When can be found on what to do in Balneário Camboriú? With a cable car, a Christ, Atlantic forest and beaches of all kinds, this was already a destination that I liked. My first stint there was in January 2011, and left a great impression.
And why? With beaches, Atlantic forest, a statue of Christ and a famous tram ride. Part of the recipe that makes the Rio de Janeiro beautiful is also present in Balneário Camboriú. No wonder this is the largest tourist destination on the coast of Santa Catarina. And look, I didn’t even mention the gringos, which crowd the hotels in the city of Santa Catarina.
Only my first trip there was a family trip. With this, I could not test some of the things that make Spa bathing and bathy, such as the night full of options and some of the tourist attractions.
Well, I met this other face of the largest resort of Santa Catarina years later. This post is a compilation of tips from these two passages through the city. Then come with me in this complete guide on what to do in Balneário Camboriú, with the main sights and attractions of the city!
Buildings and infrastructure in Balneário Camboriú
Balneário Camboriú is a relatively small town with only 145,000 inhabitants. But in the summer the place becomes a metropolis and sees its population surpass the million mark.
All these people only fit there because the city has one of the largest building densities in Brazil. Hey, I do? Density of buildings? Yes, if in chemistry density is the division of mass by volume, that of buildings is the amount of them by the area occupied.
But let’s stop talking about boring stuff before you change blogs. The point is that there is a lot of building in little space.
Therefore the city is empty in low season, but is able to perform the miracle of multiplying inhabitants in the summer. A phenomenon more or less similar to what happens in Guarapari, only in the seaside resort capixaba the invasion is from miners, not Argentines.
It is that all this pile of buildings makes Praia Central, about seven kilometers long, have as much infrastructure as any urban beach of larger cities. Restaurants, hotels, kiosks and inns are on all sides, just get off the sand and cross the bustling boardwalk.
If in the urbanization the Central Beach is the best of Balneário Camboriú, the skyscrapers of the city can hinder some bathers.
It is that the buildings are shaded on the sand of the beach during the afternoon. Troll face to those who lay in the sand to catch a tan, but woke up in a gigantic shadow, caused by the lack of urban planning of the municipal government.
Things to do in Balneário Camboriú: Tourist attractions
See now a list of the main attractions of the city!
Beaches in Balneário Camboriú
If the Central Beach shades it, there are other corners to enjoy the sun in Balneário Camboriú. Just take the Interpraias highway, which has about 15 kilometers and, as the name says, connects the beaches of the city.
The city is surrounded by some of the most beautiful beaches in Brazil, so prepare the sunscreen, get your canga and come with me to discover the main beaches that you can not miss!
On this side of Balneário there are still many inns, but the movement of people falls. Even in high season, we had virtually no competition in the sand.
The beaches of Estaleirinho, Estaleiro, Taquaras, Taquarinhas, Laranjeiras and Pinho meet all kinds of bathers, even those who enjoy taking a beach without the inconvenience of having to wear swimsuits.
It is that Praia do Pinho was the first official naturism beach in Brazil. You can even get into the sand, but your clothes can’t keep up with you.
If you don’t have much time in the city, consider hiring an excursion to get to know the main beaches!
1. the Central Beach
Without a doubt, Praia Central is the heart of Balneário Camboriú. This is where most things happen. With a length of 7 km, the beach is surrounded by skyscrapers, bars, restaurants and a perfect boardwalk for a run or bike ride. And ah, the nightlife here is amazing! Be sure to check it out.
2. 2. The Beach of Loves
Praia dos Amores is a true corner of peace, right next to the bustling Central Beach. Here, the climate is quieter, perfect for those who want to enjoy a beach with more peaceful vibe. And for surfers on duty, the waves here are a full plate!
3. The Beach of Laranjeiras
Take the air cable car from the Unipraias Park and get off directly at Laranjeiras Beach. This small beach is a charm only, with calm and clear waters, as well as a good structure of bars and restaurants by the sea. A great choice for the whole family.
4. 4. The Beach of the Shipyard
A little further away from the city center, Praia do Estaleiro is a paradise for those who enjoy a closer contact with nature. The beach is wilder, with a preserved sandbank vegetation and a breathtaking sea. Surfing here is also great!
