Boat Tour to Ilha do Campeche, Florianópolis

During the low season, the departure is confirmed only with a minimum group of 20 people. If you have any questions, please contact us via WhatsApp.

Campeche Island is famous for its preserved nature and archaeological sites featuring rock engravings, making the visit extra special.

The Lagomar schooner departs from the Barra da Lagoa pier at 10:00 AM and takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes to reach Campeche Island, after crossing the Barra Natural Pools, Praia Mole, Galheta, and Joaquina. Upon landing, you have up to 4 free hours on the beach. The mandatory environmental landing fee is already included in the price. A stretch of white sand and transparent sea on a piece of land listed by IPHAN as an archaeological and landscape heritage site. The schooner carries up to 82 passengers and features two restrooms, a captain, and three crew members on board. The return journey begins promptly at 3:00 PM, arriving back at Barra between 4:00 PM and 4:30 PM.

Campeche Island is located off the eastern coast of Santa Catarina, covering slightly over 420,000 m²—about 1,620 meters from north to south and 563 meters from east to west. Its white sand beaches and calm waters contrast with the dense vegetation at its center, a remnant of restinga and Atlantic Forest preserved due to its isolation from the mainland. This isolation also preserved traces left by ancient peoples who occupied the area long before Azorean settlers arrived on Santa Catarina Island.

Engraved into the island's rocks are figures classified by researchers as one of the largest concentrations of lithic workshops and rock engravings on the Brazilian coast, featuring geometric symbols, mask-like shapes, arrow-point drawings, and a nine-meter monolith marked with inscriptions. There are also ruins of whale processing facilities dating back to 1772, when whaling drove the local economy. Due to this historic value, the island was registered by IPHAN in 2001 in the Archaeological, Ethnographic, and Landscape Book of Historical Heritage. Today, visitor access is regulated: up to 770 people per day (increasing to 800 between December and February), open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Boarding at Barra da Lagoa — Check-in at 9:15 AM and boarding at the pier at 9:30 AM. The Lagomar schooner departs at 10:00 AM sharp, equipped with Wi-Fi and power outlets on board so you can enjoy the trip without worrying about phone battery. The company does not have its own parking lot; the first street on the left after the office offers paid parking options, with rates varying depending on the season.

Crossing and free time on the island — The 1h10 boat ride passes by the Barra Natural Pools, Praia Mole, Galheta, and Joaquina before arriving at Campeche Island. On the island, you have up to 4 free hours: relax on the white sand, swim and snorkel in calm waters, or walk the light trails through the interior (which require an authorized guide; book upon arrival if interested). Extra activities: Snorkeling costs R$ 80 separately, and guided land trails cost R$ 30 or R$ 40; these optional activities may not be available during the low season and rates are subject to change without notice. Chairs, umbrellas, and coolers with food and drinks are allowed; loudspeakers, grills, and climbing on the rocky coastal cliffs are strictly prohibited. The island restaurant accepts cash or Pix, while the kiosk accepts credit cards (please confirm prior to departure); visitors must collect their trash and bring it back on the boat. In low season, departures are only confirmed with a minimum group of 20 passengers.

Return to Barra da Lagoa — The return boat departs at 3:00 PM sharp, with estimated arrival at Barra da Lagoa between 4:00 PM and 4:30 PM.

The tour may be canceled on the day of travel due to heavy rain or unsafe sea conditions, with the option to reschedule for the next day subject to availability. Overcast days without rain do not affect operations.

Quick Summary:

• Duration: 6h30 (departure at 10:00 AM, return between 4:00 PM and 4:30 PM)

• Difficulty: Easy

• Restrictions: No specific restrictions stated

• Includes: Life jacket and environmental preservation fee

• Excludes: Transport to pier, breakfast, lunch

Ideal for:

• Travelers who want to explore Campeche Island stress-free and enjoy this piece of paradise in peace.

• Families and groups wanting to discover the island's natural beauty.

• History and archaeology enthusiasts interested in ancient rock carvings and whaling-era ruins.

• Couples and friends who enjoy scenic boat rides with views of eastern beaches en route to a crystal-clear paradise listed as national heritage.

Why it's worth it: The highlight isn't just visiting Campeche Island, but arriving via an authorized schooner equipped with restrooms, a snack bar, Wi-Fi, and charging outlets, while cruising past Barra Natural Pools, Praia Mole, Galheta, and Joaquina. Enjoy four full hours of free time on protected heritage grounds without rushing before the 3:00 PM return.

Expert Verdict:

“Campeche Island is the kind of tour we recommend to those who have been to Floripa multiple times and think they've seen it all. There are no cars or beach huts; just forest, carved rocks, and a sea like a swimming pool. It's a chance to relax on white sand and learn a bit of local history.”

— Guta, Acalanta Cofounder