Ilha Grande by speedboat is a fast way to see the good stuff. I love the color-changing lagoons and the fact that you get real free time to swim and snorkel on your own. The one drawback is the Portuguese-only setup and the practical limits of getting on and off at beach stops, especially with rougher seas.

This tour is built for short visits with big scenery: you cruise between spots, then hop in when conditions allow. You’ll also need to expect a lively scene at peak times, with other boats stacking up at the best-looking water. If you’re the type who wants lots of detailed English commentary, or you’re prone to seasickness, this may not feel like the most relaxing day.

Key points before you go

• Blue Lagoon swimming and snorkeling time: you get a focused stop to get in the clear water and look for fish.
• Lagoa Verde changes with the tide: a small sandbank links islands at low tide, acting like a natural aquarium at high tide.
• Enseada das Estrelas lunch option: you’ll have a real break, plus a chance to stroll and swim.
• Speedboat rhythm, not a lecture: you’ll pass and cruise a lot, with your time mostly spent exploring.
• Bring a wind layer: the boat ride can get cold, even on a warm day.

What This 6-Hour Speedboat Tour Really Gives You

For $62 and about six hours on the water, this is basically a “see-and-do” mix. You’re not signing up for a long guided hike or a slow, private cruise. Instead, you’re paying for access to the main lagoon stops and enough time at each one to make swimming worthwhile.

What works well is the pacing. The boat takes you between areas quickly, and then you get a chunk of free time where you can choose your own pace. Some travelers want a planned activity; I like that this one gives you structure without micromanaging how you spend your time in the water.

Keep expectations grounded: this is a shared tour, so you’ll feel the crowds at the popular spots. The best part is the water itself, not the back-and-forth explanations. If you’re there for scenery, snorkeling, and quick beach time, you’ll likely have a good day.

Getting to Vila do Abraão and the Caiçara Turismo Meeting Point

This tour departs from Vila do Abraão. Your ticket check happens at Caiçara Turismo Ilha Grande, where you’ll receive your wristband. After that, the local operator will lead you to the speedboat.

Two practical things matter here. First: arrive with buffer time, because this kind of shared boat tour can run late when timing depends on sea conditions and loading. Second: pack like you’re moving. You’ll go from meeting point → cruise → beach-side boarding in some places → swim stops.

Also, note the language reality. The experience is conducted in Portuguese. Even if you don’t speak it, you can still follow along because the stops are mostly self-directed: the boat takes you between places and then you get time to explore. Still, it helps to have a translation app ready for any key safety notes.

Blue Lagoon: Clear-Water Swimming and Snorkel-Friendly Stops

The Blue Lagoon stop is all about clear water and time in it. This is the first named swimming/snorkeling focus, and it’s known for visibility where you can see colorful fish. Even if fish sightings aren’t guaranteed every moment, clear water makes the whole experience feel worth it.

You’ll have about 45 minutes here. That’s enough time to rinse off sandy edges, put on sunscreen, and do a couple of swims without feeling rushed. If you want to snorkel, this stop is where you’ll benefit most from bringing the right gear (or renting it near the tourist pier when you arrive for the day).

One more tip: wind matters. When the boat returns you to open water, that breeze can dry your skin and chill you fast. Bring a windbreaker or a light rain layer so you can warm up between swims and keep enjoying the day.

Lagoa Verde: The Tide-Play Sandbank That Turns Into a Natural Aquarium

Lagoa Verde is the stop that feels more unique than just another beach. At low tide, there’s a small sandbank connecting Ilha Grande to Ilha da Longa. At high tide, that same area becomes a natural aquarium—ideal for spotting marine life.

Expect a 45-minute break here, with time to swim and snorkel again, plus some wildlife viewing if conditions cooperate. There’s also a photo stop component, and it’s a great place to take a step back and just watch how the water changes texture and depth.

What I like about this stop is the built-in “wait time logic.” Even if you can’t snorkel the entire 45 minutes, the area itself is interesting. The changing shoreline and tide effects mean you can still have an enjoyable experience while you’re timing your swim and your rest.

If you’re the type who wants lots of guided interpretation, don’t count on it here. The tour is more about you being in the right water at the right time, not about a long spoken lecture.

Enseada das Estrelas: Beach Time, Photos, and Optional Brazilian Seafood Lunch

After lagoons and cruising, you’ll reach Enseada das Estrelas, known as a charming bay area. This is where the day slows down a bit, because you get a longer break: about one hour that includes lunch if you want it.

Lunch is optional and available at a local restaurant. Based on the setup, it usually means Brazilian food—often with seafood—so it’s a good moment to refuel without leaving the tour route. If you prefer to keep costs controlled, you can skip lunch and use the time for swimming and a short stroll.

This stop also includes another photo stop / visit / swimming segment, around 25 minutes. So you’re not just eating and leaving. You get a chance to enjoy the bay for real.

One practical note: at peak times, this kind of stop can feel busy. The water and views still make it worthwhile, but you’ll want a flexible mindset and a willingness to share space.

