Rainforest, waterfall, and a boat ride. Costa da Lagoa pulls you through Florianópolis’s wildest side, with dense jungle, wildlife chances, and a return by ferry that keeps the day feeling lighter.

I especially like the combo of big waterfall views and real hiking space. I also love the “slow travel” rhythm: you reach a small village that’s only accessible on foot or by boat, then you go back in time at an old flour mill.

The main thing to consider is weather. In rain, the trail can get slippery, and while it’s still doable, you’ll want good shoes and steady footing.

Key points at a glance

• Dense jungle hiking: a longer stretch of trail with plenty of room to move, plus excellent lookout moments.
• The island’s biggest waterfall: your payoff stop, and the best place for a swim if conditions are right.
• A no-car village: a calm change of pace, reached after about two hours of hiking.
• Old tapioca and sugar mill house: time-travel learning at a unique site on the island.
• Boat return for an easier finish: the ride along the lake ties the whole loop together.
• Wildlife opportunities: depending on season, you can get lucky with animals during the hike.

Costa da Lagoa Trail: why this hike feels different on Florianópolis

This is not a “walk for photos and call it a day” kind of outing. The Costa da Lagoa Trail leans into the island’s green interior: shaded paths, thick plant cover, and lookouts that feel earned. You’re also not stuck on land the whole time, which matters. The day builds toward the waterfall, then shifts into village life and ends with a boat return.

Two things make it work especially well for a first-time visitor. First, you get real contrast in one route: dense trail, then an isolated village, then a major water feature. Second, the pacing gives you chances to rest and take it in without turning into a marathon. Even with the hiking involved, it stays relaxed.

The tour is also built around a practical “plan B.” There’s a ferry boat that runs along the route, so if the trail feels like too much (especially after rain), you can hop on when needed.

The loop in real time: from the last bus stop to boat dock P3

Your day starts at the last bus stop leading to the Costa da Lagoa trail, the place where you can also find car parking. If you don’t score free parking right away, you can generally pay. The tour guide team meets you there in Barnnuns Experiences T-shirts, so spotting the group should be straightforward.

From that point, you hike toward the small village. About two hours of hiking is the marker for reaching it. This is a helpful mental checkpoint: it tells you the day has structure, and you’re not stuck guessing how long until the first big shift in scenery.

The village portion is where the day starts to feel more local and less scenic-touristic. You’ll walk around, with time to shop for souvenirs, and the key detail is that this is a place where getting around by vehicle is off the table. That alone changes the vibe fast.

When it’s time to return, you’ll take a boat back to your destination of choice. If you don’t want a specific drop-off, the tour returns to the bridge area of Lagoa da Conceição (downtown Lagoa). Either way, you end the day back at the meeting point.

Dense jungle hiking and wildlife moments you can time with the seasons

Costa da Lagoa is described as the most dense trail on the island, and you’ll feel that quickly. The path offers plenty of hiking space, which makes a big difference when you’re sharing trails. You’re not constantly shoulder-to-shoulder.

This is also the stretch where wildlife chances tend to show up. Depending on the season, you can be “almost guaranteed” to see something. I wouldn’t treat that as a promise, but the logic is solid: dense vegetation plus a guided route that’s designed for this kind of environment often means more animal sightings than you’d get wandering alone.

Bring insect protection seriously. The tour doesn’t include bug spray, and you’ll want it for the jungle section. I’d also pack water (at least 1 liter) even if you think you’ll be fine. The trail can run longer than you expect once you factor in stops for lookouts and getting to the waterfall area at the right time.

Weather matters too. If it rains, the trail becomes harder to pass and can get very slippery. The route is still rated average and generally doable, but you’ll want the right shoes and a calm pace. No hero moves here.

The no-car village stop: quiet culture and practical souvenir time

About two hours in, you arrive at a village that can only be accessed by walking or boat. That detail is more than a fun fact. It shapes how you experience the place.

You’ll have time to:

• wander around the village area
• shop for souvenirs
• soak up the calm, car-free rhythm

This kind of stop works best when you treat it like a breather, not a checklist. Let your eyes reset after the jungle stretch. You’ll probably find yourself slowing down naturally because there’s less noise and less traffic pressure.

If you’re curious about the quieter side of Florianópolis, this part helps you feel it. It’s not just about seeing nature; it’s about seeing a different way people live on the island.

Going back in time at the old mill house (sugar and tapioca)

Midway through the experience, you’ll reach an old farm house where they used to mill sugar and tapioca. Tapioca is a South American plant related to producing something similar to a potato, and this stop is where the tour adds a cultural layer that many hikes miss.

You’re not just walking past a building—you’re getting the story behind it. That makes the hike feel less like a sequence of pretty stops and more like a guided route with meaning.

One practical point: if you’re expecting lots of dramatic photo angles here, your best shots will come from simple observation—textures, old structures, and the contrast between the mill history and the surrounding jungle. Even if you’re not a history person, this stop tends to land because it’s tangible and specific.

The island’s biggest waterfall: best time to go, and when to swim

The biggest waterfall on the island is your major payoff. And yes, water fans should take note: rain time is best to see a lot of water. The trade-off is that the trail can get tougher afterward and surfaces may be slippery.

You can usually plan on two outcomes:

• You’ll stop at the waterfall area for viewing and rest.
• You can swim at the waterfall and/or the lake if you choose.

If you want to swim, plan like you mean it. The tour does not include a towel, and you’ll want extra clothes ready. Even if you don’t swim, the waterfall stop is a great place to cool down and regroup.

