Lagoa de Ibiraquera
A serene coastal lagoon in Santa Catarina, Brazil, where fresh and saltwater meet, offering calm waters, stunning sunsets, and rich marine life.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Calm waters, fewer crowds
Lagoa de Ibiraquera
Best Time
Calm waters, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene coastal lagoon in Santa Catarina, Brazil, where fresh and saltwater meet, offering calm waters, stunning sunsets, and rich marine life.
"A magical place with shallow, calm waters, perfect for families and unforgettable sunsets."
Family-Friendly Waters
The lagoon is shallow and calm, perfect for kids! :child: :water_wave:
Rent Water Sports Gear
Kayaks & SUPs available for rent to explore the lagoon. :kayak: :surfer:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Serene Lagoon Waters
Lagoa de Ibiraquera
Crystal-clear, shallow waters meet the sea, creating a tranquil paradise ideal for families and relaxation.
Spectacular Sunset Views
Lagoa de Ibiraquera
Witness the sky explode with color as the sun dips below the horizon, reflecting on the peaceful lagoon.
Abundant Marine Life
Lagoa de Ibiraquera
Explore the lagoon's rich ecosystem, a nursery for fish, shrimp, and crabs.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for the Tides
Embrace the Water Activities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Family-Friendly Waters
The lagoon is shallow and calm, perfect for kids! :child: :water_wave:
Rent Water Sports Gear
Kayaks & SUPs available for rent to explore the lagoon. :kayak: :surfer:
Pet-Friendly Paradise
Many accommodations welcome pets, making it a great spot for furry friends. :dog: :cat:
Sunset Magic
Don't miss the breathtaking sunsets over the lagoon. :sunriseovermountains:
Tips
from all over the internet
Family-Friendly Waters
The lagoon is shallow and calm, perfect for kids! :child: :water_wave:
Rent Water Sports Gear
Kayaks & SUPs available for rent to explore the lagoon. :kayak: :surfer:
Pet-Friendly Paradise
Many accommodations welcome pets, making it a great spot for furry friends. :dog: :cat:
Sunset Magic
Don't miss the breathtaking sunsets over the lagoon. :sunriseovermountains:
Brackish Water Comfort
Lagoon water is warmer and calmer than the sea. :thermometer:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Lagoa de Ibiraquera, calling it a magical, serene paradise, especially for families due to its shallow, calm waters. The stunning sunsets and abundant marine life are frequently highlighted as unforgettable experiences. Some mention that parking can be difficult during peak times.
"Show"
Leandro Souza
"Otimo lugar, principalmente pra quem tem criança, lagoa bem rasa e calma"
Karen Cristina
"Praia maravilhosa...
Quando puderem visitem essa maravilha de praia."
Sílvia Terezinha Genovez Ferreira
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Lagoa de Ibiraquera is located in Imbituba, Santa Catarina. It's accessible by car, with many visitors arriving from Florianópolis or Porto Alegre. Public transport options are limited, so renting a car is often recommended for flexibility. The drive offers scenic coastal views.
Parking can be challenging during peak season. Some accommodations offer private parking, and there are paid parking lots available near the main access points. Arriving early can help secure a spot.
Exploring by foot is great for the shallow areas, but renting a kayak or stand-up paddleboard is ideal for covering more ground and enjoying the water. Bicycles are also a good option for exploring the nearby beaches.
Yes, Lagoa de Ibiraquera is close to the famous Praia do Rosa, offering a wider range of dining and lodging options. The surrounding Imbituba region also boasts other beautiful beaches and natural landscapes.
Absolutely! It's a perfect destination for a day trip, especially if you're staying in nearby towns like Imbituba or Praia do Rosa. You can enjoy the lagoon's activities and stunning scenery for several hours.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Generally, there is no specific entrance fee to access the public areas of Lagoa de Ibiraquera itself. However, some private establishments or parking areas might charge a fee.
The lagoon is a natural attraction and is accessible year-round, 24 hours a day. However, facilities like rental shops and restaurants will have their own operating hours, typically from morning to late afternoon/early evening.
For activities like kayaking or SUP rentals, you can usually rent them on-site. Booking in advance is generally not necessary unless you are part of a large group or visiting during an extremely busy holiday period.
As a natural reserve, visitors are encouraged to respect the environment. Avoid littering and be mindful of the local wildlife. There are no specific entry restrictions for individuals or families.
