Balneário Camboriú – Brasil Travel Guide, Tips and Accommodation

In summer, the various beaches of Balneário Camboriú offer attractions for all tastes: urban hustle and bustle and sea walks on Praia Central; fishing, diving, naturism or tranquility on the beaches of the South; and in the North leisure for the adventurous and the most romantic.

Young partygoers have guaranteed fun with the intense programming of nightclubs, beach clubs and bars. For those who prefer to venture into nature, there are many attractions between the sea and the Balneário mountains, in Parque Unipraias, where there is no shortage of ecotourism. Gastronomy is also a highlight, with several restaurants specializing in delicious seafood. From the various stores in the elegant shopping malls to the cheap options at street vendors, they are all attractive to tourists who pass by. If you stay longer in the region, go to Beto Carrero World, an unmissable trip for children and enchanting for adults.

Unipraias Park

Opened in 1999, Parque Unipraias was created by entrepreneur Normando Tedesco, after a breakdown in his plane forced him to land in the then deserted south bar of Balneário Camboriú, in the 1950s. Since then, the award-winning park has integrated the sea and the mountains, with lots of nature, beautiful landscapes and recreational activities.

The famous Balneário Camboriú cable car is part of the Parque Unipraias leisure complex, connecting Barra Sul (end of Praia Central), Morro da Aguada and Praia de Laranjeiras. There are 47 cable cars, similar to those in Rio de Janeiro, which travel at a speed of 16 km/h, allowing you to enjoy the beautiful view of the sea and the Atlantic Forest. The total round trip is 3,250 meters, lasting (without stops) 30 minutes.
Another, more radical and faster way, to enjoy the landscape is by ZipRider, a type of zip line 750 meters long and 240 meters high. Attraction for the bravest, it is possible to ‘walk’ at 60 km/h and have a privileged view of the Atlantic Forest and the sea.

A new feature in the Park is Youhooo!, a mountain sled built on a 710-meter descent, which allows a view of Praia Central, reaching speeds of up to 60 km/h. But don’t worry, the driver controls the speed.

Another attraction offered by Unipraias Park is tree climbing. In the middle of the native forest there is a 140 meter circuit with 12 different activities, which increase the adrenaline of those who practice it. This activity must be scheduled in advance for monitoring by monitors.

The Park also has trails in Morro da Aguada for hiking and viewpoints to glimpse the beautiful landscape of Balneário Camboriú.

Christ Light

The Cristo Luz Tourist Complex was opened in 1997 and is located at one of the highest points in Balneário Camboriú, providing a ‘divine’ panoramic view of the region.

At the top of 155 meters of Morro da Cruz, in Bairro das Nações, the Cristo Luz monument appears imposing, with its 33 meters high, just two less than Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro. Weighing 528 tons, handcrafted in mortar, it is 22 meters wide with open arms, and holds in its left hand a lighting device, representing the sun that “illuminates and blesses the entire city and its tourists”.

Christ’s lighting is switched on daily from 8pm (December to March) and 7pm (April to November), with different colors each day, with a specific symbolism: Sunday – white (peace and faith); Monday – yellow (energy); Tuesday – green (nature); Wednesday – blue (health); Thursday – lilac (reflection); Friday – red (love); and Saturday – pink (happiness).

The Complex also has a pavilion for events, a panoramic restaurant with a wood-fired pizzeria, a snack bar and parking.

Morro do Gavião

The highest point in Balneário Camboriú, just behind Morro da Cruz, is Morro do Gavião, which has trails and rappelling for the more adventurous.
For those who like ecotourism, Morro do Gavião offers an ecological trail amid the Atlantic Forest and small streams. It has a medium level of difficulty and is covered in an hour and a half. For those who want more adrenaline, rappelling is also practiced on the Morro, 15 meters high. It’s worth an afternoon’s trip.

Cyro Gevaerd Environmental Complex

The Environmental Complex or Parque Cyro Gevaerd, also known as Parque da Santur, houses museums and the zoo, with more than 1,200 animals from 120 different species, including some endangered, in a beautiful area of ​​the Atlantic Forest. Ideal for little ones to walk around and learn.

