Give the family a day of fun, adventure and relaxation on Barra da Lagoa Beach. This attractive beach on the eastern side of Santa Catarina Island is known for its gentle to moderate waves for surfers and natural beauty. Sunbathe, hike and take part in a range of watersports.
Rent equipment from the beach club and go surfing, windsurfing, wakeboarding or paddle boarding. They can also arrange other activities such as paragliding, horse riding, kayaking, scuba diving and boat tours.
If you've never tried surfing before, benefit from some expert tuition at the beach’s surf schools. The waves are not as strong or as large as other beaches, making Barra da Lagoa a good place for novice surfers. With calm water for a lot of the time, families with young children often come to the beach.
Go for a long walk along the fine white sands. Although the beach is only about 2,100 feet (650 metres) in length, it connects to the much larger Mocambique Beach. This beach provides approximately 4.5 miles (7 kilometres) of sands. For a slightly more strenuous hike, head into the green hills behind the beach. Be sure to bring a camera with you for the superb views from the elevated terrain.
After your beach-based fun, head into the small town of Barra da Lagoa, just a couple of minutes’ walk away. Go shopping for souvenirs and dine in oceanfront restaurants. Try local specialties, such as shrimp with rice and beans.
Barra da Lagoa Beach is based on the east coast of Santa Catarina Island, about 13 miles (22 kilometres) from the centre of Florianopolis. There is a regular bus service from the city, and Barra da Lagoa’s bus terminal is very close to the beach. If you drive or go by taxi, the ride should take around 45 minutes.