Discover the best attractions, such as the Big Wheel and Parque Unipraias, with planning tips and costs for your trip
Balneário Camboriú, in Santa Catarina, is famous for its vibrant waterfront and imposing skyscrapers, but the city offers much more than a dip in the sea. For those looking for things to do in Balneário Camboriú besides the beach, the options are surprising and guarantee spectacular views and moments of fun. This practical guide focuses on the main attractions that transform the city’s landscape: the Big Wheel, Unipraias Park and its famous cable car. Here, you will find all the information to plan a complete itinerary.
Planning: how to get there and when to go
Organizing your travel logistics is the first step to making the most of your destination. Balneário Camboriú is an easily accessible city with a pleasant climate most of the year.
- How to arrive: The nearest airport is Navegantes (NVT), located approximately 35 km away. From there, you can take a transfer, taxi, app car or rent a car to get to the city. For those traveling by car, the main access is via the BR-101 highway, which is doubled and well signposted.
- Best time to visit: The high season takes place in the summer (December to February), when the city is busier and prices are higher. For those looking for a balance between good weather and less movement, the months of autumn (March to May) and spring (September to November) are ideal, with mild temperatures and more inviting prices.
Unmissable attractions besides Central Beach
If the idea is to explore the city from other angles, these attractions are mandatory stops. They offer panoramic views, contact with nature and entertainment for all ages.
1. Unipraias Park and the cable car
Parque Unipraias is a tourist complex that connects Barra Sul to Praia de Laranjeiras through a system of 47 aerial cable cars. The cable car ride alone is worth the visit, providing a 360-degree view of the city and the Atlantic Forest. The park is divided into three stations:
- Barra Sul Station: Starting point of the tour, with ticket office, shops and boarding access.
- Atlantic Forest Station: Located at the top of Morro da Aguada, 240 meters high. Here you will find viewpoints with stunning views, as well as attractions such as Youhooo!, a mountain sled that descends at high speed through the forest, and Fantástica Floresta, a themed space for children.
- Laranjeiras Station: The final stop, which gives direct access to the quiet and charming Praia de Laranjeiras, surrounded by restaurants and with calm seas.
2. Big Wheel: The Panoramic View of BC
Opened in 2020, the Big Wheel quickly became one of Balneário Camboriú’s postcards. At 65 meters high, it is one of the largest cable-stayed Ferris wheels in Latin America. Located in Pontal Norte, it offers a unique experience and an incredible panoramic view of the coast, the skyscrapers and the ocean. The tour lasts around 20 minutes and is a great option to do in the late afternoon, enjoying the sunset.
3. Other tour options
- Oceanic Aquarium: A modern aquarium with more than 140 species of freshwater and saltwater animals.
- Christ Light: Monument with panoramic views of the city, which is illuminated in different colors at night.
- Pirate Boat Ride: A fun activity for the family that sails along the coast to Praia de Laranjeiras.
Practical tips for your trip
To complete your planning, some additional information can make all the difference in your experience.
- Where to stay: Avenida Atlântica, on the central waterfront, has the majority of hotels and offers easy access to everything. The Barra Sul region is more modern and sophisticated, ideal for those who want to be close to Parque Unipraias and good restaurants.
- How to get around: The city center is flat and great for walking. For longer distances, app cars work well. The “Bondindinho”, a retro-style tourist bus, runs along the main avenues and is a practical option.
- Gastronomy: The city is a gastronomic hub. Be sure to try the fresh seafood in the restaurants on Praia de Laranjeiras or in Passarela da Barra, a fishermen’s haunt with more traditional establishments.
Balneário Camboriú is a destination that goes far beyond its beaches. Exploring the views from the cable car at Parque Unipraias, admiring the city from the top of the Big Wheel and discovering its other attractions guarantees a complete and unforgettable trip. With these tips, your itinerary is ready to include the best that “Brazilian Dubai” has to offer, with experiences that remain memorable.
