Angra dos Reis City
Coastal city in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Boaters head to Angra's archipelago for island-hopping, snorkeling and sunlit coves; mainland marinas serve fresh seafood, and Ilha Grande's trails and Lopes Mendes beach are the main attractions.
Angra dos Reis at a Glance#
Costs: $80-$150 USD typical daily budget - island tourism, boating and mid-range hotels.
Safety: Tourist areas generally safe, offshore caution - boat thefts and petty crime reported; avoid isolated beaches at night.
Best Time: May-September (dry season) - drier, sunnier weather ideal for boat trips and diving.
Why Visit Angra dos Reis?#
Famous for island-hopping and marine life, Angra dos Reis is a draw for beachgoers and sailors. Ilha Grande and its forested trails offer a contrasting escape from the town’s colonial harbor, while scuba divers and snorkelers head to clear bays to see coral and tropical fish. Seafood stews like moqueca appear on many menus, and the mix of island beaches, boat culture and lively seaside restaurants makes it a top choice for coastal relaxation.
Best Things to Do in Angra dos Reis#
Angra dos Reis Bucket List#
Ilha Grande - Nearby island offering beaches, jungle trails, and opportunities for snorkeling and hiking.
Praia do Anil and Praia Grande - Popular local beaches for swimming, boat departures, and seaside restaurants.
Angra dos Reis boat tours - Half- and full-day boat tours that visit islands, coves, and snorkeling spots.
Vila do Abraão (Ilha Grande) - Charming island village with local eateries, artisan shops, and laid-back evening life.
Ilha da Gipóia coves - Smaller quieter island coves reachable by private boat, ideal for calm swimming and relaxation.
Anchieta Island nature walks - Short hikes on less-visited islands revealing coastal flora and quiet viewpoints over the bay.
Ilha Grande - Boat trips reach Ilha Grande for beaches, trails, and the village of Vila do Abraão.
Paraty (historic town) - Colonial Paraty day trip exploring cobbled streets, historic churches, and coastal cafes.
Best Time to Visit Angra dos Reis#
Angra dos Reis is best outside the heaviest rains for island hopping and snorkeling-winter and shoulder months offer calmer seas. Summers are busy and warm, with short tropical downpours common.
December - February
24-32°C (75-90°F)
Hot, beach-perfect weather with busy marinas; afternoons often feature short tropical downpours, but the sea is warm and boat trips are fantastic.
June - August
18-25°C (64-77°F)
Mild, sunny days and calmer seas-perfect for snorkeling and island hopping; mornings can be hazy, but crowds thin and prices drop a little.
November - March
22-32°C (72-90°F)
Heaviest rains and occasional squalls can cancel boat plans; expect lush scenery and fewer tourists, but bring waterproof bags and flexible itineraries.
Subtropical climate with hot summers (peaking in February) and mild winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from 14°C to 31°C. Abundant rainfall (1805 mm/year), wettest in January.
January
January is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 20°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (263 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is the warmest month with highs of 31°C and lows of 21°C. Heavy rain (226 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 20°C. Heavy rain (220 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 19°C. Significant rainfall (157 mm).
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May
May is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 16°C. Regular rainfall (93 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 14°C. Moderate rainfall (65 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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July
July is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 14°C. Moderate rainfall (60 mm).
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August
August is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 14°C. Moderate rainfall (66 mm).
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September
September is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 16°C. Significant rainfall (103 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 17°C. Significant rainfall (136 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 18°C. Significant rainfall (164 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is warm with highs of 29°C and lows of 20°C. Heavy rain (252 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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How to Get to Angra dos Reis#
Angra dos Reis is most commonly accessed from Rio de Janeiro by road or bus, with onward boat connections for the islands. Fly into one of Rio’s airports (GIG or SDU) and continue by bus, private transfer or rental car on the coastal roads.
Rio de Janeiro-Galeão-Tom Jobim (GIG): The main airports for reaching Angra dos Reis are Rio’s Galeão (GIG) and Santos Dumont (SDU). From either airport you typically travel by road to Angra: expect roughly 2-3 hours by car from Rio (traffic dependent); private transfers cost more (often R$250+), while regional bus services are much cheaper.
Santos Dumont (SDU): Closer to central Rio, Santos Dumont is convenient if you have limited luggage - ground transfer times to Angra are similar to Galeão once you factor city traffic, and bus departures to the Costa Verde run from Rio bus terminals.
Train: There is no direct passenger rail service linking Rio de Janeiro to Angra dos Reis; the coastal rail line that once ran in parts of the region does not provide a practical rail transfer for most visitors.
Bus: Buses to Angra depart Rio’s Novo Rio rodoviária and take about 2.5-4 hours depending on traffic and route; regional operators serving the Costa Verde route run several daily departures. In Angra, boat/taxi combinations are common for getting to islands such as Ilha Grande.
How to Get Around Angra dos Reis#
Road and sea connections dominate travel to and around Angra dos Reis - fly into Rio and continue by bus or private transfer, then use ferries/boats for island hopping. Taxis and rental cars are handy for mainland exploration, but boats are essential for the islands.
- Intercity bus (R$25-R$70) - Buses from Rio’s Novo Rio terminal to Angra are frequent on the Costa Verde corridor; travel time depends heavily on traffic but is typically 2.5-4 hours. Buses are the economical option and drop you at Angra’s main terminal near downtown.
- Ferry / Boat (to islands) (R$20-R$80) - Angra is the gateway to many islands - regular ferries and private boats run to Ilha Grande and nearby islands from the town pier. Timetables vary by season; buy tickets at the pier and allow extra time for boarding in high season.
- Taxi / Private transfer (R$150-R$500) - Taxis and private transfers are convenient for direct door‑to‑door travel from Rio airports and port terminals. Agree a fixed price for longer transfers and expect higher costs on weekends/holidays.
- Rental car (R$120-R$350/day) - Renting a car gives freedom to explore the coastal road and nearby beaches; parking in central Angra is limited during peak season. Drive carefully on winding coastal stretches and plan for slower speeds in high season.
- Local vans / Collectivos (R$10-R$40) - Shared vans and shuttle services operate between regional towns and popular beaches - cheaper than private transfer but less predictable with schedules. They’re useful for last‑mile connections where regular buses or ferries don’t align.
- Walking - Angra’s central area and pier are easy to get around on foot, especially when transferring to boats. Wear comfortable shoes for cobbled streets and small inclines in the town centre.
Where to Eat in Angra dos Reis#
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Angra dos Reis’s restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
Shopping in Angra dos Reis#
Shopping in Angra skews toward tourist- and marine-related goods: souvenir stalls, beachwear and small shops in the harbour area. There are also basic supermarkets and local shops for daily needs. If you visit nearby Ilha Grande, its village markets and craft stalls offer more artisanal souvenirs and local food products.
Nightlife in Angra dos Reis#
Nightlife is seasonal and centred on the marina and island villages. In high season and on weekends you’ll find waterfront bars, seafood restaurants and the occasional live-music night. Outside tourist spikes the town is relatively quiet after 11pm. If you want busier nightlife, island villages such as Vila do Abraão on Ilha Grande offer more options than the mainland.
