Things to do in Florianópolis: beaches, boat trips and tours

Looking for the best things to do in Florianópolis? The top-rated experiences are a kayak and snorkel trip to Ilha do Francês (€37, 4.9/5), white-water rafting (€49, 4.9/5), the Lagoinha do Leste hike (€61, 4.9/5) and a day trip to Balneário Camboriú with the Unipraias cable car (from €31 with pickup). The catalogue lists 54 activities in Florianópolis and Santa Catarina, from €10, with a median price of just €42.

Floripa, as Brazilians call it, is an island of beaches, lagoons, dunes and trails linked to the mainland by bridges. It is a surf and nature destination with great seafood and lively nights. Here is what to do, what it costs and how to combine it, based on the Tours Brasil catalogue of things to do in Florianópolis.

Prices, ratings and review counts updated on November 9, 2026 from the GetYourGuide catalogue. Tours Brasil is a GetYourGuide affiliate: booking through our links costs you the same and we earn a small commission.

The 10 best things to do in Florianópolis

1. Kayak and snorkel at Ilha do Francês — €37, 4 hours, 4.9/5 from 44 reviews. Paddle to a small island and snorkel in calm water.
2. White-water rafting — €49, 3 hours, 4.9/5 from 57 reviews, the most reviewed adventure in the area.
3. Balneário Camboriú and Unipraias cable car — €31, 10 hours, 4.5/5 from 92 reviews, with pickup. The most booked day trip from Floripa.
4. History, art and food walking tour — €15, 2.5 hours, 5.0/5 from 33 reviews. The historic centre with local tastings.
5. Lagoinha do Leste hike — €61, 6 hours, 4.9/5. One of the island’s most beautiful beaches, reachable only on foot or by sea.
6. Horseback ride — €67, 1.5–2.5 hours, 4.6/5 from 37 reviews, through dunes and open landscapes.
7. Surf lesson — €42, 1.5 hours, 4.6/5 from 39 reviews. Floripa is one of Brazil’s top surf spots.
8. Boat trip to Campeche Island and Lagoa da Conceição — €48, 6 hours, 5.0/5. Clear water and white sand just off the coast.
9. Pirate ship cruise to Anhatomirim — €34, 6 hours, 5.0/5. An easy family day on the northern bay.
10. Bombinhas, 4 Ilhas and Lagoinha — €20, 9 hours with pickup. North-coast beaches at a very low price.

Also well rated: a local nightlife tour (€58, 4.9/5), a windsurf lesson (€42, 5.0/5), a cooking class with 8 recipes (€68, 5.0/5) and a trip to the German-heritage towns of Blumenau and Pomerode (€35, 4.6/5).

Quick comparison: price, rating and pickup

Activity	From	Rating	Reviews	Duration	Spanish guide	Pickup
Ilha do Francês kayak and snorkel	€37	4.9/5	44	4 h	Yes	No
White-water rafting	€49	4.9/5	57	3 h	Yes	No
Balneário Camboriú and Unipraias	€31	4.5/5	92	10 h	Yes	Yes
History, art and food walk	€15	5/5	33	2,5 h	Yes	No
Lagoinha do Leste hike	€61	4.9/5	18	6 h	Yes	No
Surf lesson	€42	4.6/5	39	1,5 h	Yes	No
Campeche and Lagoa da Conceição boat trip	€48	5/5	12	6 h	No	No
Bombinhas, 4 Ilhas and Lagoinha	€20	4.2/5	29	9 h	Yes	Yes

What to choose for your trip

Beach and sea

Book the kayak and snorkel trip and the Campeche boat trip. For something slower, the Costa da Lagoa catamaran with a hike and lunch (€45, 7 hours) mixes boat, walk and food. Surf lessons start at €42.

Adventure and nature

Rafting and the Lagoinha do Leste hike are the highest rated. There is also a shorter guided hike for €22 (5.0/5) and a horseback ride through the dunes.

Day trips off the island

The classic escape is Balneário Camboriú, with its cable car, beaches and high-rise seafront. Further north are the beaches of Bombinhas (tours from €15), and inland the German heritage of the European Valley. With kids, there is a Beto Carrero World ticket (€80).

3-day Florianópolis itinerary

Day 1: the history, art and food walking tour (€15) in the morning, a surf lesson (€42) in the afternoon and sunset at Lagoa da Conceição. Activities: €57.

Day 2: kayak and snorkel at Ilha do Francês (€37, 4 hours), a beach afternoon and the local nightlife tour (€58). Activities: €95.

Day 3: a full day in Balneário Camboriú with the Unipraias cable car (€31, 10 hours, pickup included). Activities: €31.

That is about €183 per person in activities over three days. Nature lovers can swap Camboriú for the Lagoinha do Leste hike (€61) or the Campeche boat trip (€48).

How much do activities in Florianópolis cost?

• Attraction tickets in Balneário Camboriú (zoo, Ferris wheel, Cristo Luz, aquarium): €10–19.
• Walking tours and surf or windsurf lessons: €15–42.
• Boat, kayak and snorkel trips: €34–48.
• Day trips with pickup (Camboriú, Bombinhas, European Valley): €20–46.
• Adventure and nature (rafting, guided hikes, horse riding): €22–67.
• Food experiences and private tours: €68–119.

With a median price of €42, Florianópolis is one of the most affordable places in Brazil for tours and activities. Prices are refreshed daily; you see the final price when you choose a date.

Plan your trip

Getting there: Hercílio Luz International Airport is on the island, south of downtown, with frequent flights from São Paulo and Rio. Bridges link the island to the mainland. Getting around: beaches are spread across the north, east and south, so a rental car gives the most freedom; otherwise combine taxis or apps with tours that include pickup.

When to go: December to March is summer, with warmer water, crowds and higher prices. March, April and November are a good balance; June to August is cold for swimming but good for hiking and food.

Practical tips

• High season is the southern summer (December to March): book boat trips ahead.
• In winter the water is cold and the wind picks up, making it a good time for hiking, surfing in a wetsuit and food.
• The island is big and summer traffic is heavy, so group activities by area: north, centre and lagoon, or south.
• Take hiking shoes, water and sun protection for Lagoinha do Leste; the climb is steep.
• 37 of the 54 activities offer a Spanish-speaking guide; check each listing for English.

FAQ

How many days do you need in Florianópolis?

Three days cover Lagoa da Conceição, a couple of beaches and one sea activity. With five or more you can add Camboriú, Bombinhas or a long hike.

What is the most popular day trip?

Balneário Camboriú with Unipraias Park and its cable car: 92 reviews, 4.5/5 and from €31 with pickup.

What can I do on a budget?

Beaches and viewpoints are free. Among guided activities, the downtown walking tour costs €15 and is rated 5.0/5, and north-coast beach trips start at €15.

Can I hike to Lagoinha do Leste without a guide?

Yes, the trail is marked, but a guide (from €61) helps you find the best viewpoints and keeps you on schedule with the daylight.

Where should I stay?

The north (Canasvieiras, Jurerê, Ingleses) has most hotels and boat departures; Lagoa da Conceição is the liveliest base for nightlife, surf and dunes; the south is wilder and close to Campeche and Lagoinha do Leste. Downtown, by the Hercílio Luz bridge, is handy for tours with pickup.

When is the best time to visit Florianópolis?

December to March for beach weather and warmer water; March, April and November for good weather with fewer crowds.

Do I need a visa for Brazil?

Since 10 April 2025, US, Canadian and Australian citizens need an e-visa to visit Brazil. UK and EU passport holders do not need a visa for tourist stays of up to 90 days. Always check the official Brazilian consulate website before travelling.

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