5. . 5. Beach of the Hole
Right next to Praia Central, Praia do Buraco is another fantastic place to visit. With a lookout that offers a panoramic view of the city and the sea, the beach is perfect for those looking for a quieter place with a jaw-dropping view.
4. 4. Taquaras Beach
If you are looking for a beach with quiet climate and cinema landscape, then Taquaras is your place. With calm waters and an extensive strip of sand, the beach is ideal to enjoy the family or make a barbecue with friends. How about a beach volleyball at sunset? Stay the tip!
5. . 5. The Beach of Taquarinhas
Now, if you are from the adventurers team and love a more wild place, Taquarinhas will conquer you. The beach is accessible only by trail, but the reward is worth it: a breathtaking blue sea and a practically deserted beach. Prepare the camera because the photos will look amazing!
6. . 6. The Beach of Laranjeiras
Bora pick up the car? Laranjeiras Beach is a true postcard of Balneário Camboriú. With calm and clear waters, it is perfect for a swim or for those who enjoy water sports as stand up paddle. And the best thing: there are several bars and restaurants standing on the sand for you to enjoy the whole day.
7. 7. Beach of the Pinho
Now, if you are a fan of naturism, or are curious, Praia do Pinho is your face. Considered the first official naturism beach in Brazil, it is a place of respect and harmony with nature. Do not worry if you are newbie, the southern part of the beach is for those who are not yet totally comfortable in being completely naked.
Avenida Atlântica
If there is a place in Balneário Camboriú that you can not miss, it is the famous Avenida Atlântica. This is the postcard of Balneário. Located by the sea, the avenue extends throughout the extension of Praia Central and is the stage of several activities that the city has to offer. Whether it’s day or night, there’s always something going on here.
To start the tour, how about a run or a bike ride along the promenade of the avenue? It’s a great way to exercise and at the same time enjoy the view. Oh, and don’t forget to stop at one of the many kiosks to taste a geladine coconut or coconut water.
If you like shopping, you’ll love the many shops that Avenida Atlântica has to offer. From designer shops to local souvenir shops, you have a little bit of everything. And for those who are a fan of art, be sure to check out the various street artists who show their talent along the avenue.
Avenida Atlântica is also known for its lively nightlife. Bars, clubs and restaurants line along the avenue, offering a variety of options for all tastes.
Try the local cuisine, dance until dawn or simply enjoy a drink while watching the movement.
the Unipraias Park
Between Praia das Laranjeiras and Praia Central is a piece of Atlantic forest. And inside it is Unipraias, a kind of natural theme park that offers activities such as tree climbing, ecological trails and ziplines.
The Unipraias Park is one of the main tourist attractions of Balneário Camboriú, in Santa Catarina. Opened in 1999, it is the only one in the world that connects two beaches through air cars, which in itself are an unmissable attraction. There are 47 cable cars that connect three stations along a course of 3,250 meters: Barra Sul, Atlantic Forest and Laranjeiras.
1. Aéreos trams
The adventure begins on the air cable car, one of the main attractions of Unipraias Park. The tour offers breathtaking panoramic views of the entire city, including Central Beach, the Atlantic Ocean and the Atlantic Forest.
There are 47 trams connecting three stations: Barra Sul, Atlantic Forest and Laranjeiras. But beware, guys: do not forget to check the opening hours before the visit and, of course, prepare the camera for the amazing photos!
2. 2. The Beach of Laranjeiras
After a stunning tram ride, you will disembark at Laranjeiras Station, where you will find the charming Laranjeiras Beach.
With calm and crystal clear waters, the beach is perfect for a refreshing swim. In addition, there is a great infrastructure of bars and restaurants by the sea, where you can taste delicious dishes of the local cuisine.
3. the Environmental Park
The Atlantic Forest Station, located at the top of Morro da Aguada, is the home of the Environmental Park.
Here, you can make a trail through the native forest and learn more about the fauna and flora of the region. There are information panels along the route and even a mini farm for children.
Don’t miss the viewpoint, which offers a 360o view of the region – it’s jaw-dropping!
Important tip: take a comfortable shoe to take advantage of the trail and do not forget the repellent.
Christ Light
If the river has Christ the Redeemer, Balneário Camboriú has the Christ Light. With 33 meters high – a few fewer than the Rio statue – the Christ of Bathneary was inaugurated in 1997 and is high on top of a hill, near the city center.
