Beto Carrero World is the largest theme park in Latin America, located in Penha, Santa Catarina, about 120 km north of Florianópolis. Opened in 1991, it has seven themed areas and more than 100 attractions, from record-breaking roller coasters to big live shows. From Floripa, it is an easy full-day trip of roughly 1 h 45 to 2 hours each way along the BR-101.
Beto Carrero World at a glance
- Location: Penha, on the north coast of Santa Catarina, Brazil
- Distance from Florianópolis: about 120 km, 1 h 45 to 2 h by road (more in summer traffic)
- Nearest airport: Navegantes (NVT), around 15 km from the park
- Size: seven themed areas and 100+ rides, shows and attractions
- Time needed: one full day minimum; two days to see everything without rushing
- Best for: families, thrill-seekers and anyone who wants a break from the beach
Hotel pickup and return included · Park ticket sold separately
Is Beto Carrero World Worth a Day Trip from Florianópolis?
Yes, if you enjoy theme parks or travel with children. Beto Carrero World is one of Brazil’s most visited attractions and the only park of its size in the south of the country. It mixes European-style castles, a Wild West town, a pirate island, DreamWorks characters and some of the most intense coasters in South America.
It is also a smart plan for a cloudy or windy day, when Florianópolis beaches lose their appeal. The main downside is the travel time: count on around four hours on the road for the round trip, so leave early to make the most of your day.
How to Get to Beto Carrero World from Florianópolis
There are four practical ways to reach the park from Floripa. The organized day trip is the easiest if you do not want to drive the BR-101 or deal with parking.
| Option | Travel time | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Organized day trip with hotel pickup | About 2 h each way | First-timers, no car, stress-free day |
| Rental car via BR-101 | 1 h 45 to 2 h each way | Families and flexible schedules |
| Private transfer | 1 h 45 to 2 h each way | Groups splitting the cost |
| Fly into Navegantes (NVT) | About 20 min from the airport | Visitors staying on the north coast |
Organized day trip (recommended)
Most tours pick you up at your hotel in the morning, drive you to Penha and bring you back in the evening, for a day of around 12 hours. The park ticket is usually not included, so check before booking and buy your passport online in advance. Check prices for the Beto Carrero World day trip from Florianópolis.
By car
Take the BR-101 north towards Itajaí and follow the signs for Penha. The drive is simple, but traffic can be heavy on summer weekends and holidays, and the park charges for parking. If you plan to rent a car anyway, see our guide on how to get around Florianópolis.
Beto Carrero World Tickets and Opening Hours
The park sells a one-day passport that includes all rides and shows, plus two-day and three-day options that are better value if you want to see everything. Prices change with the season: expect to pay from around R$150 for a one-day passport bought online outside peak periods, and more during the summer holidays and at the gate. Young children enter free; check the exact age limit when you buy.
- Buy online in advance: it is cheaper than the ticket office and guarantees entry on busy days.
- Check the calendar: the park does not open every day of the year, especially in low season. Always confirm your date on the official Beto Carrero World website.
- Hours: the park usually opens in the morning and rides run until late afternoon, with extended hours on some high-season dates.
- Fast Pass: paid skip-the-line access is available through the official BCW+ app, along with a free virtual queue for some rides.
- Parking: paid, and cheaper when bought online before your visit.
Themed Areas and Best Rides
Beto Carrero World is divided into seven themed areas: Castelo das Nações, Vila Germânica, Cowboyland, Ilha dos Piratas, Hot Wheels, Aventura Radical and Madagascar. Here are the highlights not to miss.
Thrill rides
- FireWhip: an inverted roller coaster about 40 m high, reaching around 100 km/h.
- Star Mountain: a 35 m coaster with speeds close to 90 km/h, one of the park’s classics.
- Big Drop: a 93 m drop tower, the tallest attraction in the park.
- Madagascar Crazy River: a water ride where you will get soaked, perfect on hot days.
Family attractions
- Tigor Mountain: a family coaster suitable for younger riders.
- Madagascar area: DreamWorks characters, gentle rides and meet-and-greets for kids.
- Castelo das Nações: the iconic castle at the park entrance, ideal for photos.
Shows
The live shows are a big part of the experience. Excalibur is a medieval show with horses and knights, the Hot Wheels Epic Show features stunt cars and motorbikes, and the Madagascar Circus Show is a favourite with children. Check the show times in the app when you arrive and plan your rides around them.
Note that the former zoo area, Mundo Animal, closed to the public in 2024, so older guides that mention animal exhibits are out of date.
Best Time to Visit Beto Carrero World
The quietest period is from March to November, outside the July school holidays. From mid-December to Carnival the park is at its busiest, with long queues and higher prices. If you visit in summer, arrive at opening time and head straight to the most popular coasters. For the wider picture of seasons in the region, read our guide to the best time to visit Florianópolis.
Practical Tips for Your Visit
- Download the BCW+ app before you go for the map, wait times, show schedules and virtual queues.
- The park is largely cashless: bring a credit or debit card.
- Wear comfortable shoes: the park is huge and you will walk a lot.
- Bring sunscreen, a hat and a refillable water bottle.
- Use a locker for bags on the big rides, or leave valuables in the car.
- Check the minimum height for each ride if you travel with children.
Combine It with Balneário Camboriú
Penha is only about 40 minutes from Balneário Camboriú, the famous skyscraper beach city. If you have two days, spend one at Beto Carrero World and the other riding the Camboriú cable car to Unipraias Park. For more ideas around the island, see our complete Florianópolis travel guide and the best tours and activities in Florianópolis.
Round-trip transport from Florianópolis with hotel pickup
Beto Carrero World FAQ
How far is Beto Carrero World from Florianópolis?
Beto Carrero World is in Penha, about 120 km north of Florianópolis. The drive along the BR-101 takes around 1 h 45 to 2 hours, longer in summer traffic.
Can you do Beto Carrero World as a day trip from Florianópolis?
Yes. Organized day trips pick you up at your hotel in the morning and bring you back in the evening, for a day of about 12 hours. You can also drive yourself in a rental car.
How much is a Beto Carrero World ticket?
A one-day passport starts from around R$150 when bought online outside peak periods. Prices are higher during the summer holidays and at the ticket office, so buy online in advance.
Is Beto Carrero World open every day?
No. The park does not open every day of the year, especially in low season. Always check the official calendar before planning your trip.
How many days do you need at Beto Carrero World?
One full day is enough to see the highlights if you arrive at opening time. Two days let you enjoy all the rides and shows without rushing.
Is Beto Carrero World good for kids?
Yes. Besides the big coasters, the park has a Madagascar area with DreamWorks characters, family rides and live shows designed for children.
What is the best time to visit Beto Carrero World?
March to November, outside the July school holidays, is the quietest period. Avoid mid-December to Carnival if you dislike crowds.
Cover photo: the castle at the entrance of Beto Carrero World, by Leandro Kibisz (Loco085), CC BY-SA 2.5, via Wikimedia Commons.