Campeche Island: The Complete Guide To Ilha do Campeche

Ilha do Campeche (or Campeche Island) is a must-visit destination for anyone coming to Brazil’s beautiful Santa Catarina State. With its fine white sand and calm turquoise water, it is often described as the Brazilian Caribbean. (And with good reason!)

This slice of paradise is a popular day trip from Florianópolis. But it can be difficult to find all the information you need to plan your trip. So, following my recent visit to Campeche Island, I have put together everything you need to know to plan your trip and make the most of the island.

Read on for the complete guide to visiting Ilha do Campeche!

Where is Ilha do Campeche?

Florianópolis (or ‘Floripa’) is the capital and second-largest city of Brazil’s Santa Catarina state.

Located in the southern region of Brazil, the city comprises Santa Catarina Island and the smaller surrounding islands, as well as a small portion of the mainland. But, when referring to Florianópolis, Santa Catarina Island is typically what people mean.

Florianópolis is a beautiful island, so it’s easy to forget it’s technically a city. The area in the central west part of the island (known as Central) is the downtown core and is the only part of the island that feels like a city. Everywhere else in Floripa is made up of beautiful beaches and forests, smaller towns, and more remote areas.

Ilha do Campeche is just off the east coast of Floripa’s Santa Catarina Island, at the top of a region known as Sul da Ilha (south of the Island). It is located just 1.5 kilometres (less than 1 mile) from the shore, opposite Praia do Campeche (Campeche beach).

Getting to Florianópolis

Before making your way to Campeche Island, you will need to get to Florianópolis (if you’re not already staying there). Floripa is a popular tourist destination for Brazilians and international travellers alike, so it is well-connected to the mainland and even has its own international airport.

Depending on where you’re coming from, flying is usually the easiest way to get to Florianópolis. But if coming from elsewhere in Brazil, driving or getting a bus might be a better option.

If you aren’t coming by car, it’s also recommended to rent a car while in Florianópolis, to easily get around the island. Rental cars are relatively cheap here and you can pick one up at the airport.

The island is only 54 kilometres (33 miles) long, therefore no matter where you stay in Florianópolis, you will be within easy reach of Ilha do Campeche.

Boat Tour to Campeche Island – Everything You Need to Know

Once you’re in Florianópolis, there is really only one way to get to Campeche Island – by boat!

(Well, that is unless you’re planning on swimming, which isn’t a feasible option! Although technically it is possible if you have a permit for the island, are with a guide, and are an experienced open-water swimmer.)

Note: All boat trips to Ilha do Campeche are referred to as ‘tours’, although they are actually just return boat journeys. So don’t be disappointed when there’s no tour guide to show you around.

Tip: It is highly recommended to book your boat tour to Campeche Island in advance. Tours can be booked from September and book up quickly, especially in the high season (from December 15 to April 30).

Boat Tour Options and Departure Locations

In Florianópolis there are three different boat departure locations for Ilha do Campeche: Praia da Armação, Barra da Lagoa and Praia do Campeche.

Only 700 people are allowed to visit Campeche Island per day. Therefore, travelling to the island can only be done by authorized boat tour companies departing from these locations. So, you can’t just hire anyone with a boat to take you to the island.

Boat From Praia da Armação

Praia da Armação (Armação beach) is the most popular departure point to Ilha do Campeche.

The travel time from here is 30 to 40 minutes, and the journey is in smaller boats with capacity for 20 passengers. From September onwards, you can book your boat tour to Campeche Island from Praia da Armação online, in advance here.

Armação Beach is located in the southeast of Florianópolis and is easy to get to. It’s both a picturesque drive to get to the departure point, and a scenic boat ride to Ilha do campeche. It is easy to get there by driving (or in an Uber) and there are several paid parking lots near the beach where the boats depart from, which generally cost R$20 ($4 USD) for the day.

The price of the round trip from Armação Beach to Campeche Island will usually cost around R$150 to R$250 ($30 to $50 USD) per person, which varies by season.

