Saquinho Beach
Emerald cove, mangrove silence, zero commercial noise
About
Praia do Saquinho sits on the west coast of Ilha de Santa Catarina, tucked inside a sheltered bay where the water runs emerald and the grey sand meets the edge of secondary Atlantic forest. Because it faces the bay rather than the open ocean, the water stays calm and flat — a completely different character from Florianópolis's famous east-coast surf beaches. The cove is framed by a living mangrove ecosystem, protected under APA environmental regulations that keep the shoreline free of bars, umbrellas, and vendors. At roughly 300 metres long, it's compact and almost always empty, the kind of place where the loudest sound is a bird call from the canopy above.
How to get there
From Pântano do Sul, the beach is about 15 minutes by car along a rough track — expect an unpaved approach and no formal parking area. Park carefully on the track verge and walk in. Cooperbarco operates ferry services connecting parts of the island, which offers an alternative arrival by water. There is no entry fee, but APA environmental protection rules apply from the moment you arrive, so read up before you go.
Who it's for
For couples
The near-empty shoreline and total absence of commercial noise make Saquinho genuinely peaceful for two — bring a picnic, find a spot on the grey sand, and you'll likely have the whole cove to yourselves.
For families
Calm, flat bay water and safe swimming conditions suit younger children well, but the rough track access, lack of facilities, and APA rules requiring strict leave-no-trace behaviour mean families need to come fully prepared and self-sufficient.
Our take
Feet in the sand, eyes on the screen
Saquinho is one of those beaches that rewards people who actually want to be left alone with nature. The APA protection has done its job — no kiosks, no music, no hawkers, just grey sand, emerald water, and a mangrove cove doing what mangrove coves do. The rough track access and zero parking infrastructure filter out anyone not genuinely committed to getting here, which is exactly why it stays empty. Come between December and March for the best weather, arrive with everything you need, and leave with everything you brought. It's not a beach for a lazy resort day — it's a beach for people who understand why environmental protection areas exist and want to experience one firsthand. Worth the detour.
What to do
The closest natural draw after the beach itself is Praia da Solidão, about 2km away — an isolated south-coast beach reached by trail through Atlantic forest, worth the walk if your legs are willing. Praia do Pântano do Sul, 3km out, is a working fishing village beach with seafood restaurants and the nearest real services. Further afield, Parque Municipal da Lagoa do Peri, 8km away, offers freshwater lagoon swimming and proper Atlantic forest trails — a solid half-day add-on.
The mangrove root line where forest meets emerald water is the defining frame — shoot at low tide when the roots are exposed and the reflection holds.
The grey sand foreground with Atlantic forest backdrop gives a composition you won't find on Florianópolis's busier east-coast beaches.
Where to eat
Bar Restaurante Saquinho sits just 0.2km from the beach and is your only realistic on-site option — there is nothing to eat or drink at the beach itself, so plan accordingly. For more choice, Ana Maria and Perello's are both around 3.7km away near Pântano do Sul, and Golfinho is 4.1km out if you want a sit-down meal after the visit.
Where to stay
Capricornio Pousada, 12.3km from the beach, is the closest lodging option and a reasonable base for exploring the south of the island. Natur Campeche, 14.1km away, offers an alternative with an eco-leaning name that suits the spirit of this protected coastline.
Photography
The mangrove fringe meeting the emerald water at the cove's edges is the standout shot — early morning light from the east catches the bay surface cleanly before any haze builds. For a wider frame, position yourself at the waterline looking back toward the Atlantic forest canopy where the grey sand meets the green.
Good to know
APA regulations are non-negotiable here: no fires, no waste disposal, no disturbance of the mangrove — take everything you bring back out with you. No commercial activity is permitted on the beach, so arrive self-sufficient with water, food, and sun protection. West-coast bay orientation means no surf and no ocean swell — the water is calm and swimming is safe, but this is not a wave beach. Verify current APA access rules with FLORAM before your visit, as restrictions can change and access may be limited at certain times.
Map
Nearby places
Bar Restaurante Saquinho
Ana Maria
Perello's
Golfinho
Flamenguinho
Capricornio poasada
Natur Campeche
Praia do Pântano do Sul
Praia da Solidão
Parque Municipal da Lagoa do Peri
Things to see around Florianópolis
Praia do Pântano do Sul
Working fishing village beach with seafood restaurants, the nearest service point.
Praia da Solidão
Isolated south-coast beach accessible by trail through Atlantic forest.
Parque Municipal da Lagoa do Peri
Municipal park with freshwater lagoon and Atlantic forest trails.
Frequently asked
The information on this page is provided for guidance only and may evolve. Access conditions, safety and infrastructure can change without notice. Always check official sources before traveling.
Nearest beaches
Other relaxed beaches in Brazil
More beaches in Brazilian Atlantic
Reviews of this beach
- No reviews yet, what a shame — leave yours and share your experience.
Photo credits
Sources and licenses for the photos shown above.