Campeche Island Boat Trip

Campeche Island sits a short way off the southeast coast of Santa Catarina Island, a green, rocky speck surrounded by water that turns glassy turquoise on calm days. It is a protected area, with limits on daily visitor numbers, marked trails and rules designed to protect the vegetation, the marine life and the archaeological sites. For many visitors it is the most beautiful half-day on the whole trip. Boats leave from beaches on the southeast side, often from the Armação area, and cross in around twenty to thirty minutes depending on conditions. On arrival you wade or step onto a sandy beach, and the day is divided between swimming and snorkelling in the clear shallows and a guided walk on the island trail. The walk leads past forest, lookouts and the famous rock inscriptions, which are carvings left by early coastal peoples and are one of the key reasons the island is protected. Because the island has no permanent facilities beyond basic services, the experience is surprisingly natural. You hear birds, see small fish near the shore and enjoy views back toward the long arc of Campeche beach and the hills behind it. It feels remote, even though the mainland is minutes away.

Weather and sea conditions decide everything. Crossings can be cancelled or shortened when the swell is high or the wind is strong, which is more common outside summer, so keep a spare day in your plans. Check the operator's cancellation policy, and confirm whether the price includes the trail guide, the landing fee and snorkel equipment.

Visitor limits mean that places can sell out in peak periods. Book early for December to February and for Brazilian holiday weekends. Arrive at the departure point with time to spare, as boarding and briefings take a while, and bring identification in case it is requested. The island is a protected site, so you will be asked to carry out all rubbish and avoid touching coral or rocks.

Pack light but sensibly. Bring sunscreen suited to marine environments, a hat, a towel, water, a swimsuit and sturdy sandals for the trail and the boarding steps. A waterproof phone pouch is handy, and a mask and snorkel are worth bringing if you prefer your own. Food is usually limited, so check whether snacks are sold or whether you should carry your own.

If you are prone to seasickness, take a remedy before boarding and sit near the middle of the boat. Most crossings are short, but the swell can be lively. Families with small children will find the beach calm on good days, though the trail has some uneven sections.

Pair the trip with a lazy afternoon on Campeche beach, a surf lesson, or a seafood dinner in the neighbourhood. If you visit in winter, ask whether the boats are running at all, because the schedule can shrink when the weather is poor. The island repays the effort with views and water that look more like the Caribbean than southern Brazil.