There are several daily departures from Armação Beach between 9 am and 12 pm. All departure times allow you to stay on Campeche Island for 4 hours, with return times starting from 2pm.

Boat From Barra da Lagoa

The largest boats to Campeche Island depart from Barra da Lagoa. This is the cheapest option to get to Campeche Island, but it is also the longest and most uncomfortable. Therefore, it’s not recommended if you’re prone to seasickness.

Barra da Lagoa is located in the middle of Santa Catarina Island, so it is within easy reach no matter where you’re staying in Florianópolis.

If you’re driving, you will see signs for paid parking and parking attendants trying to usher you in, as you arrive at Barra da Lagoa. This will be your only real option for parking nearby and it usually costs R$20 ($4 USD) for the day. Although the parking lots at Barra da Lagoa are small and can fill up quickly.

Tip: To avoid issues with parking, get an Uber to drop you off right at the check-in point! This is an especially good idea during the high season (December to April).

This is the cheapest but longest option to get to Ilha do Campeche

The boats which depart from here are usually schooners (fishing boats) which can carry up to 60 people. The price changes throughout the year, based on the season, ranging from R$150 to R$200 ($30 to $40 USD) per person for the return trip.

The boat ride takes 1h20 minutes and it can be a rough journey, depending on the waves. Although even on a calm day the ride can be difficult for those more prone to sea sickness.

If the risk of sea sickness doesn’t bother you, then you can focus on enjoying the views, as this is a very scenic route which goes past several of Floripa’s most beautiful beaches. So you will have to decide if it’s worth it!

Departures take place daily at 9 am and 10 am and each tour gives you 4 hours to enjoy the island.

There are several different tour operators which depart from Barra da Lagoa. Most of them accept bookings by WhatsApp.

For a 9 am departure contact Sambatur at +55 48 99151-6234.
For a 10 am departure try Destino Florianopolis at +55 48 99915-4695.
(Both must be contacted through WhatsApp).

Boat From Praia do Campeche

The fastest but most expensive way to get to Ilha do Campeche is from Campeche Beach, which is located directly across from the Island. This is also the only first come first served option, but be warned, it fills up quickly and there might be a long wait!

Tip: In high season (December 15 to April 30) it is recommended to get to Campeche Beach and start queuing by 7 am to secure a spot. Only 84 people are allowed to depart from Campeche Beach each day, so spots are limited.

Also keep in mind, if you are able to secure a spot but are at the back of the queue, you might be waiting a long time in the hot sun for your boat. So come prepared and be ready to exercise some patience.

Campeche beach is a practical departure point to get to, but it does get busy. It is located at the top of Floripa’s south region and is just 15 kilometres from the centre of the city.

You can find street parking if you’re willing to park further away from Campeche beach and walk. Otherwise, you will need to pay for one of the paid parking lots near the beach (although keep in mind these can fill up quickly). The cost for parking is usually between R$20 to R$30 ($4 to $6 USD) for the day.

Tip: Get an Uber to drop you off right at the beach to save the hassle of parking!

Campeche beach is the fastest but most expensive option!

The boat ride to Campeche Island takes just 5 minutes from the beach. The boats run daily from 9 am to 12 pm, with return boats starting from 2 pm. Since the ride is so quick, this is the only option which is able to offer you more than 4 hours on the island.

The ride is in small inflatable boats with capacity for up to 6 people. Although if the conditions are rough, they will only carry 4 people and you may have to walk to a calmer departure location. Because of the waves, getting out from Campeche Beach can be a little unsettling (or part of the fun)!

The price starts at R$200 and can be over R$250 per person during peak times of year. Realistically, you should expect to pay at least $50 USD for the round trip.

The boat operator departing from Campeche Beach is the Associação de Botes de Praia do Campeche – ABTC (the Campeche Boater Association). You can contact them directly through WhatsApp on +55 48 99180-8841.

Boat Tour to Campeche Island – FAQs

When booking my boat tour to Ilha do Campeche I really struggled to find information about it online. Most of the information available was very generic, or in Portuguese which, unfortunately, I don’t speak.

Therefore, I thought it would be helpful to compile answers to some frequently asked questions.

