When we think about visiting Rio de Janeiro, our minds often go straight to the paradise islands of the Costa Verde, like the famous Ilha Grande. The best part is that this lush coastline offers lesser-known gems that make excellent alternatives for travelers who’ve already explored the more popular spots. In Mangaratiba, one island that stands out is Ilha Guaíba — a peaceful escape with emerald-green waters, natural shade from dense trees, and a rustic vibe that puts visitors in direct contact with nature.
In Portuguese, the word “ilha” means island — and Ilha Guaíba is a beautiful example of the kind you’ll find along Rio de Janeiro’s Costa Verde. This region is known for its dramatic mountain landscapes covered in native tropical forest and for its stunning beaches tucked between the hills and the sea. Praia da Tapera, one of the beaches on Ilha Guaíba, reflects this natural style perfectly: calm, crystalline waters, generous shade provided by tall trees, and a peaceful setting with no beachfront buildings or kiosks — just untouched nature and fresh coastal air.
The moment you step onto Praia da Tapera, you’re welcomed by an abundance of natural shade beneath tall trees — a fresh and breezy atmosphere that’s a hallmark of beaches along Rio’s Costa Verde. The area is rich in untouched vegetation, and the emerald-green waters are so clear that you can spot small fish swimming in natural rock pools along the shore.
With no loud kiosks or crowded amenities, Ilha Guaíba preserves a rustic charm — it’s the kind of place where the soundtrack is birdsong and gentle waves, inviting visitors to slow down and connect with nature in its purest form. In this serene paradise, you won’t miss beach bars or tourist buzz; instead, you might just find yourself thanking the heavens for witnessing the Brazilian coast in one of its most untouched and authentic forms.
The photo above was taken from the boat just moments before landing at Ilha Guaíba, capturing the first glimpse of the island’s natural beauty. The boat experience is one of the most scenic rides in the region — crossing emerald-green waters with small nearby islands and dense forest along the coast. That vivid greenery already hints at the kind of tropical paradise waiting to be explored. Speaking of which, let’s take a look at how to get there next.
How to Get to Ilha Guaíba Mangaratiba
My starting point to visit Ilha Guaíba was Junqueira Beach (Praia de Junqueira), located in the city of Mangaratiba. At the time, I was staying in Itaguaí — a city also part of the Costa Verde, between the city of Rio de Janeiro and Mangaratiba. According to Google Maps, Junqueira Beach is about 103 km (or 64 miles) from Terminal Rodoviário Novo Rio — also known as Rodoviária do Rio, the central bus station serving Rio de Janeiro. Additionally, just 5 km (or 3 miles) from Junqueira Beach, you’ll find the ferry terminal that connects Mangaratiba to Vila do Abraão on Ilha Grande.
The crossing to Ilha Guaíba is made by small boats departing from Junqueira Beach, a continental beach with crystal-clear waters, and the ride is short and scenic. If you’re into boat tours, get ready for the highlight of this adventure — the scenic crossing through the emerald waters of Rio’s Green Coast, a true paradise that makes every ride unforgettable. In 2023, the round-trip fare from Junqueira Beach to Ilha Guaíba was R$ 25 (approximately 5 USD), making it not only a memorable experience, but also an accessible one.
Junqueira Beach is located on the mainland, within the municipality of Mangaratiba, and can be easily found using navigation apps such as Google Maps or Waze. Below, you’ll find a view from Google Maps highlighting the central area of Junqueira Beach.
The Junqueira area offers accommodation options, although Ilha Guaíba itself remains untouched by tourism infrastructure, with no hotels or guesthouses — just pure nature. During my visit to Ilha Guaíba in 2023, I found just a single, modest kiosk offering drinks and food at Praia da Tapera — no restaurants, beach bars, or structured facilities. That’s why it’s essential to plan ahead and bring your own food, water, and any other supplies you might need for the day. Since the island’s charm lies in its untouched, natural beauty, it’s equally important to manage your waste responsibly: take your trash with you and help preserve the pristine environment for future visitors.
Curiosity about Ilha Guaíba
In the photo that follows, you glimpse a long stretch of railway extending from the mainland toward Ilha Guaíba. It adds a unique charm to the scenery, where nature and engineering come together in perfect harmony. On Ilha Guaíba, there’s a large port and rail terminal dedicated to transporting iron ore — a structure that belongs to the mining company Vale S.A.
Other Nearby Islands to Explore Around Ilha Guaíba
If you’re planning a visit to Ilha Guaíba, consider exploring some of the nearby gems scattered along Rio’s Costa Verde. Just a few kilometers from Junqueira Beach, in central Mangaratiba, boats depart toward Vila do Abraão on Ilha Grande — an internationally known paradise for nature lovers with hiking trails, waterfalls, and stunning beaches. Also nearby is Itacuruçá Island (Ilha de Itacuruçá), another lesser-known treasure of the region. With calm, clear waters and small fishing villages, Itacuruçá offers a peaceful escape and a glimpse into coastal life untouched by large-scale tourism. These surrounding islands add depth to the adventure, inviting travelers to venture beyond the main spots and discover the quiet magic of the island landscapes along Rio’s Costa Verde.
Stay tuned—we’ll be diving deeper into each of these stunning spots in upcoming articles. Until then, enjoy the sun, catch some waves, and we’ll see you on the next beach! 🌊☀️