breakwater · Navegantes, SC
Molhe do Pontal
At the mouth of the Itajaí-Açu river, the stone breakwater juts about 800 meters into the sea to calm the water and make it easier for ships to enter. It is a spot for fishing and watching the cargo ships heading to the port.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Molhe do Pontal
The Molhe do Pontal is the stone breakwater of Navegantes, on the north side of the mouth of the Itajaí-Açu river, on the northern coast of Santa Catarina. It juts out to sea and, together with the breakwater on the Itajaí side, protects the channel ships use to enter and leave the ports of Itajaí and Navegantes.
The breakwater's job is to calm the water at the harbor mouth and make it easier for vessels to pass. At the tip is a lighthouse that guides ships and also works as a viewpoint.
The main draw is seeing the ships up close. Cargo ships and container ships pass very near, on their way to the terminals upriver. Across the channel you see the city of Itajaí, with its buildings and hills.
The breakwater is also a traditional spot for fishing and strolling, popular with families, especially in the late afternoon. The path is open and has no shade.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
An hour is enough to walk to the tip of the breakwater, see the lighthouse and wait for a ship to pass.
Best time
In the late afternoon, when the sun is lower and the walk is more pleasant; on rough-sea days, stay away from the rocks at the edge.
How to get there
It is at the southern tip of the Navegantes waterfront, at the mouth of the Itajaí-Açu river, near downtown. Coming from Itajaí, you can cross the river on the ferry and continue to the river mouth.
Tip
Bring a hat and sunscreen, because there is no shade on the breakwater. If you want to see a big ship pass, check the ports' berthing schedules.
A look at the place
Molhe do Pontal 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 Molhe do Pontal
Is there an entrance fee for the jetty in Navegantes?
There is no official information about a fee; the jetty is a public space beside the channel.
Can you see ships up close from the jetty?
Yes. Ships entering and leaving the ports of Itajaí and Navegantes pass through the channel next to the jetty.
Can you fish at Molhe do Pontal?
Yes, it is a traditional fishing spot in Navegantes.
How long does a visit to the jetty take?
About an hour to walk to the lighthouse, take in the view and watch a ship go by.
Where is the Navegantes lighthouse?
At the tip of the jetty, on the north bank of the mouth of the Rio Itajaí-Açu, at the southern end of the Navegantes waterfront.