Between birdsong, feline roars and the noise of monkeys jumping from branch to branch to attract attention, tourists will have the opportunity to stroll through an area of ​​more than 39,000 m² of native vegetation. The park is divided into: World of Birds, Aquarium, Turtle, Oceanographic and Archaeological Museum, Fisherman’s Museum, Santa Catarina Craft Museum and Mini Farm.

The zoo has around 1,200 animals, including 91 species of birds, 29 mammals and 24 reptiles, with exotic species such as tigers, lions, lady deer and some endangered ones, such as hyacinth macaws.

Open daily, opening hours vary during high season. Tickets cost R$10.00 and children pay half price.

See the photo gallery of the Zoo – Balneário Camboriú

Barra Sul Jetty

Molhe da Barra Sul is a coastal structure similar to a jetty, or breakwater, and was built at the Foz do Rio Camboriú to ensure the safety of tourist vessel traffic, including the famous pirate boats.

Measuring 452 meters long, the jetty, located in front of Parque Unipraias, at the south end of Praia Central, is one of the best-known points in Balneário Camboriú, as it is from this point that the various tourist tours depart by sea.

With unique landscaping and lighting, occupying an area of ​​6 thousand m², the jetty also has a decorative floor in the shape of marine animals found in the region and works of art by local artists, making the environment even more pleasant.

Pirate boats, traditional tours in Balneário Camboriú, are offered at different times by different companies, but generally covering Praia Central, Ilha das Cabras, Costão do Morro da Aguada and Praia de Laranjeiras, with the option of disembarking. During the journey, which lasts about an hour and a half, pirates put on a theater and entertain the crew. Choose your captain, book your time and enjoy your trip.

Acqualandia

A large inflatable park at sea: this is Acqualândia. Set up in high season, it is a delight for children and entertains all ages.

In a limited area close to the shore of Praia Central, Acqualândia’s inflatable toys float waiting for tourists. With prepared monitors, there are several activities offered.

The price for one hour is R$20.00 and for the whole day R$60.00. Children under 8 years old must be accompanied by their parents. Opening hours from 10am to 7pm on weekends and from 11am to 7pm on weekdays, only in high season.

Cultural life

To learn about the history of Balneário Camboriú you need to go to the Cultural Center, which houses the library and the municipal historical archive. The construction style and religiosity of the 19th century are marked in the Santo Amaro Chapel.

Cultural center: With a collection of documents, old newspapers and photographs, which tell a little about the colonization and development of the city and the first local inhabitants, the Cultural Center is an interesting place to visit. There you will be able to find out that Camboriú, from the original Camborihu, means river with a lot of sea bass, the name of the fish that is very common in the region that was colonized in 1826. To find out more about this story, it is possible to carry out research and schedule guided tours at the library and historical archive . The Cultural Center also has temporary and permanent exhibitions. Opening hours are Monday to Friday, from 8am to 12pm and from 2pm to 6pm.

Santo Amaro Chapel: as a curiosity, the Santo Amaro Chapel, on Avenida Interpraias, dates back to 1810, making it one of the oldest in Santa Catarina. It was built by slaves in colonial style with mortar mixed with whale oil, with the tiles molded into the thighs. Now restored, it is a beautiful spot to visit in Bairro da Barra, on the way to the southern beaches.

Beto Carrero World

Located on Praia de Armação, in Penha, 30 minutes from Balneário Camboriú, the Beto Carrero World park needs no introduction. It is the largest theme park in Latin America and features countless fantastic attractions. Extend your stay in Balneário for another two days and be enchanted!

Opened on December 28, 1991, the park has an area of ​​14 km², divided into zoo attractions, toys and shows and themed scenes, such as Pirate Island, German Village and the Wild West. The most famous rides are the loop roller coaster, the ‘free fall’ elevator and the pirate boat, which take you to heights. The shows are exciting due to the staging, costumes and excellent group of artists.

The park is open daily from 9am to 6pm, with the ticket office starting at 8:30am. The value of the entry passport is different for children, adults and seniors and also depends on the day of visit and the season. There is the possibility of purchasing in advance on the park’s website.