Ilha Grande

🇧🇷 Brazil

Explore a Pristine Paradise in Brazil

Ilha Grande - Vacation Briefing

Ilha Grande is a breathtakingly beautiful island located off the coast of Rio de Janeiro. With its stunning beaches, lush rainforests, and crystal-clear waters, it's the perfect destination for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. The island is largely undeveloped, offering a peaceful and untouched escape from the bustling city life. Explore its network of hiking trails that lead to secluded beaches and hidden waterfalls. Dive into the vibrant marine life and coral reefs while snorkeling or scuba diving. Immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of the island by visiting its charming fishing villages and colonial ruins.

Popular Sights in Ilha Grande

Lopes Mendes Beach Pico do Papagaio Carnival of Ilha Grande Lagoa Azul Aventureiro Beach Dois Rios Beach Araçatiba Beach Japariz Beach Feiticeira Beach Abraão Village

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Things to do during your Ilha Grande vacation

Ilha Grande is a stunning island located off the coast of Brazil. With its pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and crystal-clear waters, it offers a paradise-like experience for visitors. In addition to its natural beauty, Ilha Grande also boasts a variety of activities for everyone to enjoy.

Lopez Mendes Beach: Relax on one of the most beautiful beaches in Brazil with its fine white sand and turquoise waters.
Pico do Papagaio Hike: Embark on a challenging hike to the summit of Pico do Papagaio for breathtaking panoramic views of Ilha Grande.
Lagoa Azul Boat Tour: Take a boat tour to the enchanting Lagoa Azul (Blue Lagoon) and snorkel in its crystal-clear waters.
Abraão Village: Explore the charming village of Abraão with its lively waterfront, restaurants, and shops.
Dois Rios: Visit the historic Dois Rios village and learn about its fascinating past as a former prison colony.
Cachoeira da Feiticeira: Hike to the beautiful Feiticeira Waterfall and swim in its refreshing pools.
Lopes Mendes Trek: Embark on a scenic trek through the rainforest, following the trail from Abraão to Lopes Mendes Beach.
Adventure Sports: Try your hand at adventurous activities like kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddleboarding in Ilha Grande's pristine waters.
Sunset Boat Tour: Witness the mesmerizing sunset over the horizon on a relaxing boat tour around Ilha Grande.
Snorkeling and Diving: Explore the vibrant underwater world of Ilha Grande through snorkeling or diving tours.
Jungle Trekking: Venture into the rainforest on a guided trekking tour and discover the rich biodiversity of Ilha Grande.

Why you should visit Ilha Grande

Overall

Ilha Grande, Brazil is a beautiful destination with a mix of stunning landscapes and vibrant culture. While it may not be perfect, it offers a lot to explore and enjoy.

Safety

While Ilha Grande has its share of natural beauty, there are safety concerns that visitors should be aware of. It is important to take precautions, especially in crowded areas and at night.

Culture

Ilha Grande has a rich cultural heritage, with historical sites and a diverse culinary scene. Visitors can explore museums, participate in local festivals, and indulge in delicious Brazilian cuisine.

Nightlife

Ilha Grande is not known for its vibrant nightlife. It is a more laid-back destination, perfect for those seeking tranquility rather than bustling parties.

Adventure

While Ilha Grande may not offer extreme adventure activities like bungee jumping or skiing, it provides opportunities for water sports such as surfing, snorkeling, and kayaking.

Relaxation

With its pristine beaches, hiking trails, and peaceful atmosphere, Ilha Grande is a haven for relaxation. Visitors can unwind and enjoy the natural beauty of the island.

Best time to visit Ilha Grande

Ilha Grande, Brazil offers pleasant weather and fewer crowds from May to August. However, if you're looking for warmer temperatures and vibrant atmosphere, the best time to visit is from December to March.

Jan

Warm weather but crowded

23°C - 30°C

Feb

Vibrant carnival atmosphere

23°C - 30°C

Mar

Pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds

21°C - 28°C

Apr

Ideal for nature exploration

20°C - 27°C

May

Pleasant weather and fewer crowds

18°C - 26°C

Jun

Mild temperatures, tranquil atmosphere

16°C - 24°C

Jul

Off-peak season, mild weather

16°C - 24°C

Aug

Pleasant temperatures, quieter beaches

16°C - 24°C

Sep

Mild weather, great for outdoor activities

17°C - 25°C

Oct

Spring beauty, fewer tourists

19°C - 27°C

Nov

Pre-summer tranquility

20°C - 28°C

Dec

Warm temperatures, vibrant atmosphere

22°C - 29°C

December marks the beginning of summer in Ilha Grande, bringing warm temperatures and a vibrant atmosphere. Experience lively beach activities, festive celebrations, and a joyful ambiance.

A guide To your first day of Ilha Grande vacation

morning

Take a morning hike to Pico do Papagaio for a breathtaking view of the island.
Go snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters to explore the vibrant marine life.

afternoon

Relax on the beach and soak up the sun while sipping on a refreshing caipirinha.
Rent a kayak and explore the beautiful coastline, stopping at secluded beaches along the way.

evening

Enjoy a delicious seafood dinner at one of the local restaurants overlooking the ocean.
Take a sunset boat tour and witness the stunning colors as the sun sets over the horizon.

night

Experience the vibrant nightlife with live music and dancing at one of the beach bars.
Go stargazing on the beach and admire the clear night sky filled with twinkling stars.

How to get to Ilha Grande

By Plane

The most convenient way to reach Ilha Grande by plane is by flying to Antonio Carlos Jobim International Airport (GIG) in Rio de Janeiro. GIG is a major hub with excellent global connections, making it easy for international travelers to reach Ilha Grande. From GIG, you can take a taxi or shuttle to the city center, and then catch a ferry or speedboat to Ilha Grande. It's recommended to book your ferry or speedboat tickets in advance to ensure a smooth journey.

Check direct connections to GIG Airport

By other means

Reaching Ilha Grande by public transport involves taking a combination of train, bus, and ferry. First, take a train or bus from Rio de Janeiro to Angra dos Reis, a town on the mainland near Ilha Grande. From there, you can catch a ferry or speedboat to the island. The journey from Rio de Janeiro to Ilha Grande typically takes around 3-4 hours. It's advisable to check the schedules in advance and allow some extra time for potential delays.

Tips for Booking Your Trip

Planning a trip can get tricky, right? Don't worry, we've got some solid advice to make your life easier. Here's how you can find flights and accommodations without a hitch.

Flights: How to Score the Best Deal

First things first, check out Google Flights. Their price calendar and nearby airport options are really useful. Found a good deal? Great, but hang on a sec—make sure you compare it with prices on Kayak, Skyscanner, Momondo, and Kiwi. A little research can go a long way.

Accommodation: Find Your Ideal Spot

For places to stay, start by scanning Booking.com and Airbnb to get an idea of what's out there. Then, level up your search by looking at Hostelworld and Agoda. Oh, and a quick tip: the hotel's own website might have some special offers, so give that a look too.

Ready to make some moves? The links you need are right below. Happy booking!