Ilha Grande Tickets: Top 5 Passes You Can’t Miss
Alright, so, you are thinking about going to Ilha Grande, and of course you’re wondering about tickets and passes. This gorgeous island off the coast of Rio is very, very popular for visitors because of all the stuff you can do, and it’s good to know the options you got. You see all sorts of deals, but it can be hard to figure out what’s worth your money, I’ve been there, just a little while ago in fact. Here is a look at a couple of the greatest Ilha Grande passes. This list covers a spread of interests and budgets, that way, it helps you make the most of your visit!
1. Full Day Boat Tour: The Island Hopper
One very popular way to get around is to take a full-day boat tour, too it’s almost like a greatest hits album of Ilha Grande’s beaches and bays. That trip usually hits spots like Lagoa Azul (Blue Lagoon), Freguesia de Santana, and Japariz. That way, it’s not just sightseeing, but also some snorkeling and swimming in clear water. They will stop for lunch, but usually not included. A very solid pick if you’re looking to see a whole bunch in a very little amount of time!
What to look for:
- Stops: Lagoa Azul is a must.
- Food: Meals can be purchased during the stops
- Gear: Does it include snorkel equipment, or do you have to rent separately?
Typically, this tour starts around R$120 to R$200 (more or less $25-$40 USD). The price tends to be dependent on time of the year and specific operator. Consider this, that’s the ticket to see quite a bit of paradise in one go.
Read our full review: Ilha Grande Boat Tour Full Review and Details
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2. Lopes Mendes Beach Hiking Pass
Lopes Mendes tends to be on almost any ‘best beaches in Brazil’ list. So, instead of just hopping on a boat, picture this: a hike through the jungle to get there. That, my friend, tends to be an experience. The hike typically starts in Vila do Abraão, but its over fairly hilly ground.
The “pass” here actually is just the ferry or speedboat from Abraão to either Pouso or Praia do Mangue, the 2 access points for the trail to Lopes Mendes. Of course, you could hike from Abraão itself, but in that case it’s a really long walk.
What to look for:
- Ferry vs. Speedboat: Ferry tends to be cheaper, yet takes longer. Speedboat is going to be much faster, that said you should expect it costing slightly more.
- Trail Condition: ask your boat operator when you are disembarking. That way, it will help you prepare for that trek.
You should expect the boat to cost around R$40 to R$80 (about $8-$16 USD). Very very well worth it for one of the prettiest beaches, or so I believe, anyway.
Read our full review: Lopes Mendes Beach Full Review and Details
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3. Snorkeling and Scuba Diving Pass
Ilha Grande’s waters, with some unbelievable visibility and aquatic life, are rather tempting for snorkeling and scuba diving. There are spots suited, apparently, for any type of experience, from beginners up to folks with tons of dives behind them.
That pass gets you equipment rental, instruction, and a boat trip to some great snorkeling or dive spots.
What to look for:
- Certification: In case you’re planning on scuba diving, you will require certification, or a ‘discovery dive’ option for newbies.
- Equipment Quality: Be certain the gear fits comfortably and it’s very solid, of course, especially your mask.
Anticipate paying around R$150 to R$400 (around $30-$80 USD) for one of those passes. Very much worthy if getting up close with fish and coral is right up your alley.
Read our full review: Ilha Grande Snorkeling and Diving Full Review and Details
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4. Cachoeira da Feiticeira Hiking Pass
For someone wanting some hiking that results into a refreshing swim, the path to Cachoeira da Feiticeira is a must. That’s is a stunning waterfall which tends to be good for cooling down following a hike. It is good to note, the trail goes up for a little, so be prepared.
This “pass” involves getting to the trailhead. Located outside Vila do Abraão, you may want to hire a taxi boat up to Praia da Feiticeira, in which case the trailhead is a quick walk. Consider, of course, the additional walk if you plan on trekking from Abraão.
What to look for:
- Trail Difficulty: Is it actually okay for the hiker’s skill level. Ask around.
- Footwear: Use some shoes with decent grip since parts of that trail can be slippy.
Taxi boat costing in the range of R$30-R$50 (nearly $6-$10 USD). Getting to a cool waterfall after your sweat it out? That, for me anyway, tends to be priceless.
Read our full review: Cachoeira da Feiticeira Trail Full Review and Details
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5. Vila do Abraão Walking Tour Pass
Vila do Abraão is more or less the central hub of Ilha Grande, and in that spot there is plenty of things to see, you know, just strolling around. From the ruins of that old prison to the local church and beaches, it is good for seeing a variety of attractions without a lot of travel.
The “pass” gets you the tour itself. With it you will see the history and stories which make Abraão unique, or so I think anyway.
What to look for:
- Tour Length: Ensure the duration tends to be something you can do easily.
- Specific Interests: Be certain the tour covers what you find fascinating, it may be history, culture, etc.
You should expect to pay around R$50 to R$100 (almost $10-$20 USD). One great way to start to get a handle of the island.
Read our full review: Vila do Abraão Walking Tour Full Review and Details
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Choosing what “passes” or tours to take really does depend on you and what you hope to accomplish. Are you really focused on relaxation? Or getting your steps in with long walks? Hopefully that list gave you a bit of the insight you seek, to get the most out of Ilha Grande.
- Boat tours gives a grand tour.
- The hikes leads you on gorgeous views plus some exercise
- Getting to know Vila do Abraão first will help you orient yourself on the island
