Things To Do
in Jaguaruna

Jaguaruna is a small coastal municipality in Santa Catarina, Brazil, known for its long golden beaches and relaxed vibe. The town serves as a gateway to scenic coastlines and nearby lagoons, with seafood-rich cuisine and friendly local hospitality. Visitors can enjoy easy beach days, hiking in nearby dunes, and cultural touches from church visits and market strolls.

With warm summers and mild winters, Jaguaruna offers year-round appeal for families, surfers, and nature lovers.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival and Beach Exploration
morning
:

Arrive in Jaguaruna and check into your hotel. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a local café, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere. Take some time to relax on the beautiful Praia do Camacho beach, feeling the soft sand beneath your feet.

afternoon
:

Explore the surf culture of Jaguaruna by visiting local surf shops and chatting with the surfers. Grab lunch at a beachfront restaurant where you can savor delicious seafood. Spend the afternoon swimming or engaging in water sports, enjoying the warm Brazilian sun.

evening
:

As the sun sets, stroll along the beach, witnessing the breathtaking colors of the sky. Dine at a traditional Brazilian churrascaria, experiencing the local culinary delights. End your evening with a drink at a beach bar, mingling with locals and travelers alike.

day 2
Cultural Immersion and Historical Sites
morning
:

Begin your day with a visit to the local market, where you can experience the vibrant culture of Jaguaruna. Sample fresh fruit and artisanal goods while practicing your Portuguese with friendly vendors. After exploring the market, head to the Igreja Matriz, a historic church that showcases the town's architectural beauty.

afternoon
:

After lunch, embark on a guided tour of the nearby historical landmarks, learning about Jaguaruna’s history and heritage. Visit cultural sites such as the Casa de Cultura and connect with local artists and their work. Spend your afternoon wandering through the artistic backstreets adorned with colorful murals.

evening
:

Enjoy a dinner at a local family-owned restaurant, where you can indulge in authentic Brazilian dishes. Experience live music in the town square, complete with local dances and festivities. As the night progresses, join in the fun, embracing the warmth and hospitality of the community.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$8-15
🥗Meal for 2 at mid-range restaurant$25-40
🚕Taxi 1 km$1.5-3
🏨Mid-range hotel per night$40-90
Coffee$2-5

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Coastal scenery and seafood cuisine
  • Relaxed vibe and affordability
  • Limited nightlife compared to larger cities
  • Smaller transport network and fewer direct international flights
  • "Bom dia" - Good morning
  • "Por favor" - Please
  • "Obrigado/Obrigada" - Thank you
  • "Quanto custa?" - How much is this?
  • "Onde fica o banheiro?" - Where is the bathroom?
  • "Fala inglês?" - Do you speak English?

Places to Visit in Jaguaruna

Visit one of these nice places.

Praia de Jaguaruna – Golden Strand

Wide sandy beach with rolling dunes and dramatic light during sunrise.

Sunset Pier at Jaguaruna

Fishing pier with silhouettes and color at dusk.

Historic Centro and Igreja Matriz

Old church and town square ideal for architectural photography.

Dune and Lagoon Vista

Dune-and-lagoon juxtaposition offers reflective water shots at golden hour.

Culinary Guide

Food in Jaguaruna

Jaguaruna’s cuisine centers on seafood and coastal flavors, blending Brazilian staples with Portuguese-influenced techniques. Expect grilled fish, shrimp, mussels, and hearty sides like rice, beans, and fresh salads. Street stalls and casual eateries offer quick, tasty options, while seaside restaurants emphasize seafood specialties and vibrant sauces. For drinks, try local caipirinhas, regional beers, and refreshing fruit juices by the water.

Jaguaruna Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Moqueca de Peixe

A fish stew simmered with onions, peppers, and coconut milk; usually served with rice and farofa.

Must-Try!

Moqueca de Camarão

Shrimp-based version of the classic stew with a creamy coconut sauce.

