According to forum posts, one popular way to travel from Rio to Ilha Grande is taking a bus from the Novo Rio bus terminal to Conceição do Jacareí, followed by a boat to the island. This route offers frequent departures and a shorter crossing time to Vila do Abraão, ranging from 20 to 50 minutes depending on the boat type.

Some travelers mentioned that direct transfers, including both land and fast boat service, are available for those preferring a more straightforward journey. Though prices were not specified in detail, this option is noted to be more convenient but potentially more expensive.

For those considering different routes, another possibility is traveling from Rio to Angra dos Reis by bus and then taking a ferry to the island. This route is longer but might be preferred by travelers coming from or heading to certain locations.

According to forum posts, Ilha Grande experiences a tropical climate with a significant amount of rainfall throughout the year. The island tends to be warmer and wetter during the summer months (December to March) and cooler and drier in the winter months (June to September).

Some travelers noted that the rainiest period is from January to April. However, even during the rainy season, the rain is not continuous and is interspersed with sunny days. The winter months are considered the best time to visit due to lesser rainfall.

For many users, July seems to be a favorable month with lower precipitation and generally pleasant weather, suitable for beach activities and hiking. It has been pointed out that temperatures in July can feel similar to a warm summer day in the UK, with some days reaching up to 25 degrees Celsius.