Blue water, white sand, and an easy sail.

This schooner ride links Angra dos Reis to Ilha Grande with real time on the water and snorkeling stops, including Lagoa Azul, a natural aquarium area. I like how the itinerary mixes short, scenic beach hangs with swim-and-snorkel moments, and I also like the cost-value for what you get. One possible drawback: food can get pricey if lunch is not included, and onboard buying options may be limited.

Here’s the idea: you’re spending about 6 hours doing a bay-hopping loop, not checking a box at each stop. Lagoa Azul is built for snorkeling, Araca Beach (Freguesia de Fora) is about relaxing, and the Botinas Islands are all about clear water and an up-close look at sea life.

Just keep your expectations in the right place. This kind of day trip runs on the tide, the weather, and boat logistics, and it can start a bit behind schedule.

Key highlights at a glance

• Snorkeling stop at Lagoa Azul in a natural aquarium setting
• Araca Beach + Praia de Japariz for golden sand and turquoise water views
• Botinas Islands snorkeling with very clear water and sand that looks shallower than it is
• Short beach time throughout, with a longer lunch stop later
• Dining works differently at the lunch point (menu selection is handled so you get served soon after)
• Drinking on board is prohibited, so plan accordingly

Schooner sailing between Angra dos Reis and Ilha Grande

This is a classic “get on a boat and let the scenery do the work” outing. You start at Estação Santa Luzia, 435 – Av. Júlio Maria, Centro, Angra dos Reis – RJ at 11:30 am, and you end back at the same meeting point. The day is listed as around 6 hours, with multiple stops that keep the pace light rather than intense.

The price is listed at $12 per person, which is why this works for a lot of budgets. The big reason it feels like value is that the main stops have admission tickets listed as free. You’re mostly paying for the boat ride, the timing, and access to the bays and snorkeling areas.

One more practical note: the operator sets a maximum of 100 travelers, which usually helps keep the boat from feeling like a packed cattle car.

Lagoa Azul: the natural aquarium snorkeling stop

Your first main stop is Lagoa Azul. This is the snorkeling highlight for the whole route, and the setup is exactly what you want if you like clear water and fish activity without spending the day on a full tour package.

The stop is about 35 minutes. That’s not long enough to perfect your snorkeling skills, but it’s enough time to get your mask on, swim a little, and enjoy the water clarity. If you’re even a casual swimmer, this is typically the moment where the day starts to feel special.

A small caution matters here: snorkeling sites in this region can look calm and shallow from above, but conditions can change quickly once you’re in the water. Treat the water like it’s real water (not a bathtub), and keep your expectations flexible based on visibility.

Araca Beach and Praia de Japariz: relax time in the bay

The second stop is Araca Beach (Freguesia de Fora). The purpose here is simple: take a break on the water, enjoy the bay views, and soak up the island scenery.

From Araca, you get time around Praia de Araca, with tropical rainforest scenery and mountains visible in the distance. Then the plan shifts toward more quiet ocean-accessible beaches and a lunch stop later.

Part of this leg includes Praia de Japariz, described as a golden sand beach with turquoise waves that can suit surfers and swimmers. The time is again about 35 minutes, so it’s a “sit, swim a bit, take photos, repeat” stop rather than a long beach day. Still, for a half-day boat outing, the beach-to-scenery ratio here is strong.

Botinas Islands: clear water, sandy shallows, real depth

Next up: Botinas Islands. This is one of those places where the “short stop” format actually works, because the sea life and water clarity are the point.

These are described as two small stone islands with calm, colorful seas, and they’re a great snorkeling area. The key detail I’d highlight for you is the water illusion: the bottom is white sand and the transparency can make the sea seem much shallower than it actually is. The region around the islands can be up to 10 meters deep.

So yes—go in with confidence, but don’t assume your feet will always touch. If you’re not a strong swimmer, stick to the easiest, closest-to-surface areas and keep it relaxed.

The stop length is about 35 minutes. That’s enough time to enjoy the water and take a few good looks without getting rushed.

Lunch at Praia das setas: how the Bar do Luiz meal works

The later stop is tied to Gipoia Island and Praia das setas. This is where lunch fits into the schedule, and it’s also where food logistics matter most for your day.

Lunch is at Bar do luiz (a typical restaurant in the region). The notable part: the restaurant menu is brought into the vessel so you can choose your meal, and it’s served after you arrive at the beach area. The lunch stop is listed as 1 hour.

If you’re thinking, Will lunch cost extra? it might, depending on your booking option. Since the experience is offered with or without Lunch Included, you should check what your specific ticket includes before you go hungry. If lunch is not included, bring lunch/snacks with you. One real-world warning from the day: there may be very limited food purchase options onboard, and the onboard/food pricing can be steep. A simple chicken fillet plate with fries is cited at 170 reais when you have to buy.

