Distance from Rio: 95 miles + ferry | Travel Time: 3.5 hours total
Overview
Ilha Grande is Brazil's ultimate island paradise—no cars, no stress, just pristine beaches, jungle trails, and crystal-clear water. This 76-square-mile tropical island off Rio's coast is protected national parkland with over 100 beaches, many accessible only by boat or hiking. The main village, Abraão, is a laid-back fishing community where boats replace taxis and time moves slower.
Once home to a notorious prison (closed 1994), Ilha Grande has transformed into an eco-tourism haven. The lack of cars and development gives it an authentic, unspoiled feel rare in Brazil.
Getting There
Step 1: Rio to Conceição de Jacareí or Angra
- By car: 2.5 hours to Conceição de Jacareí (R$30 tolls)
- By bus: Costa Verde bus to Conceição de Jacareí (R$70-90, 2.5 hours)
Step 2: Ferry to Ilha Grande
- From Conceição de Jacareí: Fast boat 30 min (R$25-35)
- From Angra dos Reis: Ferry 1.5 hours (R$20)
- Boats depart frequently 7am-5pm, last boat varies by season
Best Pousadas in Abraão Village
Most accommodations are in Abraão, the main village with restaurants and shops. Everything is walking distance. Pousadas range from simple to comfortable—don't expect luxury resorts (that's the charm!).
🏡 Pousada Naturália
Best for: Couples & nature lovers
Beautifully designed pousada surrounded by Atlantic forest. Infinity pool overlooking ocean,
hammocks everywhere, and mindful eco-design. Rooms are simple but tasteful with mosquito nets
and ceiling fans (no AC needed with ocean breeze). Excellent breakfast included. 5-minute walk
to village center.
Why we love it: Perfect blend of comfort and nature. The pool area at sunset is magical.
🏖️ Pousada Sankay
Best for: Mid-range comfort
Right on Abraão beach with ocean views from breakfast area. Pool, comfortable rooms with AC,
friendly staff. Central location makes everything walkable. Good value for beachfront position.
Why we love it: Can't beat the location—wake up to ocean views and beach access right outside.
🌴 Pousada D'Pillel
Best for: Budget travelers
Simple, clean rooms with fans and mosquito nets. Pool, good breakfast, helpful staff. Located
on quiet street 3 minutes from village center. Nothing fancy but great value and exactly what
you need for an island stay.
Why we love it: Honest, affordable accommodation that lets you spend budget on boat tours and activities.
Best Beaches
🏖️ Lopes Mendes Beach
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ One of Brazil's most beautiful beaches
3km of white sand, turquoise water, and powerful waves. Consistently ranked among Brazil's best beaches.
Access: 20-minute boat from Abraão (R$30-40) to Pouso Beach, then 20-minute jungle trail. Or hike the full
trail from Abraão (2.5 hours). No restaurants—bring snacks and water. Waves too strong for weak swimmers but
incredible for bodysurfing.
🏝️ Praia de Aventureiro
Picture-perfect beach with iconic leaning palm tree (most photographed spot on island). Remote location on opposite side of island makes it less crowded. Camping community with small pousadas and restaurants. Access: Full-day boat tour or overnight stay (boats leave early morning, return next day). Absolutely worth the journey for Robinson Crusoe vibes.
🌊 Praia dos Dois Rios
Where the prison once stood—now just ruins in lush jungle. Beautiful beach with small village, calm water, and surf sometimes. Access by boat or 2-hour moderate hike from Abraão. Less touristy than Lopes Mendes. Small restaurant serves fresh fish.
💎 Lagoa Azul (Blue Lagoon)
Not technically a beach but a must-visit—shallow natural aquarium with tropical fish. Perfect for snorkeling. Water is incredibly clear and blue. Part of standard boat tour itinerary. Bring your own snorkel gear (rental available in Abraão R$30-50).
Boat Tours
🚤 Full Island Boat Tour
Duration: 8am-5pm | Cost: R$100-150 per person
Classic itinerary visits: Lagoa Azul (snorkeling), Praia de Fora, Praia do Pouso, optional Lopes Mendes stop.
Lunch included (usually grilled fish and rice). Stops at 4-5 beaches. Book day before at agencies on Abraão pier.
Goes rain or shine—bring sunscreen, hat, towel.
🛥️ Super Sul Boat Tour
Duration: Full day | Cost: R$150-200
Visits the island's most remote southern beaches including Aventureiro. Longer day but reaches untouched
paradises. Worth every real if you want to see the best of Ilha Grande. Limited departures—book early.
🤿 Diving & Snorkeling Tours
Ilha Grande has excellent dive sites including shipwrecks. Dive centers in Abraão offer: discover scuba (no certification needed, R$350), certified dives (R$280-350 per dive), snorkeling tours (R$120-180). Visibility best April-September.
Best Hikes
🥾 Abraão to Lopes Mendes
Distance: 11km one way | Duration: 2.5-3 hours each way | Difficulty: Moderate
Well-marked jungle trail with some elevation. Reward: arriving at Brazil's best beach feeling accomplished.
