In the south of Florianópolis island, Campeche has a double personality: a long beach of pale sand and open sea beloved by surfers — and, just offshore, a sanctuary island of Caribbean-like water that only admits those who book first: Campeche Island, an archaeological and landscape heritage site listed by IPHAN, with a daily visitor limit.
The beach
Kilometers of sand framed by dunes and Morro do Lampião: “mainland” Campeche is a meeting point for surfers (consistent waves), sunrise runners and families on summer afternoons. Full beach-neighborhood infrastructure, with cafés and restaurants on the avenue — and the sunset behind the dunes as the daily closing act.
Campeche Island
The crossing departs from the beach itself or from Armação in licensed boats, upon booking through the City Hall’s official system (controlled daytime landing): on the other side wait transparent greenish waters, pale sand and the untouched forest that earned the nickname “Santa Catarina’s Caribbean”. The hidden treasure is the rock inscriptions — millennia-old panels visitable only on guided trails with the island’s monitors, who narrate the prehistory of the Santa Catarina coast among lithic workshops and lookouts.
Sanctuary rules
- Daily visitor limit — in January, book ahead through the official system.
- No loud music, barbecues, camping or pets; the coatis appreciate not being fed.
- Bring cash for snacks on the island (minimal infrastructure, by design).
- Rough seas cancel crossings: have a plan B (the mainland beach saves the day).
When to go
December-March for the full beach+island combo (weekdays = less competition for the boats); April-June and September-November for good surf and quiet. The island’s water is clearest with a light north wind — ask the boatmen, they read the sea like no one else.
🥾 Who is it for?
Effort: light — a short crossing and beach time; the island’s guided trails are optional and moderate (sun + rocks). Children: the calm, shallow water on the island’s inner face is perfect (crossing with a life vest); archaeological trails 6+. Seniors and people with reduced mobility: boarding the boats requires agility with the crew’s help; on the island, the main strip is flat — the rock trails are for steady feet. The mainland beach has easy access via several public paths.
