A day on Ilha Grande: Abraão, the Green and Blue Lagoons
To see Ilha Grande in one day, cross early to Vila do Abraão and join the boat tour locals call Meia Volta (Half Loop). It leaves Abraão around 10:30 am and stops at the Green Lagoon, the Blue Lagoon, Praia do Amor and Feiticeira or Camiranga beach. Boats to the island leave from Angra dos Reis or from Conceição de Jacareí.
- Duration
- Full day, about 10 hours
- Level
- Easy
- Departs from
- Angra (Santa Luzia) or Conceição de Jacareí
- Best time
- April to September; weekdays
The PDF works without signal, on the boat or halfway up the trail.
The day's route
-
7:00 am
01
Angra dos Reis
A proper breakfast and an early start. Reach Abraão before 10 and you will join the tour without rushing. Wear your bikini from the start.
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7:30 to 8:30 am
02
Crossing to Vila do Abraão
From Angra, boats leave from Estação Santa Luzia and the crossing takes 30 minutes to 1.5 hours depending on the vessel. From Conceição de Jacareí, speedboats take 15 to 50 minutes. Timetables change, so confirm the day before.
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9:00 am
03
Vila do Abraão
No cars, sandy streets and the São Sebastião church facing the sea. Stroll the waterfront, grab a fresh coconut and book your tour at the pier with a registered operator.
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10:30 am
04
Meia Volta boat tour departs
The most popular boat trip on the island. Stops usually last about 50 minutes each. Pick the shady side if it is a hot day.
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First stop
05
Green Lagoon (Lagoa Verde)
Shallow, calm water in a green that barely looks real. A sheltered corner on the island's northwest coast, near Araçatiba. Ease in slowly and watch the fish.
-
Second stop
06
Blue Lagoon (Lagoa Azul)
A natural pool between small islands, with no beach, a clear sandy bottom and colorful schools of fish. The highlight of the day. Wear a mask, take nothing from the sea and do not feed the fish.
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Early afternoon
07
Praia do Amor and Feiticeira or Camiranga
Praia do Amor sits inside Saco do Céu, with near-still water and a little house that looks like a film set. Then a small beach with crystal-clear water to rest in the sun.
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Late afternoon
08
Back to Abraão and the return crossing
The boat returns to Abraão mid-afternoon. Check the time of the last crossing back to Angra or Conceição before you leave in the morning, so you do not miss it.
What to wear
A classic bodysuit with shorts on top: comfortable on the boat, polished on the Abraão waterfront, ready for the water in seconds.
A bikini with sturdy straps for snorkeling. The color shows up in underwater photos and the fit stays put when you dive.
Hot pants with a bikini top for the photo on calm sand. Light, charming and quick to dry before you board.
What to pack
- Photo ID or passport copy
- Water-resistant sunscreen
- Water bottle
- Snorkel mask
- Hat and sunglasses
- Sarong or light towel
- Cash, since not every place takes cards
- Small waterproof backpack
- Insect repellent for late afternoon
Safety
- Buy tours and crossings only from Cadastur-registered operators.
- Confirm the last return crossing before leaving the mainland.
- At the lagoons, swim near the boat and stay within the area the crew points out.
- Do not take shells, starfish or rocks; this is a protected area.
- In rough seas, crossings and tours can be canceled. Have a plan B in the village.
Getting there
From Angra dos Reis, boats to Vila do Abraão leave from Estação Santa Luzia downtown (schooners, catamarans and speedboats), and the large ferry leaves from Cais da Lapa. The crossing takes 30 minutes to 1.5 hours. Another option is Conceição de Jacareí, in Mangaratiba, with more departures and speedboats taking 15 to 50 minutes. Make sure you board for Abraão; there is no regular service between the island's other beaches.
View on Google MapsFAQ
Can I see Ilha Grande in one day?
Yes, if you start early. With a morning crossing and the 10:30 am Meia Volta tour, you see Vila do Abraão, the Green Lagoon and the Blue Lagoon and are back by late afternoon.
How do I get to Ilha Grande from Angra dos Reis?
By boat, from Estação Santa Luzia or Cais da Lapa in downtown Angra. The crossing takes 30 minutes to 1.5 hours depending on the vessel.
What is the Meia Volta tour?
It is the most popular boat tour on Ilha Grande, leaving Vila do Abraão around 10:30 am. It visits the Green Lagoon, the Blue Lagoon, Praia do Amor and Feiticeira or Camiranga beach.
Does the Blue Lagoon have a beach?
No. It is a natural pool between small islands with no sand. The boat anchors in the water and you jump straight in to swim and snorkel.
Are there cars on Ilha Grande?
Not for visitors. In Vila do Abraão you get around on foot, by boat or by bike, which is a big part of the charm.
When is the best time to go?
April to September tends to be drier and more stable. December to March is hotter, rainier and much busier.
Updated September 21, 2026
Sources
Facts checked against these sources. Conditions change: confirm on the day.
IMAVI is not a travel agency and does not sell or run tours. This content is for information only. Book tours only with companies and guides registered with Cadastur, Brazil's official Ministry of Tourism registry. Schedules, prices and sea conditions change, so always confirm with the operator on the day.