat itself is the transport and the tour format: you're not watching from a seat, you're moving between stops and getting in the water at each one. Lunch lasts roughly an hour, and you can bring a cooler bag up to 20 liters with your own food and drinks (no glass). The boat holds 14 to 34 people and runs on a shared schedule, so you'll travel with other passengers. A live guide speaks English or Spanish and narrates the stops. Bring a towel, sunscreen, hat and cash or card for any extras: food and drinks beyond your cooler are not included.

What’s included

• Floating spaghetti and a sailor aboard the speedboat.
• live guide in English or Spanish.
• four stops with time to swim and snorkel at each one.
• roughly one hour for lunch at one of the beaches.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 11:30

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (11 and older) · Child (3 to 10 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupUp to 20

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

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 today

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by AMAZING RJ TOUR

Is this one for you?The speedboat departs from Angra dos Reis on a shared schedule, so you don't need a car or private booking to reach the islands. Just show up at the dock. This works well if you're staying in town or relying on public transport, and it keeps the cost lower than a private charter while still giving you six hours across four snorkeling and beach stops.

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 10 years); Infant (under 3): free.

What are the Botinas Islands like for snorkeling?

The Botinas Islands, also known as the Twin Islands, sit in incredibly clear turquoise water surrounded by coral reefs and abundant marine life. The transparent conditions and colorful fish make them ideal for snorkeling, and the boat-only access keeps the area undeveloped and uncrowded.

How long do you spend in the water at each stop?

Each stop lasts between 20 and 30 minutes, giving you time to swim and snorkel without feeling rushed. Lunch at one of the beaches takes roughly an hour.

Which beach on Gipóia Island has food and drinks available?

Praia das Flechas is the only stop with kiosks and restaurants, so it's the place to buy refreshments if you don't bring your own. The other two beaches (Jurubaíba and Praia da Piedade) have no infrastructure.

Can you bring your own food and drinks on the speedboat?

Yes, you can bring a cooler bag up to 20 liters with items for your own consumption, but nothing packaged in glass. Lunch itself is not included in the tour price.

What is Praia da Piedade known for?

Praia da Piedade is a quiet beach on Gipóia Island with a small chapel of Nossa Senhora da Piedade built on a hilltop overlooking the sea. At low tide, a sandbar appears and connects the beach to nearby islets, creating a scenic photo opportunity.