A schooner day in Angra is a real reset. You’ll trade Rio traffic for about 5 hours on the water around the bay of Angra dos Reis, with several short stops in crystal-clear places like Lagoa Azul and Cataguás Island, then finish with lunch on shore.

What I like most is the mix: nature-focused stops (fish, calm water, easy swimming spots) plus an included meal that’s timed after the boat ride. The other big win is the bilingual guide with Embratur registration, which helps you make sense of where you are and when to be ready.

One consideration: the day can feel less “cozy nature cruise” and more “loud group boat,” especially in high season when boats are packed near capacity, and the vibe depends on the departure.

Quick hits before you go

• Schooner-style boat + calm lagoon stops: shorter 40-minute windows that keep the day moving
• Lagoa Azul natural aquarium: starfish and lots of fish in very photogenic turquoise water
• Cataguás Island feels Caribbean-like: “island hopping” without getting too far from the mainland
• Lunch included after the ride: buffet option designed to be kinder to your stomach
• Real-world group-size warning: the tour may feel crowded on some departures, so plan for comfort accordingly

Why Angra dos Reis by Schooner Feels Different

This is the kind of outing that makes the hours in Rio feel worth it. The core of the day is the boat ride itself—about 5 hours aboard a schooner model vessel—plus a few perfectly paced stops where you can get out, look around, and swim without committing to a full hike day.

You’re not stuck on one long “look only” stretch. Each stop is short enough to keep energy up, but long enough to actually enjoy the water. And because the tour is centered on the bay of Angra dos Reis, you get that classic Ilha Grande region feel without spending the entire day just traveling.

Two things matter for your day:

• You’ll have time for water contact—so bring a swimsuit you can live with wearing again later.
• You’ll be with a group—so bring patience, and plan your comfort (seat, shade, ear protection if you’re sensitive to music).

Price and What You’re Really Getting for $71.90

At $71.90 per person, the value is strongest when you compare what’s included versus what you’d normally pay for separately. This price includes:

• Air-conditioned vehicle (round-trip transfer time totals around a full day)
• Boat ride
• Lunch
• A bilingual guide registered with Embratur

What you should budget for:

• A marina fee of R$ 25 per person (not included)
• Drinks and dessert at lunch are not included
• On-board professional photography is extra
• Full snorkeling equipment is not included
• If you want to use a life jacket for fun (not just emergency use), there’s an extra fee

That last list is why I call this a “good value with smart packing.” If you want drinks, you’ll pay. If you want snorkeling gear, you’ll need to bring or rent it elsewhere. If you want a quieter vibe, you may need to choose your timing and expectations carefully.

The 7:00 AM Start: Transfers That Can Add Up

The tour start time listed is 7:00 am, and the transfer to Angra dos Reis (and around there) is about 2 hours 30 minutes. In high season, logistics can get complicated—your departure point may shift (for better logistics), and the bus may make multiple stops to pick people up.

Here’s the practical tip that saves time: if there are multiple meeting points, choose the last one. The operator specifically recommends this to avoid up to 2 extra hours of bus time caused by extra boarding stops.

Also, your boarding information typically comes by WhatsApp the day before, and you’ll be told exactly where to check in. If you don’t provide an address for pickup, you’ll get a standard meeting point.

Bottom line: plan to be ready early, not just on time. Your day is long, and the morning sets the tone.

Santa Luzia Pier to the First Water Stop (Lagoa Azul)

The boat portion starts around 11:30 am at the Santa Luzia pier in downtown Angra dos Reis. You return to the same pier around 5 pm. Between those times, you’ll do several short stops.

First up is Lagoa Azul (about 40 minutes), described as a natural aquarium with fish and starfish. This is one of the most visited and talked-about areas in Ilha Grande Bay, and for good reason: the water is strikingly clear, and the scenery looks like it’s been staged—except it’s real. It’s also a “good for photos, good for short swims” stop, not a “sit and wait” one.

What to do in your 40 minutes:

• Get your bearings fast so you don’t waste half the stop just deciding where to stand.
• If you’re snorkeling with just a mask, protect your eyes and manage buoyancy—don’t crank around like you’re in a movie. Smooth moves look better, and they keep you safer.

Admission here is free, so you’re not spending your time in lines or entry hassles.

Cataguás Island: Easy Island-Hopping Energy

Next is Cataguás Island (also about 40 minutes), with the idea of “Caribbean vibes” along the coast of Rio de Janeiro. You’re also told it’s one of the closest islands to the mainland, which is why the boat ride feels manageable even if you’re traveling from the center of Angra.

This stop is “island hop” energy without extreme logistics. You’ll likely see a more open coastal feel than Lagoa Azul’s very aquarium-like mood. It’s a good contrast stop that breaks up the day so you don’t get only lagoon visuals.

Admission is listed as free here as well.

Practical note: because stops are short, you should treat Cataguás like a sampler. Get in, look, and swim if conditions feel calm enough. Then move with the group when it’s time—boats don’t wait forever.

Freguesia de Santana Beach: Calm Water for Swimmers (and Non-Swimmers)

The tour then heads to Freguesia de Santana Beach (about 40 minutes). This is another place where the key detail is calm water and a pier, which means it’s a good option whether you like lounging or you want to get in and explore marine life.

The wording around this stop emphasizes two kinds of visitors:

• People who want a safe, relaxing swim and shoreline time
• People who enjoy marine life spotting when water and movement allow

Admission is free here, so the main “cost” is your time and energy.

One thing to watch: if you’re sensitive to waves, keep an eye on how the water feels when you step in. Some days are calmer, some days aren’t. This tour generally runs even in bad weather unless the Navy doesn’t authorize departure, so expect the sea to have opinions.

