Fast speed, big lagoons, zero fuss. This 6-hour trip zips you between Blue Lagoon and Lagoa Verde for swims and snorkeling in clear, fish-friendly water. I like that it feels like a self-paced day on the water, with free time at each stop instead of a long lecture. I also like the simple inclusions: a cooler with ice water and pool noodles so you can start relaxing right away. One watch-out: the ride and beach get-ons are not ideal if you hate boats or have trouble moving around.

The best part is how the tour turns the lagoons into playground time. You get multiple swimming windows, plus a stop at Enseada das Estrelas where you can stretch your legs and add optional food. It’s popular at peak times, and you’ll share the water with a lot of other boats. Because the guide/captain works in Portuguese only, you should plan for minimal English-style interpreting.

Key highlights at a glance

• Blue Lagoon clarity with a natural setup for snorkeling and spotting fish
• Lagoa Verde’s shifting sandbank that changes character between tides
• Free time per stop so you control how long you swim, snorkel, or stroll
• Snorkeling gear rental nearby, plus pool noodles included for easy floating
• A Bay of Stars break at Enseada das Estrelas with optional lunch and beach time

Blue and Green Lagoons: why this route works

If you picture Ilha Grande as all beaches and jungle views, this tour helps you see the “water magic” side fast. You start from Vila do Abraão and then head straight to the Blue Lagoon, famous for clear water where you can swim and (with some luck and patience) see colorful fish. The vibe here is simple: get in, float, look around, repeat.

Then comes the stop people talk about for a different reason: Lagoa Verde. This isn’t just another pretty spot. At low tide, it’s described as a small sandbank that links Ilha Grande to Ilha da Longa. At high tide, that same area becomes more like a natural aquarium. Translation for you: conditions change how the water and shoreline feel, so the place can look and swim differently depending on the day.

Between those two lagoons, you’re basically getting a “best-of-water” sampler. The tour also provides a couple scenic passes on the way, so even when you’re not in the water, you’re still seeing the green-and-blue patchwork around the islands.

The 6-hour tempo from Vila do Abraão (and what each stop feels like)

This is not a slow sightseeing cruise. It’s a speedboat day with a short safety briefing and then multiple land-and-water stops.

Here’s the rhythm you’ll notice:

• Meet-up and wristband: you present your ticket at CAIÇARA TURISMO ILHA GRANDE to receive your entry wristband, then you’re guided to the speedboat.
• Safety briefing: early on, you’ll get a quick rundown (about 10 minutes) before heading out.
• First cruise segment: you get a scenic ride around Ilha Grande (around 45 minutes), with views from the boat while you’re on the move.
• Lagoa Verde swim/snorkel window: this is one of your main water times (about 45 minutes). You’ll have time for photos, free exploration at the stop, swimming, and snorkeling, with wildlife viewing possible.
• A shorter scenic/beach-access stop back toward the lagoons: another segment includes a shorter stop and scenic cruising time (around 30 minutes).
• Blue Lagoon time: another major swim/snorkel slot (about 45 minutes), with photo time and marine life viewing.
• Enseada das Estrelas (Bay of Stars): you get a longer break (about 1 hour) that includes the option to lunch, plus additional time for a visit, photos, swimming, and more scenic viewing.
• Final scenic cruising and return: you’ll have one last pass by and then ride back to Vila do Abraão.

What matters for your planning: stops are generally around 45–50 minutes for the swim/snorkel areas, and then you have time for photos, walking, and relaxing. If you want a long beach day, this isn’t that. If you want multiple quick hits of clear water, it’s a good match.

Snorkeling help: what’s included, what’s not, and how to make it easy

You’ll see why snorkeling is the main activity here. Blue Lagoon and Lagoa Verde are described as ideal for snorkeling and fish-spotting. The tour also includes pool noodles, which are perfect if you just want to float and look without tiring yourself out.

But snorkeling gear is not included. You can rent it near the pier on the day you depart. So I treat this as a “decide on the spot” situation: if you’re already a confident swimmer, you might go without renting. If you want proper snorkeling time, rent gear before you hit the water.

A practical note from real-world experience with boats: wind can get cold even when the water looks inviting. I’d bring a windbreaker or thicker layer so you’re not shivering during the ride between stops. And pack a towel because you’ll dry off fast between swim and boat time.

Quick packing checklist (based on what you’re told to bring):

• Swimwear + beachwear
• Sunscreen
• Sandals
• Towel
• Rain gear (it runs rain or shine when it’s safe)
• Sunglasses
• Drinks (even though water is provided, it helps to have extras)
• Cash (useful for anything you buy on your own)

Getting on and off the boat: the real “mobility” factor

This tour is fun, but it has a specific physical reality: you’re not always stepping from dock to boat. Some stops are beach-side, and the boat may need to stop farther out depending on sea conditions. That can make getting on and off harder if you don’t move confidently in sand and shallow surf.

Good news: you can stay onboard during stops if you’d rather not deal with the water-to-boat transfer. That option changes the experience a lot—suddenly you’re not forced into a wet, sandy logistics game.

Still, the tour is not set up for everyone. It’s listed as not suitable for people with mobility impairments, people prone to seasickness, pregnant women, children under 5, people over 80, and anyone with recent surgeries. If any of those apply, I’d skip this exact format and look for a gentler option.