How do You Book the Boat Tour?

Most of the boat tours must be booked directly with the tour operator. In Brazil, like in much of South America, WhatsApp is widely used to communicate, including for businesses. Therefore, most tour operators accept bookings by WhatsApp.

However, if you want to save yourself time and hassle, the tour operator departing from Praia da Armação accepts online bookings from September onwards.

If you choose to book with one of the tour operators using WhatsApp, this can be a little confusing, especially if (like me) you don’t speak Portuguese. English is not commonly spoken in Brazil, and especially not in Florianópolis. So, you will likely find yourself having to navigate the booking process in Portuguese.

In my experience, the operators would send some information in English which was very basic and seemed to be copied and pasted. So I ended up having to use Google Translate to ask questions and complete the booking. This made the process painfully slow at times, but I gave the agent a heads up that it would take me longer to respond and they were patient with me.

Alternatively, if you’re looking to get the boat from Campeche Beach, you don’t need to book ahead. Instead, just show up early in the morning and wait in the queue. Although keep in mind that there are limited spots, so you aren’t guaranteed a ride and might have to try again another day.

How Much Does It Cost?

You should expect to pay anywhere from $30 to upwards of $50 USD for the return boat ride to Campeche Island. Prices fluctuate based on the season and departure point. And prices have actually gone up quite a bit this year with all providers.

From Armação Beach you can book the tour online for a flat fee of $50 USD, payable online.

How to Pay for the Tour?

The most common form of payment in Brazil is PIX – an instant payment system from the Central Bank of Brazil. To use PIX you must be a resident of Brazil, so paying can be a bit more challenging for tourists.

Instead, when booking directly with a tour provider, they will request payment of a small deposit to reserve your spot. This can usually be paid by card or Paypal. You can then pay the balance when you check in on the day with cash or card.

Tip: Card payments are widely used in Brazil, so most vendors have the option to pay by card. However, not all foreign cards will work with all card machines! Generally, we found that American Express is the most reliable credit card to use in Brazil. In case you have issues using your card, I recommend carrying cash as a backup form of payment.

If you book the tour from Armação Beach online, you will pay in advance by card. This can either be done upfront or by reserving your spot now and paying later.

How Long Does the Boat Ride Take?

The duration of the boat ride from Florianópolis to Ilha do Campeche varies based on where you depart from. The quickest (but most expensive) option is from Campeche Beach, which only takes 5 minutes in small inflatable boats.

The longest route is from Barra da Lagoa, which takes 1h20 minutes. This is the cheapest and most scenic route to Campeche Island, but it is also the most uncomfortable. (It’s not uncommon for passengers to be seasick onboard).

The happy middle ground is the boat from Armação beach which takes 30 to 40 minutes. It isn’t too uncomfortable and offers some beautiful views!

When Do You Have to Check-In?

Each boat tour operator requires you to get there early to check-in. It is recommended to arrive 1 hour prior to your scheduled departure, as some check-ins close 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time. (Although I have found they tend to be lenient with this).

If you book the online tour from Praia da Armação, the required arrival time is 8:30. The guide will be waiting for you and will lead the group to the boat once everyone has arrived.

If you’re planning to try and get the boat from Campeche Beach, the earlier the better! As this is a first come first served option and there are limited spaces, it’s best to get there as early as possible.

In the high season, it is recommended you arrive at Campeche Beach by 7 am to secure your spot. In the off-season, you can show up any time between 9 am and 12 pm to try your luck.

What is the Boat Ride like?

Depending on the day, the journey can be rough. Even the short crossing from Campeche beach can throw you around. But most would agree it’s worth it for the crystal-clear water and fine white sand once you get there.

During my stay in Florianópolis, I’ve had an opportunity to travel on all three different boat types.

Small inflatable boats (from Campeche Beach)

The small inflatable boat, which you can get from Campeche Beach, can be a wild ride initially while trying to get past the waves from the shore. When we took this boat, our driver had a bit of fun with us and did a couple of extra loops around and over the waves. It definitely gave us an adrenaline rush and felt a bit like being on a theme park ride!

