Praia da Joaquina is one of the most famous beaches in Florianópolis: a 3 km stretch of Atlantic surf on the island’s east coast, backed by huge white sand dunes and a landmark rock outcrop at its northern end. Just a few minutes from Lagoa da Conceição, it is the place to go for surfing, sandboarding on the dunes and sunset views.
Praia da Joaquina at a glance
- Location: east coast of Santa Catarina Island, next to Lagoa da Conceição
- Distance: about 19 km from Florianópolis city centre and 20 km from the airport
- Beach: around 3 km of fine, light sand, continuing south towards Campeche
- Water: cold, clear and often rough, with strong currents
- Best for: surfing, sandboarding, photography and sunset
- Not ideal for: young children or weak swimmers
Board, instructor and dune session in Florianópolis
Why Visit Praia da Joaquina?
Joaquina combines three things you rarely find on the same beach: powerful surf, a vast dune field and easy access from the island’s liveliest neighbourhood. The dunes, often described as among the best in southern Brazil, rise right behind the sand and offer wide views over the ocean, the lagoon and the green hills of the island.
It is also a beach with a story. Joaquina has drawn surfers since the 1970s, and in 1986 it hosted the Hang Loose Pro Contest, the first world tour surfing event ever held in Florianópolis. Today it still attracts surfers, bodyboarders and anyone who wants to feel the raw energy of the Atlantic.
Sandboarding on the Joaquina Dunes
The Joaquina dunes are the most popular spot for sandboarding in Florianópolis. You can rent a board near the main access to the dunes, usually by the hour, or book a session with an instructor if it is your first time. As a rough guide, board rental costs around R$20 to R$50 per hour and lessons are sold as packages; prices vary with the season.
- Go early in the morning or late in the afternoon: the sand gets very hot at midday in summer.
- Climbing the dunes is the hard part, so bring water and wear sunscreen.
- Avoid windy days, when the sand blows hard and visibility drops.
- Choose a gentler slope for your first runs before trying the steepest faces.
Prefer to see the dunes from above? A tandem paragliding flight in Florianópolis gives you a bird’s-eye view of Joaquina, the dunes and Lagoa da Conceição.
Surfing at Joaquina
Joaquina is one of the island’s classic surf breaks, with consistent waves that suit intermediate and advanced surfers. The beach is exposed to ocean swells, so conditions change quickly and it can get crowded on good days. Beginners will feel more comfortable taking a lesson first: see our guide to surfing in Florianópolis or book surfing lessons in Florianópolis.
Is It Safe to Swim at Joaquina?
Swim with care. Joaquina has cold water, a steep drop close to the shore and strong, sometimes dangerous currents. Lifeguards watch the main part of the beach in season and warning flags show the conditions of the day.
- Swim only in front of a lifeguard post and follow the flags.
- Never swim alone or after drinking alcohol.
- If you are caught in a current, do not fight it: swim parallel to the shore and signal for help.
- Families with small children will find calmer water at Lagoa da Conceição or on the north of the island.
For more advice, read our guide: Is Florianópolis safe?
The Joaquina Rocks and Sunset
At the northern end of the beach, a cluster of large granite rocks is one of the island’s best photo spots. Climb carefully to the top for views along the whole beach, especially at sunset when the light turns the dunes golden. The rocks can be busy on weekends and slippery when wet, so wear shoes with grip.
How to Get to Praia da Joaquina
| Option | Details |
|---|---|
| Car or rideshare | About 30 minutes from the city centre via Lagoa da Conceição. Paid parking is available near the beach and fills up on sunny weekends. |
| Bus | Local buses run from the centre to the Lagoa da Conceição terminal, with connections to Joaquina. Check the current routes before you travel. |
| Organized tour | A Florianópolis city tour stops at Joaquina along with the historic centre and other highlights. |
Planning to move around the island? Read our guide on how to get around Florianópolis.
Best Time to Visit Joaquina
December to March brings the warmest weather, the busiest beach and the liveliest atmosphere. For surfing, autumn and winter swells often bring more consistent waves, while spring and autumn weekdays are the quietest time to enjoy the dunes. See our full guide to the best time to visit Florianópolis.
Practical Tips
- Beach kiosks and restaurants sell drinks and meals; prices are higher than in town.
- Bring cash or a card for parking, rentals and food.
- Keep valuables out of sight on the sand.
- Combine your visit with an evening in Lagoa da Conceição, just a few minutes away.
Nearby Beaches
Joaquina is part of the island’s wild east coast. Continue north to Praia Mole, or south along the sand towards Campeche. Discover more in our guides to Praia Mole and the east coast, the best beaches in Florianópolis and Barra da Lagoa. For the big picture, see our complete Florianópolis travel guide.
Try sandboarding on the Joaquina dunes with an instructor
Praia da Joaquina FAQ
Where is Praia da Joaquina?
Praia da Joaquina is on the east coast of Santa Catarina Island in Florianópolis, Brazil, next to Lagoa da Conceição and about 19 km from the city centre.
Can you sandboard at Joaquina?
Yes. The Joaquina dunes are the most popular sandboarding spot in Florianópolis. Boards can be rented near the dunes, and lessons with an instructor are available.
Is Joaquina beach good for swimming?
Only for confident swimmers. The water is cold and the beach has strong currents and a steep drop, so swim in front of the lifeguards and follow the flags.
Is Joaquina good for surfing?
Yes. Joaquina is one of the island’s classic surf breaks and hosted the first world tour surfing event in Florianópolis in 1986. It suits intermediate and advanced surfers.
How do I get to Joaquina from the centre of Florianópolis?
By car or rideshare it takes about 30 minutes via Lagoa da Conceição. You can also take a local bus to the Lagoa da Conceição terminal and connect to Joaquina.
Is there parking at Joaquina beach?
Yes, there is paid parking near the beach, but it fills up quickly on sunny weekends in summer.
Photos: Praia da Joaquina by Lionel Baur, CC BY-SA 3.0; Joaquina dunes by Susie Sun, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.