Start early (7am) to avoid heat. Bring 2L water per person, snacks, and swimsuit. Trail can be muddy after rain.
⛰️ Pico do Papagaio
Distance: 3km one way | Duration: 3-4 hours up | Difficulty: Hard
Island's highest peak at 980m. Challenging climb with ropes and scrambling at summit. Requires guide (R$200-300).
360° views of island and mainland. Only for fit, experienced hikers. Worth it for the adventure and bragging rights.
🌴 Abraão to Dois Rios
Distance: 7km one way | Duration: 2 hours | Difficulty: Easy-Moderate
Mostly flat jungle trail to prison ruins and beach. Can see old prison infrastructure along way. Nice alternative
to boat. Return by boat (R$30) if tired from hiking out.
- Download maps.me app with offline maps before arriving (no reliable cell service)
- Start hikes before 9am to avoid midday heat
- Bring more water than you think you need
- Wear hiking shoes or good sandals—trails can be rocky and muddy
- Tell your pousada where you're going and expected return time
Where to Eat in Abraão
Restaurante Lua e Mar
Waterfront location with fresh seafood and amazing sunset views. Try their moqueca (fish stew) or grilled fish of the day. R$80-120 per person. Reserve for dinner—popular with day trippers before last ferry.
Meros Deck Bar
Casual beachfront spot perfect for lunch or drinks. Great caipirinhas, burgers, and petiscos (Brazilian appetizers). R$40-70 per person. Live music some nights.
Bistrô & Cia
Intimate restaurant with creative menu mixing Brazilian and international. Homemade pasta, fresh seafood, vegetarian options. R$70-100 per person. Reservations recommended.
Café do Mar
Best breakfast and coffee in Abraão. Açaí bowls, fresh juice, pastries. R$25-40 per person. Opens early (7am)—perfect before boat tours.
Sample 3-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival & Explore Abraão
- Morning: Drive to ferry, boat to Ilha Grande
- 12pm: Check into pousada, lunch at Meros
- 2pm: Swim at Abraão beach, explore village shops
- 4pm: Relax at pousada pool
- 6pm: Sunset from pousada or beach
- 7:30pm: Dinner at Lua e Mar
- 9pm: Evening walk—village is beautiful at night
Day 2: Full Island Boat Tour
- 7am: Quick breakfast at Café do Mar
- 8am: Board boat for full island tour
- 8am-5pm: Visit Lagoa Azul, multiple beaches, snorkeling
- 5:30pm: Return tired but happy
- 6pm: Shower and rest at pousada
- 7:30pm: Casual dinner at Bistrô & Cia
Day 3: Lopes Mendes Hike
- 7am: Early breakfast, pack hiking bag
- 7:30am: Start hike to Lopes Mendes
- 10am: Arrive at Lopes Mendes, swim and relax
- 2pm: Take boat back to Abraão (R$30)
- 3pm: Final swim at Abraão beach
- 4pm: Pack and check out
- 5pm: Ferry back to mainland
Budget Breakdown
Weekend for 2 People (Fri-Sun, 2 nights):
- Transportation (car/bus + ferry round trip): $80
- Pousada (2 nights, mid-range): $140
- Boat tour for 2: $60
- Meals (6 meals × 2 people): $200
- Snorkeling gear rental: $20
- Boat rides/activities: $40
- Total: ~$540 ($270 per person)
When to Visit
- Best months: April-June, August-September (dry season, calm seas, fewer crowds)
- Avoid: January (peak summer—overcrowded and expensive), December-March (rainy season, rough seas can cancel boats)
- Shoulder season: March, October (good weather, moderate crowds, better prices)
- Weather: Tropical—warm year-round. "Winter" (Jun-Aug) still 20-25°C. Water always warm enough for swimming.
Essential Tips
- NO CARS: You'll walk everywhere. Pack light! Boat transfers available for luggage (R$20-30)
- Cash only: Very few places accept cards. Bring enough reais. One ATM in Abraão (often broken)
- Mosquitoes: Bring strong repellent and apply often, especially at sunset
- Plastic ban: Island banned single-use plastics. Bring reusable water bottle
- Phone service: Spotty to non-existent. Download entertainment and maps before arrival
- Seasickness: Bring medication if prone—open water can be choppy
- Book ahead: Good pousadas fill up weekends and Brazilian holidays
Why Ilha Grande Over Other Brazilian Islands?
vs. Fernando de Noronha: Much cheaper and easier to reach from Rio
vs. Ilhabela: More pristine, less developed, better beaches
vs. Florianópolis: More tropical, car-free experience, better for nature lovers
vs. Búzios: More authentic, less bougie, actual island vs. peninsula
Ilha Grande offers the best combination of pristine nature, easy access from Rio, and authentic Brazilian island experience without resort development ruining the vibe.
Ready for Your Island Escape?
The best pousadas book up fast for weekends—secure your island paradise now before they fill up!