25 – Full Day Tour to Angra Dos Reis and Ilha Grande

Embarking on a full-day adventure to the stunning coastal region of Angra dos Reis and Ilha Grande, this tour promises an immersive glimpse into Brazil’s natural beauty. Travelers can expect a scenic schooner ride, opportunities to snorkel in vibrant marine ecosystems, and a waterfront lunch, all while guided by a bilingual expert. With a maximum of 43 participants, the tour allows for exploration of secluded coves and breathtaking beaches, though guests should be prepared for potential crowding and a long day of activities. For those seeking to discover the captivating splendor of this coastal paradise, this tour may just be the perfect…

This experience made our list of the 20 Best Full-Day Tours in Rio De Janeiro.

Key Points

• This full-day tour offers a schooner ride, snorkeling, and a waterfront lunch, showcasing the stunning scenery of Angra dos Reis and Ilha Grande.
• The tour is rated 4.0 based on 296 reviews and includes transportation, a bilingual guide, and covers the Navy Fee.
• Pickup is available from various locations in Rio, with the tour starting at 7:30 am and lasting up to 12 hours.
• The tour provides snorkeling equipment and visits multiple beaches, but the food quality has received mixed reviews from guests.
• Travelers should prepare for a long day with potential delays and crowding, and consider private tour options for a more personalized experience.

Tour Overview and Details

The full-day tour to Angra dos Reis and Ilha Grande offers an extensive exploration of the region’s natural beauty, featuring a schooner ride, snorkeling, and a waterfront lunch.

Boasting 296 reviews and a Badge of Excellence, the tour provides transportation, a professional bilingual guide, and inclusions such as the Navy Fee.

With a maximum capacity of 43 travelers, the shared experience allows guests to enjoy the English, Spanish, and Portuguese commentary.

Operated rain or shine, the journey can take up to 2 hours each way, with potential traffic delays during peak tourist seasons.

Despite the logistics, the tour promises an unforgettable day of scenic vistas, aquatic adventures, and local cuisine.

Pickup and Logistics

Pickup points for the tour include Copacabana, Ipanema, Leblon, Botafogo, Flamengo, and Lapa, though Barra da Tijuca and Recreio aren’t included.

The tour starts at 7:30 am, with pickup potentially taking over an hour due to the multiple locations. Given the extended duration, the overall tour can exceed 12 hours, accounting for the travel time and multiple pickups.

Guests should also be aware that the boat capacity is regulated by the Brazilian Navy, which may lead to crowded conditions during the excursion.

The key pickup and logistics considerations are:

1. Pickup from select neighborhoods only

2. Early morning start with extended pickup time

3. Tour duration can exceed 12 hours

4. Potential for crowded boat conditions

Tour Experience and Activities

The tour includes visits to various beaches, where snorkeling equipment is provided for guests.

Lunch is served at a waterfront location, though the quality of the food has received mixed reviews from past participants. Stops may also provide opportunities for food and restroom breaks throughout the day.

Guests are advised to bring towels, snacks, and a change of clothes for added comfort during the excursion.

The diverse activities and experiences offered on this full-day tour provide travelers the chance to enjoy the natural beauty of Angra dos Reis and Ilha Grande.

Whether it’s exploring the coastline, taking a refreshing swim, or enjoying a meal with a view, the tour aims to deliver an enjoyable and memorable day.

Customer Feedback and Ratings

Reviewing the tour’s customer feedback, it has an overall rating of 4.0 based on 296 reviews, with positive comments highlighting the beautiful scenery, friendly guides, and enjoyable boat rides.

However, some guests noted issues with logistics, crowded conditions, and food quality.

To summarize the key customer feedback:

1. Positive experiences focused on the tour’s stunning natural landscapes, engaging guides, and fun boat excursions.

2. Negative reviews pointed to problems with the tour’s organization, such as delays, crowding, and unsatisfactory meal options.

3. Guests emphasized the need to be prepared for a long day with potential delays.

4. Feedback suggests the tour may not be ideal for travelers seeking more private or intimate experiences.

Recommendations and Considerations

Based on the tour’s overall profile, it seems well-suited for those seeking beach experiences and scenic views.

