sinkhole / diving · Jardim, MS
Lagoa Misteriosa
A lake in a sinkhole whose depth has not yet been fully measured, with blue water and impressive visibility. You can snorkel on the surface or scuba dive.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Lagoa Misteriosa
The Lagoa Misteriosa (Mysterious Lagoon) is a sinkhole, a large hole opened in the limestone and filled with very clear water. It is in rural Jardim, in Mato Grosso do Sul, and is part of the tours in the Bonito and Serra da Bodoquena region.
The name comes from its bottom, which has never been reached. Divers have gone down about 220 meters without finding the end of the cavity, which puts it among the deepest flooded caves in Brazil. The water stays around 24 °C all year.
The tour begins with a short trail through the forest and a staircase of 185 steps leading down to a deck inside the sinkhole. From there you float with a mask, snorkel and life jacket, looking at the walls that disappear into the blue. If you want to go further, you can scuba dive with an instructor, at levels ranging from a beginner's try dive to dives for certified divers.
The float does not require strong swimming skills, but you need to manage with a mask and snorkel. The staircase takes some fitness to climb on the way back. There is a minimum age for each activity; check when you book.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
Allow about two hours for the trail, the float and the return; scuba diving takes a little longer.
Best time
In the dry season, between fall and the end of winter, when the water is clearest; in the hot, rainy season algae cloud the water and the lagoon usually closes. Late-morning departures catch the sunlight entering the sinkhole.
How to get there
It is in rural Jardim (MS), beside the BR-267, a few dozen kilometers from Bonito. You need to go by your own or a rental car, or with an agency transfer; visits only take place with a booking made through an accredited travel agency in Bonito or Jardim.
Tip
Book in advance during the July school vacations, because spots per departure are limited, and bring a change of dry clothes for after the float.
Official website
A look at the place
Lagoa Misteriosa in pictures
These pictures are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs. They may differ from the place.
Click the picture to enlarge it.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Lagoa Misteriosa
Do I need to book to visit the Lagoa Misteriosa?
Yes. Visits only take place with an advance booking, through an accredited travel agency in Bonito or Jardim, at a set time.
How deep is the Lagoa Misteriosa?
No one knows for sure. Divers have gone down about 220 meters without finding the bottom.
Do I need to know how to swim for the float?
It is not required, because you wear a life jacket, but you need to feel comfortable in the water with a mask and snorkel.
What is the best time to visit?
The dry season, between fall and the end of winter, when the water is clearest. In the hot, rainy season the lagoon usually closes because of cloudy water.
Can children do the tour?
Yes, from a minimum age that varies by activity. Keep in mind there are 185 steps to go down and back up. Check the rule when you book.