Ilha Grande
Forested Island In The Bay Of Angra Dos Reis, Mostly A State Park; Part Of Paraty And Ilha Grande Culture And Biodiversity, UNESCO World Heritage Site Inscribed 2019 · Angra dos Reis, Rio de Janeiro
Ilha Grande is a large, mountainous island covered in Atlantic rainforest off the coast between Rio de Janeiro and Paraty, and it is one of the best-loved beach escapes in Brazil for international backpackers and Brazilians alike. There are no cars on the island. For most of the twentieth century it held a notorious prison, which is why the forest and coast survived untouched; the prison was demolished in 1994 and most of the island is now a state park. Boats arrive at Vila do Abraão, a small village of pousadas, restaurants and dive shops; from there trails and boat taxis reach more than a hundred beaches. Lopes Mendes, a long surf beach with fine white sand reached by a trail and a short boat ride, is regularly listed among the best beaches in Brazil. The Lagoa Azul and Lagoa Verde are snorkelling spots with bright fish. The full island trek takes several days. Abraão is lively in summer and holidays; the far side of the island is quiet. Everything arrives by boat, and the ferries depend on weather.
Vila do Abraão, Ilha Grande, Angra dos Reis, RJ, Angra dos Reis, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
The island is open year-round and there is no entry gate, but everything runs on the boat timetable. Slow ferries and faster private boats cross from Angra dos Reis, Mangaratiba and Conceição de Jacareí, with more departures in summer and fewer in winter and on some weekdays. The last boats back to the mainland leave in the late afternoon or early evening, and missing them means another night on the island. Rough seas cancel or delay crossings, so leave a spare day before an international flight out of Rio. Boat tours from Abraão to the Lagoa Azul and the beaches leave in the morning and return mid-afternoon, and are the usual way to see several spots in a day. The state park trails are open in daylight; start long walks early, because darkness falls fast under the forest and there is no lighting. Some remote areas, such as Aventureiro, limit visitor numbers or require advance arrangement. Confirm current timetables and any environmental fee before travelling.