river · Nobres, MT
Refúgio das Águas
In the Bom Jardim area, it offers a float of about 710 meters down the Rio Salobra (river) and a swimming area reached by trail. It is next to Aquário Encantado and Reino Encantado.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Refúgio das Águas
Refúgio das Águas is a private ecotourism site on the banks of the Rio Salobra (river), in the Bom Jardim area, a district of Nobres, in Mato Grosso. It is next to Aquário Encantado and Reino Encantado, in an area of preserved riverside forest.
The main activity is the float: with a life vest, diving mask, snorkel and water shoes, you drift about 710 meters down the Rio Salobra with the current, accompanied by a guide. The clear water lets you see schools of fish, such as piraputangas, and the vegetation on the bottom up close.
If you prefer just a swim, a signposted trail of about 600 meters through the forest leads to swimming spots with wooden decks, where you can get into the water at your own pace and watch the fish. The site also has a hammock area, a campground and a restaurant.
The float is easy and requires no experience, but you need to follow the guide's instructions. Conservation rules apply throughout the site: no feeding fish or animals, no fishing and no pets.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
Allow half a day; the float, with the preparation and the trail, takes about two hours.
Best time
In the dry season, from May to September, when the water of the Rio Salobra is clearest; go in the morning, with the high sun lighting up the riverbed.
How to get there
It is on the MT-241 highway, in the Bom Jardim area, about 12 km from the village and 54 km from downtown Nobres, which is just over 140 km from Cuiabá. The visit requires a voucher bought in advance from a local tour agency.
Tip
Buy the voucher before you go and don't use sunscreen or insect repellent before getting into the river, so you don't harm the water and the fish.
Official website
A look at the place
Refúgio das Águas 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 Refúgio das Águas
How long is the float at Refúgio das Águas?
About 710 meters down the Rio Salobra (river), with life vest, mask, snorkel and water shoes included, accompanied by a guide.
Do I need an agency to visit Refúgio das Águas?
Yes. The visit requires a voucher bought in advance from a local tour agency.
Can I just go for a swim at Refúgio das Águas?
Yes. A trail of about 600 meters leads to swimming spots with decks on the Rio Salobra.
Where is Refúgio das Águas?
In the Bom Jardim area, in Nobres (MT), next to Aquário Encantado and Reino Encantado, about 54 km from downtown Nobres.
Can I wear sunscreen on the float?
It is not recommended. Sunscreen and repellent harm the water and the fish; on the region's floating tours, the guidance is not to use them before getting into the river.