HOW IS PRAIA DO ROSA: On the South coast of the State of Santa Catarina, are several beautiful beaches located, each offering unique attractions. The two main municipals to visit are Imbituba and Garopada, and the most famous beach might be the Praia do Rosa Beach. It is known all through the world for hosting right whales that come to its water to breed and feed their nestlings between July and November; and known also for its well shaped, big waves good for practicing surf. During the 1970’s, “foreigners" carrying backpacks and tents discovered the regions beaches and small fishermen villages, and started to lend the city a different air and color. This kicked changes that led to what today is a city that thanks to an adequate urban land legislation, still keeps the old characteristics of the original “village”, with one and two-story houses. Blessed by nature with beauty, the city is ideal for eco tourism and the practice of sports such as: surf, windsurf, hang gliding, paragliding, trekking and enduro. For those who appreciate lively parties and lively people, there is some fancy meeting "points" along Ferrugem beach.

WHEN TO GO / CLIMATE: It is moderate and humid climate, without a dry season. Summer is hot, with average annual temperature of 18,3ºC, but reaching eventually temperatures close to 40ºC. Winter (June to August) is mild, with average temperatures of 10ºC.

HOW TO GO: By Plane: The International Airport Hercílio Luz, in Florianopolis is located approx 90 km from Praia do Rosa. By Road: Rent a car in Florianopolis and go along the highway BR-101 to Imbituba.

ATTRACTIONS
Right Whale
From July to November, Garopaba’s coastline receives very special visitors: the right whales (Eubalena Australis). These immense mammals, which may measure up to 15 m long, and weigh approximately 40 tons, come to Garopaba in search of shallower and hotter waters to breed and feed their nestlings.

Usually, it is possible to see mothers with their nestlings swimming close to the coast, acrobatically jumping and showing their fins. Right whales were hunted until 1973 when the last whale hunt station (Armação), located in the city of Imbituba/SC, closed doors. In September 2000, the Right Whale Environmental Protection Area (APA) was created in the Southern tip of Santa Catarina’s coastline. APA was created with the basic aim of protecting right whales and to ensure the rational use of the region’s natural resources.

Some companies offer whales observation tours (Whale watching). It is recommended that visitors opt for a touring companies that comply with Federal Law # 7643/87 and IBAMA (the Brazilian environmental protection agency) Decree # 117/96, which ensure that whales are protected against inadequate disturbances.

Negro Beach
Located on the southern tip of Garopaba’s coastline, between Ouvidor and Vermelha beaches. Access is available through the parallel lines of stones along the Ouvidor cliff coast.

Garopaba Lagoon
Garopaba Lagoon is connected to the ocean by a natural channel, which separates Ferrugem and Barra beaches. Besides its plenty fish, it is also possible to catch crabs and shrimps in the Lagoon. To watch the sunset on the Lagoon is an unforgettable experience. While going down along local hills, the Sun renders the Lagoon’s waters a gorgeous colorfulness. If all that were not enough, visitors can see traditional local fishermen and their boats.

The Ibiraquera Lagoon
With its calm waters, the Ibiraquera lagoon is very good for the practice of windsurfing, jet skiing, diving, canoeing, fishing and other water sports. Rose shrimp, a crustacean much appreciated in the whole world, is found in great quantities in the lagoon, adding a special touch the local cuisine.

The Siriú Lagoon
This lagoon’s waters drain on Siriú beach and, as it runs down the near hill, it turns the local landscape even more beautiful. As noted above in regard to Garopaba Lagoon, at Siriú there is plenty fish and shrimps.

Portinho Port
Located between Ouvidor and Vermelha beaches, it offers access to the wonderful cliff coasts from Ouvidor beach through Silveira land point. Access is available along the stones lines that run parallel to the Ouvidor cliff coast. The place is an excellent anchorage point for small boats.

Siriú River
The river is the product of shallow streams of water that run down Gamboa hill, which further down run into Siriú Lagoon.

Encantada River
It runs from Ambrósio neighborhood and run into Garopaba lagoon.

Porto Novo Port
Located on the Southern end of Rosa beach, it is good for fishing “tainhas”. At that point, in 1974, during high season some ten thousand “tainhas” were once caught in a single net throw. On days with strong waves, it also attracts surfers who venture to go beyond the break point.

Coral Island
This beautiful island is at a 45-minute ride by boat from Garopaba beach. During high season local companies offer touring services so tourists can visit the island.

The Macacú Waterfall
Due to the action of sunrays on the waterfall’s pool stones, its waters get slightly warmed, rendering it pleasant to swim or to dive there at night. Near the waterfall there is an old, deactivated sawmill, driven by a water wheel.

Dunes
The Siriú and Ouvidor beaches are surrounded by dunes, good for practicing sand sports. Dunes are located on the road connecting Garopaba to Paulo Lopes. It is 5 km away from downtown, and easily accessible, extending over a wide area and offering good inclination, ideal for practicing “sandboard”. It offers al essential infrastructure. For the local natural environment, these dunes act as a physical filter against the action of sea waves, also supplying local beaches with extra sand, thus avoiding sea penetration into the mainland.