What's included in the transfer price?+
Everything between your hotel in Rio and the streets of Vila do Abraão: the air-conditioned shuttle ride (~2h), all port and boarding fees, the speedboat crossing to Ilha Grande (~30 min), bottled water on board, and English-speaking support before, during and after the transfer.
How long does the journey take from Rio to Ilha Grande?+
Around 3h to 3h30 door-to-door: about 3 hours from Rio to the Conceição de Jacareí port, then a 30-minute speedboat crossing.
Where does the pickup happen and at what time?+
We pick up directly from your hotel, Airbnb or apartment in Rio's Zona Sul (Copacabana, Ipanema, Leblon), Centro, Santa Teresa, Lagoa or Barra. We also pick up at both airports — GIG (Galeão) and SDU (Santos Dumont). Standard departures are 08:00, 11:30 and 14:30. You'll receive an exact pickup window, plus your driver's name and plate number, 12 hours before departure by email.
What is your cancellation policy?+
Free cancellation up to 48 hours before departure — full refund, no questions asked. Between 48h and 24h: 50% refund or free rescheduling. Under 24h: no refund, but we'll always try to rebook you within the next 7 days. If we cancel for any reason (weather, mechanical, port closure), you get a 100% refund — instantly.
Is the trip safe? What happens if the weather is bad?+
All our boats are Marinha-do-Brasil registered, fully insured, and operated by licensed captains. We don't sail in unsafe conditions — period. If sea state is rough, we either delay the crossing by a few hours or fully refund and rebook you the next day. Decisions are always made on the side of safety, never schedule.
Do you really operate in English?+
Yes. Our entire booking flow, vouchers, support chat and emails are in fluent English (we also speak French and Spanish). Drivers and captains have working English; for anything tricky, our team usually replies in under 15 minutes, 7 days a week.
How much luggage can I bring?+
One large suitcase (up to 23 kg) + one carry-on per passenger, included. Surfboards, bikes, golf bags and extra suitcases are welcome — just mention them in the booking notes and we'll allocate space. There's no extra charge for reasonable extras.
What if my flight is delayed or I miss my pickup?+
Send us your flight number when booking and we monitor it automatically. If you're delayed, we'll move you to the next available departure at no charge. If you miss the pickup window for any reason, contact us — in 90% of cases we can rebook you the same day.
Do you offer round-trip transfers?+
Yes. The round trip is our most popular option — one booking, both directions, with a flexible return date you can change up to 24h before. See the
pricing section for details.
What about kids, strollers, or reduced mobility?+
Children of all ages are welcome (free for under-3s on a parent's lap, half price up to 12). We provide booster seats on request and the boats have life jackets in every size. For reduced mobility, please contact us — we'll arrange ramp-friendly boarding and a slower-paced crossing.
How do I confirm and pay?+
You pay the full amount at booking by card, Apple Pay or Google Pay — same level of security as your bank app. You'll get an instant confirmation by email, then a detailed voucher (driver name, plate, pickup window, captain) 12 hours before departure. No cash, no Pix, no surprises.
Is Ilha a registered company?+
Yes. Ilha Transfers Ltda. is a Brazilian-registered company (CNPJ 00.000.000/0001-00), Cadastur-certified by the Ministry of Tourism, with passenger and boat insurance for every transfer. Receipts and tax invoices are available on request for business travelers.
