Two bays, one long day of sea views. This tour strings together Angra dos Reis and Ilha Grande with boat time, lagoon swims, and beach stops on Brazil’s Costa Verde. The big draw for me is the scenery you see from the water, plus the crystal-clear conditions that make the coral reef areas fun to look into.

I also like the structure: pick-up from popular Rio neighborhoods and a bilingual guide who keeps things moving so you actually get beach time. One consideration: the day is long at 14 hours, and you’ll have extras on the water (like the marina fee) plus drinks and dessert aren’t included at lunch.

Key points to know before you go

• Boat views of the 365-island Angra dos Reis bay give you a better “wow” factor than land-based viewpoints.
• Lagoa Azul and Lagoa Verde are the highlight waters for swimming and underwater watching thanks to excellent visibility.
• Beach stops that slow the pace include quieter shores like Freguesia de Santana and Praia de Japariz.
• Lunch at Japariz is an all-you-can-eat buffet with typical regional dishes, but beverages and dessert cost extra.
• Not every island gets a stop since some are only seen from the boat, which keeps the schedule realistic.
• You’re paying for convenience up front with round-trip transport, boat time, a bilingual guide, and lunch included.

A Long Boat Day: Angra dos Reis to Ilha Grande in 14 Hours

This is a classic full-day “sea loop” from Rio: you start with a transfer toward Angra dos Reis, then shift into boat mode for the Ilha Grande area. The whole day clocks in at 14 hours, so think of it as a committed trip, not a quick side quest.

The value here is the combination. You get both the famous Angra dos Reis bay (think hundreds of islands and dozens of beaches) and the Ilha Grande coastline, known for clear, turquoise water and coral-rich underwater scenery. If you like changing scenery every hour or two, this format works.

The main trade-off is time. You’re spending a good chunk riding in a coach, then the rest in transit between coastal stops. If you hate long days, you might want a shorter option, or you’ll spend the ride counting minutes.

How the Pickups and 2.5-Hour Transfer Shape Your Day

You have three pick-up options: Ipanema, Copacabana, or Leblon. At the end, you’ll be dropped off in Ipanema, Leblon, or Copacabana. In between, the transfer to Angra dos Reis and Ilha Grande takes about 2 hours 30 minutes from the last departure point.

That matters because it affects when you can comfortably eat, swim, and rest. The day is planned around boat timing, not around your lunch cravings. Also, the time shown when you book is indicative, and the operator contacts you the day before via WhatsApp with boarding information. So save that message and confirm your meeting point before you leave the hotel.

Practical tip: plan to dress fast in the morning. You’ll be moving through pick-up, then stepping into a boat day, then doing a lunch stop. It’s one of those days where good bag choice beats perfect packing.

Lagoa Azul and Lagoa Verde: Clear-Water Swimming Stops

The tour includes time at the Blue Lagoon area on Ilha Grande, plus the lagoon theme continues with Lagoa Azul and Lagoa Verde. These are the kinds of waters where visibility is the whole point. When the water is clear like this, you get an easy “look underwater” experience even if you aren’t doing any technical water activity.

What’s included: you get the boat transportation and guided stops, so you don’t have to figure out routes or timing. What’s not included: complete snorkeling gear and beverages/snacks on the boat. That means you’ll want to plan for your own comfort if you’re thinking about gear or extra water.

If you’re the type who just likes to float, take photos, and watch fish and coral textures, this is a good fit. If you’re expecting a full-on adventure program every single stop, you’ll find the schedule has a mix of active and relaxed moments.

Araça, Freguesia de Santana, and Japariz: Beaches That Switch the Pace

Between the lagoon waters, you’ll get guided time on different shores. The day includes Praia de Araça, Freguesia de Santana, and Praia de Japariz as major beach moments.

Here’s how these stops work in real life:

• Praia de Araça gives you a stretch of coastline time where the guide can orient you and keep you from feeling lost in a big sea area.
• Freguesia de Santana is a quieter-feeling beach stop, ideal if you want a calmer rhythm and more “sit and look” than “run and rush.”
• Praia de Japariz is where your lunch break happens, so it doubles as a reset point.

One extra detail worth knowing: the tour does not stop at every island. Some islands are only seen panoramically from the boat. This keeps the day from turning into a constant docking-and-waiting schedule. You still get plenty of variety, but you’ll lose the option of hopping off for every single dot on the map.

The Lunch at Praia de Japariz: What’s Included, and What to Time

Lunch is served at Praia de Japariz and it’s described as an all-you-can-eat buffet. The menu style is typical regional fare: fish, meat, side dishes, and salads.

What you should note before you go hungry: drinks and dessert are not included at lunch. Also, the schedule includes guided stops before and after lunch, so if you’re very sensitive about meal timing, it helps to come into the lunch break ready to eat when it’s offered.

