Schooner ride with or without Lunch Included – Angra dos Reis and Ilha Grande

The best part of this Ilha Grande schooner ride is the water. Lagoa Azul and the Botinas Islands have clear blue-green seas, pale sand below, and fish close to shore. I like the chance to snorkel in two very different settings, and I like that the boat reaches beaches and small islands you could not easily visit on foot.

I also like the price, about $12 per person, which makes this a low-cost way to see several corners of Angra dos Reis bay. The main catch is food and timing: lunch may cost extra, onboard choices are limited, and the schedule can run late when a large group arrives.

Key points to know before boarding

• Lagoa Azul is the main snorkeling stop: Fish and starfish gather in a natural aquarium with clear water and a white-sand bottom.
• The Botinas Islands look shallow but are not: The water may appear almost transparent, yet it reaches about 10 meters around the islands.
• Lunch matters: At Praia das Setas, Bar do Luiz serves meals selected in advance on the boat. Without lunch included, a simple meal can be costly.
• You get several water stops in six hours: The route includes Lagoa Azul, Araça Beach, Botinas Islands, and Gipoia Island.
• The group can be large: The boat accepts up to 100 people, so expect a shared excursion rather than a quiet private cruise.
• Bring patience: One reported departure ran an hour late because of a group from Rio, with the lost time made up at the end.

Why this six-hour boat trip works for a first look at Ilha Grande

Ilha Grande is famous for its many beaches, green hills, and clear water. A boat is the practical way to sample the bay in one day. Instead of spending your time on one beach, you move between swimming spots, small islands, and a waterfront lunch stop.

The route begins at Estação Santa Luzia on Avenida Júlio Maria in central Angra dos Reis. Departure is scheduled for 11:30 a.m., and the experience returns to the same meeting point. The total outing lasts about six hours, so you should plan for most of the afternoon to be spent on the water.

I see this as a scenic sampler, not a deep exploration of Ilha Grande. You will not have a long hike or hours to wander through an island village. The reward is variety: clear water at Lagoa Azul, tropical views at Araça, the striking rock formations of Botinas, and a relaxed meal near Gipoia.

The price is unusually low for a day that includes several stops by boat. At about $12 per person, it offers strong value if your priority is swimming and seeing the bay. Just keep your expectations in line with the cost. This is a shared boat outing for as many as 100 people, not a small sailing trip with personal attention at every stop.

Lagoa Azul, the natural aquarium

The first important stop is Lagoa Azul, a sheltered part of Ilha Grande bay known for clear water and marine life. The name fits the setting: blue-green water, pale sand, and a calm surface that lets you see below.

This is the place to bring your mask and snorkel, or to use the time for swimming if you prefer to stay near the surface. Fish and starfish can be seen in the water, giving the stop more interest than a simple boat swim. The pale bottom also makes the water appear unusually bright.

The stop lasts about 35 minutes. That is enough time for a short snorkel and a swim, but not enough for a slow, extended session. I would get ready before the boat reaches the stop so you do not spend much of your time organizing your things.

Lagoa Azul is also a good reason to bring a waterproof bag for a phone, towel, and small personal items. The provided information does not promise snorkel equipment, so you should not assume that masks and fins are supplied. If snorkeling is central to your plans, check with Angra dos Reis Turismo before departure.

Araça Beach and the rainforest around Freguesia de Fora

The second stop is Araça Beach, also called Freguesia de Fora. Here the attraction is not only the sand and water. You get views toward forested hills and the wider bay, with the boat giving you a front-row view of the tropical setting.

The stop is listed at about 35 minutes. You can use it for a quick swim, a walk along the beach, or a chance to sit and enjoy the scenery. The nearby beaches are reached from the water, so the boat opens up parts of the bay that are not part of an ordinary road trip.

This stop helps break up the day. Lagoa Azul is mainly about snorkeling, while Araça gives you a little more of a beach pause. You should not expect a long beach afternoon here, though. With several stops still to come, the schedule is designed for short visits rather than a full stay at one shore.

The bay can look tranquil, but the trip still depends on the weather. The operator requires good conditions and may offer a different date or a full refund if poor weather cancels the outing. That policy matters because a boat day loses much of its appeal when wind and rain affect the water stops.

Botinas Islands, two small rocks with clear water

The Botinas Islands are two small stone islands that rise from the bay like matching outcrops. They are outside Ilha Grande itself, but they sit within the surrounding waters and are included because the setting is especially good for snorkeling.

The water around the islands is calm and clear. White sand below reflects the light and can make the sea look much shallower than it is. Do not judge the depth by appearance. The water around the islands reaches about 10 meters.

That detail is useful even if you are a confident swimmer. A clear sea can create a false sense of security, especially when you are focused on fish, rocks, and the view above water. Follow the boat crew’s instructions and keep track of where you are in relation to the vessel.

The Botinas stop is scheduled for about 35 minutes. It is short, but the setting is memorable and different from the beach stops. You get small-island scenery without a long transfer, plus another chance to see fish in clear water.

This is one of the strongest parts of the route for anyone who wants photographs. The two rock formations, bright water, and surrounding bay give you a classic Angra dos Reis scene. Just remember that this is a shared boat excursion, so the best photo position may be popular when everyone reaches the deck.

Gipoia Island, Praia das Setas, and lunch at Bar do Luiz

The final major stop is on Gipoia Island at Praia das Setas. This is where lunch is arranged at Bar do Luiz, a typical restaurant in the area.