The waterfall day often becomes the emotional center of the tour. It’s the stop that changes the pace from hiking-focused to “nature just did something amazing” focused.

Lunch options that don’t feel like typical Floripa food

Lunch is optional in the way the tour handles it: you can choose a plan that includes eating lunch or choose not to. If you opt into lunch, it comes with two drinks. If you don’t choose the lunch option, you won’t be provided lunch.

This matters for value and expectations. When lunch is included properly, it adds more than calories—it adds a local taste you can’t get from convenience stores at the trailhead. The tour is described as serving food that’s different from most typical Brazilian choices in Floripa, and that’s a plus if you’re trying to eat beyond your hotel routine.

Also, pay attention to food preferences. One guide named Thor prepared salads for someone who didn’t like seafood, which shows the group is thinking about what people can actually enjoy.

If you’re someone who likes a real break, take the lunch option. If you’re not hungry on hikes, skipping can keep the day light. Either way, remember: the tour doesn’t include basic hiking fluids, so your water plan needs to be on you.

Boat ride back: a scenic finish that feels like a reward

After lunch and/or after exploring the village, you’ll shift from walking mode to boat mode. The ride back is described as a lovely boat trip along the lake area.

This is where you get photo moments that don’t require muddy shoes. Along Lagoa da Conceição, you’ll find photogenic scenic shots, and the timing gives you a more relaxed finish than walking back would.

The boat return also adds safety comfort. Since there’s a ferry boat running along the route, the itinerary is designed around the idea that you’ll have transport options if the trail becomes unpleasant.

One more small detail that helps: you’ll meet with the group first so everyone is accounted for before boarding the boat.

Price and value: is $65 fair for 5–6 hours?

At about $65 per person, this tour sits in the “not cheap, but not crazy” zone for Florianópolis. The value comes from the mix of experiences you can’t easily assemble yourself:

• guided hiking along one of the island’s top trail routes
• the largest waterfall stop
• the old mill house and its story
• access to a village that’s limited to walking or boat
• a boat component, which reduces the last-mile fatigue

The cost is also easier to justify because you’re paying for coordination and safety structure, not just a leader with a flashlight. The day is long enough to be worth paying for, but it doesn’t drag into a full day that burns you out.

Two “value gotchas” to keep in mind: you’ll want to pay attention to the lunch option (if you choose it, accept it correctly), and you’ll need to bring items like bug spray and sunscreen since they’re not included.

If you’re booking with flexible plans, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and reserve now & pay later. That reduces risk if weather looks iffy.

Who should book (and who should skip)

This tour is ideal if you:

• want a quiet side of Floripa, not just beaches
• like guided explanations, especially around older local sites like the mill house
• enjoy rainforest hiking but want it kept at an average difficulty level
• care about finishing with a boat ride rather than turning it into an all-land grind

You should think twice if you have any of the tour’s restrictions. Pets are not allowed, and you also can’t bring baby strollers or bikes. Crutches aren’t allowed either. The tour isn’t suitable for babies under 1 year, and there are limits for age and size: not suitable for people over 95 years, and not suitable for people over 309 lbs (140 kg). It’s also not suitable for hearing-impaired people and for people with insect allergies.

If you’re coming with sensitive ankles or balance issues, I’d be extra cautious with rain days. The route is doable, but slipperiness can change everything fast.

Should you book the Costa da Lagoa Trail with Barnnuns Experiences?

If you’re looking for an island day that feels real—not just pretty—this tour is a strong pick. The best part is the balanced rhythm: a dense jungle hike, a no-car village pause, an old mill history stop, the island’s biggest waterfall, and then a boat return. That combo gives you a full story in one outing, and the guide adds the connective tissue.

I’d book it if you’re comfortable walking about two hours to reach the village, and you’re okay bringing your own essentials like water, bug spray, and extra clothes. I’d also time it with weather in mind: if you want maximum waterfall flow, rain can be worth it as long as you accept the slippery trail risk.

If you’re the type who hates waiting on shuttles or prefers routes with a natural finish, the boat component is exactly the kind of convenience that makes this tour feel worth the price. And if you end up with a guide like Thor, you’ll likely appreciate the clear, practical information and the way the food can be adjusted to fit preferences.

FAQ

How long is the Florianópolis Costa da Lagoa Trail tour?

The duration is listed as about 6 hours, and the total time is noted as around 5:30 hours.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at the last bus stop leading to the Costa da Lagoa trail (with car parking available nearby). The tour ends back at the same meeting point. There is also a boat dock named Trapiche P3.

Is lunch included?

Lunch depends on the option you choose. Package deals and add-ons include lunch with two drinks. If you don’t accept the lunch option, you will not be provided lunch.

Can I swim at the waterfall or lake?

Yes, swimming at the waterfall and/or lake is included as an option. A towel is not included, so bring one if you plan to swim.

How difficult is the hike?

The trail is described as average and not hard to complete. If it has rained, it can become very slippery, but it is still walkable.

What should I bring?

Bring at least 1 liter of water, bug spray, sunscreen, extra clothes, and ideally a towel if you plan to swim. The tour also indicates it is a waterfall and lake day, so come prepared for water conditions.

Does the tour offer a boat return?

Yes. You’ll walk to a village and then take a boat back. A ferry boat also runs along the trail, so you can get on if the trail becomes a hassle.

What languages is the live guide available in?

The live tour guide is available in English, Portuguese, and Spanish.