Boat Tour from Maresias to Ilhabela: A Full Day Along the Litoral Norte Beaches
By MaresiasTur · · Updated on · 4 min read
Quick answer
The boat tour from Maresias to Ilhabela is exclusive, lasts about 6 hours, and departs at 9 am from Boiçucanga Beach, passing the beaches of São Sebastião on the way to Ilhabela, with a lunch stop at Praia do Viana and a dive stop at Calhetas on the way back. The boat carries up to 10 people and has no restroom.
Trading the road and the ferry for a full day at sea: that's the idea behind the boat tour from Maresias to Ilhabela. In about six hours, the group sees the beaches of São Sebastião from the boat, crosses over to the island, stops for lunch at Praia do Viana, and even dives at Calhetas on the way back. It's the longest route in MaresiasTur's catalog.
The boat is exclusive, for up to 10 people, and the price is set per boat. Below: the beach-by-beach route, the vessel, the price table, what's included, and tips to make the most of the day.
How do you get from Maresias to Ilhabela by boat?
Departure is at 9 am from Boiçucanga Beach, next to Maresias, on an exclusive boat for the group. Along the way, the boat passes the Atlantic Coast of São Sebastião, by beaches such as:
- Maresias and Paúba;
- Santiago;
- Toque Toque Pequeno, Calhetas, and Toque Toque Grande;
- Guaecá and Barequeçaba.
It's a geography lesson on the Litoral Norte seen from the sea. Anyone deciding between going by boat or by car can find the comparison in from Maresias to Ilhabela: boat or ferry, and anyone who prefers the crossing by land has the information in São Sebastião–Ilhabela ferry.
What can you see in Ilhabela on the tour?
- Praia do Curral.
- Praia do Viana: lunch stop (the meal is not included).
- Praia do Sino and Garapocaia.
- Praia da Vila: near Ilhabela's Historic Center.
On the way back, the boat makes a dive stop at Calhetas before returning to Boiçucanga. Calhetas can also be visited by land, on the EcoTour of Praia de Calhetas.
What is the Runner 7500 boat like?
The tour is done on a Runner 7500, 25 feet long, with a cabin and a 200 hp engine, a licensed skipper, and safety equipment. Two details matter for planning:
- There's no restroom on board, something to consider on a six-hour route.
- An onboard barbecue grill is available for an extra fee, for anyone who wants to go all out on lunch.
How much does the boat tour to Ilhabela cost?
The price is per boat (reference price as of September 2026; the current price appears on the tour's page). The last column divides the price by the maximum number of people in each bracket:
| Group size | Boat price | Per person with a full bracket |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 2 people | R$ 2,800 | R$ 1,400 |
| Up to 6 people | R$ 3,000 | R$ 500 |
| Up to 8 people | R$ 3,250 | about R$ 406 |
| Up to 10 people | R$ 3,500 | R$ 350 |
Included: exclusive Runner 7500 boat for the group, licensed skipper, safety equipment, a lunch stop in Ilhabela, and a dive stop at Calhetas. Not included: food, drinks, transport to boarding, personal expenses, and the onboard barbecue, which is optional and charged separately. Current prices are on the exclusive boat Ilhabela route page, and the comparison with the other tours is in how much a boat tour in Maresias costs.
How to book and what happens if the weather turns
Booking is done via MaresiasTur's WhatsApp, (12) 99650-9051, with a 50% deposit and the rest paid at boarding. If the departure is canceled due to weather, maritime safety, or operational reasons, the group chooses between rescheduling at no cost or getting a full refund. Cancellations and date changes follow the cancellation policy, with a 100% refund up to 72 hours before and 50% up to 24 hours before the activity.
Tips for making the most of the day
- Arrive 30 minutes early: the 9 am departure is what makes the day work, and a delay that causes you to miss boarding counts as a no-show.
- Plan your transport: Uber and 99 don't work in São Sebastião; see how to get to Maresias and get around.
- Bring cash or a card for lunch at Praia do Viana, plus water and a snack for the trip.
- Use water-resistant sunscreen and reapply at every stop.
- Think about seasickness: six hours at sea calls for preparation; the guide on seasickness on a boat tour has guidance, and when in doubt it's worth talking to a doctor or pharmacist.
Verdict: who it's for
Groups of up to 10 people who want to see Ilhabela in an exclusive way, without waiting in the ferry line, and couples looking for a special day. With a full group, the per-person cost drops to R$ 350 at the reference price. To round out the underwater experience in Ilhabela, it's worth checking out the introductory scuba dive at Ilha das Cabras.
Frequently asked questions
- How long does the boat tour from Maresias to Ilhabela last?
- Approximately 6 hours, departing at 9 am from Boiçucanga Beach.
- How much does the boat tour to Ilhabela cost?
- The price is per boat: R$ 2,800 up to 2 people, R$ 3,000 up to 6, R$ 3,250 up to 8, and R$ 3,500 up to 10 people (reference price as of September 2026; the current price appears on the tour's page).
- Do you need to take the ferry to do the tour?
- No. The group boards at Boiçucanga Beach and reaches Ilhabela by boat, without going through the ferry crossing.
- Is lunch included in the tour to Ilhabela?
- No. There's a lunch stop at Praia do Viana, but the meal is paid separately by the group.
- Does the boat to Ilhabela have a restroom?
- No. The Runner 7500 boat has a cabin, but no restroom on board.
- Can you barbecue on the boat?
- Yes. There's a barbecue grill available on board for an extra fee.
