Ringed by 365 islands and 2,000 beaches along Brazil's Costa Verde, Angra dos Reis rewards cruisers with island-hopping schooner tours, crystal snorkeling waters, and a well-preserved colonial center all within tender range.
Cruise ships anchor in the bay and tender passengers to the Estação Santa Luzia pier, right in the city center.
💡 Pro move: Tender transfers can be difficult for passengers with limited mobility. Confirm with your ship's accessibility desk in advance.
All cruise ships tender to Estação Santa Luzia pier in the city center — there is no dedicated cruise dock.
| Cruise Line | Typical Berth / Arrival | Dock or Tender |
|---|---|---|
| Most cruise lines | Estação Santa Luzia, Angra dos Reis city center📍 | Tendered |
| Expedition/small ships | May berth at Santa Luzia pier directly📍 | Docked |
The big draw is the archipelago — schooner tours to Lagoa Azul and Ilha Grande are the shore-day highlight, with the colonial center walkable for those who prefer dry land.
The classic Angra experience: a schooner loops the archipelago with stops at Lagoa Azul (a natural snorkel pool packed with fish), Ilha Cataguases, and a beach or two. Most tours include lunch and snorkel gear.
Find schooner tours →Speedboat across to Ilha Grande — Brazil's largest protected island — for beaches, trails, and the turquoise calm of Abraão bay. Lopes Mendes, often ranked among Brazil's finest beaches, is reachable by boat and a short hike.
Find Ilha Grande tours →Gipóia Island's famous Praia do Dentista — a sheltered white-sand cove with calm, blue-green water — is a regular stop on island-hopping speedboat tours. Perfect for a swim and a caipirinha.
Find speedboat tours →From the tender pier, stroll Rua do Comércio past Igreja de Santa Luzia (1632) and the baroque Convento do Carmo — both national heritage sites. The waterfront and Praça General Osório are within easy range.
Explore the historic center →About 90 minutes by road, the UNESCO-listed colonial town of Paraty offers cobblestone streets, whitewashed Portuguese buildings, and a charming harbor. Best booked as a ship excursion to ensure return timing.
Find Paraty day trips →The historic center is compact and flat — easy to explore on foot from the tender pier, with a longer waterfront walk for those who want more.
From Estação Santa Luzia pier, walk northwest along Rua do Comércio to Igreja de Santa Luzia, then continue to Convento do Carmo beside Praça General Osório. Return past the Angra dos Reis City Hall on Praça Nilo Peçanha for a coffee.
Head east along the waterfront from the pier past the naval academy complex (Colégio Naval) toward Praia Grande. The walk offers bay views and a taste of local life away from the tourist strip. Take a taxi back to save time.
Climate normals for Angra dos Reis, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (2014–2023 averages). Pack for the month you sail — highs, lows, and how many rainy days to expect.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainy Days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 86°F / 30°C | 75°F / 24°C | 21 |
| Feb | 85°F / 29°C | 74°F / 23°C | 20 |
| Mar | 84°F / 29°C | 73°F / 23°C | 22 |
| Apr | 80°F / 27°C | 70°F / 21°C | 17 |
| May | 77°F / 25°C | 66°F / 19°C | 12 |
| Jun | 76°F / 24°C | 64°F / 18°C | 11 |
| Jul | 76°F / 24°C | 62°F / 17°C | 8 |
| Aug | 77°F / 25°C | 64°F / 18°C | 11 |
| Sep | 79°F / 26°C | 67°F / 19°C | 14 |
| Oct | 80°F / 27°C | 69°F / 21°C | 19 |
| Nov | 80°F / 27°C | 70°F / 21°C | 20 |
| Dec | 83°F / 28°C | 73°F / 23°C | 21 |
Source: Open-Meteo ERA5 (10-yr daily averages)
Upcoming cruises that call at Angra dos Reis, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Dates, prices, and ports of call change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking.
Itineraries and prices change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking. Some links are affiliate links that may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.