How to Get from Ilha Grande to Paraty

If you're coming from Ilha Grande, here's the first thing to know: there's no direct boat to Paraty. Every route goes through the mainland, either Angra dos Reis or Conceição de Jacareí, followed by a bus, van, or transfer for the final stretch. It sounds like more of a hassle than it actually is, plenty of travelers make this exact trip every day. For the full picture of every route into Paraty, see our Complete Guide to Getting to Paraty.

Step 1: Boat from Vila do Abraão

From the main pier at Vila do Abraão on Ilha Grande, boats run to two mainland points: Angra dos Reis and Conceição de Jacareí. Angra dos Reis tends to be the better choice if you're continuing on to Paraty, since it connects more directly to onward bus routes. Fast boats to Angra take roughly 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the vessel, while slower public ferries can take closer to an hour and a half.

Our Tip: If you're not on a combined transfer package, buy a one-way ticket rather than round trip, since you won't be returning the same way once you continue to Paraty.

Step 2: Bus or van from Angra dos Reis to Paraty

Once you arrive in Angra dos Reis, local buses to Paraty run roughly every 30 minutes and take about two hours. There are also a couple of daily tourist coach services covering the same route. From the Angra bus terminal, it's a short taxi ride to the ferry pier if you arrived by public ferry, so budget a little extra time for that connection.

Our Tip: Check the boat and bus schedules together before you travel, ideally with some buffer time between them. Missing a connection in Angra means waiting around for the next departure, which isn't the end of the world, but it's worth avoiding if you can.

The easier option: a combined shared transfer

If juggling two separate bookings and schedules doesn't sound appealing, several shared transfer services combine the boat crossing and the road leg into a single, coordinated booking. You get picked up from your accommodation on Ilha Grande, board the boat at a set departure time, and are met on the mainland by a van that continues on to Paraty, all arranged in advance so you're not scrambling to make connections yourself.

This is genuinely the option we'd recommend for most travelers making this specific trip, it removes nearly all of the coordination described above. You can book a private or shared transfer with us that handles the full connection.

How long does the whole trip take?

Door to door, plan for roughly four to five hours total, factoring in the boat crossing, any wait time in Angra dos Reis, and the onward bus or van to Paraty. It's a full travel day rather than a quick hop, so we'd suggest not scheduling anything for the evening you arrive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a direct boat from Ilha Grande to Paraty?

No, there's no direct boat connection. You'll need to take a boat to the mainland (Angra dos Reis or Conceição de Jacareí) and then a bus, van, or transfer to Paraty.

How long does it take to get from Ilha Grande to Paraty?

Roughly four to five hours total, including the boat crossing, any connection time, and the onward road journey.

Should I go via Angra dos Reis or Conceição de Jacareí?

Angra dos Reis generally connects more directly to onward buses toward Paraty, making it the more practical choice if Paraty is your next stop.

Is there an easier way to make this trip?

Yes, several shared transfer services combine the boat crossing and road connection into a single booking, picking you up on Ilha Grande and dropping you directly in Paraty.

Should I buy a round-trip boat ticket?

No, buy a one-way ticket if you're continuing to Paraty rather than returning to Ilha Grande the same way.