Florianópolis Whole-Island Bus Tour
A guided loop of Santa Catarina Island by bus that links the bridge, the old centre, the lagoon and the best-known beaches in a single day.
Brazil
Florianopolis
Florianópolis is a Brazilian state capital that happens to be mostly an island: about fifty kilometres of Atlantic forest, lagoon and more than forty beaches off the coast of Santa Catarina.
This guide covers the headline days, from the boat to protected Campeche Island and the sandboarding dunes of Joaquina to the lagoon village of Lagoa da Conceição, the fishing channel at Barra da Lagoa and the oyster farms and Azorean villages of the bay. It adds surf lessons, kayaking, paragliding and wild trails, plus day trips south for whales, dolphins and Praia do Rosa and north or inland to Balneário Camboriú and the German towns of the Itajaí valley. Ten hotels and guesthouses across the centre, the lagoon, Campeche, Barra da Lagoa and Canasvieiras, and six practical guides, help you choose a base and the right season.
Don't miss
Florianópolis Whole-Island Bus Tour
A guided loop of Santa Catarina Island by bus that links the bridge, the old centre, the lagoon and the best-known beaches in a single day.
Campeche Island Boat Trip
A boat crossing to the protected island off Campeche beach, with clear water, a short nature trail and ancient rock carvings.
Lagoa da Conceição Viewpoints and Lagoon Tour
The bohemian lagoon district at the heart of the island, with dune views, waterside restaurants, lively nightlife and a panoramic tour that connects it with Campeche.
Joaquina Dunes Sandboarding
Slide down the big sand dunes beside Joaquina beach on a board, a signature island activity with great views and easy learning.
Things to do in Florianopolis
Hand-picked: every experience here has strong traveler reviews and a verified booking link.
Historic Centre Walking Tour
A guided stroll through the old heart of Florianópolis, covering the central square, the cathedral, the market and the story of the Azorean settlers.
Florianópolis Food Walking Tour
A guided tasting walk through the centre, sampling island seafood, Brazilian snacks and local drinks while you learn how Florianópolis eats.
Santo Antônio de Lisboa Village and Oyster Tasting
A half-day trip to an Azorean fishing village on the island, with a historic church, waterfront views and a tasting of fresh oysters and caipirinha.
Oyster Farm Boat Tour and Tasting
A boat trip to a working oyster farm in the bay, with a look at how oysters are grown and a tasting of the freshest shellfish on the island.
Campeche Island Boat Trip
A boat crossing to the protected island off Campeche beach, with clear water, a short nature trail and ancient rock carvings.
Lagoa da Conceição Viewpoints and Lagoon Tour
The bohemian lagoon district at the heart of the island, with dune views, waterside restaurants, lively nightlife and a panoramic tour that connects it with Campeche.
Costa da Lagoa Boat and Culture Trip
A trip to a fishing community reachable only by water or by foot, with seafood lunches, traditional life and calm lagoon scenery.
Barra da Lagoa and Natural Pools Coast Tour
A tour of the lagoon coast and the sheltered natural pools, taking in a fishing village, a sea channel and calm swimming spots.
Joaquina Dunes Sandboarding
Slide down the big sand dunes beside Joaquina beach on a board, a signature island activity with great views and easy learning.
Surf Lesson at Campeche Beach
A beginner-friendly surf lesson on the long, open sands of Campeche, where instructors teach technique in the shallows with the island on the horizon.
Lagoinha do Leste Hiking Trail
A guided hike through Atlantic forest to one of the most remote beaches on the island, where a freshwater lagoon sits beside wild open sand.
Where to stay
Hotels we would book ourselves, from splurges to good-value bases.
Florianopolis Palace Hotel
Centro
A long-established city hotel in central Florianópolis, handy for the historic centre, the public market and the bridges to the mainland.
Check rates →Intercity Florianopolis
Florianópolis city area
A straightforward business-style hotel in the city area, useful for short stays, airport connections and trips by road to the mainland.
Check rates →ibis Florianopolis
Florianópolis city area
A budget-friendly chain hotel for travellers who want a simple, reliable room and good access to the city rather than a resort setting.
Check rates →Hotel Boutique Quinta das Videiras
Lagoa da Conceição
A boutique stay in the lagoon district, close to the restaurants, nightlife and trails of Lagoa da Conceição.
Check rates →Hotel Hola
Lagoa da Conceição area
A simple, sociable base in the lagoon district for travellers who want to be close to the restaurants, bars and east coast beaches.
Check rates →Pousada Praia Campeche
Campeche
A beach-side guesthouse near the long sands of Campeche, a favourite area for surfing and for boats to Campeche Island.
Check rates →Cabanas do Campeche
Campeche
Cabin-style accommodation in Campeche, with a relaxed feel, easy access to the beach and a good fit for groups and longer stays.
Check rates →Pousada Old Beach
Campeche area
A modest guesthouse in the Campeche area, offering a quiet base within reach of the beach, surf schools and southern fishing villages.
Check rates →Pousada Arquipelago
Barra da Lagoa
A guesthouse in the Barra da Lagoa area, a short stroll from the channel, the fishing boats and the village beach.
Check rates →Hotel Canasvieiras Internacional
Canasvieiras
A beach-resort-area hotel on the north coast, where calm, warm water, long promenades and plenty of restaurants suit families.
Check rates →Tour + stay
Ready-made pairings: a top sight and a hotel that suits it. Add both to your trip and book each when you are ready.
Do
Florianópolis Whole-Island Bus TourStay
Intercity FlorianopolisFlorianópolis city area
Do
Campeche Island Boat TripStay
Pousada Praia CampecheCampeche
Do
Lagoa da Conceição Viewpoints and Lagoon TourStay
Hotel Boutique Quinta das VideirasLagoa da Conceição
Florianopolis guides
Florianópolis in Three Days: Beaches, Lagoon and Old Town
A practical three-day plan for Florianópolis, mixing a beach and island-boat day, the lagoon district and a slow morning in the historic centre.
Where to Stay in Florianópolis: Neighbourhoods Compared
A guide to the main areas of Florianópolis for visitors, from the city centre and the lagoon district to Campeche, Barra da Lagoa and the north coast.
Eating and Drinking in Florianópolis: Oysters, Shrimp and Caipirinhas
A guide to the food of Florianópolis, covering oysters, the shrimp sequence, fish stews, market lunches, drinks and how to eat well on a budget.
Best Time to Visit Florianópolis: Seasons, Crowds and Water
When to go to Florianópolis, with a season-by-season guide to weather, sea temperature, surf, crowds, whales and prices.
Day Trips from Florianópolis: Whales, Dolphins and German Valleys
The best day trips from Florianópolis, from southern beaches and whale watching to the dolphin fishermen of Laguna and the German towns of the Itajaí valley.
Florianópolis Beaches and Surf: Which Beach for Which Day
A guide to choosing beaches in Florianópolis, from calm family shores in the north to surf breaks in the east and wild trails in the south.
