Ilha Grande and Angra dos Reis

Most travelers route through Rio de Janeiro, then transfer overland to the Costa Verde piers and cross by boat to Ilha Grande. The usual flow is: fly into Rio (GIG or SDU), take a bus or private transfer down the BR-101 coastal highway to Angra dos Reis, Mangaratiba, or Conceicao de Jacarei, then take a ferry or fast boat to Vila do Abraao. If you are staying on the mainland, Angra dos Reis works as the marina hub for day boats and dive charters.

Ilha Grande is largely car-free. In Abraao you walk everywhere, and longer hops happen by water taxi or scheduled tour boats.