Barra da Lagoa is a traditional fishing village on the east coast of Florianópolis, where the Lagoa da Conceição flows into the Atlantic through a turquoise canal. It offers a long surf beach, a hidden cove across a hanging bridge, natural rock pools, the Projeto TAMAR sea turtle centre and some of the island’s best seafood.
Barra da Lagoa at a glance
- Location: east coast of Santa Catarina Island, north of Lagoa da Conceição
- Distance: about 20 km from Florianópolis city centre
- Highlights: the canal and hanging bridge, Prainha da Barra, the natural pools trail, Projeto TAMAR
- Best for: families, surf beginners, seafood lovers and budget travellers
- Vibe: relaxed village atmosphere, busier in summer
Why Visit Barra da Lagoa?
Barra da Lagoa has kept the feel of a fishing village while welcoming visitors with simple guesthouses, surf schools and seafood restaurants. Fishing boats still line the canal, and the pace is slower than in Lagoa da Conceição or Jurerê.
It is also one of the most varied corners of the island: in a single day you can swim in calm water near the breakwaters, walk to a secret cove, snorkel in natural pools, surf, and watch sea turtles up close.
Top Things to Do in Barra da Lagoa
1. Walk along the canal and cross the hanging bridge
The canal that links Lagoa da Conceição to the ocean is the heart of the village. Stroll along its banks, watch the fishing boats come and go, then cross the pedestrian hanging bridge to reach the quieter side of the canal.
2. Relax at Prainha da Barra
About five minutes on foot beyond the bridge, Prainha da Barra is a small cove of around 100 metres, framed by rocks and green hills. It is more sheltered than the main beach and a favourite spot for a quiet swim.
3. Hike to the natural pools
From Prainha, an easy trail of about 600 metres (roughly 15 minutes) leads through coastal vegetation to the Piscinas Naturais, natural rock pools filled with clear seawater. There is no sand: you enter the water from the rocks.
- Go only on calm-sea days; waves can crash over the rocks when the ocean is rough.
- Wear trainers or sturdy sandals for the trail.
- If you are not a confident swimmer, enjoy the view and photos rather than jumping in.
- Take your rubbish back with you.
Love hiking? The area belongs to the Galheta Natural Monument and has more trails; see our guide to hiking in Florianópolis.
4. Meet the sea turtles at Projeto TAMAR
Barra da Lagoa is home to the Florianópolis visitor centre of Projeto TAMAR, Brazil’s national sea turtle conservation programme. Tanks hold four of the five sea turtle species found in Brazil, alongside an aquarium, museum spaces and daily feeding and enrichment activities, a great stop with children.
| Projeto TAMAR Florianópolis | Details |
|---|---|
| Address | Rua Professor Ademir Francisco, Barra da Lagoa |
| Opening hours | Wednesday to Monday, 9:30 am to 5 pm |
| Tickets | Around R$44 full price, half price for eligible visitors; young children free |
Hours and prices can change: check the official TAMAR website before your visit.
5. Surf or swim at the main beach
The main beach of Barra da Lagoa curves north towards Moçambique. Its waves make it a popular place for surf schools, while the water near the breakwaters at the mouth of the canal is usually calmer and suits families. Book surfing lessons in Florianópolis or read our Florianópolis surfing guide.
6. Eat fresh seafood
Seafood is the local speciality: grilled fish, shrimp, and the famous oysters farmed around Florianópolis. Restaurants line the canal and the beachfront, from simple family places to more upscale options.
7. Take a boat trip on the lagoon
In high season, boats and catamarans link Barra da Lagoa with Lagoa da Conceição, a scenic way to see the lagoon from the water. Explore more options in our boat tours in Florianópolis guide.
Lagoon trips, island cruises and speedboat tours
How to Get to Barra da Lagoa
| Option | Details |
|---|---|
| Car or rideshare | About 35 to 45 minutes from the city centre. Drive to Lagoa da Conceição and follow the SC-406 north along Avenida das Rendeiras. |
| Bus | Local buses connect the city centre with the Lagoa da Conceição terminal, from where lines continue to Barra da Lagoa. Check the current routes before you travel. |
| Boat | In high season, boats run across the lagoon from Lagoa da Conceição. |
More tips in our guide on how to get around Florianópolis.
Where to Stay in Barra da Lagoa
Barra da Lagoa is a good base if you want a relaxed village setting, easy access to the beach and lower prices than in Jurerê or Lagoa. Guesthouses, hostels and holiday apartments are spread along the canal and the beachfront. Lagoa da Conceição’s restaurants and nightlife are only a short drive away.
Best Time to Visit Barra da Lagoa
December to March is beach season, with warm water, boat trips and a lively atmosphere, but also more traffic. March to May and September to November are quieter and still pleasant. The natural pools are best on calm, sunny days. See our best time to visit Florianópolis guide for month-by-month weather.
Nearby Places to Explore
Barra da Lagoa sits between Lagoa da Conceição and the long, wild Praia do Moçambique. Further south you will find Praia Mole and Praia da Joaquina, famous for its dunes. For all the island’s highlights, read our complete Florianópolis travel guide and our list of the best beaches in Florianópolis.
Barra da Lagoa FAQ
Where is Barra da Lagoa?
Barra da Lagoa is on the east coast of Santa Catarina Island in Florianópolis, Brazil, where the Lagoa da Conceição meets the ocean, about 20 km from the city centre.
How do you get to the natural pools in Barra da Lagoa?
Cross the hanging bridge over the canal, walk about five minutes to Prainha da Barra, then follow an easy 600-metre trail, roughly 15 minutes, to the natural pools.
Is Barra da Lagoa good for families?
Yes. The water near the canal breakwaters is usually calm, Prainha da Barra is sheltered, and Projeto TAMAR is a favourite with children.
Can you surf at Barra da Lagoa?
Yes. The main beach has regular waves and several surf schools, making it a good place for beginners to take lessons.
What are the opening hours of Projeto TAMAR in Florianópolis?
The TAMAR visitor centre in Barra da Lagoa usually opens Wednesday to Monday from 9:30 am to 5 pm. Check the official website before visiting, as hours can change.
Is Barra da Lagoa a good place to stay?
Yes, if you want a relaxed village atmosphere near the beach, with lower prices than Jurerê or Lagoa da Conceição and easy access to the east coast.
Photos: Barra da Lagoa bay by jce, CC BY-SA 3.0; Barra da Lagoa canal by Núbia de Rodrigues Araújo, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.