Santa Catarina Beach Vacations: Scuba Diving, Snorkeling

Santa Catarina Beach Travel Guide

Garopaba Beach in Santa Catarina, Brazil. (Brazil Ministry of Tourism)

Santa Catarina Beach Travel Tips

By Michael T. Luongo

Independent transportation can be difficult around the beaches of Santa Catarina Island. Book tours, rent a car, or ask your hotel about taxis and public transportation options. The Florianópolis-based travel company Brazil Ecojourneys can book excellent trips combining beaches and other adventure travel in Santa Catarina.
Many beaches on Santa Catarina Island have nearby dunes covered with vegetation as well as indoor eating areas if you want to head to the beach but avoid the midday sun.
The southern summer season runs the opposite of the northern hemisphere, with high season running from December to February. November and March usually feature good weather, cheaper prices, and fewer crowds.
Santa Catarina's beaches are among the safest in all of Brazil. Unlike in Rio and Salvador, you really don't have to worry about beachside thievery. Still, keeping an eye on your belongings is sensible.

Beach Overview: Santa Catarina, Brazil

By Michael T. Luongo

Santa Catarina is one of the states of Brazil, located in the south on the Atlantic Ocean. The capital and main tourist center of the state is Florianópolis, a city that straddles both the mainland and Santa Catarina Island, or Ilha de Santa Catarina, just off the coast in the center of the state. Brazilians have affectionately nicknamed the city Floripa. Tiny by Brazilian standards, the city only has 400,000 year-round residents. With its Hawaii-like feel, it is consistently rated the city with the highest quality of life in the country. The area has recently come to the attention of the international jet set—and Argentines, other South Americans, and now Americans and Canadians are beginning to vacation here in large numbers. Many who visit decide to stay.Read More