Ilha Grande stands apart as a cruise port because it pairs pristine nature with intimate, sustainable experiences that big ports simply cannot offer. Arriving by tender into Vila do Abraao, guests step into a world where emerald hills meet crystal coves and every excursion feels like a private reveal. Signature experiences include snorkeling in clear coves with turtles and vibrant reefs, kayaking through mangrove lagoons, and guided hikes to lookout points with sweeping views over the bay; sunset sails along the coastline to Praia do Aventureiro; and boat hopping to secluded beaches that are often empty of crowds. The destination itself is part of Ilha Grande state park and surrounded by Angra dos Reis' numerous islands, offering a curated sequence of micro-destinations: sheltered beaches, rainforest trails, and rustic coastal communities that share music, cuisine, and crafts with visitors. The port's small-ship friendly layout supports a nimble fleet with shallow drafts and efficient tenders, designed for quick, low-impact landings and eco-friendly provisioning where possible. Onboard services on visiting ships emphasize Brazil-forward hospitality: Brazilian chefs creating fresh seafood menus, craft cocktails, wellness options, and enrichment programs led by local naturalists and cultural hosts; spacious sundecks, intimate lounges, and open-air dining that allow guests to savor the scenery between excursions. By prioritizing conservation and authentic encounters, Ilha Grande delivers a distinctive, low-key luxury that contrasts with the bustle of larger Caribbean and Mediterranean ports.
Currency
Brazilian Real (BRL)
Language
Portuguese
Time Zone
BRT (UTC-3)
Best Time to Visit
Jan–Mar
Typical Duration
7-14 nights
Price Range
From $369 pp
Port Type
Port of Call
Tender Port
Yes
Gateway to Brazil's stunning tropical islands and pristine beaches, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty, adventure activities, and access to the vibrant South American coastline.
Cruises that visit Ilha Grande
- cruises to Ilha Grande
- Ilha Grande sailings
- Ilha Grande cruises
- 4-night MSC Cruises cruise
- 5-night MSC Cruises cruise
- 5-night MSC Cruises cruise
- 6-night MSC Cruises cruise
- 6-night MSC Cruises cruise
- 6-night MSC Cruises cruise
- 7-night MSC Cruises cruise
- 7-night MSC Cruises cruise
- 7-night MSC Cruises cruise
- 7-night MSC Cruises cruise
- 7-night Explora Journeys cruise
- 8-night MSC Cruises cruise
- 8-night Explora Journeys cruise
- 8-night MSC Cruises cruise
- 8-night MSC Cruises cruise
- 9-night MSC Cruises cruise
- 9-night MSC Cruises cruise
- 10-night Oceania Cruises cruise
- 12-night Oceania Cruises cruise
- 12-night Silversea cruise
- 14-night MSC Cruises cruise
- 15-night MSC Cruises cruise
- 15-night MSC Cruises cruise
- 16-night MSC Cruises cruise
- 17-night MSC Cruises cruise
- 17-night MSC Cruises cruise
- 18-night MSC Cruises cruise
Build Your Day in Ilha Grande
Cruise calls are short. Set your ship's arrival time, pick the stops you care about, and we'll show whether they realistically fit before departure.
