How to get to Ilha Grande?
We'll take you.
Transfer, travessia e translados conectados num roteiro só — a gente cuida de cada trecho, do Rio até você pôr o pé na ilha.
Where Ilha Grande is
Ilha Grande sits on Rio's Costa Verde, across from Angra dos Reis. There's no airport and no cars allowed — arrival is always by boat, via Vila do Abraão.
There are three departure ports: Mangaratiba, Conceição de Jacareí and Angra dos Reis. Which one to use depends on where you're coming from.
First, to one of the ports
The trip starts on dry land: you need to reach Mangaratiba, Conceição de Jacareí or Angra dos Reis — the three ports the boats leave from. There are three ways to do this leg.
Ilha Tour Transfer
We pick you up at Rio's main points — South Zone, Downtown, Barra, airports (Galeão and Santos Dumont) and the bus terminal — and take you straight to the port, crossing already included. Zero logistics.
By car or motorcycle
Via BR-101 to Mangaratiba (~2h from Rio), Conceição de Jacareí (~2h30) or Angra dos Reis (~3h). At the port, leave the car or motorcycle in secure parking (extra cost).
By bus
Costa Verde bus line, from Novo Rio bus terminal to Mangaratiba or Angra (~2h30–3h). Cheaper but slower — and you still have to get from the drop-off point to the port.
Which port is yours
The fast crossings are on the flex boat — sold by Ilha Tour. Mangaratiba and Angra also have the CCR ferry, cheaper and slower, but tickets are bought at the ferry itself and depend on availability.
3 ways to get there
You know the legs. Now choose how to do the whole trip — from total comfort to the lowest cost.
Ilha Tour Transfer
Fast, easy and safe.
Sorts everything in one booking — land and crossing — and you just enjoy.
- Ideal for families, couples and those short on time
- No driving, no parking, no transfers in between
- Team support on travel day
On your own
You're in charge.
Drive there and do just the crossing with us — total freedom on the way back.
- Good for those who want to explore the Costa Verde at leisure
- Expect parking and traffic in high season
- Just the flex boat crossing with Ilha Tour
Bus + ferry
The lowest cost.
You can save quite a bit, giving up time and comfort.
- Best for those traveling unhurried on a tight budget
- More connections and schedules to manage
- The ferry is slower and rocks more than the flex boat
Our transfers and crossings
All sold by Ilha Tour. Book ahead — in high season and holidays, spots sell out.
Crossing can be an adventure. It doesn't have to be a worry.
Ilha Grande is an island far from the mainland, and the sea isn't always calm — the crossing is indeed a tense moment for many people. That's why it's no small detail: it's where your trip starts going right. Ilha Tour only works with safe vessels and an experienced nautical crew, so your arrival is the way it should be.
Licensed vessels within the rules — you know who you're sailing with.
Maintenance and inspection up to date: the right vessel to face the sea safely.
The skipper knows these waters and reads the conditions — calm or rough.
Support from real people before and on crossing day, every day of the week.
Even with a covered vessel, with the boat moving, rain can come in head-on. A simple rain jacket in your bag solves it and keeps you dry on the crossing.
Ilha Tour was born solving the "how to get there"
Getting to Ilha Grande was always the biggest challenge for anyone wanting to visit this paradise — and that's where Ilha Tour started: organizing crossings and transfers to take that pain away from travelers.
Over time, we started taking care of everything: not just the transport, but where you stay, the boat tours in Ilha Grande you take, the whole schedule — and the guarantee that the trip goes right from start to finish. Today we're the ones who sort the entire trip; but "how to get there" is our root, and that's why we do it better than anyone.
Questions about getting there
How do I get to Ilha Grande?
Always by boat, via Vila do Abraão, departing from Mangaratiba, Conceição de Jacareí or Angra dos Reis. The most practical way is the Ilha Tour transfer, which picks you up in Rio and already includes the crossing.
Where do the boats leave from?
From the three mainland ports: Mangaratiba (closest to Rio), Conceição de Jacareí (fastest, ~20 min) and Angra dos Reis (best for those coming from SP and Paraty).
How long does it take from Rio to Ilha Grande?
With the Ilha Tour transfer, about 3 hours total — the car/van leg to the port plus the crossing. On your own, add the road time (~2h to ~3h depending on the port) to the crossing (~20–40 min on the flex boat).
Do I need to book the crossing in advance?
Yes, especially in high season, holidays and weekends — spots sell out fast. Book with us and secure your time.
Does the transfer pick me up at the hotel or airport?
Yes. We cover the South Zone, Downtown, Barra, the Galeão and Santos Dumont airports and the Novo Rio bus terminal, with times set in advance.
Is the crossing safe? What if I get seasick?
We only operate licensed vessels with up-to-date maintenance and experienced skippers. On rough days, the flex boat is stable and fast (~20–40 min); the ferry rocks more. If you're prone to seasickness, prefer the flex boat and avoid a heavy meal beforehand.
Is Ilha Grande a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
Yes. Ilha Grande is part of the Paraty and Ilha Grande site, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2019. Over 100 beaches amid preserved Atlantic Forest, car-free and accessible only by boat — one of Brazil's most beautiful destinations.
Still unsure how to get to the island?
Talk to our team of travel specialists — we'll organize your arrival the best way for you.
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