Cruise port Ilha Grande
Info for port Ilha Grande on 14 Nov 2027
Port information & tips for Ilha Grande
Ilha Grande is a tropical paradise on the Brazilian Costa Verde and enchants visitors with its untouched nature and crystal-clear water. The car-free island radiates an incomparable tranquility and offers an authentic ecotourism experience thanks to its dense rainforests and hidden bays. Absolute highlights include the world-famous beach Praia de Lopes Mendes, the historical ruins of the Cândido Mendes prison, and the picturesque Aqueduto. Since large ships lie at anchor off the coast, guests can comfortably reach the Cais da Vila do Abraão by tender boat. This central landing point is located directly in the heart of the charming main town, so that restaurants, small boutiques, and hiking trails are within easy reach in just a few steps.
Ilha Grande is a picturesque island mainly reached via mainland ports such as Mangaratiba or Angra dos Reis, from where ferries or speedboats operate. Cruise ships usually tender off Vila do Abraão, the island's main town. Traveling from the DACH region generally requires a long-haul flight to Rio de Janeiro and a onward journey to the mainland.
Airplane
The nearest international airport is Rio de Janeiro-Galeão (GIG), which is accessible from Germany, Austria, and Switzerland with stopovers. Alternatively, the smaller Santos Dumont (SDU) airport in Rio de Janeiro is an option, although it mainly serves domestic flights and is often a good choice for connecting flights within Brazil.
Transfer to the Mainland Port
From Rio de Janeiro, you can reach the mainland ports by bus, taxi, or private transfer. Mangaratiba is located about 85 kilometers west of Rio de Janeiro; the journey takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours via the RJ-014, depending on traffic. Angra dos Reis is about 150 kilometers away and can be reached via the BR-101 in about 2.5 to 3 hours. There are regular bus connections from the Rodoviária Novo Rio bus station to both locations.
Ferry & Pre-Cruise Hotel
Regular ferries and speedboats run from Mangaratiba and Angra dos Reis to Ilha Grande, primarily to the main town of Vila do Abraão. Ferries from Mangaratiba take about 1.5 hours, while speedboats are significantly faster. Due to the long journey from Europe and limited ferry times, it is strongly recommended to spend a night in Rio de Janeiro or in the respective departure port on the mainland (Mangaratiba or Angra dos Reis) the day before embarkation to ensure a relaxed start to your vacation. Parking for cars is available in Mangaratiba and Angra dos Reis, mostly in guarded parking lots near the ferry terminals.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that your travel documents will usually provide you with a fixed time slot for check-in, which is mandatory for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port accordingly and keep in mind that the latest embarkation time—depending on the cruise line and destination—is generally scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The same applies during the voyage: for shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
Ilha Grande is a picturesque island mainly reached via mainland ports such as Mangaratiba or Angra dos Reis, from where ferries or speedboats operate. Cruise ships usually tender off Vila do Abraão, the island's main town. Traveling from the DACH region generally requires a long-haul flight to Rio de Janeiro and a onward journey to the mainland.
Airplane
The nearest international airport is Rio de Janeiro-Galeão (GIG), which is accessible from Germany, Austria, and Switzerland with stopovers. Alternatively, the smaller Santos Dumont (SDU) airport in Rio de Janeiro is an option, although it mainly serves domestic flights and is often a good choice for connecting flights within Brazil.
Transfer to the Mainland Port
From Rio de Janeiro, you can reach the mainland ports by bus, taxi, or private transfer. Mangaratiba is located about 85 kilometers west of Rio de Janeiro; the journey takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours via the RJ-014, depending on traffic. Angra dos Reis is about 150 kilometers away and can be reached via the BR-101 in about 2.5 to 3 hours. There are regular bus connections from the Rodoviária Novo Rio bus station to both locations.