The restaurant has a practical system. The menu is passed around while you are still on the boat, allowing you to choose your meal before arrival. Your food can then be served soon after the boat reaches the beach. That saves time during a six-hour tour, since you are not waiting to decide after sitting down.

The stop lasts about one hour. That gives you time to eat and enjoy the beach, though you may need to choose between a relaxed meal and a swim. Praia das Setas has golden sand and turquoise waves, and the setting is suitable for swimming and water activities.

Lunch is the biggest value decision when booking. There is a version with lunch included and a version without it. I would compare the final prices before choosing, because one direct account described a simple chicken fillet with fries at about 170 Brazilian reais when lunch was not included. That is a steep extra cost for a basic meal.

The boat’s own snack selection may also be thin. One account found only Fandangos available for purchase onboard. Since the information says drinking onboard is prohibited, you should not plan to bring or buy alcoholic drinks for the boat. Ask the operator about allowed food before packing snacks, but do not count on the vessel as a full refreshment service.

If you want the least complicated day, the lunch-included option is easier to budget. If you choose without lunch, bring a small snack if permitted and be ready for restaurant prices. The meal arrangement at Bar do Luiz is convenient, but convenience does not always mean low cost.

What the $12 price really gets you

At around $12 per person, this is a good-value introduction to the bay. You get a roughly six-hour route, four named stops, beach time, and several chances to swim or snorkel. Comparable private boat arrangements would normally cost much more, though no separate private rate is provided here.

The low price also explains the tradeoffs. You share the vessel with a potentially large group, and the boat can carry up to 100 people. You should expect a social, busy atmosphere at popular stops, along with less flexibility if you want to stay longer in one place.

The schedule may not run to the minute. One departure was delayed by about an hour because of a group coming from Rio, with the time made up at the end. That is useful advice if you have a dinner reservation, bus connection, or other fixed plan afterward. Leave room in your schedule.

I would not book this for a tightly timed day. I would book it when you can accept a relaxed pace and the possibility of adjustments. The route covers a lot of water, and weather, loading, and group movement can affect the exact timing.

Who will enjoy this schooner ride most

This experience suits you if you want to see several beaches without arranging separate transport. It is especially useful for a first visit to Angra dos Reis or Ilha Grande, when you want a broad look at the bay rather than a single beach day.

It also suits families and mixed groups. Strong swimmers can snorkel, while others can simply enjoy the boat, the views, and the beach stops. The activity information says most people can participate and that the meeting point is near public transportation.

You may want a different experience if you dislike large groups or need a quiet boat. A vessel with capacity for 100 people will not feel intimate, particularly at the most popular swimming stops.

The trip is also less suitable if your main goal is hiking or spending hours on Ilha Grande itself. The focus is the water and the coast. You move between locations instead of settling in one village or walking a long island trail.

What to pack and how to plan the day

Keep your packing simple. Bring swimwear, a towel, sun protection, and a dry bag or waterproof pouch for valuables. If you want to snorkel, confirm equipment details in advance rather than assuming the boat supplies it.

Wear something comfortable for boarding and sitting on a boat. You will be moving between water stops and beaches, so shoes that are easy to remove can be useful, though the tour information does not specify a required type.

Plan your food choice before departure. If you include lunch, the menu system at Bar do Luiz should make the meal easier. If you do not include lunch, be aware of the reported restaurant pricing and limited onboard snacks.

Arrive ready for the 11:30 a.m. start at Estação Santa Luzia, 435 Avenida Júlio Maria, in central Angra dos Reis. Since the tour returns there, you do not need to arrange a separate return transfer. Still, allow extra time after the listed six-hour duration in case the group runs late.

The operator lists onboard service and provides the contact number 24 999890167 for questions. That is the right place to confirm lunch, snorkeling equipment, and current boarding details before you go.

Booking, cancellation, and weather concerns

Confirmation is provided when you book. The experience is commonly reserved about 12 days ahead, so booking in advance is sensible if your dates are fixed.

You can cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the local start time. Cancellations or changes made inside that 24-hour period are not refunded or accepted.

Weather is especially important for this outing. If poor conditions cancel the trip, you are offered another date or a full refund. That gives you some protection, but you should still avoid placing this tour on the last possible day of your stay if seeing the bay is a priority.

Should you book this Ilha Grande boat trip?

Book it if you want a low-cost, water-focused day with several stops and you are comfortable sharing a large boat. Lagoa Azul and the Botinas Islands provide the best snorkeling interest, while Araça and Praia das Setas add beach time and scenery.

Choose the lunch-included option if you prefer clear costs and fewer decisions. If you select the cheaper version, prepare for limited snacks and potentially high restaurant prices.

Skip it if you need a precise schedule, a small boat, or a long stay on one beach. For everyone else, this is a practical way to see a wide slice of the Angra dos Reis and Ilha Grande bay in one outing, as long as you bring patience along with your swimwear.

FAQ

Where does the schooner ride start and end?

It starts and ends at Estação Santa Luzia, 435 Avenida Júlio Maria, Centro, Angra dos Reis. The meeting point is near public transportation.

What time does the tour start?

The scheduled start time is 11:30 a.m. The experience lasts about six hours.

Which places does the boat visit?

The route includes Lagoa Azul, Araça Beach at Freguesia de Fora, the Botinas Islands, and Gipoia Island, including Praia das Setas.

Is lunch included?

You can choose an option with lunch included or an option without lunch. At Gipoia Island, lunch is served at Bar do Luiz, where you select from the menu while still on the boat.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time for a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded.

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you are offered a different date or a full refund.