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Super South Tour in Ilha Grande: Jorge Grego, Dois Rios, Caxadaço and Lopes Mendes — Guide 2026

  • Apr 21
  • 2 min read

In this Guide


The Wild Side of Ilha Grande

While most tourists only know the lagoons on the north coast, the Super Sul tour reveals a completely different side of Ilha Grande: open ocean, nearly deserted beaches, a rich history, and spectacular diving. This is the tour for those who already know the basics and want to go further—or for those who simply prefer unspoiled nature and tranquility.


Complete Super South Itinerary

Jorge Grego Island (1 hour) — First stop and one of the best diving spots in the entire region. Corals, sea turtles, octopuses, and colorful schools of fish. Legend says that a Greek corsair was shipwrecked here in the 18th century, and his ship still rests on the seabed. Water visibility reaches 15 meters on sunny days.


Dois Rios Beach (2 hours) — The longer stop includes lunch and a visit to the Prison Museum. Two rivers flow into the sea, creating a spectacular beach surrounded by mountains. Here lie the ruins of the Cândido Mendes Penitentiary Complex, which operated until 1994 and housed political prisoners such as Graciliano Ramos. Landing fee: R$ 20 in cash.


Caxadaço Beach (30 minutes) — Hidden behind a rocky cliff, with only 15 meters of sand. One of the most secluded and photogenic beaches on the coast of Rio de Janeiro.


Lopes Mendes Beach (1 hour) — Elected one of the most beautiful beaches in Brazil, with 3 km of fine white sand. No kiosks, no infrastructure — pure nature. Sea with waves for surfing and crystal-clear greenish water.


The History of the Cândido Mendes Prison

Dois Rios housed the Cândido Mendes Penitentiary Complex until 1994, when it was demolished by Governor Leonel Brizola. The prison became famous for mixing political prisoners with common criminals during the military dictatorship—from this union was born what would become the Comando Vermelho (Red Command). Graciliano Ramos spent 10 months imprisoned here and wrote Memórias do Cárcere (Memoirs of Prison). Today, the Prison Museum (maintained by UERJ) preserves this history. Ironically, it was the prison that preserved Ilha Grande—its presence inhibited tourism until the 1990s, keeping the natural environment untouched.


Prices 2026 and What's Included

Price: R$ 220 to R$ 300 per person. Includes speedboat equipped for open sea (10 to 19 passengers), water, cooler, floats, life jackets, and a skipper. Does not include lunch (homemade set meal in Dois Rios: R$ 25 to R$ 35), snorkeling equipment, and landing fee in Dois Rios (R$ 20 in cash). Best time to visit: April to October, when the sea is calmer.


Book your Super South Tour

Super Sul is for those who want more than just beautiful beaches. It's for those who want history, adventure, spectacular diving, and the feeling of being on beaches that would take 6 hours to hike—but that a speedboat can reach in minutes. If you've already done the Meia Volta (Half-Round Trip), Super Sul is the next step.


👉 CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR SUPER SOUTH TOUR

 
 
 

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