beach · Palhoça, SC
Guarda do Embaú
A village of fishermen and surfers surrounded by Atlantic Forest, it became famous in the 1980s and was recognized as a World Surfing Reserve. To reach the beach you have to cross the Rio da Madre by swimming, on foot at low tide or in the locals' canoes.
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 Guarda do Embaú
Guarda do Embaú is a village of fishermen and surfers in Palhoça, south of Florianópolis, at the mouth of the Rio da Madre. The river runs parallel to the beach and separates it from the village: to reach the sand you have to cross the water, on foot when it's shallow or in one of the village boatmen's canoes. The crossing is about 100 meters.
The beach has one of the best-known waves in southern Brazil. In 2016 Guarda was approved as a World Surfing Reserve, the first in the country and the ninth in the world, a title granted by the organization Save The Waves to places with quality waves and preserved nature. A local association looks after the reserve.
Everything lies within the Parque Estadual da Serra do Tabuleiro, the largest strictly protected area in Santa Catarina, which explains the forest-covered hills around it. On the village side, a marked trail of about 25 minutes climbs Pedra do Urubu, a 115-meter hill with views of the river mouth, the beach and the coast. A longer trail continues to Vale da Utopia, where camping is prohibited.
The village is small, with sandy streets, pousadas, restaurants and surf schools. The calmer river water is good if you don't want the open sea, and for children in the shallow part. The beach, on the other hand, is exposed to the open sea and has currents; when the waves are big, swimming in the sea is not recommended.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
A full day, with the beach and the Pedra do Urubu trail.
Best time
Sunny days outside peak summer and holidays, when the village is less crowded.
How to get there
It's about 50 km south of Florianópolis, on the BR-101. There are intercity buses from downtown Florianópolis. From the village, you cross the Rio da Madre on foot or by canoe to reach the beach.
Tip
The river current can be strong: if you're not sure, cross by canoe. When the surf is big, swimming in the sea is not recommended.
Official website
A look at the place
Guarda do Embaú 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 Guarda do Embaú
How do I get to the beach?
By crossing the Rio da Madre, about 100 meters: on foot when the river is shallow, or by canoe with the village boatmen.
Is it safe to swim across the river?
Only if you're a strong swimmer, because the current can be strong. If in doubt, cross by canoe.
What is the World Surfing Reserve?
A title granted by the organization Save The Waves to beaches with quality waves and preserved nature. Guarda was approved in 2016, the first in Brazil and the ninth in the world.
How long does the Pedra do Urubu trail take?
About 25 minutes uphill, on a marked trail from the village, to a viewpoint at 115 meters.