Boat Tour in Maresias to Ilha do Montão de Trigo: What It's Like
By MaresiasTur · · Updated on · 4 min read
Quick answer
The boat tour in Maresias to Ilha do Montão de Trigo is shared, departs at 9 am from Maresias Beach itself, and lasts about 4 hours, through Montão de Trigo, Ilha das Couves, Ilha dos Gatos, and As Ilhas. Each departure needs a minimum of 8 people.
The boat tour in Maresias to Ilha do Montão de Trigo is MaresiasTur's island route that boards right at Maresias Beach; the boat tours in the catalog depart from Boiçucanga. The shared boat spends about four hours at sea and also visits Ilha das Couves, Ilha dos Gatos, and As Ilhas, for a total of 4 islands, with stops to swim in calm water.
It's the choice for anyone who wants to see the most islands in a single morning, paying per person and without having to travel to another beach. Below are the route, what's included, the difference from the shared boat, and the quorum and sea-condition rules.
What is the boat tour to Montão de Trigo like?
- Boarding: Maresias Beach.
- Departure: 9 am, every day of the week, subject to availability.
- Duration: approximately 4 hours.
- Vessel: shared boat, with up to 14 passengers per departure and a licensed skipper.
- Stops: swim stops at calm-water spots.
The practical way to see Montão de Trigo is by sea, on an organized tour. On this route, it's the island farthest from the coast, and that's exactly what gives the tour its sense of expedition. Ilha das Couves, Ilha dos Gatos, and As Ilhas — the three that make up the As 3 Ilhas route — complete the trip. To learn more about each one, it's worth reading the guide to Ilha do Montão de Trigo and the overview of the islands of São Sebastião on the South Coast.
What's included and what to bring
| Included | Not included |
|---|---|
| Licensed skipper | Diving mask |
| Safety equipment | Pool noodles |
| Swim stops | Food and drinks |
| Transport to boarding and personal expenses |
The detail that catches most people off guard: diving mask and pool noodles are not included in this tour. Anyone who wants to see the seafloor should bring their own mask. For a four-hour morning at sea, the basic list is:
- sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses;
- water and a light snack, since food and drinks aren't included;
- a towel and swimwear worn under your clothes;
- a snorkel mask, if you have one.
Where it's worth putting on the mask and how to make the most of the seafloor is in the guide to snorkeling in São Sebastião.
How much does it cost, and what's the difference from the shared boat?
The tour costs R$ 250 per person (reference price as of September 2026; the current price appears on the tour's page), with payment 100% upfront, as with every shared tour. Comparing it with the shared As 3 Ilhas da Costa Sul boat helps with the decision:
| Boat with Montão de Trigo | As 3 Ilhas Boat | |
|---|---|---|
| Boarding | Maresias Beach | Boiçucanga Beach |
| Schedules | 9 am | 9 am, 12 pm, and 3 pm |
| Duration | About 4 hours | About 3 hours |
| Islands | Montão de Trigo, Couves, Gatos, and As Ilhas | Couves, Gatos, and As Ilhas |
| Pool noodles | Not included | Included |
| Reference price | R$ 250 per person | R$ 200 per person |
The current price and availability are on the Ilha do Montão de Trigo + As 3 Ilhas tour page. To see all the boat routes side by side, check how much a boat tour in Maresias costs.
Minimum quorum, weather, and cancellation
The tour needs at least 8 people to go out. If the minimum isn't reached or the tide is unfavorable, the traveler chooses between rescheduling or getting a full refund. The same applies to cancellations due to weather, maritime safety, or operational reasons.
When it's the customer who cancels, the deadlines in the cancellation policy apply: 100% refund up to 72 hours before, 50% up to 24 hours before, and no refund with less than 24 hours' notice or in case of a no-show. Purchases made through the website, WhatsApp, phone, or email can also be canceled up to 7 days after purchase, before the tour date, with a full refund.
Tips for the morning at sea
- Arrive early: the agency recommends being at the boarding point 30 minutes ahead. A delay that causes you to miss the 9 am departure counts as a no-show.
- Plan your transport: Uber and 99 don't work in São Sebastião. Anyone staying outside Maresias should arrange transportation in advance; see how to get to Maresias and get around.
- Think about seasickness: it's four hours at sea, and the farthest island is well offshore. Anyone prone to seasickness should read the guide on seasickness on a boat tour and talk to a doctor or pharmacist beforehand.
- Let the crew know if you can't swim: anyone who doesn't know how to swim should tell the skipper before the stops and follow their instructions.
Verdict: who it's for
Ideal for anyone with a free morning, staying near Maresias Beach, and wanting more islands while paying per person. Anyone who prefers something shorter will find a three-hour route with three daily departures in the shared As 3 Ilhas da Costa Sul boat. And groups looking for privacy have the exclusive boat to Montão de Trigo.
Frequently asked questions
- Where does the boat tour to Montão de Trigo depart from?
- Boarding is right at Maresias Beach, departing at 9 am.
- How long does the tour to Ilha do Montão de Trigo last?
- Approximately 4 hours, through the route's 4 islands — Montão de Trigo, Ilha das Couves, Ilha dos Gatos, and As Ilhas — with stops to swim.
- How much does the boat tour to Ilha do Montão de Trigo cost?
- R$ 250 per person on the shared boat (reference price as of September 2026; the current price appears on the tour's page).
- Do I need to bring a diving mask?
- Diving mask and pool noodles are not included in this tour. If you want to see the seafloor, bring your own.
- What's the minimum number of people for the boat to go out?
- At least 8 people are needed per departure. If the minimum isn't reached or the sea is unfavorable, it's possible to reschedule or receive a full refund.
- Is Ilha do Montão de Trigo far from the coast?
- It's the island farthest from the coast on this route through the South Coast of São Sebastião.
