Boat Tours to Islands from Rio de Janeiro

These boat tours typically take you out of the city to the islands south of Rio, most commonly Ilha Grande and the surrounding bays near Angra dos Reis. Expect a full-day trip (8-10 hours) that includes several short stops for swimming or snorkeling in clear water, some basic lunch, and a lot of time on the boat. The scenery is beautiful – green hills, rocky islands, and transparent sea – but the boats can get crowded, especially the cheaper shared ones. Speedboat versions are faster and let you visit more spots; sailing catamarans are slower and more relaxed but cover less ground. It’s a solid nature escape if you only have a few days in Rio, though the journey there and back eats up a big chunk of your day.

The best time is from May to October when the weather is drier and the sea is usually calmer. December to March can be hot and stunning but also rainy and prone to cancellations. Expect to pay around $60–120 per person depending on whether you choose a basic shared tour, a smaller group trip, or one with better food and drinks. Private charters are obviously more.

Tip: choose a small-group speedboat tour that focuses on fewer, better snorkeling stops rather than the ones that cram in seven islands with loud music and a party atmosphere. Skip the ultra-cheap options that leave from the polluted parts of the bay – the extra money for a cleaner departure point from Barra or Angra is worth it.