Rainforest islands, reef dives, and beach-hike days on Brazil's Costa Verde
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Overview
Ilha Grande and neighboring Angra dos Reis sit in Brazil's Costa Verde, where Atlantic rainforest drops straight into a protected bay dotted with hundreds of islands. Base yourself in car-free Vila do Abraao for quick boat hops to reefs, pinnacles, and beginner-friendly coves, then push offshore for more exposed sites when conditions line up. Scuba divers get a mix of shallow rock gardens and historic wrecks; snorkelers and freedivers can spend hours in clear shallows on calm mornings. Topside, this is a hike-and-swim playground: Lopes Mendes beach, jungle waterfalls, and ridge trails like Pico do Papagaio. The vibe is barefoot, boat-based, and nature-first, with conservation rules that matter: respect protected areas, avoid anchoring on reefs, and pack out everything.
Ilha Grande and Angra dos Reis sit inside a maze of sheltered bays, forested headlands, and small offshore islands. It is a classic "base and explore" destination: sleep in Vila do Abraao (car-free and walkable), then use boats to reach dive sites, snorkel coves, and trailheads that are hard to access on foot.
Most beginner dives and snorkeling happen in protected water with less swell and easier navigation. When conditions allow, operators push farther out to more exposed islands and rock structures where current and visibility can improve.
Expect a daily rhythm of early boats, late-afternoon swims, and trails that cut through dense Mata Atlantica. You can hike to famous beaches, chase waterfalls, or commit to multi-day routes like the Volta da Ilha Grande trail network.
Parts of Costa Verde are protected under state and federal conservation units. Follow your operator's briefings, never touch or stand on reef, do not feed wildlife, and pack out everything. Bring a dry bag and plan to carry your trash back to town.
Trip callouts
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Last updated: January 23, 2026 • 21 sources
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Paraty and Ilha Grande are recognized together for their mix of Atlantic Forest biodiversity and cultural heritage, which helps drive conservation focus in the region.
Combine shallow reefs, pinnacles, and wreck fragments without long open-ocean transits. Choose sheltered sites when conditions are rough, and go offshore when the sea calms.
Vila do Abraao is walkable and boat-connected. Pack light, bring a dry bag, and treat boats as your taxis.
This area pairs naturally with Rio de Janeiro, Paraty, and Serra Verde mountain towns, letting you mix diving, beaches, and hiking in one trip.
scuba
Why Ilha Grande and Angra dos Reis for Scuba Diving
Scuba here is about flexibility. The Ilha Grande bay gives you sheltered reefs and training-friendly shore entries, while Angra's outer islands add pinnacles, passages, and wrecks when the sea is calm. Expect variable visibility, lots of rock structure, and a mix of macro life (octopus, morays, seahorses) with bigger moments (rays and big schools). Most divers base in Vila do Abraao and go out with local operators for morning boats, then return for hikes or beach time. For classic Costa Verde variety, pair a shallow reef like Parcel da Laje Branca with a deeper site like Parcel do Coronel, then finish with a history dive on a steamboat wreck.
freedive
Why Ilha Grande and Angra dos Reis for Freediving
Costa Verde is a strong freedive add-on if you already have a scuba or beach trip planned. You can work technique in protected coves near Vila do Abraao, then venture to rock reefs with clean drop-offs when conditions are calm. Visibility is not guaranteed, but calm, clear mornings can deliver beautiful line sessions over reef structure. Because the region is boat-centric, the biggest limiter is surface support: plan to train with an instructor or a private boat, use a proper buoy and flag, and avoid popular tour-boat routes at peak times.
snorkel
Why Ilha Grande and Angra dos Reis for Snorkeling
Snorkeling on Ilha Grande is all about timing and site choice. On calm mornings, sheltered coves and reef edges can be clear enough for long, relaxed floats over rock gardens and coral clusters. Many visitors join half-day or full-day boat tours from Vila do Abraao that mix swim stops with beach time. For the best experience, prioritize early departures, pick sites away from heavy boat traffic, and bring (or rent) fins so you can move efficiently and stay off the reef. Expect plenty of reef fish, the occasional turtle, and photogenic boulders that make the water look brighter than you expect this close to the rainforest.
topside
What to do when you're not in the water
Topside is a full trip by itself. Ilha Grande is car-free, so you move by footpath and boat: walk from Vila do Abraao to beaches, hire water taxis to remote coves, and spend afternoons in the shade of Atlantic Forest waterfalls. The classics are Lopes Mendes beach, the sunrise hike to Pico do Papagaio, and a boat day that mixes swim stops with sand time. On the mainland, Angra dos Reis adds larger hotels, marinas, and easy logistics for island-hopping tours. If you want extra culture, Paraty is a natural add-on for cobblestone streets and colonial history.
