Trails and nature in Praia do Rosa and Ibiraquera

Dunas da Ribanceira

Ibiraquera · Google 4.8★

A worthwhile detour. The view from the dunes towards Ibirahill is as beautiful as the reverse. The landscape is enough for a visit; if you want to try sandboarding or skibunda, check rental availability and conditions first.

How to do it:

Head towards Ribanceira and check your chosen access point and parking before setting out.

When to go:

Days with light winds

Heads-up:

Strong winds can make for an uncomfortable day

The view of the dunes is worth the trip on its own. Check rentals first if you want to work on your balance on a sandboard.

Piscina Natural do Rosa

Praia do Rosa · Google 4.8★

The natural pool lies among the rocks on Rosa’s northern headland. Arrive through the beach access and follow the existing path on the headland. Water conditions and whether a visit is suitable change with tide and sea.

How to do it:

Park at Rosa Norte. Go down to the beach and continue along the coast

When to go:

Low tide and calm seas are planning references, not guarantees of access or safe swimming. Assess the spot that day.

Heads-up:

Do not rely on lifeguards at this point without checking. Wet rocks and waves require care; check conditions before following the headland.

Park at Rosa Norte and follow the short trail along the rocky shore.

Praia D'água

Imbituba · Google 4.8★

Praia D’Água is a beach we like to recommend to those who want a walk to the sea. Access is by trail, and conditions change with rain. For surfing in mullet season, check flags and local guidance before entering.

How to do it:

Use the identified access to Praia D’Água and check where parking is permitted.

When to go:

A visit depends on path and sea conditions. In mullet season, respect the signs and speak with the fishermen.

Heads-up:

Check the trailhead and path conditions. Leave time to return in daylight.

A walk to the beach. In mullet season, first check whether surfing is allowed on that stretch.

Praia Vermelha

Imbituba · Google 4.9★

Praia Vermelha is in Imbituba, between Rosa and Ouvidor, with access on foot along the headlands. A walk worth taking for the beach at the end.

How to do it:

From Ouvidor’s southern end, Garopaba tourism gives 1.9 km and about an hour one way as a reference. Check the starting point, path and parking before setting out.

When to go:

Summer and spring

Heads-up:

Bring water and a snack. Do not rely on beach services without checking first.

The walk is part of the outing. Leave time to enjoy the beach and return in daylight.

Praia do Luz → Rosa Sul Trail

Praia do Luz · Google 4.9★

A walk we recommend. The trail starts on Praia do Luz’s northern headland, passes Mirante do Luz and reaches Rosa Sul. The hosts allow about 25 minutes each way, plus time for stops. Check path conditions and plan the return before setting out.

How to do it:

Leave your car at Praia do Luz - and from there follow the trail along the coast

When to go:

Morning or late afternoon

Heads-up:

In summer, parking at Praia do Luz can be difficult depending on the time

A walk with a great vibe, past grazing cows and breathtaking views.

Praia do Rosa Sul

Praia do Rosa

The southern end of Praia do Rosa, with a sand bottom. Schools use stretches of the beach according to conditions; when learning, let the school choose the spot and time. The trail via Mirante do Luz links Rosa Sul to Praia do Luz.

How to do it:

For Praia do Luz, take the trail via Mirante do Luz. The hosts allow about 25 minutes each way, plus time for stops.

What it costs:

Check parking options and the price at your chosen lot. In summer, spaces may fill early.

When to go:

Arrange a surf lesson with the school for the day’s sea conditions. In summer, also allow time for access and parking.

Heads-up:

In summer, parking can be difficult depending on the time.

Praia do Rosa Norte

Praia do Rosa

The northern end of Praia do Rosa. The break has a sand bottom beside the rocky headland and can receive powerful waves. Conditions change with swell, wind and sandbanks. The path to the natural pool starts on the headland; the trail to Vermelha continues beyond and can carry on to Ouvidor.

How to do it:

From the northern headland, choose the natural-pool outing or the trail to Vermelha. Plan the route and return before continuing to Ouvidor.

What it costs:

Check parking options and the price at your chosen lot. In summer, allow time to find a space.

When to go:

For surfing, check the forecast and break that day. For the natural pool, assess tide and sea before following the headland.

Heads-up:

Waves and currents may require experience. If you are learning, ask a local school to choose the spot and time.

Barra de Ibiraquera

Ibiraquera · 12 min a pé / 3 min de carro

Where Lagoa de Ibiraquera meets the sea. The lagoon on one side, the Atlantic on the other. The beach has a sand bottom and waves that change with the swell and sandbanks. In mullet season, the fishermen give the coast a different rhythm.

How to do it:

From Ibirahill to Praia de Ibiraquera, opposite Ilha da Batuta: about 12 minutes on foot or 3 minutes by car. To continue along the sand to Luz, check the inlet; when it is open, do not plan to wade across.

When to go:

Mullet season usually mobilises the coast between May and July; authorised dates and restrictions depend on the fishing method and stretch. For whales, plan around July to November.

Heads-up:

Limited parking. Before entering the water, check conditions at that access point and IMA’s current bathing-water report.

The Ibira inlet is fantastic. When it is open, the meeting of lagoon and sea changes the landscape and water conditions.

Ibiraquera Lagoon

Ibiraquera

A coastal lagoon of approximately 8 km², with four connected sections: Lagoa de Cima, Lagoa do Meio, Lagoa de Baixo and Lagoa do Saco. Its connection to the sea through the inlet changes over time. Depth, current and conditions vary between stretches. Sunset over the water is the moment of the day here.

How to do it:

For SUP or kayaking, arrange the launch point with the operator. For kite and wingfoiling, check wind, space and depth with the school.

When to go:

For paddling, choose light winds and arrange the time with the operator. Early-morning or late-afternoon light is also worth a visit.

Heads-up:

After heavy rain or changes at the inlet, conditions can change. Consult IMA’s current bathing-water report and assess the access point before entering.

The lagoon offers several ways to spend time beside the water. Choose your access point and activity for the day’s conditions.

Praia da Ribanceira

Imbituba

A beach with dunes and headlands offering another perspective on the coast. Between July and November, it is one of the local places to look for southern right whales. Duna dos Três Mares is a local name; check access to your chosen viewpoint. Confirm rental availability first if you want to try sandboarding.

How to do it:

Head to Praia da Ribanceira and check your chosen access point and parking.

When to go:

July to November, for the whales.