This calm fishing town on Brazil's southern coast has warm beaches and clear waters. Surfers catch waves at Praia do Rosa while whales migrate past from July to November.
Garopaba sits along Santa Catarina's coast in Brazil, where local fishermen still bring their daily catch to the harbor and surfers ride waves at Rust Beach. You can walk through streets of colorful one and two-story houses, eat grilled fish at harbor-front restaurants, or climb the dunes at Ombudsman Beach for views of the Atlantic Ocean. The town has kept its fishing village roots while becoming a popular spot for surfing and beach activities.
Getting to Garopaba
The nearest airport is in Florianópolis, from where regular buses run to Garopaba throughout the day. If driving from the north, take BR-101 south to kilometer 272, then turn left at Araçatuba and continue on SC 434 for 14 kilometers. From the south, follow BR-101 and turn right at kilometer 272 onto SC 434.
Weather and Seasons
Garopaba has year-round rainfall with no dry season. Summer temperatures range from 18°C to 40°C, bringing crowds to the beaches. In winter, temperatures drop to around 10°C, making it cool enough for a light jacket, but you can still surf and walk on the beaches.
Surfing Spots
At Rust Beach (Praia da Ferrugem), waves break consistently over the sandy bottom, and the water turns greenish or rust-colored when sand fills the channel between Rust and Barra beaches. Silveira Beach has waves that break over rocky formations, and you can reach it by following a dirt road from the main highway.
Swimming and Family Areas
Children can swim in the calm waters where a creek meets a pond at Barra Beach. Walk up the adjacent hill, an old Carijós Indian burial ground, to watch surfers in the waves below. Praia de Baixo, near the town center, has calmer waters protected from ocean swells.
Remote Beaches
A 12-kilometer drive south brings you to Ombudsman Beach, where 800 meters of white sand stretch between coconut trees and forest. Pack water and snacks as there are no restaurants or facilities. The beach has high dunes for walking and cliffs where waves crash against the rocks.
Local Food Scene
Local fishermen sell their catch to restaurants along Avenida dos Pescadores. You'll find Brazilian steakhouses, sushi bars, and seafood restaurants in town. Most places open on weekends year-round and daily during summer.
