Information
Landmark: Campeche IslandCity: Florianopolis
Country: Brazil
Continent: South America
Campeche Island, Florianopolis, Brazil, South America
Overview
Campeche Island, or Ilha do Campeche, is a favorite escape near Florianópolis, with turquoise water lapping at white sand in the state of Santa Catarina, Brazil.With its white-sand beaches, thriving wildlife, and ancient ruins, it draws nature lovers, thrill-seekers, and anyone craving a quiet break from the city’s constant hum.Number one.Campeche Island sits about 15 kilometers, or roughly 9 miles, off the mainland of Florianópolis, tucked along the southern tip of Santa Catarina Island where the waves roll in quietly from the Atlantic.You can reach the island by boat, and several companies run tours from the mainland-most leaving from Campeche Beach, where the salt air hits you the moment you step onto the pier.Getting there’s easy-just hop on a boat from Campeche Beach, where the sand squeaks under your feet before you set off toward the island.The boat ride takes about half an hour, carrying you across still, glassy water with views that make you want to linger.Boat trips usually run every day, though you’ll want to double-check before you go-especially in the busy season when the docks buzz with travelers.Two.Campeche Island is famous for its breathtaking scenery, with soft white sand under your feet, crystal-clear water that sparkles in the sun, and dense Atlantic Forest wrapping the shoreline in deep green.The island carries its own quiet magic, with wild cliffs, salt on the breeze, and views that spill into endless green and sea.Campeche Beach, the island’s main stretch of shore, offers powdery white sand and clear turquoise water that glimmers in the sunlight-ideal for lounging, soaking up the sun, or taking a refreshing swim.The beach feels peaceful, though the waves pack enough force to lift you fast, making it a great place for beginners testing their first ride and seasoned surfers chasing a challenge.The island hides smaller, tucked-away beaches like Praia da Pedra and Praia do Leste, where the only sounds are gentle waves and the wind in the palms-perfect for anyone craving peace and privacy.Jagged cliffs rise around these spots, with thick green foliage pressing in, creating a place that feels untouched and utterly still.Dunes and Trails: The island boasts striking sand dunes, some cresting high above the beach where the wind whistles over their ridges.Visitors can hike the winding trails and wander over the dunes, where the breeze carries the scent of salt and the island and coastline stretch out in every direction.Winding nature trails cut through the island’s Atlantic Forest, where you might spot bright toucans or breathe in the scent of wild orchids.Three.Flora and Fauna Campeche Island teems with life, blending lush tropical greenery with the shimmer of darting fish just below the waves.The island’s Atlantic Forest bursts with plant life, including orchids and other species found nowhere else in the world.Winding trails lead visitors through the island’s lush greenery, where they might spot a bright red hibiscus or other rare plants.Marine Life: The clear waters around the island brim with life-sea turtles gliding past, dolphins breaking the surface, and schools of bright fish flashing beneath the waves.This place is perfect for snorkeling or diving, especially near the jagged rocks along the shore where schools of bright fish flicker through the water.Campeche Island is a top spot for birdwatching, where you might spot bright green parrots chattering in the trees, graceful herons wading in the shallows, and even the occasional eagle gliding overhead.Tucked away from the crowds, the island’s rugged cliffs and quiet coves create a calm haven where you can watch seabirds wheel overhead.Number four.Campeche Island is rich in archaeological value, with traces of ancient human life still visible in worn stone tools scattered along its shore.On the island, weathered rock carvings-some etched five millennia ago-lie scattered across the stone, drawing the close attention of researchers and historians.Petroglyphs: More than a hundred of them are etched into the island’s sun‑baked rocks, scattered from the cliffs to the narrow, wind‑worn paths.People believe these carvings were made by the region’s Indigenous peoples, who lived here centuries before Europeans arrived, shaping stone with steady hands and sharp tools.Etched into the stone are animals, sharp-edged patterns, and slender human forms, offering a glimpse into the island’s distant past.Because these petroglyphs hold deep cultural and archaeological value, parts of the island are off-limits, marked by weathered wooden signs to protect them and allow careful study.Visitors are asked to treat the island’s archaeological sites with care-don’t touch the weathered stones-and help protect its history.Number five stood alone, a single mark on the page like a small black pebble.On Campeche Island, you can hike shaded trails, snorkel in clear blue water, or simply stretch out on the warm sand and let the day drift by.Hiking is a favorite pastime on the island, with trails that wind past pine-scented hills and quiet, rocky shores.The trails are easy to navigate, winding past pale sand dunes and leading to sweeping views of the island’s beaches and unspoiled scenery.The best trails climb toward the island’s highest peak, where the wind smells of salt and you can take in sweeping views of Florianópolis and the glittering coastline beyond.Surfing: Praia do Campeche is known for its steady waves, where you can hear them crash in a sharp, rhythmic roll along the shore.The waves roll in steady, perfect for a first lesson or catching a clean, fast ride.If you want lessons before heading to the island, you can find surf schools on the mainland-boards stacked by the door and salt in the air.The waters around Campeche Island are crystal clear, ideal for slipping on a mask or diving deep to explore bright coral reefs teeming with darting fish.The rocky edges of the island make prime diving spots, where you might glimpse a flash of bright reef fish, a slow-gliding sea turtle, and other creatures slipping through the clear water.Beach Relaxation: If you’re ready to unwind, stretch out on the island’s quiet shores and let the sound of gentle waves wash the day away.You can stretch out in the sun, lose yourself in a good book, or just watch the turquoise water sparkle-Campeche Island is made for pure relaxation.Number six.Camping and staying on Campeche Island feels rustic and close to nature.You won’t find big resorts or sprawling facilities, but you can still pitch a tent or book a small lodge if you want to spend the night.On Campeche Island, camping draws plenty of visitors, especially to the sandy spots set aside just steps from the water.It lets visitors soak in the island’s quiet calm, with the scent of saltwater and rustle of palms all around.Still, make sure you check with local authorities so you know exactly where camping’s allowed-and whether any rules, like fire bans or quiet hours, apply.If camping’s not your thing, stay on the mainland in spots like Campeche, Lagoa da Conceição, or Barra da Lagoa, where you’ll find everything from a bunk in a lively hostel to a plush bed overlooking the water.From there, hop on a boat and spend the day exploring the island, maybe feeling the spray of saltwater on your face as you go.Seven.The best time to visit Campeche Island is in Brazil’s summer, from December to March, when the sun lingers late, the air feels warm on your skin, and nearly every activity is in full swing.You can still visit the island between April and November, though a few services-like the little ferry café-might be closed.The number 8.Campeche Island sits within a protected conservation area, and visitors are urged to tread lightly-leave no litter, and let the calls of seabirds be the only sounds you add.People are working hard to preserve it, tucking away old photographs and fading letters before time takes them.
