A day tour outside Rio de Janeiro is a fantastic option for travellers with limited time in Brazil. Although spending time in Rio is great, as there is so much to see and do with the bustling city and beautiful beaches, it would be a shame to visit and not take at least one day to explore this beach paradise located just two hours away.

The Angra Dos Reis & Ilha Grande Day Tour departs at 9am, a nice early start enabling you to make the most of your day outside the city. Besides the stunning landscapes you'll be exposed to from the boat, you'll have the opportunity to meet and get to know the other travellers on your tour, which makes it all the more enjoyable. The tour tends to attract a variety of travellers: families, couples, independent backpackers and groups of friends.

 
One of the 365 islands of Angra dos Reis / Photo: Canva Pro
 

About Angra dos Reis and Ilha Grande

Angra dos Reis is a municipality whose main commercial activity centres around fishing and tourism. With its proximity to Rio and its 365 breathtaking offshore islands, Angra appeals greatly to locals, as well as tourists.

Ilha Grande Tour  - Visiting the “Big Island”

Right after you arrive in Angra, the tour takes you on a boat to explore some of its islands. Below is the boat that transports you from the port of Angra dos Reis.

The view from the boat / Photo: Canva Pro

The whole tour experience is fun and relaxed, providing you with a unique opportunity to admire these crystalline waters. Bear in mind though that this is a beach tour, therefore you should bring a bathing suit, dry clothes and comfortable shoes as you will no doubt get wet! If needed you can carry a pair of water shoes.  As you can see from the pictures, the boat stops in some islands where you'll have to jump into the water to get to the shore, whereas in others you just jump to the water to swim amongst the fish and go snorkelling with the guides.

 
First stop: Angra Dos Reis / Photo: Canva Pro
  Although all the landscapes you'll see are truly amazing, the stop at the Blue Lagoon will no doubt be the most memorable. The place is just magical, revealing why Ilha Grande is considered the "second wonder" after Rio amongst locals. It is also one of the richest ecosystems on the world, an ecological paradise.

When you finally arrive at the big island, a magnificent feast awaits! On the Ilha Grande Tour, you'll receive a full buffet featuring typical Brazilian dishes such as rice & beans, fish, fruit and vegetables, all of which is served on the beach.

 
Restaurant next to a beach in Ilha Grande / Photo: Canva Pro
  You'll make one last stop on an island with an abandoned church, built in a Portuguese style, before returning to Angra in the late afternoon. Overall, the Angra Dos Reis & Ilha Grande Day Tour is a wonderful, unique way to visit these paradisical spots and spend time with Brazilians and other travellers. With such beautiful and peaceful places on its door stop, it's really no wonder Rio de Janeiro is such a popular travel destination.
 

By: Daytours4u Content Team.