Angra Dos Reis & Ilha Grande: A Full Day Tour Review

So, you are thinking about taking a full day tour to Angra Dos Reis and Ilha Grande? Well, you’re in for a treat! It is almost like stepping into a postcard, you know, those vibrant blues and greens that just seem unreal? That sort of sets the scene for what’s to come. My hope is that this review will give you a better look at what you might anticipate, that, too, will hopefully make your planning just that bit smoother.

What to Expect From the Boat Trip

The heart of the tour, of course, is the boat trip. That’s rather the mode by which you hop between the islands and beaches. It is a very popular experience. You will generally find boats of different sizes. What kind of boat is something you should find out when booking a tour, yet what is more crucial is that you find out what that type boat features, like shaded areas (super necessary!), restrooms, and maybe even a bar area. That would come in handy.

These boats, almost all of them, usually make stops at different beaches and spots where people enjoy to do some snorkelling. And really, that is quite a remarkable element of this tour, it is so good to see such clear water teeming with sea life, so even bring a waterproof camera if you own one! That too might be worthwhile. Also, do not forget your towel, sunscreen and swimming suit.

It’s almost expected that things might be a little cramped as well, since the boats tend to be packed, mainly in high season. And I might be biased but it’s always helpful to just be equipped to take in the view and experience instead of stressing over smaller things. What might really pay off too, is to consider off-season traveling when Angra Dos Reis is concerned.

Island Hopping: Beaches and More

Oh, the beaches of Ilha Grande are truly stunning. As I remember, I found each beach had its own distinct charm, yet all were breathtaking. Lopes Mendes tends to be rated amongst the most beautiful beaches, it usually makes people enjoy the long stretch of powdery sand and crystal-clear waters, very ideal for surfing too. That sounds like it could be your thing.

That also depends on what you enjoy to do. For a more laid-back feel, there is a beach called Aventureiro. It has, like, the iconic crooked palm tree. Pretty instagrammable for those so inclined. That sort of scenery makes you relax really. Many tours, so too many things around Angra dos Reis and Ilha Grande provide free time on each of the beaches, yet always pay attention to how much time you actually are getting. Maybe pack a little snack because sometimes 40 minutes doesn’t let you get food at all.

Something like Lagoa Azul (Blue Lagoon) also makes it to the list. You might consider that snorkeling there lets you experience seeing the sea life. It’s rather nice! However, this spot usually becomes extremely crowded, which, honestly, isn’t ideal. That would be much more pleasant without people swimming all around you all the time. Yet what can you do?

Food and Drink on the Tour

Most full day tours will generally include lunch, more or less like a buffet-style meal offered at one of the island restaurants. You often get pretty good, local Brazilian food included! Still, it could possibly get a bit monotonous if you are expecting variety or if you have some dietary needs. You really should inquire about this beforehand. That way you aren’t stuck without lunch.

Drinks could be sold on board, usually soft drinks, water and beer. What I always recommend is bringing a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated during the day. And yes, you probably might feel tempted by those tropical cocktails on the beach. As I have noticed in Brazil, be sure to ask for prices beforehand, very touristy destinations have inflated prices, and nobody wants unpleasant surprises. That too would be bad.

What to Bring

Here’s a quick checklist, so too, of essential things to bring, to really make sure you are prepared. Always consider comfort and sun safety first and foremost. Do keep in mind: Swimsuit, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses and towel, flip flops, a refillable water bottle. You can carry a waterproof bag in case your items get wet. More or less a long sleeve shirt will help avoid sunburn, or sun protection in general. Maybe you have one or can borrow one.

What too often happens, is that people forget the small things! It almost always is worth it to take a small backpack with you for those things you purchase. Also if you happen to get seasick, then medication will definitely come in handy.

Is the Full Day Tour Worth It?

So, is the full day tour to Angra Dos Reis and Ilha Grande worth it? In many respects, that hinges on what you are expecting and if you appreciate seeing gorgeous landscapes and swimming in crystalline water. The beauty of the place is quite a spectacle; however, I might suggest considering a few points. Maybe your enjoyment may vary a lot. I feel you’d enjoy it.

The main draws are:

1. Beauty and Scenery: Breathtaking, picturesque landscapes.
2. Convenience: An efficient method to view many spots in a short duration.

Those would always be good things to enjoy. What is rather good to know are the trade-offs of choosing this excursion:

1. Crowds: Especially in peak season, anticipate places to be quite crowded.
2. Time constraints: Excursions generally entail shorter visits at individual spots, what I told you earlier of 40 minutes.
3. Price: So too depending on your financial planning you might find alternatives with more value for money.

If the benefits outnumber the downsides for you, you can find your perfect paradise. What that tells us too, is that you need to weigh the pros and cons so that your tour suits your taste.

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