There are no seats on this boat. Instead, you will be sitting on the floor of the boat, tight and snug with your fellow passengers. And be warned, you are likely to get a bit wet on this ride, so wear your swimsuit!

You will also be required to wear life jackets on this boat, which will be distributed before boarding.

20-person boats (from Armação beach)

In my opinion, the small 20-person boat which you get from Armação Beach is the most comfortable ride. As it’s a small boat, it’s a fun journey as you will see the water splashing up at the sides, and you get a good view no matter where you’re sitting.

I also didn’t find myself getting as seasick on this boat as I did on the larger schooner. The size of the boat meant it was able to cut through waves easily and it didn’t rock back and forth too much.

Prior to boarding, you will be given a life jacket to wear.

You will have to walk through the water to board and disembark this boat. In my experience this has only been knee-deep water (although I have heard of people having to walk through waist deep water).

I suggest making sure you’re able to carry all your belongings higher up, to avoid them getting wet. I also recommended wearing your swimsuit on the boat.

Schooner (from Barra da Lagoa)

The larger schooner boat from Barra da Lagoa is actually the boat I got when I visited Campeche Island. The journey is very scenic, so the 1h20 minutes passed by relatively quickly. But I also found there was the most seasickness on this boat.

Once everyone had checked in and boarded the boat, the captain and one of his colleagues gave an overview of the tour and safety instructions. However, this information was only delivered in Portuguese, which no one in my party spoke, and no one else on the boat spoke English. Luckily, a very kind Brazilian passenger typed the instructions into Google translate for us.

We were allowed to walk around the boat freely (although I didn’t do this, to minimize seasickness). Life jackets were available but were optional to wear (no one wore them). And if you did get seasick, you were asked to do it over the side of the boat (although not everyone was quick enough to manage this!)

Seasickness is common on this boat

I spent a lot of the journey (successfully) focusing on not being sick. Unfortunately, one of my travel partners was not so lucky and was sick, as were several other passengers. It wasn’t a particularly rough day on the water, so I expect this is just common for this journey.

Getting out of Barra da Lagoa is always going to be a bit on the rough side since the boat travels out of the mouth of the river and past a rocky section where the waves crash. Once we got closer to Campeche Island the water was much calmer, but it didn’t seem to help those who were already suffering.

Beach chairs and umbrellas can be rented on the boat

On our boat, another service they provided was beach chair and umbrella rentals for the island. They had a deal for 2 chairs and an umbrella for R$70 ($13 USD) which was a reasonable price. However, they were sold out of umbrellas by the time they got to us, so we just rented the chairs.

Note – You can actually also rent umbrellas and chairs on Campeche Island, so don’t worry if you miss out on renting them on the boat!

What Happens When You Arrive at Campeche Island?

No matter which boat you get to Ilha do Campeche, expect to get your feet wet when you arrive at the island. The small inflatable boats are able to get the closest to land for you to disembark. But most of the larger boats can’t get that close, so you will have to jump out into the water and walk to shore.

In my experience with the 20-person boats, it’s usually knee-deep water you have to walk through, but I know some of the boats at Campeche Island will require you to wade through waist-deep water.

Tip: wear your swimsuit on the boat so it doesn’t matter if you get wet!

Before you disembark, you will need to take off your shoes for safety. The captain or tour guide will also confirm the time by which you have to be back at the boat for the return journey.

Then, the only thing left to do is relax and enjoy the island!

How Long Do You Get to Stay on Campeche Island?

Unless you’re getting the boat from Campeche Beach, your stay on Ilha do Campeche will be for 4 hours.

When booking your tour, don’t be fooled!

The advertised tour length from most providers is generally around 5 or 6 hours. But a longer tour does not mean you get to spend more time on the island. Instead, the time advertised includes the 4 hours on Campeche Island and the return travel time.  

If getting the boat from Campeche Beach, you can usually stay longer on Ilha do Campeche, and you should arrange for your return boat with the tour operator directly.

