Where to Stay
Find the perfect place to relax and enjoy the island. From charming inns to entire vacation homes.
Capi's Tip:
🎉 Celebrate
How staying on the island works
Sleeping on Gigóia Island is unlike staying anywhere else in Barra: no street reaches the front door. You get to the pier on Avenida Armando Lombardi, a few minutes from Jardim Oceânico metro station, take a small ferry and about two minutes later you are on the island. Your luggage rides with you.
The crossings run 24 hours a day, so arriving late at night or leaving for a 5am flight is no problem. If you drive, park at the shopping centre next to the pier — no cars circulate on the island.
Before boarding, check with your host which pier to get off at. The archipelago has more than one inhabited island — mainly Gigóia and Ilha Primeira — and each house sits on its own lane. The boatmen know the addresses by the name of the place, so knowing the name of the inn is enough.
The types of accommodation
🛏️ Inns and a boutique hotel
Rooms with breakfast, a fixed nightly rate and someone at reception. The simplest option for couples and for one or two nights. On the island: Pousada Barra da Tijuca, Pousada Marísis, Veneza Carioca Hotel Boutique and Casanova.
Reference: from R$ 300 to R$ 650 per night
🏡 Whole houses and flats
The entire place for your group, with a fitted kitchen, outdoor space and, in some cases, a pool and barbecue. The format most families and groups of friends choose for a weekend.
Reference: R$ 250 to R$ 1,500 per night, depending on size
👥 For large groups
Casa da Estátua sleeps up to 16 guests in 6 bedrooms, with a pool and barbecue. Casa Goiá, a duplex, sleeps 8. These are the two options for birthdays and get-togethers with everyone under one roof.
Reference: Casa da Estátua from R$ 1,500 · Casa Goiá from R$ 500
💑 For couples and pairs
Lux 48 is a modern flat for up to 4 people, close to the pier and the metro. Casa Venti is a duplex for up to 7 in a quiet complex, with a garden and barbecue — and it accepts small pets.
Reference: Lux 48 from R$ 250 · Casa Venti from R$ 450
📍 Gigóia or Ilha Primeira
The two are minutes apart. Gigóia has the little markets, the weekend craft fair and most of the bars; Ilha Primeira is quieter and home to some of the most popular restaurants. Choose by the pace you want.
Tip: ask for the exact location before booking
🗓️ When to book
On weekdays there is almost always a room. Weekends, long holidays, summer and above all New Year's Eve sell out weeks ahead — the island has few units and fills quickly.
Lead time: 1 week to 2 months in high season
What to check before booking
Ask about check-in and check-out with the boat in mind, not the clock: arriving at 10pm is fine, but let your host know. Also confirm whether the place has its own pier or whether you land at a shared one and walk a bit along the lanes — with luggage, that changes the plan.
It is worth checking air conditioning, wi-fi, bed linen and whether pets are allowed. Almost everything on the island is renovated or built gradually, so two units in the same price range can feel very different.
Two things surprise visitors: there is no ATM on the island, so bring cash or have Pix ready; and the mangroves bring mosquitoes in the late afternoon, so pack repellent. For day-to-day shopping there are two small markets — enough for the basics, not a supermarket.
Finally, think about the pace: the waterfront bars have live music at weekends, which is great if that is why you came and less comfortable if you want an early night. For quiet, pick a lane further from the main pier, or come midweek.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get to my accommodation with luggage?
By boat. Park at the shopping centre next to the pier on Avenida Armando Lombardi, board with your bags and about two minutes later you are on the island. There is no land access, and on the island you move around on foot along the lanes.
How much does a night on Gigóia Island cost?
Inns run from R$ 300 to R$ 650 a night. Whole houses and flats go from around R$ 250 for four people to R$ 1,500 for the largest house, which sleeps up to 16. These are reference prices and change with the season.
Can I arrive late at night?
Yes. The small ferries cross 24 hours a day, including overnight, when the fare usually carries a small surcharge. Tell your host your expected time so someone is there to meet you.
Do I need to book in advance?
On weekdays, usually not. On weekends, holidays, in summer and at New Year, yes — the island has few units and the best ones go weeks ahead.
Is there a shop or pharmacy on the island?
There are two small markets covering the basics. Pharmacies and supermarkets are on the mainland, a few minutes away by boat from the main pier. There is also no ATM on the island, so bring cash or use Pix.
Is the island good for children?
It is. No cars, everything is walkable, and several houses have a pool and outdoor space. Since almost everything sits by the water, agree on rules near the piers with the children and prefer a place with a fenced area.
Prices and capacities are references from the properties themselves and change with the season and group size. To confirm today's availability and rate, talk to Gigi in the chat.