The Boat Ride Reality: Crowds, Timing Shifts, and Cold Wind

This tour runs rain or shine as long as it’s safe to sail. Weather is part of the deal in Ilha Grande. If seas get rough, the plan can adjust—especially around boarding and disembarking.

Here’s what to watch for: sometimes the boat must stop at a safe distance from the beach due to sea conditions. That means getting on and off can be harder, particularly if you’re not used to beach boarding. The tour notes also make it clear that non-swimmers or reduced-mobility passengers can find it difficult in those moments.

You do have options. You can stay onboard during stops if you don’t feel comfortable getting in and out. That’s a smart move for anyone who wants to enjoy the scenery from the boat and avoid risk.

Now for timing. Because this is shared and depends on loading, you may experience a waiting period before departure. At popular lagoon spots, you can also see multiple boats at once. The good news: the water is the star, and the time at each stop is planned enough that you still get value even with minor schedule hiccups.

And yes, bring something for wind. On fast rides, the breeze can hit harder than you expect, and you’ll appreciate a thicker windbreaker or light jacket for the return legs.

Snorkeling Gear, Noodles, and What to Pack for Comfort

This tour provides foam pool noodles and a cooler with ice and drinking water. That’s helpful because you’re going to be in and out of water and need something to snack and sip on between stops.

What’s not included is snorkeling gear. You can rent it near the tourist pier on the day of departure. If you don’t snorkel often, rent rather than buying something you’ll only use once. If you do snorkel a lot, bring your own mask and fins so you’re comfortable right away.

For packing, stick to what keeps you happy in sun + wind + water:

• swimwear and beachwear
• towel
• sunscreen
• sunglasses
• sandals
• windbreaker and rain gear
• a small amount of cash (for optional purchases, including the optional lunch)

Also, plan around the rules: no smoking in the vehicle, no pets, no speakers, and no touching marine life. It’s not just for etiquette. It helps keep the environment safer while you enjoy it.

Mobility and Health Considerations That Affect Your Day

This isn’t designed for everyone. It’s not suitable for children under 5, pregnant women, people with mobility impairments, people prone to seasickness, people over 80, or those who’ve had recent surgeries.

Even if you’re healthy and mobile, think about how you handle getting on and off a speedboat from a beach edge. Some stops may require boarding steps over sand or shallow water. If that’s not your thing, staying onboard during certain stops is an option, but you’ll miss some of the water time.

If seasickness is a concern, your best defense is prevention before you ever reach the pier. The tour is also fast, and the motion can add up over hours. Don’t rely on willpower.

Price and Value: Is $62 a Good Deal for This Route?

At $62 for about six hours, this tour is priced like a practical highlight experience—meaning you pay for boat access and stop time rather than a long, guided land program.

Is it worth it? For me, it’s a yes if you:

• want two lagoon experiences that are famous for clear water
• plan to swim and snorkel in multiple locations
• like the idea of splitting your day between cruising and short exploration blocks

It’s not as good value if you:

• want lots of detailed instruction in English
• expect a calm, uncrowded day
• want guaranteed fish sightings regardless of conditions

One of the more honest “value” factors here is the time trade-off. You’ll spend a good part of the day cruising and passing viewpoints, not walking for hours. That’s exactly why it works as a speedboat tour. But if your idea of a perfect day is slow sightseeing with deep commentary, you may feel the day is mostly motion.

Should You Book This Blue and Green Lagoons Speedboat?

Book it if your goal is water time and simple fun. You’ll likely enjoy it most if you’re comfortable with a Portuguese-only environment, you pack for wind and sun, and you’re ready for a shared, sometimes busy itinerary.

Skip it (or choose something else) if:

• you’re prone to seasickness or sensitive to boat motion
• you need a lot of help getting on/off the boat at beach stops
• you require English narration to feel oriented

If you do go, I’d go in with the right mindset: treat this as a self-directed swim/snorkel day with scenic cruising. When you stop focusing on explanations and start focusing on the water, the trip clicks.

FAQ

Where does the tour depart from?

The tour departs from Vila do Abraão, and ticket check happens at Caiçara Turismo Ilha Grande where you’ll receive a wristband.

How long is the speedboat tour?

The duration is 6 hours total.

What’s included in the price?

The boat tour is included, along with a cooler with ice and drinking water, and foam pool noodles for floating.

Is snorkeling gear included?

No. Snorkeling gear is not included, but you can rent it near the tourist pier on the day of departure.

Are meals included?

Lunch is optional. You’ll have a chance to eat at local restaurants during the Enseada das Estrelas break.

What languages is the tour in?

The tour is conducted in Portuguese.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, sunscreen, a towel, sunglasses, sandals, a windbreaker and rain gear, and cash if you plan to buy things. Drinks are also recommended.

What if the boat can’t get close to the beach?

Depending on sea conditions, the boat may stop at a safe distance from the beach for boarding and disembarking. If you’d rather not get on and off, you can stay onboard during stops.

Is it refundable if plans change?

Yes. It offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and you can also reserve with a pay-later option.

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