Ferry & Pre-Cruise Hotel
Regular ferries and speedboats run from Mangaratiba and Angra dos Reis to Ilha Grande, primarily to the main town of Vila do Abraão. Ferries from Mangaratiba take about 1.5 hours, while speedboats are significantly faster. Due to the long journey from Europe and limited ferry times, it is strongly recommended to spend a night in Rio de Janeiro or in the respective departure port on the mainland (Mangaratiba or Angra dos Reis) the day before embarkation to ensure a relaxed start to your vacation. Parking for cars is available in Mangaratiba and Angra dos Reis, mostly in guarded parking lots near the ferry terminals.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that your travel documents will usually provide you with a fixed time slot for check-in, which is mandatory for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port accordingly and keep in mind that the latest embarkation time—depending on the cruise line and destination—is generally scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The same applies during the voyage: for shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
On Ilha Grande, cruise ships usually drop anchor and you reach the port of Vila do Abraão comfortably with the ship's own tender boats. Since the entire island is car-free, you can enjoy a peaceful atmosphere and short distances directly from the central pier.
On Foot
The charming center of Vila do Abraão can be reached immediately after leaving the pier in just two to five minutes. Thanks to the compact size of the village, restaurants, local markets, and the first sandy beaches are easily accessible during a short walk over the sandy paths.
Water Taxis (Taxiboats)
Since there are no cars on the island, numerous water taxis are available at the main pier to transport you to more remote bays. These boats are the most important means of transport and bring you quickly and easily to dream beaches such as Lopes Mendes or Pouso.
Schooners and Speedboats (Escunas & Lanchas)
Larger schooners and speedboats depart regularly for sightseeing tours directly from the central Cais Turístico. These offer a comfortable way to discover the island's highlights, such as the Blue Lagoon, while enjoying the sun on the water.
To make the most of your stay on Ilha Grande, a combination of the charming main town of Vila do Abraão and exploring the surrounding nature trails and paradise-like coastal sections is recommended.
Vila do Abraão
The car-free heart of the island impresses with its relaxed atmosphere and colorful alleys, which, thanks to numerous small craft shops and cozy cafes directly on the water, are perfect for an initial stroll after arrival.
Praia de Lopes Mendes
This world-renowned beach fascinates with its fine white sand and crystal-clear water; additionally, the untouched backdrop offers an ideal retreat for those seeking relaxation and is easily accessible thanks to a combination of a boat trip and a short walk.
Aqueduto & Ruínas do Lazareto
These historical sites tell the fascinating history of the island and can be wonderfully reached via a picturesque hiking trail, where the impressive aqueduct amidst the lush vegetation also represents a first-class photo opportunity.
Praia do Abraãozinho
The idyllic Praia do Abraãozinho is reachable from the tender pier in Vila do Abraão either by a picturesque, twenty-minute walk or comfortably in just five minutes by water taxi. This beach impresses with its calm, emerald-green water and dense tropical vegetation, making it the ideal spot for a relaxed day of swimming. Thanks to the charming kiosks directly on the sand, you can enjoy very good infrastructure with cool drinks and local delicacies; additionally, sun loungers are often available for comfortable sunbathing. It is best to visit the beach in the morning to secure one of the best spots in the shade of the trees, and plan to return to the pier at least ninety minutes before the ship departs.
The return journey to the central pier in Vila do Abraão is straightforward and relaxed thanks to the short distances and well-organized water taxis. Since the island is car-free, you will reach the pier for the tender boats on time while enjoying the idyllic atmosphere of the main village.
Water Taxis and Flexiboats
At popular beaches such as Praia do Pouso or Abraãozinho, you will find marked boarding points from which water taxis and fast Flexiboats regularly return to the main pier, Vila do Abraão. Thanks to frequent departures and the direct connection to the village center, you can get back to the port quickly and coordinate departure times flexibly with local providers on-site.
Excursion Boats and Schooners
The larger schooners and organized tour boats dock at the Cais de Turismo or directly at the Cais da Vila, which is located in the heart of Abraão. Check the exact return time when boarding the boat and take advantage of the pier's central location to walk directly to the waiting area for your cruise ship's tender boats without any detours.
On Foot
Within Vila do Abraão, you can easily reach the port on foot by simply orienting yourself by the prominent São Sebastião church and the lively main square. The paths are flat and lead you safely through the charming pedestrian zones directly to the water, allowing you to combine your return to the ship with a relaxed stroll through town.
In port on 14 Nov 2027