Things to Know Before Visiting Ilha do Campeche

There are several key things you should know about Campeche Island, to help you get the most out of your time there.

Campeche Island is a Protected Area

Ilha do Campeche is a protected area. It’s a nature reserve and site of significant cultural and archaeological importance to the Santa Catarina state.

In 2000, the island was even listed as a National Archaeological and Landscape Heritage site by IPHAN (Brazil’s historic and artistic heritage department) due to more than 150 ancient rock inscriptions scattered around the island. The inscriptions vary in design, depicting geometric, human, and animal shapes.

There are 21 different archaeological sites around the island which you can visit if you partake in a hiking/walking tour.

The island is also a habitat for many animals, such as coatis and Brazilian Tanagers, an endangered bird. (Although please do not feed the animals!)

Island Rules

Due to being a protected area, there are some rules in place, and things you aren’t allowed to do while visiting Campeche Island.

Do Not Feed the Animals

Firstly, feeding the animals is strictly prohibited. You might be tempted to feed the cute coatis if they approach, but keep in mind that feeding them is not allowed and it is actually bad for the animals since they can become too dependent on humans.

Do Not Introduce or Remove Plants or Animals

It is important to the conservation of the island that you do not pick and remove any plants, or introduce any new vegetation to the island. So be careful not to discard things like fruit seeds on the island, and simply admire the plants, rather than picking them to take home.

This rule also applies to pets! Unfortunately, no pets are allowed on the island, with the exception of guide dogs.

You Cannot Camp or Stay on The Island Overnight

Camping or staying on the island overnight is not allowed. In fact, you can only visit the island for an authorized period, which you are granted by purchasing your boat tour through an approved operator.

Barbecuing is Not Allowed

Although you are allowed to bring food to the island, barbecuing or lighting a fire is prohibited. Instead, I recommend packing a picnic or eating a meal at the island’s restaurant.

Do Not Play Loud Music

Playing loud music or using other loud sound devices could disrupt the tranquillity of the island. (Plus, it can be annoying to other visitors.)

Therefore, you aren’t allowed to bring powerful sound/music equipment with you and should keep the volume of any smaller music equipment low.

Take Your Rubbish With You

There are limited rubbish bins on the island and generally, they are reserved for the Kiosk and Restaurant. Plus, littering is obviously not allowed. So, you should always take your rubbish with you when you leave.

Tip: Plan ahead by taking a rubbish bag with you and disposing of it at home.

You Can’t Explore on Your Own

While you can wander the beach and swim at your leisure, you can’t explore the rest of the island on your own.

To see the island, there are several hiking/walking trails. However, you can only do these accompanied by an authorized guide. If you would like to do a trail, can book a tour once on the island (more on this below).

Campeche Island Weather

The weather is always a factor to consider when planning a trip to Campeche Island. The weather in Florianópolis can be unpredictable, and storms are frequent, especially in the rainy season.

Note – The rainy season in Florianópolis is in summer (December to March), with February being the rainiest month. From my experience visiting Floripa in February and March, there was quite a bit of rain, but it was mostly afternoon/evening storms, rather than all day every day.

The average temperature in Florianópolis in the summer months is a high of 28 to 30°c (82 to 86°f) and a low of 20 to 22°c (68 to 72°f).

Because the weather is hard to predict in advance, your boat tour will always be subject to the weather. Your tour company will confirm with you the day prior to your trip whether the tour will be going ahead. If it is cancelled, you will be given the option to reschedule or request a refund.

Best Time to Visit Campeche Island

The most popular time to visit Ilha do Campeche is in the summer.

Visiting the Island in the winter might still be beautiful, but you won’t get to enjoy the beach the same way.

The most popular time is during the warmest times of the year, between November and the end of March. But keep in mind that the most popular time also means it is the busiest time!

Florianópolis gets particularly busy during the Brazilian summer holidays which take place during December and January, and again in mid-February for Carnival.

Along with the busy season also comes higher prices. So, it is during this time you should expect to pay the most to visit Ilha do Campeche. The same goes for accommodation and other activities in Florianópolis.