Based on the feedback I’ve seen, the lunch timing can feel late for some people. That’s not a reason to skip the tour, but it is a reason to bring a backup snack if you’re the type who gets cranky after hours without food. Just remember: beverages/snacks on the boat aren’t included, so your best plan is to pack smart within what you’re allowed to bring.

Velinn Angra Sunset Stop: A Scenic Finish (and Why It Helps)

After the main beach and lagoon segments, there’s a stop listed as Velinn Angra Sunset with guided time. Even though sunset is weather-dependent, this kind of last-act scenic stop is built for the “end of day” feeling.

It’s also a practical buffer. A lot can affect timing on a long coastal day, from boat schedules to how quickly groups move during water time. Having a guided stop later helps smooth the day so you’re not stuck thinking about what’s next.

If you like photos, bring your phone charged. If you like not getting sunburned, bring a hat and sunscreen, because the open water hours can be intense even when you think you’re moving through shade.

Marina Fee, Life Jackets, and What to Pack (and Not Pack)

The tour includes transportation, boat trip, a bilingual guide, and lunch. You’ll still need to budget for a few extras.

Not included:

• Marina fee: R$25 per person
• On the boat: professional photography service
• On the boat: complete snorkeling gear
• On the boat: beverages and snacks
• At lunch: beverages and dessert

What to bring:

• Passport or ID card

What’s not allowed:

• Luggage or large bags

Life jackets are available for emergency use for all passengers. If you want to use one recreationally during the tour, there’s an additional fee. So if you’re planning to sit in the water comfortably, assume you’ll either get by without a life jacket or you’ll pay extra for the comfort choice.

My packing advice for this type of day:

• Small, easy-to-handle day bag that fits the no-large-bags rule.
• Dry backup clothes if you hate that end-of-day damp feeling.
• Sun protection that works in wind and salt spray.
• Something to protect electronics from splashes.

Price and Value: Is $77 a Good Deal?

At $77 per person for a 14-hour, round-trip day from Rio with boat transportation, a bilingual guide, and lunch included, this sits in the “good convenience value” category. You’re paying for three big things that are hard to DIY:

1) finding the right boat routing and timing,

2) getting coordinated beach access,

3) handling the long transfer with pickup and drop-off.

Could you do part of this on your own with less cost? Maybe. But the savings usually shrink fast once you price transport, boat options, and the time cost of arranging everything. The included lunch also helps justify the price since food is one less thing you need to hunt down during a tight schedule.

Where the cost can creep up:

• R$25 marina fee
• drinks and dessert at lunch
• snacks/beverages on the boat
• any extra water gear you want

Still, if you want an organized day that takes you from Rio to the Ilha Grande waters without fuss, this price feels fair for what’s included.

Who This Tour Fits Best (and Who Should Skip)

This works best for nature lovers who want sea time and beach time, not just city sightseeing. You’ll get a day that mixes calm shoreline stops with lagoon-water segments, plus a guided structure that makes it easier to enjoy the coast without planning every step.

It’s not suitable for:

• people with mobility impairments
• babies under 1 year

If you’re traveling as a couple or solo and you’re comfortable with a long day schedule, you’ll likely find this format rewarding. If you want a very relaxed day with minimal riding, you might feel worn out by the 14-hour length and the transfer.

Should You Book This Full-Day Tour?

I’d book it if you want a single day that covers two of the coast’s headline destinations: Angra dos Reis’s island-filled bay and Ilha Grande’s clear-water beach time. The combo of boat views, lagoon visibility, and guided stops makes it an efficient use of limited vacation days.

I’d think twice if long days drain you, or if you absolutely need drinks included on the water and dessert included at lunch. Also, if you hate moving around on boats and uneven access areas, skip it in favor of something more gentle.

If you do book, go in knowing it’s a schedule-built day with extra fees and optional add-ons. Then you’ll enjoy what matters: the sea, the beaches, and the water clarity that makes the whole Costa Verde vibe feel real.

FAQ

How long is the full-day tour?

The tour lasts about 14 hours.

Where are the pick-up and drop-off locations?

Pick-ups are available from Ipanema, Copacabana, and Leblon. Drop-offs are also in Ipanema, Leblon, and Copacabana. The meeting points depart from Ipanema and end in Lapa.

What’s included in lunch?

Lunch is an all-you-can-eat buffet with typical regional dishes, including fish, meat, side dishes, and salads.

Do I have to pay any additional fees?

Yes. A marina fee of R$25 per person is not included. Beverages and dessert at lunch are also not included.

Is snorkeling gear provided, and are drinks included on the boat?

Complete snorkeling gear is not included. Beverages and snacks on the boat are not included either.

What’s the cancellation and payment flexibility?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. There’s also a reserve now & pay later option, where you can book and pay nothing today.