Things To Do
in Balneário do Rincão
Balneário do Rincão is a relaxed beach town on Brazil’s southern Atlantic coast known for its long sandy shores and modest fishing heritage. The vibe is laid-back, with rustic waterfront eateries, wind-swept dunes, and easy access to nearby lagoons and nature trails. Visitors come for family-friendly days, calm seas, and approachable coastal scenery.
Evenings lull with the chorus of waves and simple seafood meals along the waterfront.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
After arriving in Balneário do Rincão, start with a stroll along the wide sandy beach to get acquainted with the coastline. Feel the fresh sea breeze as you survey the shoreline and dip your toes in the Atlantic waters. Capture photos of the colorful kitesurfers dotting the horizon.
Head to a beachfront kiosk for a bowl of fresh açai topped with local fruits and granola. Spend the afternoon lounging on the sand or renting a stand-up paddleboard to explore the calm inlets near the rocky outcrops. Take a short walk toward Morro dos Conventos to admire the sweeping views from above.
As the sun begins to set, join locals for a beach volleyball game under pastel skies. Indulge in a casual seafood dinner at a nearby shack, savoring freshly caught fish and shrimp skewers. End the evening with a leisurely bonfire right on the beach, roasting marshmallows and sharing stories under the stars.
Rise early to catch the first waves with a private surf lesson from a local instructor. Feel the thrill as you paddle out past the breaking line and ride your first wave toward shore. Enjoy a mid-session snack of tropical fruit and fresh coconut water to refuel.
Continue practicing your stance or switch to bodyboarding for a different perspective on the Atlantic swell. Challenge friends or fellow travelers to a friendly beach football match in the soft sand. Cool off between plays with occasional dips in the refreshing water.
Stroll along the sandwalk lined with food trucks selling pastel and caldo de cana. Sample regional snacks like recheio de camarão before moving on to a beachfront bar. Enjoy live forró music as you sip a caipirinha and watch the moonlight dance over the waves.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $8-12 |
| 🥤Soft drink or coffee | $1-3 |
| 💧Bottle of water (1 liter) | $0.60-1.50 |
| 🧺Groceries for a small week | $25-60 |
| 🚖Taxi ride within town | $3-8 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Long, inviting beaches with a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere
- Excellent seafood options and easy access to lagoons and dunes
- Low-key nightlife and abundant photo opportunities
- Walkable coastline with simple transit between sights
- Accessible from major southern Brazilian cities and nearby airports
- Limited high-end nightlife or large-scale entertainment
- Smaller town infrastructure may mean fewer services than bigger cities
- Seasonal crowds in peak summer can affect parking and lines
- Occasional language barriers outside tourist spots
- Some attractions require short drives to nearby towns for variety
- "Oi, tudo bem?" - Hi, how are you?
- "Bom dia" - Good morning
- "Por favor" - Please
- "Obrigado / Obrigada" - Thank you
- "Você aceita cartão?" - Do you accept cards?
- "Quanto custa?" - How much does it cost?
- "Onde fica o banheiro?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Pode me recomendar um lugar?" - Can you recommend a place?
- "Estou perdido" - I am lost
- "Pode falar mais devagar?" - Could you speak more slowly?
- "Pode trazer a conta?" - Can I have the check?
- "Eu falo um pouco de português" - I speak a little Portuguese
Places to Visit in Balneário do Rincão
Visit one of these nice places.
Long shoreline with soft morning light, ideal for wide-angle beach panoramas and silhouettes against the horizon.
Rolling dunes along the coast provide dramatic textures and golden-hour backdrops for landscape shots.
Calm water, reed beds, and sky reflections—perfect for reflective photography and birdlife.
A working pier where fishing boats add color and life to sunset scenes.
Food in Balneário do Rincão
Balneário do Rincão Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Grilled fresh fish served with pirão (cornmeal porridge) and simple accompaniments like rice and salad.
Must-Try!
Crispy fried fish with mashed potatoes and a wedge of lime—classic beach fare.
Delicate fish fritters, often enjoyed as a tapa or snack at beach stalls.
Light fish soup popular as a comforting option on cooler evenings.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A small market where you can find fresh seafood, regional produce, and quick bites from street stalls.
Beachfront stalls offering fried fish, seafood skewers, pastel, and refreshing coconut water.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Polite greetings in Portuguese (Bom dia, Boa tarde) go a long way; a friendly smile helps in interactions with locals.
Ask permission before taking photos of people, especially in small communities and private spaces.
Casual beachwear is fine on the beach; dress modestly if you visit churches or more traditional areas.
Safety
Tipping in Balneário do Rincão
Ensure a smooth experience
In many casual eateries, a service charge may not be included; tipping 5-10% is appreciated for good service. In more formal spots, 10% is standard if not included in the bill.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Peak beach season with longer days, warm water, and more crowds. Expect stronger sun, higher UV index, and lively beachfront activity; bring sunscreen and stay hydrated.
Milder temperatures and calmer seas; great for long walks, photography, and outdoor dining without the peak crowds.
Cooler air and milder water; days are shorter and seas can be rougher—dress in layers and enjoy cozy seaside cafes.
Pleasant temperatures and fresh coastal greenery; ideal for hiking, lagoon visits, and outdoor markets.
Balneário do Rincão at Night
Hiking in Balneário do Rincão
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Coastal dune trail offering ocean and lagoon views, with opportunities for birdwatching and photography.
Easy to moderate coastal walk linking lagoon shores with beach areas, featuring native vegetation and horizon views.
Airports
How to reach Balneário do Rincão by plane.
The region’s major gateway providing domestic and international connections; typically reached by road from Balneário do Rincão in about 2–3 hours depending on traffic.
A regional airport offering limited flights and convenient access to the southern coast; a shorter alternative to FLN for some travelers.
A larger airport in northern Santa Catarina; not as close as FLN but provides additional flight options for travelers heading to the broader region.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Small-town families and long-time fishing-community inhabitants, many with deep ties to the coast.
Tourists who arrive for holidays, weekends, and season-long stays, contributing to a dynamic, changing crowds.
Older residents attracted by the relaxed pace and coastal living.
Young locals and visiting surfers who enjoy outdoor activities and coastal culture.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Coastal beaches and steady Atlantic swells support local and visiting surfers, especially during favorable wind conditions.
Common in daytime beach areas with nets set up along sandy stretches; a casual activity for groups.
A traditional activity in the fishing community, possible to join local charter trips or fish from the shore.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Balneário do Rincão.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Seasonal vegetables, arroz e feijão, and starch-focused plates are common; ask for versions without fish stock and look for cheese+veg options. Many places can adapt pescatarian dishes to accommodate vegetarian preferences.