Paradise Islands: the boat tour that sums up Angra
If you only have one day in Angra dos Reis, take the Paradise Islands tour (Ilhas Paradisíacas). In about 5 to 6 hours by speedboat or schooner, you stop at crystal-clear spots like Cataguases, the Botinas islets, Piedade beach and Dentista beach on Gipóia island. Boats usually leave late morning and return mid-afternoon.
- Duration
- 5 to 6 hours
- Level
- Easy, all ages
- Departs from
- Santa Luzia pier or Angra marinas
- Best time
- April to September, on sunny days
The PDF works without signal, on the boat or halfway up the trail.
The day's route
-
Morning
01
Shopping Piratas, Praia do Jardim
Have an unhurried breakfast and stop by IMAVI to put together your look for the day. Bikini underneath, a light cover-up on top, done. Double-check your boarding time and exact pier on your booking.
-
10:30 to 11:30
02
Boarding at Santa Luzia pier or the marina
Arrive 20 minutes early. Operators usually check you in and boats fill up. Grab a seat on the side for photos as you leave the bay.
-
First stop
03
Cataguases Island
About ten minutes by boat from downtown, the water looks like a swimming pool. Soft white sand, little fish around your ankles. Time for your first swim and the photo that becomes your lock screen.
-
Second stop
04
Botinas islets
Two palm-topped islets side by side that look like a pair of boots from above. Depths of 3 to 10 meters make it perfect for snorkeling. The boat often anchors in open water with no beach, so bring a mask and leave your phone on board.
-
Third stop
05
Piedade beach, Gipóia Island
A strip of sand with the tiny Piedade church right by the water. Calm, shallow sea, great for kids. The most photogenic spot of the day, especially in early afternoon light.
-
Fourth stop
06
Dentista beach (Jurubaíba), Gipóia Island
Bright sand and blue water, framed by anchored boats. It is the most famous beach in the bay and gets packed on weekends. On a weekday it feels like a different place.
-
Mid-afternoon
07
Lunch stop, depending on the operator
Some tours add a lunch stop. Eat light, drink water and reapply sunscreen. The sun on the bay is stronger than it feels.
-
Around 4:30 pm
08
Back to Angra
The ride home usually comes with golden light over the islands. Save your last photo for this moment.
What to wear
A high-cut bodysuit covers the whole day: deck to water to lunch without changing.
A bikini with secure ties, so you can jump off the boat without a second thought. The color pops against the turquoise water.
Bias-cut lines lengthen the silhouette and photograph well from any angle, even lying sideways on the sand.
What to pack
- Water-resistant sunscreen
- Reusable water bottle
- Hat or cap and sunglasses
- Snorkel mask
- Light towel or sarong
- Waterproof phone pouch
- Cash and card for lunch
- Seasickness pills if you need them
Safety
- Book only with Cadastur-registered operators and check there are life jackets for everyone on board.
- At stops without a beach, swim close to the boat and follow the crew's instructions.
- Do not touch or take shells, starfish or coral, and avoid feeding the fish.
- Reapply sunscreen every two hours and after every swim.
- With rough seas or a cold front, the route may change or be canceled. Trust the skipper's call.
Getting there
Most tours leave from Santa Luzia pier (Estação Santa Luzia) in downtown Angra dos Reis or from marinas around the city. When you book, confirm the boarding point, check-in time and what is included. From Shopping Piratas, downtown is a few minutes by car or taxi.
View on Google MapsFAQ
How long is the Paradise Islands tour?
Between 5 and 6 hours with most operators. Boats usually leave late morning and come back around 4:30 pm.
Which islands does the tour visit?
The usual route covers Cataguases Island, the Botinas islets, Piedade beach and Dentista beach on Gipóia Island. The order and stops vary by operator and by sea conditions on the day.
Do I need to know how to swim?
No. Several stops have shallow beaches, like Cataguases and Piedade, and boats carry life jackets. At Botinas, non-swimmers can relax on board or float with a vest.
Speedboat or schooner?
Speedboats are faster and spend more time at each stop. Schooners are bigger, steadier and more of a party. If you get seasick, a schooner is usually more comfortable.
Is lunch included?
It depends on the operator. On many tours lunch is paid separately, at a floating restaurant or on the beach. Ask when you book.
How much does it cost?
Prices vary with the type of boat, the season and what is included. Compare Cadastur-registered operators and confirm the price on the day.
Updated September 21, 2026
Sources
Facts checked against these sources. Conditions change: confirm on the day.
- angradosreisturismo.com.br/products/passeio-ilhas-paradisiacas-ilha-gr
- colecionandodestinos.com.br/passeio-ilhas-paradisiacas-em-angra-dos-re
- brazilconnection.tur.br/ilhas-botinas-angra-dos-reis/
- quantocustaviajar.com/blog/ilhas-botinas-em-angra-dos-reis/
- gov.br/pt-br/servicos/pesquisar-prestadores-de-servicos-turisticos
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.