Ships typically depart around 6:00 PM
Usually about 10 hours ashore
Getting around:
Casarão da Ilha
Dine-in·Takeout
Closed · Opens 4 PM
Ilha Grande State Park
Lush island nature area with beaches
Open now
Praia do Dentista
La Parrilha
Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery
Closed · Opens 6 PM
Botinas Islands
Open now
Ilha Grande
Large rainforest island & state park
Bar e Restaurante Lua e Mar
Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery
Café & Bistrô Lady Roots Ilha Grande
Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery
Las Sorrentinas
Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery
Closed · Opens 6 PM
Bamboo
Dine-in·Curbside pickup·No delivery
Lady Roots House
Dine-in·Takeout·Delivery
Ateliê Cafeteria
Dine-in·Takeout
Flutuante Lagoa Verde
Restaurante Canoas ilha grande
Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery
Closed · Opens 6 PM
Lopes Mendes Beach
White sand beach with turquoise water
Café do Mar Bar e Restaurante
Dine-in·No delivery
Gurisa
Dine-in·Curbside pickup
Trattorilha
Dine-in·No delivery
Witch Beach
Ilha Tour - Ilha Grande, RJ
Onsite services·Online appointments
Abraao Tour Ilha Grande
Onsite services·Online appointments
Steak 'n Beach
Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery
Restaurante Pé na Areia
Dine-in·Curbside pickup·No delivery
Júlia Surtô
Dine-in·Drive-through·No delivery
Shopping Alfa
Open · Closes 10 PM
God is Good
Dine-in·Takeout
Bonito Bar e Restaurante
Dine-in·No-contact delivery
Ilha Grande Oficial agência
Online appointments
Bar do Che Ilha Grande
Dine-in·No delivery
Espetaria kispetto
Dine-in·Curbside pickup·No-contact delivery
Bonito Paraíso Beach House
Relaxed guesthouse with free breakfast
Praia dos Meros
Praia Do Caxadaço
Snug ocean spot with rock formations
Restaurante Dom Mario
Dine-in·Takeout
Closed · Opens 5:30 PM
Bougainville restaurante
Dine-in·Takeout
Acaia Cave
Praia Palmas
Praia de Dois Rios
Far-flung beach accessed by hiking trail
Armação dos Anjos
Dine-in
Quintal Gourmet ilha grande
Dine-in·Curbside pickup·No-contact delivery
Closed · Opens 7 PM
Boats Big Island (LIG)
Onsite services·Online appointments
Sr Tentáculo Restaurante - Ilha Grande - Vila do abraão
Dine-in·Curbside pickup·No delivery
Cachoeira da Feiticeira
Open now
Lopes Mendes - Ilha Grande
Gruta das Estrelas Restaurante e suítes
Dine-in·Takeout
Praia do Amor
Open now
Great Beach of Araçatiba
Aloha restaurante/bar
Dine-in·Curbside pickup·No delivery
Closed · Opens 7 PM
DEPOSITO DE BEBIDAS GRANDE FAMILIA
Café Cultura Ilha Grande
Probably the best espresso based coffee in Abraao village, Ilha Grande
Closed · Opens 8:30 AM Mon
Pit Stop Drinks Ilha Grande
Dine-in·Curbside pickup·No delivery
Closed · Opens 7:30 PM
Bravas - Cones de fritos
Dine-in·Drive-through·No-contact delivery
Closed · Opens 5:30 PM
Ponta Da Barca
Our group loved the mixed seafood moqueca and the incredible octopus.
Ilha Grande Para Vos
Ilha Grande Hiking
Onsite services·Online appointments
Bacanas Bar flutuante
Dine-in·Takeout
Entrada do Parque Estadual da Ilha Grande
Vila do Abraão Ilha Grande
Havaianas Mini Shopping Bouganville Ilha Grande - Angra dos Reis
In-store shopping·In-store pickup
Open · Closes 10 PM
Café da Vila
Dine-in·Takeout
Empório Ilha Grande Cachaça & Arte
Best place to buy an original Brazilian cachaça.
Open · Closes 10 PM
GEORGE OF THE JUNGLE ADVENTURE
Onsite services·Online appointments
Girassol Ilha Grande
One of the best Tapiocas I had in Brazil
Open · Closes 8:30 PM
Café Cultura Mirante
Praia Itaguaçu
Café Tartaruga Ilha Grande
Dine-in·Takeout
Open · Closes 7 PM
Alma Ilha
Open · Closes 10 PM
Shopping do Idilio
Open · Closes 10 PM
EU S2 ILHA GRANDE
Chilli Beans Eco Ilha Grande
Open · Closes 10 PM
Opening hours are indicative — always confirm before you go. Travel times are estimates from Google Maps.
About Ilha Grande
Cruise Lines at Ilha Grande
- MSC Cruises (109 cruises)
- Oceania Cruises (6 cruises)
- Explora Journeys (3 cruises)
- Holland America Line (2 cruises)
- Silversea (2 cruises)
Cruises Departing From Ilha Grande
Cruises Visiting Ilha Grande
Ship Schedule at Ilha Grande
Ilha Grande Location
Other Cruise Ports in Brazil
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ilha Grande?
Ilha Grande is a tropical island near Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, known for beaches, hiking, and marine life.
How do I get to Ilha Grande?
Reach Ilha Grande by road and ferry from Angra dos Reis or Mangaratiba; boats run to Abraão and other villages.
When is the best time to visit Ilha Grande?
Dry season from May to March offers good weather, but the island is beautiful year-round.
What activities are popular on Ilha Grande?
Beaches, snorkeling, hiking, boat tours, and village meals in Abraão.