Praia de Japariz Lunch: Included Buffet, Served at the Right Time

Lunch stops at Praia de Japariz (about 1 hour), and this is the “most important practical part of your day” because food timing affects how you feel after being on the water.

The standout detail: the restaurant menu is passed onto the vessel so you can choose what you want, and lunch is served as soon as the food arrives at the beach. You also have a self-service buffet option with items like:

• fried fish
• fried chicken
• beans and rice
• salads
• mush and pasta

One big reason I think this works for most people: the tour operator states that lunch is served after the boat ride because people may feel uncomfortable due to the boat’s swing. That’s not a small detail. If you’ve ever eaten right before rough water, you know why they care about this.

What’s not included at lunch:

• drinks
• dessert

So if you want a soda or water, plan to pay. This is also a good moment to refill energy for the last water stop.

Lagoa Verde Finale: Shallow, Calm, and Close to Araçatiba

The day also highlights Lagoa Verde, described as shallow and calm green waters on the northwest coast of Ilha Grande, close to Enseada de Araçatiba. This is the final water highlight feel—more “hang out in gentle water” than “adrenaline.”

It’s a nice way to end because it doesn’t demand the same level of effort as the morning stops. If you came for swimming and scenery, this is where you can slow down.

And because the stop windows are still short, you’ll want to bring a towel you can actually manage and a bag that can handle wet gear.

The Boat, Music, Bathrooms, and the Real Comfort Factor

Here’s where this tour can split into two very different experiences: relaxing and scenic, or packed and party-ish.

The tour description says vessels don’t operate overcrowded and are inspected by the Navy of Brazil before departure, with legal limits respected. Boats also undergo daily maintenance. In practice, comfort depends on which vessel size you get that day and how full it is.

Some people loved the atmosphere; one positive highlight mentions an excellent guide, Diego Siva, who gave special attention even though the group had mostly non-English speakers.

But there are also complaints to take seriously:

• seat availability can be tight
• bathrooms can be dirty on some days
• music can be extremely loud, making conversation hard
• at least one departure involved staff not speaking English

What you can do to protect your comfort:

• Bring earplugs if you know loud music bothers you
• If you’re older or you dislike crowds, aim for calm expectations and consider bringing a small cushion if you’ve found that helpful on other boat days
• If bathrooms are a concern for you, use restrooms before you board and plan for limited options once you’re out on the water

I don’t think it’s fair to call the tour unsafe or chaotic from the data alone. But I do think it’s fair to say the comfort level is variable—so plan like you’ll be in a group boat.

Food and Drinks: Good Enough, Just Don’t Expect a Beverage Package

Lunch is the anchor meal and it’s included, with a buffet set up for speed. People have described lunch as good and matching expectations, but the buffet has also been criticized as average on some departures.

Drinks are the simplest part: drinks and dessert are not included. If you want alcohol, sodas, or even extra drinks beyond water, you should plan for that cost.

Also, there’s an option for drinks during the day, but that’s the kind of thing that can sell out if the boat gets busy. So if you want something specific, grab it early when you can.

The best way to make this part painless:

• eat enough at lunch to get you through the final leg
• bring water if you can (the operator suggests feeling free to bring snacks and water to consume during the walk)

Who Should Book This (and Who Should Skip It)

This is a strong pick if you want:

• a mostly water-based day with scenic stops
• included lunch without planning your own meal
• a structured itinerary where you don’t have to figure out boats, schedules, and ferry connections

It’s also a good choice if your group is mixed—people who want to swim can, and people who don’t can still enjoy the scenery and easy beach moments.

I’d be more cautious if you:

• need quiet and comfort above all else
• dislike crowded spaces or loud music
• care deeply about always having staff speaking fluent English (the tour is meant to be bilingual, but the experience can vary)

If you fit a “calm older adult” profile, you’ll want to go in with realistic expectations about the boat environment and prioritize comfort items.

Should You Book Angra dos Reis with Lunch?

If you’re looking for a classic Angra water day—short lagoon stops, a schooner vibe, and lunch handled for you—then this tour is a solid yes. The combination of free entry stops (Lagoa Azul, Cataguás, Freguesia de Santana), included boat time, and a buffet lunch after the ride is good value for $71.90, as long as you budget for the R$ 25 marina fee and you don’t assume unlimited drinks.

My decision rule is simple:

• Book if you’re comfortable with group dynamics and you’re excited by lagoon swimming.
• Consider an alternate option if you’re very sensitive to crowds, bathroom cleanliness, or loud music.

With a little prep—earplugs, motion-friendly snacks, and realistic expectations—you’ll leave with photos, salty air memories, and that rare feeling that a day trip actually delivered.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

The tour start time is listed as 7:00 am. The boat portion typically begins later, around 11:30 am at Santa Luzia pier.

How long is the boat ride?

The boat ride is about 5 hours aboard a schooner model vessel.

What are the main stops during the day?

The schedule includes Lagoa Azul, Cataguás Island, Freguesia de Santana Beach, Praia de Japariz (for lunch), and Lagoa Verde.

Is lunch included, and what’s it like?

Yes. Lunch is included and is served after the boat ride at Praia de Japariz. You can choose a buffet-style self service meal with options like fried fish, fried chicken, beans, rice, salads, mush, and pasta.

Do I get snorkeling equipment or professional photos?

No. Snorkeling equipment and professional on-board photography are not included.

Are there extra fees I should plan for?

Yes. A marina fee of R$ 25 per person is not included. Also, drinks and dessert at lunch are not included, and there may be an extra fee if you want to use a life jacket for recreational purposes.

Does the tour run in bad weather?

It usually runs even in bad weather, but it can be canceled in exceptional situations when the Navy of Brazil does not authorize the ship to leave.