If you do need to purchase something, at least the Bar do Luiz approach is clear and structured—you pick, then you get served soon after arrival.

Also, remember the rules: drinking on board is prohibited. That means if you want a soda, water, or anything else during the trip, plan based on what’s actually available to buy or what you bring.

Timing reality: 6 hours is fast, weather controls everything

This tour runs as a boat day. That means you’ll be living in two timing systems: the posted schedule and the reality of a working boat.

The itinerary has several 35-minute stops and then the 1-hour lunch stop, which adds up quickly in a good way. If you come expecting a strict minute-by-minute schedule, you’ll likely feel frustrated. If you come ready for a loose rhythm, you’ll probably enjoy it more.

Weather matters too. The experience requires good weather, and if it’s canceled because of poor conditions, you’ll be offered either a different date or a full refund. That’s a big deal in coastal areas, so treat your booking as weather-dependent.

Price and value: why $12 can feel fair here

Let’s talk money in a plain way. At $12 per person, this is priced like a budget-friendly way to get from Angra dos Reis to the Ilha Grande bay area without needing to organize every detail yourself.

What makes it feel fair:

• You’re getting a full half-day on a schooner (about 6 hours)
• You have multiple stops, including a top snorkeling stop at Lagoa Azul
• Admission tickets for the described stops are listed as free
• The group size cap (100 travelers) suggests you’re not in a tiny private boat, but you’re also not likely drowning in chaos

What can make it feel expensive (even at $12):

• If lunch is not included, you may end up paying a lot for food
• Onboard purchasing options can be limited, so you don’t want to rely on impulse hunger

That’s why my advice is simple: treat the $12 as paying for the boat and the schedule, and treat food as a separate planning task. If your ticket includes lunch, great. If it doesn’t, pack snacks so you’re not stuck when the menu is the only option.

Who this schooner ride is best for

This works best if you want:

• A short, scenic day in the Ilha Grande area without committing to a full day on land
• A snorkeling moment (Lagoa Azul, plus Botinas Islands) without booking separate excursions
• A budget-friendly outing from Angra dos Reis

It may not be ideal if you want:

• A long beach day with hours to sunbathe and wander
• Guaranteed strict timing down to the minute
• A food-focused day where you can comfortably buy meals without thinking about cost

If you’re traveling with kids or non-swimmers, the tour can still be fun for the views, but you’ll want to plan around the snorkeling stops and short swim windows.

Practical tips that make the day smoother

A few details can make or break your comfort level on a boat day like this.

First: bring snacks if your booking doesn’t clearly include lunch. The lunch arrangement at Bar do Luiz is helpful, but it’s still a lunch purchase if not included, and the cited pricing is high for what it is.

Second: check the policy about drinks. Since drinking on board is prohibited, don’t plan on a casual drinking situation onboard. Focus on staying comfortable and hydrated within the rules.

Third: plan around weather. If conditions are poor, the tour can be canceled and rescheduled, or refunded. Having flexibility helps.

If you need to confirm last-minute details, the listed onboard service contact is Angra dos Reis Turismo, reachable via 24 999890167.

Should you book this Angra dos Reis to Ilha Grande schooner ride?

I’d book it if you want a low-cost way to get real time in Ilha Grande’s bay world with at least one strong snorkeling stop. The value is hard to ignore for $12, especially with free admission at the stops and a clear route: Lagoa Azul first, then beach time at Araca and Praia de Japariz, then Botinas Islands for that clear-water snorkeling, and finally the Praia das setas lunch stop.

I’d hesitate if your main priority is food comfort or long beach lounging. The tour is time-boxed, and lunch costs can catch you off guard if it’s not included.

My final call: book it with the right plan. Bring snacks if needed, keep your timing expectations relaxed, and treat the day like a scenic boat loop with a couple of excellent water moments—because that’s exactly what it is.

FAQ

How long is the schooner ride?

It’s listed as about 6 hours.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 11:30 am.

Where do I meet for the tour?

You meet at Estação Santa Luzia, 435 – Av. Júlio Maria – Centro, Angra dos Reis – RJ, 23900-600.

Where does the tour end?

It ends back at the same meeting point in Angra dos Reis.

Which stops are included during the trip?

The itinerary includes Lagoa Azul, Araca Beach (Freguesia de Fora), Botinas Islands, and Praia das setas (with lunch at Bar do luiz).

Is snorkeling included?

Snorkeling is part of the experience, including at Lagoa Azul and around Botinas Islands.

Are admission tickets required for the stops?

Admission tickets are listed as free for the stops mentioned.

Is lunch included?

The experience is offered with or without lunch included, and lunch is tied to the Bar do luiz stop at Praia das setas. Check what your specific booking includes.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience starts, the amount paid is not refunded.