Ilha Grande can be explored in three very different ways: by catamaran with lunch, on a full-day hiking tour, or on a short private walking tour focused on history and a natural pool. Each option suits a different pace, group style, and amount of time on the island.
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This comparison is designed for travelers researching things to do in Ilha Grande. For related planning, see our TourPickGuide experience comparisons and Brazil tours and experiences.
Compare the 3 Tour Options
Use this comparison to match the itinerary, traveler feedback, duration, and key features to your preferred travel day.
| Tour | Best for | Rating | Reviews | Duration | Key point | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Boat day with lunch | travelers who want a long, festive day on the water with meals and transport arranged | ★ 5.0/5 | 7 reviews | Approx. 13 hr | Includes round-trip transportation. | View on Viator |
 Full-day hike | travelers who prefer an active day on foot and want a smaller group | ★ 5.0/5 | 7 reviews | Approx. 14 hr | Private tour with small groups from 3 to 12 people. | View on Viator |
 Short private walk | travelers who want a shorter, quieter visit with history and nature combined | ★ 4.9/5 | 14 reviews | Approx. 2 hr–3 hr | Shortest of the three options. | View on Viator |
Explore Each Tour in Detail
Each option includes its own photo gallery, overview, key features, traveler profile, and direct Viator link.
Compare this if you want the most boat-focused format.
Pirate Cataraman Tour Angra dos Reis and Ilha Grande with Lunch
Best for: travelers who want a long, festive day on the water with meals and transport arranged
This is the most transport-heavy of the three options and is built as a long, shared day out rather than a short visit. The route centers on Ilha Grande and Angra dos Reis, with time described for swimming, relaxing on the beach, and snorkeling among tropical fish. Onboard, the experience leans festive, with live music and themed activities on a pirate-style vessel. Lunch is included, and the itinerary notes also mention free time and a beachfront restaurant setting, while drinks, dessert, and port tax are not included. It suits travelers who want a full excursion with a lively group atmosphere.
A social island day by catamaran
- Includes round-trip transportation.
- Includes buffet lunch.
- Adds live music and themed onboard activities.
Compare this if you want the most active option.
Ilha Grande Hiking Tour
Best for: travelers who prefer an active day on foot and want a smaller group
This tour is designed for travelers who want to experience Ilha Grande by hiking rather than spending the day on a boat. The itinerary emphasizes beach-to-beach walking and notes visits to Pouso, Palmas, and Lopes Mendes, with the latter highlighted as a standout beach. Transportation is part of the package, with hotel pickup and drop-off included, but a boat ticket from and to the island is excluded, so the day still depends on that separate transfer step. The product is described as private and limited to small groups, which makes it a good fit for people who want a more personal pace and a more active format.
A walking-focused day along the coast
- Private tour with small groups from 3 to 12 people.
- Includes hotel pickup and drop-off.
- Includes a driver/guide.
Compare this if you want a brief private visit.
Ilha Grande – Private Historical Walking Tour with Natural Pool.
Best for: travelers who want a shorter, quieter visit with history and nature combined
This is the shortest and most intimate option, built around walking rather than a long excursion or full-day hike. The route starts from Vila do Abraão and combines historical and natural points of interest, including a church, the state park headquarters, black-sand beach scenery, ruins, and a natural pool. The tour notes also mention the chance to swim, and snorkeling may be possible on private tours. Because it is a private experience, it is a good choice for travelers who want a slower-paced visit with direct guide attention. It does not list any exclusions, but the confirmed inclusion is the licensed local guide.
A compact private sightseeing walk
- Shortest of the three options.
- Includes a licensed local tour guide.
- Private format with pickup included.
Choosing the right Ilha Grande itinerary style
If you want a long day with transportation and lunch handled, the catamaran tour is the most straightforward fit. If you prefer a more active day, choose the hiking tour; if you want a shorter private visit with history and nature, the walking tour is the most compact option.
Boat-based island and bay outing
Shared catamaran tour with stops for swimming and beach time, plus lunch included.
Coastal hiking route
Guided island hike linking several beaches in a small private group.
Historic walking route with natural pool
Private walk from Vila do Abraão with history stops, beach scenery, and a natural pool.
Travel planning tip
Check the live product page before booking. Departure details, activity order, inclusions, and available options can change.
Booking notes
- Check what each tour explicitly includes before booking, especially transportation, meals, and guide service.
- Review what is excluded so you can plan for items such as drinks, gratuities, or separate boat tickets when relevant.
- Choose based on pace and group style, since these experiences range from shared day tours to private tours and short walks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which option is the longest day out?
The catamaran tour and the hiking tour are both full-day experiences, while the private historical walking tour is much shorter.
Which tour is best if I want a private experience?
The hiking tour and the historical walking tour are both described as private or small-group options, while the catamaran tour is a shared group experience.
Which option includes lunch or meals?
Only the catamaran tour explicitly includes a buffet lunch. The hiking tour lists food and drinks as excluded, and the private walking tour does not list meals as included.