Things To Do
in Navegantes
Navegantes is a compact coastal city in Santa Catarina, Brazil, nestled along the Atlantic with easy access to the Itajaí River and nearby beach towns. It offers a laid-back, seafood-forward vibe and serves as a practical gateway to the region’s beaches and scenic coastal drives. The city blends urban conveniences with a strong maritime culture, featuring markets, waterfront eateries and quick day trips to Balneário Camboriú and Itapema.
Visitors can expect friendly locals, fresh seafood, and easy access to nature and nearby attractions all year round.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a leisurely breakfast at a local café, enjoying fresh pão de queijo and strong Brazilian coffee. Afterward, stroll through the charming streets of Navegantes, marveling at the colonial architecture and vibrant murals that tell the stories of the city's past. Visit the Igreja Matriz, a stunning church that showcases beautiful stained glass and intricate woodwork.
Enjoy a traditional Brazilian lunch at a nearby restaurant, sampling feijoada, a hearty black bean stew that is a local favorite. Spend the afternoon visiting the Museu Historico de Navegantes, where you can delve deeper into the rich maritime history of the region. Take a leisurely walk along the waterfront, soaking in the scenic views of the harbor and watching the fishing boats come and go.
As the sun begins to set, head to a local beachside bar for a refreshing caipirinha while listening to the sound of the waves. Enjoy a delicious dinner featuring freshly caught seafood, prepared in a traditional Brazilian style. Conclude your evening with a stroll along the beach, where you can admire the stars twinkling above the ocean.
Wake up early and head to Praia de Gravatá, one of Navegantes' most popular beaches, for a morning of sun and surf. Rent a stand-up paddleboard or kayak to explore the calm waters, enjoying the beautiful coastal scenery. After your water adventure, take a break on the beach, relishing the warm sun and gentle sea breeze.
For lunch, try a beachside restaurant specializing in grilled fish and refreshing tropical salads. Spend the afternoon engaging in fun beach activities like beach volleyball or building sandcastles with locals and fellow travelers. Alternatively, take a guided snorkeling tour to discover the colorful marine life just offshore.
As the day winds down, find a cozy spot on the beach to watch the sunset, a breathtaking spectacle of colors reflecting off the water. Afterward, savor a casual dinner at a nearby food truck offering a variety of Brazilian street food, such as coxinhas and pastel. Cap off the night with live music at a beach bar, dancing to the rhythms of Samba and Forró.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | R$ 25-50 |
| ☕Coffee or small drink | R$ 3-8 |
| 🚌Local transit ride | R$ 4-7 |
| 🍷Dinner for two (mid-range restaurant) | R$ 80-180 |
| 🛏️Mid-range hotel per night | R$ 90-260 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Excellent access to beaches and seafood culture
- Strategic gateway to Balneário Camboriú and Itajaí
- Smaller city feel may limit nighttime options
- Summer crowds can affect prices and parking
- "Olá" - Hello
- "Por favor" - Please
- "Obrigado/Obrigada" - Thank you
- "Quanto custa?" - How much does it cost?
- "Onde fica...?" - Where is...?
- "Você fala inglês?" - Do you speak English?
- "Pode me ajudar?" - Can you help me?
- "Recomenda algum restaurante?" - Do you recommend a restaurant?
Places to Visit in Navegantes
Visit one of these nice places.
Long sandy shoreline perfect for sunrise and horizon-wide seascapes; capture silhouettes of early morning fishermen and calm water reflections.
Bridge viewpoint with river delta views and distant coastal silhouettes; dynamic golden hour photography.
Elevated vantage point for sweeping panoramas of the coastline and green hills meeting the sea.
Colorful storefronts and quaint architecture offer compelling street photography opportunities, especially during late afternoon light.
Food in Navegantes
Navegantes Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Grilled fish served with rice, beans and farofa, a simple coastal staple you’ll find at many seaside shacks.
Must-Try!
Shrimp cooked in a hollowed pumpkin, a regional seafood favorite often available in coastal restaurants.
Fish stewed in a coconut-citrus broth with peppers and onions; a flavorful coastal classic found in many eateries.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A local market where you can sampling fresh seafood, produce, and ready-to-eat Brazilian bites from vendors along the waterfront.
Casual stalls and small grills line the promenade, offering pastel, fried fish bites, and shrimp skewers.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A handshake or a friendly kiss on the cheek is common among friends in more informal settings. Use polite greetings like 'Bom dia/Boa tarde' and address people with 'Senhor/Senhora' in formal contexts.
Casual beachwear is fine on the coast, but more modest dress is expected in shops and churches. Speak calmly and avoid loud public displays of anger or frustration.
Tipping in restaurants follows local norms; if service charges are not included, a small tip is appreciated. Ask before photographing people if you want to take portrait shots.
Safety
Tipping in Navegantes
Ensure a smooth experience
In Brazil, tipping is common but not always mandatory. A service charge is sometimes included; if not, leaving about 5-10% for good service at restaurants is typical. Rounding up at cafes or taxis is appreciated but not required.
Cash and cards are widely accepted in urban and tourist areas. ATMs are common; card payments (credit/debit) are standard in restaurants, shops, and hotels.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot and humid with peak beach crowds. Expect lively evenings and higher prices; bring sun protection, stay hydrated, and plan outdoor activities for early mornings or late afternoons.
Pleasant and mild with fewer crowds. Great for coastal walks and photography; occasional rain is possible, so carry a light rain shell.
Cooler and more temperate (but rarely very cold). Warmer days are common; beach visits are comfortable, but some days can be windy and overcast.
Rising temperatures and blooming coastal vegetation; ideal for hikes and outdoor markets as the region awakens after winter.
Navegantes at Night
Hiking in Navegantes
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Easy to moderate coastal trail with ocean views and occasional wildlife sightings; ideal for a half-day hike.
Flat, scenic route through mangroves with birdwatching opportunities; great for beginners and families.
Short hill trail offering panoramic coastlines and sunsets; moderate climb with rewarding views.
Airports
How to reach Navegantes by plane.
Regional airport serving the city and surrounding region; connections to major Brazilian hubs and some international flights. Easily reached by car or taxi from Navegantes.
Major airport serving the Santa Catarina region with more domestic and some international routes; about 80-120 miles from Navegantes by road, accessible by car, bus, or private transfers.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Primarily Brazilian families and workers; residents value seafood, markets, and coastal living.
Visitors from Brazil and neighboring countries attracted to beaches, seafood, and regional culture.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A national pastime with local clubs and casual matches throughout the year.
Popular on the waterfronts, especially in peak beach season.
Coastal surf spots attract locals and visitors during favorable swell periods.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Navegantes.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many spots offer salads, rice and beans, grilled vegetables, and moqueca de palmito or outros vegetarian-friendly seafood alternatives. When in doubt, ask for a veggie prato with rice, beans, and plantains or salads; look for menus labeled 'vegetariano' or 'vegetariano opcional'.