Boat Tour to Ilha das Couves and Ilha dos Gatos: Is It Worth It?
By MaresiasTur · · Updated on · 5 min read
Quick answer
It's worth it, especially for couples, friends, and small families who prefer to pay per person. The boat tour to Ilha das Couves departs from Boiçucanga Beach, near Maresias, at 9 am, 12 pm, or 3 pm, lasts about 3 hours, and also stops at Ilha dos Gatos and As Ilhas.
The boat tour to Ilha das Couves and Ilha dos Gatos is the simplest way to leave the sand behind and see the South Coast of São Sebastião from the sea. The shared boat departs from Boiçucanga Beach, just minutes from Maresias, and in about three hours makes two stops for swimming and snorkeling in clear water, returning in time to enjoy the rest of the day.
The official name of the route is As 3 Ilhas da Costa Sul (The 3 Islands of the South Coast), and the third island is actually called As Ilhas. Because it's shared, travelers pay per person and share the boat with other groups. For couples, friends, or small families, it's the most affordable way to reach the region's most sought-after islands. Below: the route, schedules, what's included, and the quorum and sea-condition rules.
What is the boat tour to Ilha das Couves like?
The experience begins at Boiçucanga Beach. The exact meeting point is sent via WhatsApp after payment is confirmed, so no one has to search the sand for the boat. The vessel is a Real Power Class boat, with capacity for up to 14 passengers and a licensed skipper at the helm.
- Islands on the route: Ilha das Couves, Ilha dos Gatos, and As Ilhas, the three that give the tour its name.
- Stops: two swim stops, with free time to swim and put on a mask to look at the seafloor.
- Duration: approximately 3 hours.
- Departure times: 9 am, 12 pm, and 3 pm, every day of the week, subject to availability.
- Capacity: up to 14 passengers per departure.
One thing to note about the name: the Ilha das Couves on this route is in São Sebastião, not the Ilha das Couves in Ubatuba, which is a different destination. The guide Ilha das Couves in São Sebastião explains the difference, and the post about Ilha dos Gatos shows what is known about it.
What's included and what to bring
| Included | Not included |
|---|---|
| Licensed skipper | Transport to the boarding point |
| Safety equipment | Food |
| Two swim stops | Drinks |
| Pool noodles | Personal expenses |
The pool noodles help anyone who wants to float calmly between dips. Snorkel masks aren't on the list of included items, so anyone who wants to see the seafloor should bring their own. Worth packing:
- water and a light snack, since food and drinks are the traveler's responsibility;
- sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses;
- a towel and swimwear worn under your clothes;
- a snorkel mask, if you have one.
The full list, with tips for hiking and rappelling too, is in what to bring for a boat tour, hike, and rappelling. Anyone who tends to get seasick can find guidance in the guide on seasickness on a boat tour.
How much does the shared boat tour cost?
The tour costs R$ 200 per person (reference price as of September 2026; the current price appears on the tour's page). On shared tours, payment is 100% upfront at booking. To compare with the exclusive boat and the region's other boat routes, see how much a boat tour in Maresias costs. Availability and the current price are on the As 3 Ilhas da Costa Sul tour page.
What's the best time to go?
The 9 am departure tends to catch weaker sun and a cooler day, a good option for families. The noon departure suits anyone who wants to sleep in or have a leisurely breakfast. The 3 pm departure ends in the late afternoon, with softer light for photos. Whatever the time, the agency recommends arriving at the meeting point 30 minutes early: a delay that causes the group to miss boarding counts as a no-show, with no refund.
Minimum quorum and sea conditions: what happens if the tour doesn't go out?
Being shared, the tour needs at least 8 people per departure. If that number isn't reached, or if the tide isn't favorable, MaresiasTur offers rescheduling or a full refund. The same rule applies when the cancellation is due to weather, maritime safety, or operational reasons: the traveler chooses between rescheduling at no cost or getting their money back.
If the cancellation comes from the customer, the deadlines in the cancellation policy apply: purchases made through the website, WhatsApp, phone, or email can be canceled up to 7 days after purchase, before the tour date, with a full refund. Outside that window, the refund is 100% up to 72 hours before the activity, 50% up to 24 hours before, and none with less than 24 hours' notice. A date change can be requested up to 48 hours in advance, subject to availability.
How to get to the boarding point in Boiçucanga?
Apps like Uber and 99 don't work in São Sebastião, so transportation needs to be planned in advance. Those staying in Maresias usually drive, arrange a ride, or call a local taxi. Details are in how to get to Maresias and get around and, about the boarding beach, in the guide to boat tours in Boiçucanga.
Verdict: who it's worth it for
Couples, pairs or trios of friends, and small families come out ahead: they pay per person, don't need to put together a group, and still get two real stops, with time in the water and not just a quick photo. Larger groups who want to choose their own time or watch the sunset at sea may prefer the exclusive boat for the same route. Anyone with a full morning free who wants to add Ilha do Montão de Trigo will find that option in the boat tour departing from Maresias Beach. The full comparison is in shared or exclusive: how to choose.
Frequently asked questions
- Where does the boat tour to Ilha das Couves depart from?
- Boarding is at Boiçucanga Beach, in São Sebastião, just minutes from Maresias. The exact point is sent via WhatsApp after payment is confirmed.
- How much does the shared boat tour to Ilha das Couves and Ilha dos Gatos cost?
- R$ 200 per person (reference price as of September 2026; the current price appears on the tour's page).
- What are the boat tour schedules in Boiçucanga?
- There are departures at 9 am, 12 pm, and 3 pm, every day, subject to availability, the minimum quorum, and sea conditions.
- Is the snorkel mask included?
- No. The tour includes pool noodles, but the mask isn't on the list of included items; anyone who wants to see the seafloor should bring their own.
- Can someone who doesn't know how to swim take the boat tour?
- The tour has safety equipment on board and includes pool noodles for the swim stops. Anyone who doesn't know how to swim should tell the skipper before the stops and follow their instructions.
- What happens if the tour doesn't reach the minimum number of people?
- The shared tour needs at least 8 people. If the minimum isn't reached or the sea isn't favorable, it's possible to reschedule or receive a full refund.