We visited the island in early March, and it was a very busy day. Although we have heard from locals that Campeche Island doesn’t always get that busy. So, if going outside of peak holiday times, you might get lucky and get more of the island to yourself!

To make the most of the warm weather, and avoid the higher prices and (some of) the crowds, I believe the shoulder season from September to early December would be the best time to visit Ilha do Campeche.

What to Pack

When packing for Campeche Island you should pack for a day at the beach.

This means, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and water. Plus, any beach games you like to play, a volleyball if you have one (there’s a net on the island), and perhaps a book.

You are allowed to bring your own food and drinks to the island, including a cooler to keep them cold. If bringing your own food, just keep an eye out for the coatis. When you’re not looking, they won’t hesitate to try and steal your food!

If you want to buy food on the island, it is recommended to bring cash, as the restaurant is cash (or PIX) only. The other vendors on the island do take card, but it is always good to have some emergency cash, in case your card doesn’t work.

You can also bring your own beach chairs and umbrella if you already have them. Generally, the boat operators will allow you to bring anything on board (within reason), with the exception of prohibited items, as mentioned above.

If you’re planning on doing any of the hiking/walking trails, you should also bring sneakers with you.

Amenities on The Island

Although it can be a journey getting to Campeche Island, it isn’t quite as remote as you would imagine. There are actually a few amenities on the island. They even have some electricity, although it is solar-powered.

Chair & Umbrella Rentals

If you don’t already have your own beach chairs and umbrella, don’t worry as you can rent them on the island. Plus, they have plenty available, so you won’t miss out.

Rentals are available from the Kiosk. We didn’t get to find out what the chairs cost, but we rented umbrellas from the Kiosk, which cost R$40 ($7.50 USD) each. It is cheaper to rent the chairs and umbrellas as a package and from what I understood the prices were similar to the rental prices on the boat, which was R$70 ($13 USD) for 2 chairs and an umbrella.  

Washrooms

There aren’t traditional washrooms on the island, but there are two porta-potties, located next to the Kiosk. They do have toilet paper, but no soap, so I would recommend bringing some hand sanitizer.

Although they aren’t glamorous, it was nice to find they were available, as with 4 hours on the island, you will likely need them!

Food and Drinks

There are two options for food and drinks on the island.

Kiosk

The first is the Kiosk, where you can also rent the chairs and umbrellas. They sell snack foods like sandwiches, pies and açaí bowls, as well as alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.

The prices are on the higher side, but they are comparable to any of the kiosks you will find at the various beaches in Florianópolis.

A bottle of water costs R$8 ($1.50 USD), a beer R$15-20 ($3-4 USD) and a cocktail R$30-40 ($6-8 USD). Whereas a sandwich will set you back R$25 ($5 USD).

Bacalhau Restaurant

The second option is a restaurant called ‘Bacalhau’, It has seating on the beach and serves a range of shrimp and fish dishes, as well as some chicken and beef options.

Their prices are actually quite reasonable compared to other seaside restaurants in Floripa. You can get a shrimp or fish set menu for 2 people for around $R 100-120 ($19-23 USD), or a meat dish including sides for R$55-65 ($10-12 USD) per person.

They only take payment in cash of PIX (the Brazilian transfer service), and a 10% service charge is included in the bill.

Tip: There is also a stand next to the restaurant where you can buy fresh coconuts. They are a little on the pricier side at R$ 20 each (about $4 USD) but are nicely chilled and very refreshing!

Things to Do at Campeche Island

There are plenty of things to do on Ilha do Campeche, although the 4 hours you get there is not enough time to do everything.

But you will definitely be able to try a couple of different activities at least. Or, if you’re just looking to relax, you’ll have plenty of time to sip cocktails on the beach and enjoy the crystal-clear water.

Enjoy the Beach

The most obvious thing to do on Campeche Island is just to enjoy your time on the beach.

The beach is absolutely beautiful, with fine white sand, sparkling turquoise water, and lush green surroundings. It looks like something straight out of the Caribbean!

