About Us

We are your local connection in Ilha Grande!

Olá... meet Nélio Ricardo and his team at Ilhagrande Adventure Travel and Tourism, your local connection in magnificent Ilha Grande! Nélio and his wife Morgana are the directors, with Ericka and Flavia working as the attendants, and Rodolfo and Claudia from Sudoeste SW Tourism as the local tour and activity operators.

Founded in 1999, we are a pioneer travel agency specialising in Ilha Grande, with roots on the island. Because we are local, we have a solid knowledge of the island in its various aspects, as well as the support of an experienced team of professionals working on the ground in Ilha Grande to provide you with the best alternative and eco-friendly travel available. By booking with us, you will be receiving expert technical advice as well as personalised service ensuring your holiday in Ilha Grande will be a memorable one!

Our goal is to promote eco-tourism and adventure in a professional, responsible manner. We are working in partnership with local companies who provide a range of lodging and touring activities that contribute to local sustainable development, while motivating environmental awareness to both tourists and inhabitants of Ilha Grande.

We use only local guides who are accredited by the Embratur and IEF (State Institute of Forests) as well as supporting the initiative of the Association of Tourist Guides of Ilha Grande. We also proudly support the non-governmental organisation CODIG (Comitê De Defesa Da Ilha Grande) that is committed to protecting and preserving Ilha Grande from uncontrolled development and potential damage to its ecosystems.

Nélio Ricardo is the founder of Ilha Grande Adventure.  He was born in Rio de Janeiro but considers himself a local, and has been visiting Ilha Grande ever since he was in the womb. Although his studies and career in engineering kept him on the Brazilian mainland from 1985-1998, it was Nélio's ardent desire to permanently reside in paradise and have the freedom to travel and share with others what he loves most that led him back to Ilha Grande. He feels at ease among the beautiful scenery and delights in spending time outdoor karting, riding dirt bikes, trekking, diving, mountain biking, and boating.

"The business started in 1998 as a simple website about Ilha Grande to share information with others, and it expanded quickly with many people requesting places to stay in Ilha Grande. In 2002, my wife Morgana left her teaching career and became my partner in the Ilhagrande Adventure Company."
 
We are proud to be a part of whl.travel and work hard to promote responsible tourism in our magnificent destination to preserve its natural treasures. We focus on eco-tourism and adventure activities allowing visitors to experience all that Ilha Grande has to offer while supporting the local community."

Contact the team at Ilha Grande Adventure, and our local staff is ready to help you plan your trip to Ilha Grande.