However, the feedback suggests it may not be the best option for travelers preferring more private or less crowded settings. Guests would do well to consider investing in a private tour for a more personalized service, as the tour’s logistical issues, like delays and crowding, appear to have been a source of frustration for some.

The tour may not be recommended for those who want to avoid larger groups and potential logistical challenges.

Travelers should also be prepared for a long day and potential delays, and pack accordingly for comfort and convenience.

Scenery and Beaches

According to the tour overview, the experience offers visitors the opportunity to enjoy the stunning scenery and beaches of Angra dos Reis and Ilha Grande.

Guests can expect to witness the region’s natural beauty, which includes a diverse array of picturesque beaches and coves along the coastline.

Some of the highlights visitors may encounter during the tour include:

1. Pristine white sand beaches with crystal-clear turquoise waters

2. Lush, verdant hills and tropical vegetation that line the shoreline

3. Secluded, peaceful coves and inlets perfect for snorkeling and exploring

4. Panoramic vistas of the surrounding islands and mountainous landscape

The tour’s inclusion of snorkeling equipment also allows guests to discover the vibrant marine life that thrives in the region’s waters, further enhancing the overall scenic experience.

Boat Rides and Snorkeling

Complementing the scenic attractions, the tour includes boat rides and snorkeling opportunities that allow visitors to explore the area’s marine environment up close.

Traversing the waters aboard a schooner, guests can enjoy the coastal vistas and access remote beaches inaccessible by land.

On top of that, the provided snorkeling equipment enables them to discover the vibrant underwater ecosystems teeming with diverse marine life.

The boat rides offer a unique perspective, with the schooner gliding across the calm waters and providing ample opportunities for photography and relaxation.

The snorkeling experience, meanwhile, lets travelers witness the colorful coral reefs and schools of tropical fish that inhabit the region’s pristine waters, making for an unforgettable day of exploration.

Food and Dining Options

The tour includes a lunch served at a waterfront location, though the quality of the meal has received mixed reviews from past participants. Some guests have praised the freshness and variety of the seafood dishes, while others have noted issues with the preparation or limited selection.

To best enjoy the dining experience, travelers may want to:

1. Inquire about the menu ahead of time to ensure their dietary needs can be accommodated.

2. Bring additional snacks or beverages to supplement the provided lunch if desired.

3. Manage their expectations, as the meal is served as part of a larger group tour.

4. Consider packing a change of clothes in case of any spillage or mess during the lunchtime stop.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Weather Typically Like During the Tour?

The weather typically varies, but the tour operates rain or shine. Guests should be prepared for diverse conditions, as inclement weather is common and no refunds are provided for bad weather during the tour.

Can I Book the Tour for a Smaller Group Size?

While the tour typically accommodates up to 43 travelers, it’s possible to book a smaller group size. However, this may come at a higher cost per person. Travelers should check with the tour operator for availability and pricing of smaller group options.

Are There Any Discounts or Special Offers Available?

The tour operator doesn’t seem to offer any discounts or special offers based on the information provided. However, they may have promotions or bundle deals available, so it’s best to check their website or contact them directly for the latest pricing and offers.

Is There a Minimum Age Requirement for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t have a stated minimum age requirement. However, it may not be suitable for very young children due to the long duration and potential for crowded conditions on the boat. Families should consider the child’s ability to participate comfortably.

Can I Modify the Itinerary or Add Extra Activities?

The tour operator typically doesn’t allow modifications to the established itinerary. However, guests can inquire about adding extra activities like snorkeling or visiting additional beaches, though these may incur additional fees and need to be arranged in advance.

Recap

The full-day tour to Angra dos Reis and Ilha Grande offers an immersive experience showcasing Brazil’s stunning coastline.

Travelers can expect scenic boat rides, snorkeling, and a waterfront lunch, led by a bilingual expert.

While the tour’s well-rated and allows for exploring beaches and coves, guests should be prepared for potential crowding and a long day of activities.