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Located just off the Brazilian mainland coast, Ilha Grande is a true paradise for nature lovers in and out of the water. Although its sparsely developed coral reefs, the island’s coves are home to fascinating marine life, making snorkeling just as captivating. Lagoa Verde, on the northwest coast of Ilha Grande, is one of the island’s best spots for underwater exploration.

Lagoa Verde, Ilha Grande
View of Lagoa Verde, Ilha Grande.

How to get to the Lagoa Verde snorkeling spot?

Lagoa Verde (the “Green Lagoon”) is one of the most famous snorkeling spots on Ilha Grande, off the coast of Rio de Janeiro State.

To reach the island, take a boat from Angra dos Reis, Mangaratiba or Conceição de Jacareí. Most boats disembark in Abraão, Ilha Grande’s main town.

You’ll find there numerous tour operators offering snorkeling excursions around the island, starting from $15 per person. Some tours combine Lagoa Verde and Lagoa Azul on a half-day trip, but other options and itineraries are available.

Lagoa Verde Snorkeling Map
Lagoa Verde Snorkeling Map.

Water entrance for snorkeling Lagoa Verde

The water entrance is directly from the boat, which usually anchors close to the shore in Lagoa Verde (northern bay). To get from one bay to the other, you’ll have to swim to the beach, and then walk over a few rocks to get to the other side.

Lagoa Verde snorkeling exploration tips

The Lagoa Verde location comprises two small bays (the Lagoa Verde corresponds to the northern bay) positioned back to back, both of which are ideal for snorkeling.

The sandy Lagoa Verde has a gently sloping profile, while the underwater relief is more pronounced in the south bay, where the reefs are also more developed.

Flying gurnard in Lagoa Verde, Ilha Grande
The Flying gurnard is a frequent visitor to the Lagoa Verde’s sandy beds.

The seabed at this spot is mostly sandy and rocky, but in some places, you’ll see beautiful colonies of star coral, tubas and sponges, some of them very colorful.

If you see a lot of fish on this spot, notably angelfish, butterflyfish and pufferfish, you may also come across green turtles, which are quite common around the island. You’ll generally come across juvenile, tame individuals, who appreciate the sheltered waters of the bays.

French angelfish at Lagoa Verde
A French Angelfish in transition between its juvenile and adult coloration.

In the sand, you can sometimes encounter a Flying gurnard, which deploys its wide, wing-like fins when it feels in danger.

Another of Ilha Grande’s emblematic fish, the seahorse, can occasionally be encountered while snorkeling, even in the very shallow areas near the beach.

Seahorse in Lagoa Verde, Ilha Grande
Seahorse in the shallows of Lagoa Verde.

There is no particular current on this spot, but waves can sometimes occur.

Restaurants and accommodations nearby

Lagoa Verde is a natural site. Some excursions last all day and include lunch.

 

  • Level required Beginner
  • Protected areaParque Estadual da Ilha Grande
  • Maximum depth20 feet/6 meters
  • Water entranceFrom a boat (or from the shore, if you cross from one bay to another)
  • LifeguardNo
  • Visitor numbersHigh
  • Access costsCost of a snorkeling tour (from $15 per person)
  • Restaurants nearbyNo

MAP Spot

These snorkeling spots are accessible to beginners and kids. You will enter the water gradually from a beach, or in a less than 3ft. deep area. The sea is generally calm, shallow, with almost no waves or currents. These spots are usually located in marked and/or monitored swimming areas. It is not necessary to swim long distances to discover the sea life.

This level only apply when the spot experiences optimal sea and/or weather conditions. It is not applicable if the sea and/or weather conditions deteriorate, in particular in the presence of rough sea, rain, strong wind, unusual current, large tides, waves and/or swell. You can find more details about the definition of our snorkeling levels on our snorkeling safety page.