Florianopolis tours

Things to do in Florianopolis

Picture yourself in Florianopolis, Brazil, where the ocean breeze carries a hint of samba and the sun lightly touches everything with a golden glow. This island city, often called Floripa, has its own unique vibe, blending city life with untouched nature. Your guide will take you down the cobbled streets of Santo Antônio de Lisboa, where old-world charm meets contemporary style. Then, you'll head to the peaceful waters of Lagoa da Conceição. These aren't just ordinary tours—this is your chance to find hidden beaches and enjoy a food and wine scene known only to locals. With your guide, you'll bypass the crowds at busy markets and discover the city's hidden layers. In Floripa, every corner has its own tale, and with the right guide, you're not just seeing the city—you're becoming part of its story. If you’re looking for more inspiration, take a look at our curated list of things to do in Florianopolis. Explore Florianopolis your way At ToursByLocals, we believe that how you explore is just as important as where you go. That’s why every Florianopolis tour is private, flexible, and built around you: Move at your own pace, skip the crowds, make connections and follow your curiosity. Find local guides offering private tours in Florianopolis for every interest, including: Nature and Wildlife tours: Follow conservation trails on Ilha do Campeche with an authorised guide, spot herons and tanagers, and see prehistoric rock engravings between swims in clear coves; your guide can secure the limited entry slot. Or head into Lagoa do Peri Municipal Park for an easy forest walk and lakeside picnic while birdwatching and looking for freshwater turtles along the shore. City highlights tours: Sample shrimp pastel and fresh oysters at Mercado Público, then cross to Parque da Luz for photos of the restored Hercílio Luz Bridge. Ride up to the Morro da Cruz lookout for wide views and finish with a sunset stroll in the waterfront lanes of Santo Antônio de Lisboa. Architecture tours: Compare Azorean-style wooden casas in Ribeirão da Ilha and Santo Antônio de Lisboa with the neoclassical Catedral Metropolitana and the tiled Casa da Alfândega downtown. Add a visit to the 18th-century Fortaleza de São José da Ponta Grossa and, time permitting, ferry to Anhatomirim Island to see the Santa Cruz fortress. Buses link key beaches and neighbourhoods, but distances are long and hills limit walkability. You can book chauffeured tours or ask your local guide to include private transportation. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all itinerary, you can tailor your private tour to match your interests, pace and personality with a local who knows Florianopolis inside and out. Walking tours & neighbourhoods Discovering Florianopolis is best done on foot with a local guide by your side. As you meander through the city’s vibrant streets, make sure to explore some of these popular neighborhoods that can be tailored into your private tour itinerary. - Centro: The pulse of Florianopolis, where historic architecture meets buzzing markets. Ideal for those interested in history and shopping, the area offers a glimpse into the city's colonial past and lively present. - Lagoa da Conceição: Nestled between lush hills and a large lagoon, this neighborhood is perfect for families and nature lovers. Enjoy water sports, hiking, and a variety of dining options with stunning views. - Santo Antônio de Lisboa: Known for its charming colonial architecture and seafood restaurants, this neighborhood caters to cultural tourists and those seeking a laid-back vibe. It's a great spot to unwind and enjoy local cuisine. - Campeche: A favorite among surfers and beach lovers, Campeche offers a relaxed atmosphere with beautiful beachscapes. Multi-generational groups can enjoy the waves or simply relax by the shore. Day trip ideas from Florianopolis If you’re based in Florianópolis and want a change of scene, nearby beaches, historic towns, and green hills make easy day trips, and your tour can flex to fit surfing, hiking, food, or photo stops. - Guarda do Embaú and Serra do Tabuleiro: A short drive south gets you to a mellow village with a river crossing to the surf beach and a hike up Pedra do Urubu for big coastal views. It’s great if you like clean waves, birdlife, and simple spots to swim in calm water, and your tour can focus on hiking to viewpoints, a laid-back beach day, or a river paddle. - Praia do Rosa and Ibiraquera (Imbituba): Known for steady surf and a lagoon made for SUP and kite days, this area also has clifftop trails where, from June to November, you can watch southern right whales from shore. If you’re into wildlife, beach time, or low-key cafés, your tour can mix short walks, lookouts, and time on the sand. - Laguna and Farol de Santa Marta: Wander the historic centre, check the canal where dolphins often help fishers, and head to the lighthouse area for wide ocean views and wind-shaped dunes. Good for history fans and coastal scenery seekers, with a tour plan that balances old streets, viewpoints, and easy shoreline walks. - Balneário Camboriú and Itajaí coast: North of Floripa, you get an urban beach vibe, a long seafront for people-watching, and nearby lookouts like Morro do Careca plus Praia Brava for stronger waves. If you like city energy with beaches, your tour can be about beach hopping, quick hikes to viewpoints, and a seafood stop. - Blumenau and Pomerode: Head inland for German-Brazilian heritage, half-timbered buildings, bakeries, chocolate, and craft beer, set along a river valley. Ideal if you’re into culture and tasting local flavours, with a tour that strings together short heritage walks, cafés, and small producers. A private tour with a local guide is the best way to really get to know a place. Skip the crowds, follow your interests, and see a side of Florianopolis most travellers miss.