The Dunes of Lagoa da Conceição They are located between Avenida das Rendeiras and Joaquina Beach, on the east side of Florianópolis. Admission is free, and the outing combines a walk on the sand, views of the lagoon and the ocean, and sandboarding, with boards available for rent at the entrance on Avenida das Rendeiras.
Leaving downtown, the trip takes about 25 minutes by car without traffic, or about an hour by bus with a transfer at the Lagoa Terminal. The best time to go is early in the morning or late in the afternoon, when the sand is cooler and the light is more beautiful.
The Lagoa Dunes Municipal Natural Park
The dunes have been protected since 1988, when a municipal decree established the park to halt the spread of urban development. In 2018, the area became a Municipal Natural Park and was expanded to include the sandbank near Campeche, encompassing Lagoa Pequena and Lagoa da Chica. Today, it covers approximately 700 hectares.
Surveys have already recorded more than 300 plant species in the park, in addition to birds, lizards, and amphibians, such as the sand lizard. Beneath the dunes lies part of the Campeche Aquifer, the island’s freshwater reserve. Since the management plan was published in January 2026, part of the park has been designated a restricted area, closed to the public. Please follow the marked trails and signage.
Sandboarding on the Lagoa Dunes
1. Where to rent a surfboard
At the entrance on Avenida das Rendeiras, there are surfboard rentals, and the ND Mais report notes that the service at Lagoa operates year-round, while at Joaquina it is busiest during the high season. In January 2026, rentals cost between R$ 35 and R$ 50 per hour, and lessons with an instructor ranged from R$ 130 to R$ 150 per person. Be sure to confirm the prices on-site before you start.
2. First Time
For those who've never gone down a dune before, a short lesson can help you find your balance and learn how to brake. Start on the gentler slopes and only then move on to the steeper ones. Climbing the dune on foot is quite tiring, so go at your own pace and bring some water.
3. Respect the sandbar
Practice in open sandy areas and do not step on the vegetation. It is the vegetation that holds the dunes in place.
Hike through the dunes to Joaquina
On the side facing Avenida das Rendeiras, you can walk across the dunes to Joaquina Beach. The city’s neighborhood guide suggests walks ranging from about 40 minutes to several hours, depending on the route. There is no shade and the wind is strong, so protect your eyes and skin.
A good idea is to walk through the dunes and take the bus back: the 363 Joaquina bus line runs along Avenida das Rendeiras. To learn more about the beach, check out the post on Praia da Joaquina at blog.
Best time
Early morning and late afternoon are the best times to visit. Between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., the sun is strong and the sand gets very hot. At the end of the day, the low light over the lagoon makes for the best photos. On days with strong southerly winds, the blowing sand can be quite bothersome, so it’s best to choose another day.
How to get there from downtown
1. By bus
At TICEN, take the line 330 TILAG/TICEN via Mauro Ramos or the 320 TILAG/TICEN via Beira Mar to the Lagoa Terminal (TILAG). At TILAG, board the 363 Joaquina and get off at Avenida das Rendeiras, near the dunes. Route 363 has only a few departures per day, so check the schedule on the Consórcio Fênix website.
2. By car or ride-hailing app
Take SC-404, pass through Itacorubi, go up the hill, and drive through the center of Lagoa until you reach Avenida das Rendeiras. Without traffic, it takes about 25 minutes. There is parking at the entrance points, but on sunny days it fills up quickly.
Practical Tips
- Bring more water than you would for a walk around town.
- Wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. The sand reflects a lot of sunlight.
- Sneakers help with the climb and protect your feet from the hot sand.
- Leave your valuables at the hotel: sand gets everywhere.
- Bring a bag for your trash and bring everything back.
- Avoid going for a walk on days when the wind is very strong.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have to pay to enter the dunes?
No. Admission to the park is free. You only pay for board rentals and lessons.
Can children go sandboarding?
Yes, you can, start with the shallow end and always have an adult nearby. A lesson with an instructor makes the experience safer.
How much time should I set aside for the tour?
One to three hours is enough for sandboarding and taking photos. If you want to go all the way to Joaquina and spend the day at the beach, set aside the whole day.
A base in the city center from which to explore the lagoon
It's located Hotel Farol da Ilha on Bento Gonçalves Street, in Downtown, near the bus terminal and 600 m from Parque da Luz. You can spend the afternoon at the dunes and head back to Downtown with no hassle. Check out the accommodations at the Hotel Farol da Ilha.
Cover photo: YES BRASIL via Canva.
