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A breezy schooner ride from Vila do Abraão delivers you to Lopes Mendes — three kilometers of white sand, surfable swells, and short forest trails. This shared shuttle gives you time on the beach with practical, self-guided exploration once ashore.
A breezy schooner ride from Vila do Abraão delivers you to Lopes Mendes — three kilometers of white sand, surfable swells, and short forest trails. This shared shuttle gives you time on the beach with practical, self-guided exploration once ashore.
The schooner cuts across Guanabara Bay and the island opens like a door: sugar-white sand, a rim of Atlantic Forest, and the steady roar of the open ocean. Onboard, the deck rocks gently as a local guide points out the coves and headlands that mark the approach to Mangue Beach, the small landing from which a 20-minute trail climbs and drops toward Lopes Mendes.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Gray Line Brazil · Vila do Abraão, Rio de Janeiro
The schooner cuts across Guanabara Bay and the island opens like a door: sugar-white sand, a rim of Atlantic Forest, and the steady roar of the open ocean. Onboard, the deck rocks gently as a local guide points out the coves and headlands that mark the approach to Mangue Beach, the small landing from which a 20-minute trail climbs and drops toward Lopes Mendes.
Lopes Mendes is Ilha Grande’s largest beach — roughly 3 km of fine, pale sand deposited by coastal currents and shaped by trade winds that make it a reliable surf break. The island sits in the Atlantic Forest ecoregion; its granite backbone was carved by ancient sea levels and now supports dense, humid forest that shades the short trails linking beaches like Pouso and Santo Antônio.
Culturally, Ilha Grande has shifted from fishing and small-scale agriculture to eco-tourism; you'll encounter a floating restaurant at Praia de Pouso and few formal services on Lopes Mendes itself. Expect a self-guided day on arrival: hikers, surfers, and paddleboarders spread along the shore.
Practically, plan for a 40-minute schooner ride, a brief light trail, and several hours on the sand. Bring layered sun protection, refillable water, and sturdy sandals for the trail. Rentals for SUP and surfboards are available in Vila do Abraão. Note the shuttle carries up to 150 people and returns are scheduled aboard the schooner — your return time is set the day of the trip. Respect trail markers and pack out what you bring; this coastline is protected and fragile.
easy.
5–7.5 hours.
Suitable for most ability levels; requires short walk on uneven trail and ability to board small boats
The schooner crossing takes about 40 minutes to Mangue Beach, followed by a short 20-minute trail to Lopes Mendes.
Yes — the shuttle includes a guide onboard, but exploration of Lopes Mendes and nearby beaches is self-guided after landing.
Rentals are typically available in Vila do Abraão; some floating services at Praia de Pouso may offer refreshments but not full rental fleets.
Facilities are minimal—no street vendors on Lopes Mendes; a floating restaurant operates at Praia de Pouso nearby, so bring snacks if you prefer.
Ilha Grande has a past of small-scale fishing and slate quarries; in recent decades it transitioned toward conservation and low-impact tourism under state protections.
Lopes Mendes lies within protected Atlantic Forest zones—pack out trash, avoid trampling dunes, and use reef-friendly sunscreen to reduce impact.
Gray Line Brazil operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
The schooner cuts across Guanabara Bay and the island opens like a door: sugar-white sand, a rim of Atlantic Forest, and the steady roar of the open ocean. Onboard, the deck rocks gently as a local guide points out the coves and headlands that mark the approach to Mangue Beach, the small landing from which a 20-minute trail climbs and drops toward Lopes Mendes.
The schooner cuts across Guanabara Bay and the island opens like a door: sugar-white sand, a rim of Atlantic Forest, and the steady roar of the open ocean. Onboard, the deck rocks gently as a local guide points out the coves and headlands that mark the approach to Mangue Beach, the small landing from which a 20-minute trail climbs and drops toward Lopes Mendes.
Lopes Mendes is Ilha Grande’s largest beach — roughly 3 km of fine, pale sand deposited by coastal currents and shaped by trade winds that make it a reliable surf break. The island sits in the Atlantic Forest ecoregion; its granite backbone was carved by ancient sea levels and now supports dense, humid forest that shades the short trails linking beaches like Pouso and Santo Antônio.
Culturally, Ilha Grande has shifted from fishing and small-scale agriculture to eco-tourism; you'll encounter a floating restaurant at Praia de Pouso and few formal services on Lopes Mendes itself. Expect a self-guided day on arrival: hikers, surfers, and paddleboarders spread along the shore.
Practically, plan for a 40-minute schooner ride, a brief light trail, and several hours on the sand. Bring layered sun protection, refillable water, and sturdy sandals for the trail. Rentals for SUP and surfboards are available in Vila do Abraão. Note the shuttle carries up to 150 people and returns are scheduled aboard the schooner — your return time is set the day of the trip. Respect trail markers and pack out what you bring; this coastline is protected and fragile.