Ilha Grande Private Speedboat Tour: A Day on Brazil's Most Pristine Island
Ilha Grande exists because of an accident of geography and history. The island — 193 square kilometres of Atlantic Forest descending directly to the sea, with no roads between settlements and water clarity reaching ten metres — was designated a maximum-security prison in 1903, a classification that remained in place until 1994. The isolation required to operate a prison preserved the island entirely. When the last prison was demolished, what remained was one of the most intact coastal ecosystems on the Brazilian Atlantic coast. This itinerary takes you there on a private speedboat from Rio. Pickup in Rio is early — between 5:30 and 6:30 AM depending on your location. The drive to the embarkation point on the Costa Verde coast takes approximately two and a half hours through Atlantic Forest, with views of the Serra do Mar mountains and glimpses of the coast. Your private speedboat departs from a marina with your guide and captain. The day on and around Ilha Grande is shaped around three things: the quality of water at each stop, the season's conditions, and your group's rhythm. Lagoa Azul — a protected bay where the water reaches turquoise over white sand at low tide — is typically the first stop, for snorkelling in visibility that most guests describe as unlike anything they've seen in the Americas. Lopes Mendes, consistently ranked among Brazil's finest beaches, is accessible only by boat or a ninety-minute forest trail; arriving by speedboat means reaching it before the day-trip boats from Abraão village. The rhythm of the day between stops — more time in the water, a longer beach break, a slower pace through the forest paths of Abraão village — is calibrated to your preferences. Lunch is in Abraão, the island's main settlement: a car-free village of wooden houses, beachside restaurants, and the particular unhurried atmosphere of a place that has deliberately stayed small. Budget approximately USD 20–40 per person; your guide knows which tables are worth sitting at.Tour Details & Logistics
The return speedboat arrives in late afternoon. The drive back to Rio takes the same two and a half hours, arriving by early evening. This sample itinerary can be used as-is or fully customized. Extended versions with an overnight stay on the island are available on request.Highlights
- Private speedboat for your group
- 5-hour island exploration
- Swimming and snorkeling
- Secluded beaches and coves
Pricing
Standard tour
With Lopes Mendes
Payment Terms
How to Pay
You'll receive a secure payment link via email after we confirm your booking details and finalize your itinerary.
When to Pay
Full payment is required at least 72 hours (3 days) before your tour date.
Booking Last Minute?
Tours booked less than 72 hours in advance require immediate payment to confirm your reservation — we'll send your payment link right away!
Payment Methods
Credit and debit cards, processed in a secure environment (Stripe).
Important!
Unpaid bookings are automatically released 72 hours before the tour date. You'll receive reminders via email and WhatsApp.
Cancellation Policy
Flexible Cancellation
Cancel free of charge up to 72 hours (3 days) before your tour starts.
How to Cancel or Modify
Contact us via email or WhatsApp as soon as possible. We're always happy to adjust your itinerary or reschedule your tour.
Cancellations Within 72 Hours
Unfortunately, tours canceled less than 3 days before the start date are non-refundable.
Weather Conditions
If severe weather makes your tour unsafe or impossible, we'll offer a full refund or reschedule at no extra cost.