Half-Day Ilha Grande Schooner Tour

Exploring the stunning natural beauty of Ilha Grande is a must-do for any traveler visiting Brazil. The half-day schooner tour offers an opportunity to experience the island’s captivating landscapes and rich history in a convenient and engaging way. With a professional guide leading the way, participants can discover hidden gems like the serene Lagoa Azul and the charming Freguesia de Santana, all while enjoying the relaxing ambiance of a schooner ride. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or a first-time visitor, this tour promises an unforgettable experience that will leave you eager to uncover more of Ilha Grande’s wonders.

This experience made our list of the 12 Best Tours In Ilha Grande.

Good To Know

• This half-day excursion lasts approximately 5 hours, departing at 10:30 a.m. and returning around 3 p.m. with a maximum capacity of 150 travelers.
• The tour includes a schooner ride, snorkeling in the Blue Lagoon, a visit to the historic Freguesia de Santana, and swimming at Praia de Japariz.
• Inclusions cover a professional guide, safety equipment, and hotel pickup and drop-off, while food, drinks, and gear rentals are available at an additional cost.
• The tour is not wheelchair accessible, and infants must sit on laps during the excursion, which is subject to tide variations.
• Reviews highlight positive experiences and cultural insights, but also note concerns about capacity information, cleanliness, and areas for improving the guest experience.

Tour Overview

The Gray Line Brazil Ilha Grande Schooner Tour offers a half-day excursion to explore the stunning natural beauty of Ilha Grande. The tour lasts approximately 5 hours, departing at 10:30 a.m. and returning around 3 p.m.

With a maximum capacity of 150 travelers, the tour includes a professional guide, schooner ride, and safety equipment. Priced from $39.99, the tour visits several highlights like the Blue Lagoon, Freguesia de Santana, and Praia de Japariz, allowing time for snorkeling, swimming, and sightseeing.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are provided, and rentals for snorkel and dive gear are available. Travelers should note the tour is subject to tide variations and heed the return horn at each stop.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The Ilha Grande Schooner Tour includes a professional English- or Portuguese-speaking guide, a schooner ride with safety equipment, and noodle buoys.

Food and drinks aren’t included, but lunch can be purchased at the tour’s stops. Hotel pickup and drop-off are provided.

Snorkel and dive equipment are available for rental at an additional cost of approximately 20 BRL. The tour doesn’t accommodate wheelchair users, and infants must sit on laps.

Travelers should be aware of the horn that signals the return to the schooner after each stop. The tour is subject to tide variations, so the itinerary may be adjusted accordingly.

Itinerary Highlights

The schooner tour takes travelers on an immersive journey through Ilha Grande’s picturesque waterways.

The first stop is the renowned Lagoa Azul (Blue Lagoon), known for its crystal-clear waters and excellent snorkeling opportunities.

Next, the tour visits Freguesia de Santana, where visitors can explore a historic church along the shoreline.

The final stop is Praia de Japariz, providing time for swimming and sunbathing.

Throughout the excursion, the knowledgeable guide shares insights into the region’s culture and natural wonders.

The tour concludes by returning to the original departure point around 3 p.m., allowing ample time for further exploration of the island.

Meeting and Pickup

Travelers on the Ilha Grande Schooner Tour meet at the agency’s office located at R. Get??lio Vargas, 440 – Vila do Abra??o, Angra dos Reis – RJ, Brazil.

Exiting the Vila do Abra??o Main Pier, they walk 50 meters to the left and enter Santana Street. At the end of the street, they turn left and continue for 100 meters to reach the agency.

The tour ends at the CCR Barcas – Big Island, Vila do Abra??o, Angra dos Reis – RJ, Brazil.

Tour participants should be aware of the horn indicating when it’s time to return to the schooner after each stop. The meeting and drop-off locations are easy to find, providing a convenient start and end to the excursion.

Safety and Accessibility

Safety instructions are provided at the tour’s departure. Travelers should listen closely, as they contain important information about navigating the schooner and staying safe during the excursion.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, so guests with mobility challenges may have difficulty boarding the vessel. Infants must sit on their parents’ or guardians’ laps throughout the journey.

While the tour is subject to tide variations, the guide will monitor conditions and make necessary adjustments to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.

Passengers should heed the horn that signals it’s time to return to the schooner after each stop, ensuring a punctual departure.

Tour Schedule and Duration

This Ilha Grande Schooner Tour runs for approximately 5 hours, starting at 10:30 a.m. and returning to the original departure point by around 3 p.m. The tour takes travelers to three main stops: Lagoa Azul, Freguesia de Santana, and Praia de Japariz, each lasting around 45 minutes. The maximum capacity for the tour is 150 travelers, and the tour is subject to tide variations.

Stop	Duration
Lagoa Azul (Blue Lagoon)	45 minutes
Freguesia de Santana	45 minutes
Praia de Japariz	45 minutes

The tour provides an opportunity to explore the beautiful island of Ilha Grande and its natural wonders. Travelers should be aware of the horn indicating when it’s time to return to the schooner after each stop.

Reviews and Feedback

According to the information provided, a total of 6 reviews have been left for the Ilha Grande Schooner Tour, resulting in an overall rating of 3.0 out of 5.

The positive feedback indicates the tour provided an enjoyable experience showcasing Brazilian culture.

However, the negative feedback suggests the tour’s capacity and timing were misleading, and there were cleanliness concerns at the lunch stop.

Key areas for improvement include:

• Ensuring accurate information about tour capacity and duration
• Maintaining high standards of cleanliness at all stops
• Enhancing the overall guest experience to increase satisfaction

Booking and Cancellation

Booking the Ilha Grande Schooner Tour is simple and flexible. Travelers can reserve their spot online or through a local tour operator.

The tour is priced at $39.99 per person, with the final cost varying based on group size. Plus, Gray Line Brazil offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour starts, providing customers with the flexibility to adjust their plans if needed.

This user-friendly booking process and cancellation policy make it easy for travelers to secure their spot on the Ilha Grande Schooner Tour and ensure a stress-free experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Snacks and Drinks on the Tour?

Yes, travelers can bring their own snacks and drinks on the tour. The tour includes a schooner ride and visits to various locations, but food and drinks are not provided, except for noodle buoys.

Is There Any Opportunity to Purchase Souvenirs During the Tour?

The tour does not include any scheduled stops for purchasing souvenirs. However, travelers may have opportunities to browse local shops and vendors during the free time at each destination if they wish to buy souvenirs.

What Should I Bring to Protect Myself From the Sun?

To protect from the sun on this tour, visitors should bring a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen. Applying sunscreen regularly is crucial, as the tour includes time spent outdoors on the schooner and at the beaches.

Are There Any Restroom Facilities Available During the Tour Stops?

The tour itinerary doesn’t explicitly mention restroom facilities at the stop locations. Travelers should expect basic restroom access may be limited and plan accordingly. It’s a good idea to inquire about restroom availability when meeting the guide.

How Accurate Are the Tour Timings Listed in the Itinerary?

The tour timings listed in the itinerary are generally accurate, though they may vary slightly due to factors like tide conditions. Travelers should expect the stops to be around 45 minutes each, with the full tour lasting approximately 5 hours.

The Sum Up

The Half-Day Ilha Grande Schooner Tour offers a captivating 5-hour adventure through the island’s stunning natural beauty. Travelers can explore Lagoa Azul, Freguesia de Santana, and Praia de Japariz, with the option to purchase food and drinks. With a professional guide and a maximum capacity of 150, this tour provides an unforgettable experience amidst the breathtaking landscapes of Ilha Grande.