Pescado grelhado

Grilled whole or filleted fish with olive oil, herbs, and lemon.

Frutos do mar grelhados

Grilled assorted seafood platter featuring shrimp, mussels, and fish.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Mercado Municipal de Jaguaruna

Fresh seafood, local produce, and prepared snacks—great for a quick meal or prices to compare.

Feiras de Rua da Praia

Street stalls offering pastel, tapioca, fried snacks, and refreshing drinks right by the coast.

Climate Guide

Weather

Jaguaruna has a humid subtropical climate with warm summers, mild winters, and humidity year-round. Summers are hot with sea breezes; winters are cool but rarely cold; rainfall occurs throughout the year with a wetter period in spring.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

Polite greetings in Portuguese (Bom dia, Boa tarde); address adults as Senhor/Senhora unless invited to use first names.

Dress Code

Casual beachwear on the beach; modest dress in town centers; avoid overly revealing attire in public spaces.

Taxes and bargaining

Prices are usually fixed in shops; bargaining is uncommon in markets; be courteous when negotiating.

Safety Guide

Safety

Stay aware of petty theft on beaches, keep valuables secure, use reputable transport, and know local emergency numbers (police 190, fire 193, medical 192). Avoid isolated areas at night and swim at lifeguarded beaches when possible.

Tipping in Jaguaruna

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is not mandatory; ~10% is common if service is not included in the bill.

Payment Methods

Cash and cards are widely accepted; PIX QR payments are popular; some small vendors prefer cash.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Hot days with high humidity; great for swimming and surfing, but prepare for crowds on weekends.

Autumn

Milder temperatures and fewer visitors; ideal light for photography and coastal strolls.

Winter

Cooler with occasional rain; layers recommended; sea can be rough but scenic views persist.

Spring

Pleasant temperatures, blooming flora, and comfortable conditions for outdoor activities.

Nightlife Guide

Jaguaruna at Night

The nightlife in Jaguaruna is relaxed and beach-focused, with casual bars, seaside restaurants, and seasonal live music. In peak season, nearby coastal towns offer small venues and open-air performances; expect a laid-back vibe rather than a club-centric scene.

Hiking in Jaguaruna

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Dunes Coastal Walk

Easy hike along dunes with coastal viewpoints.

Serra do Mar foothills

Short hiking routes in nearby forested hills offering viewpoints and birdlife.

Airports

How to reach Jaguaruna by plane.

Florianópolis International Airport (FLN)

Major regional airport about 180-220 km away; offers international connections; road transfer to Jaguaruna.

Navegantes International Airport (NVT)

Coastal airport about 140-170 km away; convenient for domestic flights; connections by road or bus to Jaguaruna.

Joinville/Lauro Carneiro de Loyola Airport (JOI)

Regional airport to the north; smaller but usable for domestic flights; alternative if coming from the north.

Getting Around

Walkability

Walkable in the town center with pleasant sidewalks; longer walks to beaches and lagoons usually require a car; some hills in older parts.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Families

Many families visit beaches; safe and friendly neighborhoods.

Local residents

Coastal communities with fishermen and small business owners.

Domestic tourists

Visitors from other Brazilian states seeking beaches and nature.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Surfing

A popular sport along the coast with surf schools and rental shops.

Soccer (Football)

Common pastime; local matches and casual games at community fields.

Transportation

Traffic

Coastal traffic can be heavy on peak summer weekends; local buses connect to nearby towns; rideshares available; plan extra travel time during holidays.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Jaguaruna.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Look for veggie-friendly dishes like bean-based stews, salads with local greens, rice and vegetables, and rotisseried vegetables; many spots can adjust seafood-heavy dishes to include more vegetables.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare is available through public SUS facilities and private clinics in nearby towns; emergency services available; carry travel insurance; pharmacies are common in town centers.

Discover Brazil

Read more in our Brazil 2025 Travel Guide.

Brazil Travel Guide