bay · Governador Celso Ramos, SC
Baía dos Golfinhos
Also called Baía de São Miguel, it's home to a population of 60 to 80 Guiana dolphins, which can be seen year-round. The best viewing spot is near the Fortaleza de Anhatomirim, reached on boat trips.
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 Baía dos Golfinhos
The Baía dos Golfinhos is a calm-water cove on the coast of Governador Celso Ramos, in Greater Florianópolis. The name comes from the Guiana dolphins (Sotalia guianensis), also called tucuxis, which live in the area year-round and use the cove to feed and breed.
The bay lies within the Área de Proteção Ambiental de Anhatomirim, created in 1992 precisely to protect this dolphin population. That's why there are rules for tourism: entering the water inside the cove, touching or chasing the animals and playing loud music are prohibited, and boats pass slowly in front of it.
The most common way to see the dolphins is on a boat trip. Boats leave from Costeira da Armação, in Governador Celso Ramos, and schooners departing from Florianópolis usually include the bay on the same route as Ilha de Anhatomirim and its fort. On calm days, you can also spot the dolphins from land, from Praia do Porto, which faces the cove.
The shoreline is peaceful, with light sand, forest-covered hills and fishing boats at anchor. The boat trip requires no physical effort and suits families with children; spotting the dolphins, however, depends on luck and sea conditions.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
The schooner trip through the bay and to Anhatomirim takes a good part of the day; from land, allow one to two hours at Praia do Porto.
Best time
The dolphins stay in the bay year-round; choose days with calm seas and little wind, which make it easier to spot the animals at the surface. From December to March, the summer season, there are more boat trips in the area.
How to get there
The bay is on the coast of Governador Celso Ramos, near Ilha de Anhatomirim (island), facing Florianópolis's Baía Norte. You get there by car on the BR-101 to the municipality and then on the roads to Costeira da Armação and Praia do Porto. Schooner tours also leave from Florianópolis, such as from Canasvieiras and Beira-Mar Norte.
Tip
Bring binoculars and stay quiet when the boat approaches: the dolphins show up more easily when they're not disturbed.
A look at the place
Baía dos Golfinhos 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 Baía dos Golfinhos
Where is the Baía dos Golfinhos in Santa Catarina?
It's in Governador Celso Ramos, in Greater Florianópolis, within the Área de Proteção Ambiental de Anhatomirim, facing the Baía Norte.
Can I see dolphins year-round at the Baía dos Golfinhos?
Yes. The Guiana dolphins live in the area year-round. Seeing them depends on sea conditions and a bit of luck; calm days help.
Can I swim with the dolphins at the Baía dos Golfinhos?
No. The rules of the APA de Anhatomirim prohibit entering the water inside the cove and touching or chasing the dolphins.
How do I take a dolphin-watching trip in Governador Celso Ramos?
There are boat trips from Costeira da Armação, in Governador Celso Ramos, and schooners from Florianópolis with a route through the Baía dos Golfinhos and Ilha de Anhatomirim.
Can I see the dolphins without taking a boat?
On calm days, you can spot the dolphins from Praia do Porto, which faces the cove.