An interesting thing to do in Florianópolis is to take a boat trip along the Costa da Lagoa da Conceição. Departing from the Lake Terminal (Terminal Lacustre), in the “Centrinho da Lagoa” (the downtown of the neighborhood), the route heads towards the piers that function as bus stops in this part of the island, which few travelers know. During this journey, you’ll discover a peaceful way of life that seems to resist time, moving to the rhythm of the boats and the tides.
This corner of Florianópolis is inaccessible by car or bus; the only way to get there is by water, exclusively by boat. It’s perhaps the antithesis of the lively bar and nightclub scene that attracts so many tourists to this Brazilian city. It’s a fantastic option for those traveling with kids, couples, groups, and solo travelers.
Lake Terminal in Lagoa da Conceição
In December 2024, the Lake Terminal in Lagoa da Conceição was inaugurated—to be precise, the Professora Ruth Bastos de Oliveira Lake Terminal. This allows residents and tourists daily access to the Costa da Lagoa via public transport. It’s located near the Centrinho da Lagoa, making it easily accessible for visitors to the city.
The Lake Terminal operates daily with boat routes between the Centrinho da Lagoa da Conceição and the Costa da Lagoa, with departures every hour. It’s an excellent option for those looking for budget-friendly things to do in Florianópolis, as tourist ticket prices are around BRL 15.00 per trip.
How Much Time Should You Set Aside for the Boat Trip?
It’s best to reserve a whole afternoon, or if you prefer, leave in the morning and return in the afternoon. This way, you’ll have time to have lunch at one of the restaurants located on the Costa da Lagoa and enjoy a walk along the trail. Remember that the boats pass by the piers every hour, so it’s worth checking the times for the last routes.
Some restaurants on the Costa da Lagoa even include boat transportation back for their customers. I recommend asking beforehand and finding out about the departure points.
By Boat Along the Costa da Lagoa da Conceição
As soon as the ropes are untied at the Lake Terminal, the engine roars, and the landscape transforms into an immense body of water surrounded by the Mata Atlântica rainforest. In just a few minutes, the Centrinho da Lagoa disappears from view, giving way to a breathtaking panorama. Time slows down, revealing a side of Florianópolis that few tourists know.
Houses nestled between the vegetation and the lagoon, the breeze carrying the scent of the sea, a way of life that doesn’t seem to have changed much since the arrival of the first Azoreans in Florianópolis. Along the Costa da Lagoa, the boat carries residents to and from this part of the island, a place that makes us forget the traffic, horns, and visual pollution of cities.
Arriving at Costa da Lagoa
The stop Parada 16 is where visitors usually disembark to spend time on the Costa da Lagoa, have lunch at one of the local restaurants, and go for a hike. I recommend planning an entire afternoon or arriving in the morning. Upon disembarking from the boat, you enter a fishing village where life unfolds to the rhythm of the tides and the boats.
It’s another world where simplicity and the exuberance of nature coexist. No cars or motorcycles here; you move by boat between the piers or by walking along the trail that winds through the village.
An extra tip for those traveling through the state of Santa Catarina is to try the beverage Guaraná Pureza. It’s considered by its consumers to be the best guaraná drink in the world and is produced in the city of Rancho Queimado. When you taste it, you will not only agree with me, but you’ll understand why I even skip beer if there’s a cold Pureza available. You can find it in markets and restaurants in Florianópolis.
Trail on the Costa da Lagoa da Conceição
The trail along the Costa da Lagoa da Conceição can take around 2 hours if you want to cover it entirely. Along the way, you’ll find yourself surrounded by views of the lagoon and local restaurants specializing in traditional Azorean dishes based on fish and seafood.
Midway, you might find remnants of old mansions and sugarcane mills that arrived with the first Azorean settlers, who appeared in this area around 1750. On the trail, there’s also a waterfall that I haven’t had the chance to visit yet. On this guided excursion, you’ll explore the trail on the Costa da Lagoa and visit Florianópolis’s largest waterfall.
If you’re on the trail on rainy days, as I happened to be, be careful with slippery spots, such as wooden bridges.
Return to Centrinho da Lagoa
The last boats returning to Centrinho da Lagoa depart from Costa da Lagoa between 5:30 PM and 6:00 PM; it’s always a good idea to check the times. As the boat takes us back to the “real world,” the memory of this little piece of the island remains etched in our minds. It’s proof that Florianópolis always holds secrets for those who venture to discover them.
If you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-path activity in Florianópolis, exploring the Costa da Lagoa da Conceição by boat will show you an authentic side of the city without breaking the bank, all while enjoying the spectacular views between the lagoon and the forest.
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