Active Adventures in Florianopolis - Details

The Island of Santa Catarina, part of the city of Florianopolis, has 45% of its area covered in Atlantic Rainforest, making it an ideal place for outdoor activities. Coastal paths with dramatic scenery lead to deserted beaches. Inland, some trails opened by the original Azorean settlers still are the only link to isolated communities. Others cross nature reserves with lagoons and waterfalls, allowing for wildlife spotting specially bird life.
Additionally, the nearby Serra do Tabuleiro State Park offers great opportunities for rafting.

Day 1: arrival at Florianopolis airport or bus station. Transfer to the accommodation. Rest of the day free.

Day 2: trekking on the island escorted by an English-speaking guide.

Day 3: rafting in Santo Amaro da Imperatriz.

Day 4: tour of the South of the Island by bike, escorted by an a English-speaking guide

Day 5: transfer to airport/bus station.


Day Treks in Florianopolis

Unspoiled beaches:
Lagoinha do Leste- possibly the most beautiful beach in Florianopolis, only accessible by trail (about 1 ½ hours of steep walk each away) or boat. Great views on the way.

Naufragados- another beach only accessible by foot or boat. Easy walk of around 4 km each way through a nature reserve. Visit to a lighthouse and beautiful views of the south coast at the end.

Lagoons:
Costa da Lagoa- an isolated fishing community accessible by trail or boat. The trail is 7 km long and the return can be done by boat. Quaint and very affordable seafood restaurants at the end to try the local food.

Lagoa do Peri & Sertão do Peri – a longer coast-to-coast walk (3 to 4 hours) passing through a lagoon, small rivers and waterfalls and remains of sugar cane mills. Panoramic views of the Serra do Tabuleiro and East Coast of the Island at the beginning and end.
Duration: 5 - 7 hours, depending on the trek
Level of Difficulty: Beginners to Intermediate, depending on the trek

Rafting in Santo Amaro

Santo Amaro, only 40 km away from the island, is the closest rafting base to Florianópolis. Rafting in the River Cubatão, with rapids class II-III, is ideal for beginners.
Intermediates wanting more adrenaline can also have fun: the “Duck”(inflatable kayaks) expedition is run further upstream in the “Alto Cubatão”, with rapids of level III-IV (optional trip).

The scenery along the river is beautiful: the right margin borders the Serra do Tabuleiro National Park, the biggest Atlantic Rainforest reserve in the vicinity of Florianopolis. These mountains, which are visible from everywhere in the city, have peaks over 5,000 feet, creating steep, narrow canyons rich in Mata Atlântica. Near the end of the run, close to the town of Caldas da Imperatriz, the scenery is more rural but still attractive.

Duration: 2 hours on the river, plus an hour each way for transfers.
Level of Difficulty: Beginners (class II-III)


South of the Island by bike

The south of the Santa Catarina Island in Florianopolis has nature reserves, waterfalls, beautiful lagoons and unspoiled beaches. We will cycle along the most famous southern beaches – Campeche, Morro das Pedras, Armação and Pantano do Sul, taking in also the Lagoa do Peri, a beautiful fresh-water lagoon surrounded by lush Atlantic Rainforest.
Duration: 6-7 hours
Level of Difficulty: Beginners

Price Includes:
Transfers, 4 nights accommodation on a B&B basis in a Pousada, activities as described and snack lunch on days 2 and 4. Equipment for the rafting and biking trips. Bilingual guide on trips and transfers.


Price does not include:
Flights, insurance.