And one more reality check: you’ll be using speedboat transfer times between stops, so you can feel the chop. If you’re sensitive to motion, this is the day you’ll feel it most.

Language on board: Portuguese-only and how to enjoy anyway

This activity is operated in Portuguese only. That doesn’t mean it’s impossible for non-Portuguese speakers—but it does mean your experience will be more self-directed than guided in the storytelling sense.

The tour is described as a kind of self-guided flow: you’re taken from one island or beach to another, and then you have free time. So you don’t need perfect translation to have a good day. You mainly need to understand the basics for safety, timing, and where you’re going next.

My advice: treat it like a photo-and-swim itinerary. You’re there for water. If you’re hoping for detailed commentary in English, you may not get that. Also, because the guide/captain is local and knows the area, safety is still the priority.

Enseada das Estrelas: optional lunch and a break from pure swimming

After lagoons, the tour shifts gears at Enseada das Estrelas (Bay of Stars). This is where you get more of a “pause” in your day. There’s a break time (about 1 hour) that includes lunch as an option, plus time for photos, visiting, and swimming.

Lunch is optional, but the food angle is clear: Brazilian cuisine is offered on your own timetable at local restaurants, and seafood is a big part of that. Since lunch isn’t included, plan for cash and don’t assume you’ll be eating exactly when you sit down unless you’re ready to make the choice fast.

This stop also tends to be where you can cool off after swimming earlier—either by walking a bit, taking photos, or just hanging out and recharging before the final run back.

Price and value: is $62 worth it?

At $62 per person for about 6 hours, what you’re paying for is time-efficient access to multiple water locations without renting a boat or figuring out logistics yourself.

What’s included:

• Boat tour
• Cooler with ice and drinking water
• Foam pool noodles

What’s not included (so you budget for it):

• Snorkeling gear (rentable near the pier)
• Lunch (optional in Enseada das Estrelas)

So where’s the value? You’re buying a guided movement plan between several standout spots in a short day. If you want just one lagoon, you might feel it’s pricey. If you want the “Blue Lagoon + Lagoa Verde + Bay of Stars” combo, the structure makes financial sense.

The other value is simplicity. You don’t have to coordinate a route. You show up at CAIÇARA TURISMO ILHA GRANDE, get your wristband, and the day is built for you—just with enough self-time to make it your own.

Crowds, timing, and the reality of popular lagoon stops

This area is popular, and you should expect a lively atmosphere during peak times. You might notice multiple boats at the same swim spots, especially at the two big lagoon locations. That can make the water feel like a shared scene rather than a quiet nature moment.

Timing can also feel a bit irregular. While punctuality is the goal, delays can happen due to weather or unexpected issues. Also, because this is a shared tour, the boat can’t wait for late arrivals, and it won’t offer early returns.

My practical take: don’t plan this as a “tight connection” day from Rio or a cruise schedule. It’s a full commitment day built around the local pace and weather.

Who should book (and who should skip)

This speedboat lagoon tour is a strong fit if you:

• Want multiple swim/snorkel stops in one day
• Like having free time at locations rather than a strict schedule of guided talking
• Are comfortable with speedboat rides and basic water-to-boat transfers
• Can handle minimal English support due to Portuguese-only operation

I’d skip it if you:

• Get seasick easily
• Have mobility limitations that could make beach transfers difficult
• Are traveling with a child under 5, or if age limits apply for you
• Have a recent surgery or any medical situation where the boat ride could be risky

Should you book this tour? A simple decision guide

If your dream Ilha Grande day is clear water, snorkeling opportunities, and short beach walks—this is the kind of tour that delivers. The included touches (ice water and pool noodles) keep it low-stress, and the itinerary gives you several chances to actually get into the lagoon rather than just stare at it.

But book it with eyes open. It’s busy at peak times, the language is Portuguese, and the logistics of getting on/off at beach stops plus potential sea chop aren’t ideal for everyone. If you want calm, quiet, and heavy narration, look for a different style of tour. If you want an energetic water day with multiple top stops, this one is a solid choice.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

You meet at CAIÇARA TURISMO ILHA GRANDE to present your ticket and receive your wristband. The tour then guides you to the speedboat.

What language is used on the tour?

The tour is operated in Portuguese only.

Is snorkeling gear included?

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

Is lunch included?

Lunch is optional. You can buy it at local restaurants during the Enseada das Estrelas stop.

How long is the tour?

The duration is 6 hours.

Is swimming guaranteed at every stop?

You’ll have time for swimming at the stops listed for those activities. Depending on sea conditions, the boat may stop at a safe distance from the beach, but you can still use the stop time and follow staff guidance.

Do they provide pool noodles?

Yes. Foam pool noodles are included for floating.

What should I bring?

Bring a windbreaker, swimwear, sunscreen, beachwear, towel, rain gear, sunglasses, drinks, cash, and sandals.

Does the tour run in rain?

The tour takes place rain or shine, as long as it’s safe to sail.

Who is this tour not suitable for?

It’s not suitable for children under 5, pregnant women, people with mobility impairments, people prone to seasickness, people over 80, and those with recent surgeries. Also, the boat transfers may be difficult depending on sea conditions.

If you want, tell me your travel month and whether you plan to snorkel. I can help you pick what to prioritize: gear timing, clothing layers for wind, and whether this pace fits your day.