Most rental shops and kiosks accept cash and major credit/debit cards. It's always a good idea to have some cash on hand for smaller vendors or in case of any card machine issues.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can enjoy swimming, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, windsurfing, and simply relaxing by the water. The shallow areas are perfect for wading and playing.
Yes, it's highly recommended for families with children. The lagoon is very shallow, with calm, warm, brackish waters, making it a safe and enjoyable environment for kids to play.
The water is brackish, meaning it's a mix of fresh and saltwater. It's generally warmer and calmer than the ocean, with sandbanks creating natural pools.
Absolutely! Swimming is one of the most popular activities. The shallow depth in many areas makes it ideal for all ages.
The lagoon is a nursery for various marine life, including small fish, shrimp, and crabs. You might also spot diverse bird species in the surrounding natural areas.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are kiosks and small restaurants along the lagoon offering snacks, drinks, and light meals. You can find options for juices, cocktails, and simple dishes.
Expect casual beachside fare, including snacks, sandwiches, acai bowls, and refreshing drinks. Some places might offer local seafood dishes.
Bringing your own picnic is generally allowed and a great way to save money. Remember to clean up after yourself and dispose of trash properly.
Options can be limited at smaller kiosks, but you can often find fruit-based items like acai bowls or salads. It's best to inquire directly with the vendors about their offerings.
The nearby Praia do Rosa offers a wider variety of restaurants, from casual beach bars to more upscale dining experiences, catering to diverse tastes.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire lagoon offers stunning photo opportunities. Focus on the reflections during sunset, the shallow sandbanks, and the meeting point of the lagoon and the sea.
Golden hour, both sunrise and sunset, provides the most dramatic and beautiful lighting. Midday can be good for capturing the clear water and vibrant colors.
Capture dynamic shots of people kayaking or paddleboarding. The reflections of the equipment and riders on the calm water can create unique perspectives.
While not a mountain, the surrounding dunes and higher ground near the lagoon offer elevated perspectives for capturing the vastness of the landscape and the coastline.
A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes. If you plan on capturing wildlife, a telephoto lens might be useful. A polarizing filter can enhance the colors of the water and sky.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Many accommodations in the area are also pet-friendly, so your furry family members can join the fun too! Consider renting a kayak or paddleboard for a gentle family adventure on the water. The relaxed atmosphere and natural beauty provide a perfect backdrop for creating lasting family memories.
🧘♀️ Relaxation Seekers
The stunning sunsets are a major draw for those seeking tranquility. Watching the sky ablaze with color over the still lagoon is a profoundly calming experience. Many visitors mention the feeling of peace and connection to nature they experience here, making it an ideal escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
🏄♂️ Adventure Enthusiasts
When conditions are right, the lagoon also becomes a spot for windsurfing and kitesurfing. The open water provides space to maneuver, and the unique environment offers a different kind of thrill. Even if you're not participating, watching the surfers glide across the water can be exhilarating.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Unique Ecology of Lagoa de Ibiraquera
The water temperature in the lagoon is often warmer than the ocean, and its shallowness, particularly when the barra is closed and the lagoon fills up, creates a calm and inviting atmosphere. This makes it an ideal spot for wading, swimming, and for young children to play safely. The sandbanks that form within the lagoon are a unique feature, allowing visitors to walk considerable distances through the water.
This delicate balance is influenced by rainfall, tides, and ocean conditions. Conservation efforts are important to maintain the lagoon's health and biodiversity. Visitors are encouraged to be mindful of the environment, avoid littering, and respect the natural habitat of the wildlife that calls this lagoon home.
Water Sports and Recreation
For those seeking a bit more thrill, the lagoon also offers opportunities for windsurfing and kitesurfing, especially when the wind conditions are favorable. The open expanse of the lagoon provides ample space for these activities. Even if you're a beginner, many local operators offer lessons and introductory courses.
Beyond organized sports, simply swimming and wading in the lagoon's shallow, warm waters is a primary attraction. The sandbanks create natural pools, perfect for relaxing and enjoying the serene environment. It's an accessible and enjoyable experience for everyone, from young children to adults.
The Magic of Sunset at the Lagoon
Many visitors make it a point to be by the lagoon during the late afternoon to witness this daily spectacle. The calm waters act as a mirror, doubling the visual impact of the colorful sky. The surrounding landscape, with its gentle dunes and vegetation, adds to the picturesque setting, making it a photographer's dream.
Experiencing the sunset here is often cited as a highlight of a visit, offering a moment of pure natural beauty and tranquility. It's a time when the day's activities wind down, and the natural world puts on a stunning display.




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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit