"Ilha Grande." Top 5 Page for this destination Ilha Grande by dabidc

Ilha Grande Travel Guide: 152 reviews and 217 photos

Vila Abraao from the ferry. - Ilha Grande

An atraction for a few.

Ilha Grande is best described as a lush tropic island retreat located offshore in the State of Rio de Janeiro.

It is indeed a Grand Isle supporting a vast array of green tropical trees, covering the many hills that comprise the island. To add to this paradise there are beaches that range from small to large, from small and secluded to long and wide. To reach those beaches you can either walk or use the many boats that vie for business at Vila Abraao. there are no cars on the Island.

To reach the Island. Well to tell you that might spoil the fact that it is a quiet peaceful tropical Island. Let me say that it is a two hour drive from Rio and inorder to get the only ferry to the island from Mangaratiba demands that you be on your way by 5.30 am, yes am!!!

The ferry from the small town of Mangaratiba leaves at 8.00 am and you have to leave time for a small breakfast and to purchase the tickets and get on board. My impressions of the town and the harbour are less that those shown in any tourist magazine, but that is due to the early start and the cloud that hung around for the journey. However it is a place that cannot hide its maritime traditions.

The ferry takes 90 minutes to reach Ilha Grande and this trip is mostly well away from land to allow any good photos to be taken. Alas the arrival at the Vila Abraao was also in cloudy conditions with the Island peak hidden in cloud.

The first objective on arival is to find a Pousada and leave the luggage so that you can then book a trip to one of the beaches. Our choice of Aqua Viva worked out well, the room was large and comfortable. The grounds had many trees including a Banana tree with the fruit just forming. I mention this because I live in a cold climate, so that was one highlight of the visit for me.

Now off to the harbour to book a boat trip.

The journey to Lopes Mendes Beach

Ilha do Morcega and passing boat.

The clouds stayed around but that did not deter those of us wanting to visit some of the beaches, so off we went . Not on the larger boat, ours was smaller and the travellers got to know each other.

On the way to Lopes Mendes Beach.

Visitors from around the World.

On board, a young couple from SaoPaulo, two young ladies from London,with donrafa the Carioca in between, then the 'Old Man of the Sea' the Canadian.

No sign of the Captain but he was there and we reached the beach safely.

Pros and Cons

Pros:A great Isle to visit to relax from the life in Rio.
Cons:The weather slowed us down from sightseeing.
In a nutshell:Stay longer next time.

Last visit to Ilha Grande: Nov 2003
Intro Updated Jan 3, 2004
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Reviews (9)

A curious place for a small church - Ilha Grande

Old mission Church at Lopes Mendes Beach Off The Beaten Path (1)

This small, well cared for, church was found as we walked along the deserted Lopes Mendes beach. more travel advice

More exotic plants. Local Customs (3)

Once again the Pousada shows off a wonderful side garden of flowering plants. I admit I do not know the names of the... more travel advice

Bananas growing at the Pousada. Local Customs (3)

Well the only bananas we see in Canada are either shipped in from the Tropical Countries or are in a Conservatory. On... more travel advice

Found at Lopez Mendes beach. - Ilha Grande

Lush tropical growth Local Customs (3)

The occasional wet day gives the traveller the time to check out the Plants and flowers growing on the Island.. more travel advice

Travelogues (1)

Written Jan 6, 2004

6 photos

A rainy day in Vila do Arbaao

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Comments (7)

Bwana_Brown Jul 4, 2007 at 4:29 AM Report Abuse

Ilha Grande looks like a great place to get away from it all - too bad the rain spoiled things a bit for you. Nice pic of the banana tree, it reminded me of our backyard one in Papua New Guinea! I think the purple blossomed vine is a Bougainvillea.
deecat Sep 25, 2006 at 6:04 PM Report Abuse

Regardless of the wet weather, what a beautiful place, which you presented quite well.
jamiesno Jan 9, 2005 at 6:07 PM Report Abuse

David I am slowly but surely getting through your Brazil pages, your hanging with a young crowd on this page. Great job :-)
o00o Jul 12, 2004 at 8:12 PM Report Abuse

wild flower always beautiful but with thorn.
pepples46 May 23, 2004 at 6:53 PM Report Abuse

this Banana flower pic would enhance every HP around.....just superb!!
dharmabum222 Mar 2, 2004 at 7:32 PM Report Abuse

I love to view other people's Ilha Grande pages! It is nice to someone who loved it as much as I did!
ilhagrande Feb 13, 2004 at 9:39 AM Report Abuse

Nice page to Ilha Grande, Sergio. I invite you to visit the site : http://www.ilhagrande.com Bye !