Joaquina Dunes Sandboarding

The great sand dunes near Joaquina beach are among the best-known sights in Florianópolis. Soft golden slopes rise behind the beach and drop away toward the lagoon, and for decades they have been used for sandboarding, a sport that feels a little like snowboarding and a lot like sliding down a huge sand slide. Even complete beginners can have fun, which is why it is a favourite for visitors of many ages. A session starts with a short briefing and equipment, usually a waxed board and sometimes protective gear. You climb the dune, which is the tiring part, then lie, sit or stand on the board and slide down. Instructors show how to control speed and how to lean, and the slope is gentle enough at the start to build confidence. By the end of an hour or two, many people are launching from higher points. The setting adds to the fun. From the top of the dune you can see the ocean on one side and the lagoon on the other, with the island's hills in the distance. It is an excellent place for photos, particularly in the late afternoon when the sun softens the colours.

Dress for sand. Wear light clothes and a swimsuit if you like, bring a hat and sunglasses and apply sunscreen. Closed shoes are not needed, and sandals can fill with sand, so many people go barefoot. Bring a bottle of water because climbing the dunes under the sun is tiring.

Wind and heat shape the experience. On windy days sand can sting, so cover your eyes and mouth. At midday in summer the surface can be very hot, so mornings and late afternoons are better. Rain makes the sand heavy and less slippery, which reduces fun, so check the forecast.

Safety is straightforward but real. Listen to the instructor, avoid boarding near other people, and never go head first on a steep slope. Sandboarding is suitable for most ages, but young children and people with back or neck problems should check with the operator before they join.

The dunes are part of a sensitive coastal environment. Keep to marked areas, do not pick plants, and take all rubbish with you. Respect rules about access, as parts of the dune system are protected. Operators handle most of this, but visitors share the responsibility.

Sandboarding combines well with a beach afternoon at Joaquina, where surfers gather, or with a meal in the lagoon village. If you like adventure, add a surf lesson or a paragliding flight on other days. Expect to be sandy for the rest of the day, so pack a spare change of clothes and a towel.

Photography is easier than you might expect, since friends can capture the descent from the bottom or the side. Keep phones and cameras in sealed bags because fine sand gets everywhere, and clean your equipment afterwards. Prepare for sand in your hair and clothes, and enjoy the fact that nobody minds.

If you are lucky with timing, watch surfers at Joaquina beach after your session. The beach hosted early Brazilian surf competitions and remains a gathering point for the local scene, so it is an easy way to turn a short activity into a full afternoon.