Marcelo OliveiraIlha Grande: how to get there by boat, how many days to stay, where to sleep, and how to plan Lopes Mendes with a buffer for the weather. The difference lies in organizing your transfers and tides before picking each beach. Before you book, settle on your base, confirm your first transfer, and keep a simple backup plan for any change in the weather.
Hotels in Ilha Grandefree cancellation options onlySee hotels ›Booking.com partner (advertising): we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
A solid Ilha Grande itinerary needs some slack: leave at least one free half-day to adapt your plan to the weather, the sea, and local logistics.
Build in a buffer half-day. On Ilha Grande, put it next to your Lopes Mendes day or your boat trip: those are the plans that depend most on the sea.
How to get to Ilha Grande
Ilha Grande has no road access: you arrive by boat from Angra dos Reis, Conceição de Jacareí, or Mangaratiba. Compare your departure point based on your land route and leave a buffer for the last boat; the sea and operations can change schedules.
Your first day adds up the drive to the dock and the crossing. That’s why Vila do Abraão makes sense as a base: it concentrates inns, markets, and boat departures.
Abraão or another village?
Vila do Abraão is the easiest base for a first trip because it concentrates inns, markets, restaurants, agencies, and boat departures. Smaller villages serve those who already know where they want to stay and are okay with fewer services and connections.
Where to stay in Ilha Grande
| Hotel | Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Pousada Costa VerdeVila do Abraão · Rua Amâncio Felício de Souza, 239A | 9,6327 reviews | See prices |
| Pousada Sakura Rio MarVila do Abraão · Rua da Assembleia, 70 | 9,3391 reviews | See prices |
| Pousada CaiçaraVila do Abraão · Rua da Praia, 133 | 9,1380 reviews | See prices |
| Pousada CasablancaVila do Abraão · Rua da Praia, 719 | 9,1707 reviews | See prices |
| Casa da Ilha inn and SPAPraia da Bica · Praia da Bica, Vila do Abraão | 9,0583 reviews | See prices |
| Pousada Porto GirassolVila do Abraão · Rua da Praia, 140 | 8,9557 reviews | See prices |
| Pousada Arrastão da IlhaVila do Abraão · Rua Getúlio Vargas, 420 | 9,0382 reviews | See prices |
| Pousada ExuberanteVila do Abraão · Rua Amâncio Felício de Souza, 14 | 8,9339 reviews | See prices |
Booking.com rating on 30/10/2026
How many days and which itinerary to follow
Four nights let you cover Abraão, a day on a boat, and Lopes Mendes without turning everything into a race. With two days, pick just one boat trip and one hike; with more time, fit in Aventureiro, Dois Rios, or coves on the other side of the island.
For the boat day around the island, you can book your tour or transfer in advance.
Lopes Mendes: how to get there
For Lopes Mendes, the classic combo is a boat to Pouso and a final hike, or a longer walk from Abraão. The beach isn’t a place to wing it: bring water, snacks, sunscreen, and confirm the sea conditions, the return boat, and the hike time.
With only two days, don’t put the boat trip and Lopes Mendes on the same day. Pick one boat outing and one hike, and save Aventureiro or Dois Rios for a longer stay.
For Lopes Mendes, leave Abraão with a full bag: water, snacks, and sunscreen. If you walk the whole way, start early, since it takes longer than the boat to Pouso.
Partner · Civitatissee all activities in Ilha Grande ›- Boat Tour of Lagoa Azul + Lagoa VerdeRating 6 · 6 reviews on Civitatisfrom€32.15per personSee ›
- Acaiá Cave+ Ilha Grande Lagoons TourRating 8 · 1 reviews on Civitatisfrom€49.64per personSee ›
- Río de Janeiro TransferRating 7 · 21 reviews on Civitatisfrom€40.61per personSee ›
- Transfer to Búziosfrom€72.26per personSee ›
Civitatis prices on 28/09/2026, from, per person. They may change. Want to compare? Activities in Ilha Grande on GetYourGuide ›
Also double-check details on the Ministry of Tourism and official environmental sources.
On Ilha Grande, the return time is no small detail. After picking a cove or trail, confirm the last boat and keep your hike within daylight hours.
Abraão handles the logistics for a first trip, but that choice changes if your priority is silence, snorkeling, or a specific beach. Compare available services and boat time before trading convenience for isolation.
HotelAs soon as you have datesCompare neighbourhoods and guest ratings.Booking ›- ActivitiesBefore you travelBook ahead the ones with limited spots.Civitatis ›
More activitiesTo compareTickets, day trips and tours with flexible cancellation.GetYourGuide ›
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get to Ilha Grande?
Only by boat: the island has no road access. Boats leave from Angra dos Reis, Conceição de Jacareí, or Mangaratiba; pick one based on your land route and leave a buffer for the last boat.
How many days should I spend on Ilha Grande?
Four nights cover Abraão, a boat day, and Lopes Mendes without rushing. With two days, pick one boat trip and one hike; with more time, add Aventureiro, Dois Rios, or coves on the other side.
Abraão or another village?
For a first trip, Abraão: it concentrates inns, markets, restaurants, agencies, and boat departures. Smaller villages suit travelers who want quiet and accept fewer services.
How do I get to Lopes Mendes?
By boat to Pouso plus a short hike, or on foot from Abraão, which takes longer. Bring water, snacks, and sunscreen, and confirm the return boat before you leave.
Conclusion
Ilha Grande pays off more when you pick fewer spots per day and know when the last boat back leaves. Keep planning with the Voyage Voyage guides.