This is the perfect place to relax with some food and drinks, soak up the sun, read a book, and enjoy the spectacular views.  I also recommend walking up and down the beach to check out some of the more hidden spots around the rocks.

Because of the direction the beach faces, it doesn’t get as much wind as a lot of other beaches in Florianópolis. Therefore, it can get very hot! So, make sure to set yourself up with some shade and stay hydrated.

Tip: There aren’t many shaded spots available on the beach, so I recommend bringing an umbrella or renting one on the island.

Swimming

Although this is an obvious activity, Campeche Island is the perfect place to go swimming. Most of Floripa’s beaches have waves (which are lots of fun), but sometimes it’s nice to enjoy still water, and even get some laps in!

The water at Campeche Island is very warm and calm. It’s a good spot for swimmers of all ages and abilities. This is also a very child-friendly beach and is a great place to practice and improve your swimming.

There are some barriers set up in the water to stop the boats from coming too close to the swimming area. But don’t let these put you off as you are allowed to swim beyond them.

Because the water is so clear, you can also spot fish while swimming. And you don’t have to swim out far. We saw plenty of small fish and a couple of big ones very close to shore!

Snorkelling

If you want to take your marine life sightings to the next level, you can also go on a snorkelling tour.

These tours are bookable on the island (look for the hut with all the snorkelling equipment). But they do book out quickly, so if this activity is of interest, I suggest heading over there as soon as you arrive on the island to secure your spot.

The tour takes about 1h20 minutes and costs R$80 ($15 USD) per person. They provide all the equipment (snorkel, mask, fins, and a wetsuit) and take you out on a boat.

There is no set timetable for the snorkelling tour, so you will have to talk to them to find out when the next group is leaving.

There are also photo packages you can buy, ranging from R$50 to R$140 ($9 to $28 USD), depending on the number of people and photos/videos.

Volleyball

Volleyball is one of the free activities available on the island. There is a net set up for anyone to use, but you will need to bring your own ball.

If you don’t have a ball, I recommend just approaching a group who are already playing and seeing if you can join in. This is what we did, and it was a great way to enjoy a game of volleyball and make some new friends.

Hiking Trails

There are actually several hiking trails on Campeche Island. But, because the island is a protected area, you can only do them accompanied by a guide.

Just like snorkelling, you will need to book your tour once you’re on the island for a small fee, which helps pay for the maintenance and conservation of the island.

There is a small hut between the snack Kiosk and the lifeguard stand where you can sign up for a tour. They usually run between 10:30 am and 3:30 pm.

There are two main trails you could book a tour for when we visited (a shorter and a longer one). Although I suggest asking at the kiosk about other trails as well, as there are actually a total of 6 trails on the island. So more may be open for tours when you visit.

Note – during periods of excessive rain, the trails close and tours will be cancelled

The different trails

The shorter trail takes about 40 to 60 minutes and is very easy. There are a couple of stops along the way to get some beautiful coastal views, and you will be able to learn about the history of the island. The cost to do the shorter trail is R$20 (about $4 USD).

The longer trail takes two hours and is considered more difficult, but it also has a few more stops. This is a great option if you want to see more of the island, including several of its archaeological sites. This tour costs R$ 30 (about $6 USD).

Some things to note about the trails

Shoes must be worn for the hike (I recommend wearing sneakers) and food and drinks are not allowed on the trails. The hike is also at a very leisurely pace, so it is doable for all fitness levels. But if you’re used to hiking quickly and more difficult routes, this might not be the best hike for you.

Something else worth noting is that technically you are only allowed to book a hiking tour if you came to the island with a boat company that contributes to the island. They don’t always ask about this when you book the hiking tour, so this may not be an issue. But to be on the safe side, if you’re looking to do a hike, I recommend checking if your boat tour company qualifies ahead of time.

Final Thoughts on Visiting Ilha do Campeche

Ilha do Campeche is a beautiful day trip from Florianópolis. Whether you want to explore the island by partaking in activities, or you prefer to just relax on the beach, there is something for everyone.

To make sure you don’t miss out on visiting Campeche island, book your tour as soon as possible!

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