Island Escape: Ilha Grande by Private Speedboat
About This Experience
Ilha Grande is consistently ranked among the world's most beautiful islands — a 193-square-kilometre protected Atlantic Forest reserve with over 100 beaches, no cars, no roads between villages, and water so clear you can see the seafloor at 10 metres depth. It sits 150 kilometres southwest of Rio de Janeiro, and the only way to reach it is by boat. This is the only private speedboat day tour to Ilha Grande operated by an independent Rio tour company.
The journey begins before dawn. Your private vehicle picks you up in Rio between 6:00 and 7:00 AM for the three-hour coastal drive through the Green Coast (Costa Verde) — one of Brazil's most scenic stretches of Atlantic coastline, passing through Mangaratiba where your private speedboat is waiting. The boat is exclusively yours for the day: no other passengers, no fixed itinerary imposed by a group schedule, no waiting for strangers to finish their swim.
Ilha Grande was a maximum-security prison island until 1994 — its isolation that made it ideal for incarceration also preserved its ecosystem entirely. When the prison closed, the Brazilian government declared it an environmental protection area. Today it is one of the last remaining intact sections of Atlantic Forest in Brazil, home to rare primates, over 200 bird species, sea turtles, and dolphins. The waters around the island contain some of the best snorkelling sites on the South Atlantic coast.
The speedboat exploration covers five hours on and around the island. Stops are chosen based on sea conditions, tides, and your interests discussed in advance — typically including Lopes Mendes, consistently rated one of the top five beaches in Brazil for its three kilometres of white sand and translucent surf, the sheltered waters of Lagoa Azul for snorkelling, and the village of Abraão for lunch. The Atlantic Forest interior is accessible on foot from Abraão for those who want to explore the trails.
Lopes Mendes is accessible only by boat or a 90-minute jungle trail from Abraão — no roads reach it. Your private speedboat means you arrive before the day-trip boat crowds, spend as long as you want, and depart when you're ready. An upgrade to extend time at Lopes Mendes with a guide-led forest trail is available for USD 100 per person.
Lunch is in Abraão village — not included in the tour price, but your guide will recommend the best restaurants. Most are casual waterfront spots serving fresh fish, seafood, and Brazilian staples. Budget USD 20–40 per person. The village also has a small market if you want provisions for the beach.
The return speedboat journey and drive back to Rio brings you home by early evening. The total day — door to door — is approximately 10 to 11 hours.
Included: private round-trip transportation Rio to Mangaratiba, private speedboat for the day with captain, certified guide, snorkelling equipment, and complimentary bottled water. Not included: lunch, optional Lopes Mendes upgrade (USD 100/person), and any personal purchases.
No other independent private tour operator in Rio offers a private speedboat day trip to Ilha Grande. For travellers who want to experience Brazil's most extraordinary island without the constraints of a group tour, this is the definitive option.
- Private speedboat for your group
- 5-hour island exploration
- Swimming and snorkeling
- Secluded beaches and coves
✓ Included
- Private transportation to/from pier
- Private speedboat rental
- Snorkeling equipment
- Pickup and drop-off anywhere in Rio (hotels, Airbnbs, airports, and the cruise port)
✕ Not Included
- Meals and drinks
- Gratuities
Standard Package
| Group Size | Price |
|---|---|
| 1-4 people | US$ 875 |
| 5-10 people | US$ 1075 |
Premium Package (includes Lopes Mendes)
| Group Size | Price |
|---|---|
| 1-4 people | US$ 975 |
| 5-10 people | US$ 1200 |
- How it works: After you click Book Now and submit your booking request, we'll review the details and send a secure payment link by email.
- Payment deadline: Full payment must be completed at least 72 hours (3 days) before the tour date.
- Last-minute bookings: Reservations made within 72 hours of the tour require immediate payment to secure availability. The payment link will be sent as soon as possible.
- Accepted methods: Credit and debit cards, processed securely via Stripe.
- Important: Bookings that remain unpaid will be automatically released 72 hours before the tour. Reminder notifications are sent by email and WhatsApp.
- Free cancellation: Cancel free of charge up to 72 hours (3 days) before your tour start time.
- Changes or rescheduling: To cancel, modify, or reschedule your tour, please contact us by email or WhatsApp as soon as possible. We'll do our best to accommodate adjustments whenever feasible.
- Late cancellations: Tours canceled less than 72 hours before the start date are non-refundable.
- Weather Conditions: If severe weather conditions make the tour unsafe or unviable, we'll offer a full refund or the option to reschedule at no additional cost.
- Apply waterproof sunscreen before boarding the speedboat — reapplication is harder once underway and the equatorial sun on open water is intense.
- Bring a waterproof bag or dry sack for your phone, camera and valuables. The speedboat ride can be splashy depending on sea conditions.
- Motion sickness medication is recommended if you're sensitive to boat movement. Take it before departure, not after symptoms start.
- Bring cash for lunch on the island — there are good restaurants in the village of Abraão but most prefer cash. Meals are not included in the tour.
- The tour departs Rio very early — typically between 6:00 and 7:00 AM. Prepare everything the night before.
How do we get to Ilha Grande -- is it really a private speedboat?
Yes, genuinely private. After a 3-hour scenic coastal drive from Rio to the pier, your group boards a private speedboat exclusively for your party. You are not sharing the boat with other tourists. The 5-hour island exploration includes secluded beaches, swimming, and snorkeling -- all at your own pace.
How far is Ilha Grande from Rio and is the drive included?
Ilha Grande is approximately 150km from Rio -- about 3 hours by private vehicle along the Costa Verde (Green Coast) highway, one of Brazil's most scenic coastal roads. The round-trip drive and private speedboat are both fully included in the tour price.
Do we need to know how to swim or have snorkeling experience?
No experience necessary. Snorkeling equipment is provided and the waters around Ilha Grande are calm and clear, suitable for beginners. If anyone in your group prefers to stay on the beach, that's perfectly fine too.
What's the difference between the standard option and the Lopes Mendes option?
Lopes Mendes is consistently ranked among Brazil's most beautiful beaches -- a long stretch of pristine white sand accessible only by boat. The standard option explores a variety of beaches and coves. The Lopes Mendes upgrade adds USD 100 to the group price and is worth it if you have beach lovers in the group.
What should we bring for the Ilha Grande day?
Swimwear, reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, light clothing for the drive, a change of clothes, and cash for lunch on the island (meals are not included). The 10-hour day means an early start -- typically departing Rio at 6:00-7:00 AM.
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