Things to do in Garopaba

Garopaba is a destination of beaches, hills and Atlantic Forest on the south coast of Santa Catarina. This guide starts from Silveira Beach, where Refúgio da Silveira is, and gathers what to do nearby, with driving distances and the care each place asks for.

We list only what we could check. For restaurants, outings and surf schools, the best thing is to talk to the host, who recommends what he knows first-hand.

Silveira Beach: walking, watching the surf, respecting the sea

Silveira has about 1.5 km of sand and strong right-hand waves, known to surfers. For swimming, the sea demands attention, especially with children. Many people just go to walk and watch the surfers. See the complete beach guide.

Canto Sul lookout

A short walk, with the whole length of the beach in view. From Refúgio da Silveira, the footpath is 120 to 200 metres, depending on the house (host's information). Details and cautions in the beach guide.

Lagoinha do Silveira and the Barrinha

Near the headland, the Lagoinha reaches the sea through the Barrinha, a shallow stream and the most protected stretch of the beach for those with children. The sea at Silveira is strong, so attention still matters.

Sunset

The sun sets behind the hills and the mountains, because the beach at Silveira faces east. Times vary: around 5:28 pm at the end of June, 6:10 pm in September and 7:10 pm at the end of December (Brasília time). Travel guides also recommend sunset at Lagoa Encantada, on the way to Ferrugem.

Watching southern right whales

From July to November, southern right whales come close to the coast, peaking in September. In Santa Catarina watching is done from land, from headlands and lookouts. Read when and where to see whales in Garopaba, with the rules of respect.

Trilha da Vigia

The Trilha da Vigia links Praia da Vigia to the northern end of Silveira, the opposite side from Refúgio da Silveira. There is a short trail to the headland and a long one, about 2.5 km, to Silveira. Take water and closed shoes and, if you can, ask a local before going.

Praia da Ferrugem

Ferrugem is about 8 km by car from Silveira, on the other side of a rocky headland. On the way is Lagoa Encantada, also called Lagoa de Garopaba, a freshwater lagoon linked to the sea by a channel.

Praia do Rosa

Praia do Rosa is about 16 km by car from Silveira, a good destination for a drive around the region.

Garopaba centre and Praia da Gamboa

The centre of Garopaba is about 2.5 km from Silveira. Praia da Gamboa is cited by local news as a whale-sighting point (in 2021, the season's first whales were recorded there).

National Right Whale Conservation Centre

In Imbituba, at Praia de Itapirubá Norte, is the headquarters of Instituto Australis, about 40 km south of Silveira (around 45 minutes by car), with an observation deck, a life-size replica calf and the skeleton of an adult whale. Visits need advance booking.

On a rainy day

The Refúgio's outdoor bathtub is available all year. At Espaço Lagoa there is a TV with Netflix and Prime Video; at Espaço Bosque, an ethanol fireplace. Get to know both houses: Espaço Lagoa and Espaço Bosque.

See Espaço Lagoa   See Espaço Bosque

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Sources for this page

• Visite Garopaba, Praia do Silveira
• Viagens e Caminhos, Garopaba
• Eco Garopaba, Praia da Silveira
• Agência Onde, Praia da Silveira
• Instituto Australis, turismo de observação de baleias
• Prefeitura de Garopaba, Rota da Baleia Franca 2021
• Viciada em Viajar, Praia da Ferrugem e Lagoa Encantada
• Sunrise-Sunset, horários do pôr do sol (lat -28,04 / lon -48,63)

Updated on October 10, 2026