From there, in addition to the statue, the visitor has one of the coolest views of Spa. Why Christ Light, and not Redemptor? It is that this does not have two arms open, like the Christ of Rio de Janeiro, but only one. The other arm holds a light cannon, which illuminates the city at night.
The complex of Christ Light is open for visitation every day of the week. There is a panoramic bus that leaves from the city center and leads to the monument, with day and night walks. The transport is charged separately and has regular exits.
During the visit, in addition to the statue, the complex offers attractions for the whole family, including souvenir shops, food area and space for events.
We recommend arriving in the late afternoon to enjoy the view of the sunset and see the illumination of Christ at dusk, which is really spectacular. Secure your tickets in advance here.
Visit Beto Carreiro World
Beto Carrero World is the largest theme park in Latin America and one of the largest in the world! Located in Penha, about 35 km from Balneário Camboriú, the park is divided into several thematic areas, such as the Animal World, Old West, Pirate Island, Land of Fantasy and many others.
The park has attractions for all ages. For adrenaline lovers, I highlight the “FireWhip”, the only inverted roller coaster in Brazil, and the “Big Tower”, a 100 meters high free fall tower.
For the children, the “DinoMagic”, a train ride that passes through a forest full of dinosaurs, and the “Beto Carrero World”, an area dedicated to children with several toys, are a must-see.
In addition, the park offers incredible live shows, such as the “Blum”, a show with water stunts, and the “Monga”, a transformation show that will leave everyone open-mouthed.
There are transfers that leave from Balneário to Beto Carreiro. You can hire yours in advance here.
Tips for the visit
- Buy tickets in advance : This will avoid queues at the park entrance.
- Wear comfortable clothes and shoes: You will walk a lot, so it is important to be comfortable.
- Arrive early: The park is huge and there is a lot to see and do. Arriving early, you can make the most of it.
- Keep an eye on the weather: Some attractions can be cancelled in case of rain.
- There are several options of restaurants and cafeterias in the park, but prepare the pocket, the prices are usually higher.
- Don’t miss the shows: They are one of the great differentials of Beto Carrero World.
Boat trip through the bay
There are several options for boat trips to choose from depending on your taste and your pocket. There are from quieter options, such as the schooner ride, which runs along the waterfront and some nearby islands, to more exciting options such as the boat ride or even jet ski.
There is also the famous Pirate Boat, which in addition touring beautiful landscapes, provides a trip to time, with costumed characters and themed stadding during the route. This is a very nice tour for children and you can guarantee your place here.
Regardless of the tour chosen, you can expect wonderful views of the city and the coast. In addition, you will have the opportunity to see up close some of the most beautiful islands and beaches in the region, such as the Island of Cabras and Praia das Laranjeiras.
Many tours also include bathing stops, so get ready to dive into the crystal clear waters of the Atlantic! Also, don’t be surprised if you spot dolphins or even sea turtles during the tour.
Itineraries for 2, 3 or 5 days in Balneário Camboriú
If even with all of the above tips, you don’t know where to start, we’re here to help you! See below some ready-to-use itineraries on your trip!
Itinerary 2 days in Balneário Camboriú
Day 1: Start your day at Praia Central, take a dip, sunbathe and walk along Avenida Atlântica. Then, how about a lunch at one of the many seaside restaurants? In the afternoon, the suggestion is the Unipraias Park. You can take the tram and enjoy an incredible view, in addition to visiting the Laranjeiras Beach.
Day 2: On this day, it is time to visit Christ Light. You can spend the day on some other beach and go in the late afternoon to enjoy the panoramic view of the city and watch the sunset. At night, Christ is enlightened and offers a separate spectacle.
Itinerary of 3 Days in Balneário Camboriú
Day 3: Book this day to take a boat trip along the coast. Choose from the various options available and take the opportunity to see the city from a different angle. If the tour permits, take a dip on the high seas.
Itinerary of 5 Days in Balneário Camboriú
Day 4: How about a day of fun at Beto Carrero World? The largest theme park in Latin America is close to Balneário Camboriú and is an excellent choice for a full day of adventure.
Day 5: On the last day, we suggest a visit to the most remote beaches, such as Taquaras, Taquarinhas and Praia do Pinho. They are quieter places with impressive natural beauty.
Remember that this is just a guide, okay? The city has much more to offer and the best part of traveling is discovering new places and experiences.
Where to eat in Balneário Camboriú: restaurants tested by us
- Pharol Porto Cabral: a floating bar that is a few meters from the beach. As it could not be, there the menu was of seafood.
- Casa do Camarão: is located in Laranjeiras Beach. For me, the best beach in Balneário Camboriú, beautiful, quiet and with good restaurants and kiosks.
- Guacamole: a Mexican food restaurant. All well that seems to be a better alternative to dinner than lunch, since there you will find music-quamous-mexican, sung by Brazilian mariachis, but very funny, in addition to free tequila doses, whenever the theloquileiro challenges you to it.
- Taj Bar: serves oriental food (Indian and Thai, among others) in a cool environment that has very interesting decoration and climate.
Where to stay in Balneário Camboriú: hotel tips
As you may have noticed, we can divide the beaches of Balneário Camboriú into two parts:
- The Central Beach, where most of the hotels and the emboo of Balneário are located.
- The beaches of the Interpraias Highway, in the southern region of the city, and which are much quieter. There are six beaches: Laranjeiras, Taquarinhas, Taquaras, Pinho, Estaleiro and Layyard.
To know the advantages and disadvantages of each of them, read our complete guide on where to stay in Balneário Camboriú.
Below, we have separated some of the best accommodation options in the city:
- Two pools, spa, gym and the entire leisure structure. This is the Resort Refuge of the Shipyard, which is on the beach of the same name. Daily from R$ 1200.
- Hotel Rieger: Three swimming pools, very comfort and option of rooms with whirlpool. The location is very good and the daily rates are around R $ 400.
- Kasa Hostel Resto Bar: It is on Avenida Central. Bed in dormitory for R$ 140.
- Pousada OceAnas: Simple Pousada and foot on the sand in Shipyard. Daily rate from R$ 250.
How to get around Balneário Camboriú
If you are the type who loves a walk, you will find a delight stroll through the city center. Balneário Camboriú is safe and most of the tourist attractions are close to each other.
For those who enjoy a bike ride, the city offers an excellent infrastructure for cyclists, with several bike paths scattered throughout the municipality.
For those who prefer the practicality of public transport, the buses of Balneário Camboriú are an efficient and economical alternative, perfect for those who want to visit the most distant tourist spots, such as Cristo Luz and Parque Unipraias.
Taxi and Uber are also viable options for those who prefer faster and more comfortable transportation. Finally, although it is possible to rent a car, if you want more freedom to explore the beaches in your time, it is a good idea to explore the city by car.
For this, we usually use the Rent Cars website, which compares the prices offered by the main companies in the market. Simply determine your travel dates, choose the model and make the booking. In this text we give you step by step for you to book your car over the internet and guarantee the best cost/benefit.
Best time to visit Balneário Camboriú
The best time to visit Balneário Camboriú is in the summer. If you like sun and heat and don’t care about the crowd, this is when the city is super excited and all the attractions are in full swing.
Now, if you prefer a more peaceful climate and want to avoid the crowds, spring and autumn are great choices. The climate is still nice, but the city is less busy. In winter, the city is quieter and you can find good offers of lodging, although the weather is a little cooler for the beaches.
Safety tips in Balneário Camboriú
As with any tourist destination, it is important to have some precautions in Balneário Camboriú. Although the city is quite safe, still keep its belongings always in sight, especially on the beach.
Also, if you will enjoy the nightlife, remember to drink in moderation and not leave your drinks unattended. If you drive, don’t drink. Security always!
Events and local festivals
Balneário Camboriú has a well-stuffed calendar of events throughout the year. Among them, the Carnival of Balneário is well known and lively, with parades of samba schools and street blocks.
At the end of the year, the Christmas celebrations Luz de Balneário Camboriú and New Year’s Eve attract many visitors with incredible decorations, shows and one of the most beautiful fireworks in Brazil.
In addition, the city usually hosts sporting events, such as surfing and beach volleyball championships, and cultural festivals. So, it is worth checking the city’s schedule at the time you plan to visit.
