Campeche Island – Speedboat

Experience the Beauty of Campeche Island by Speedboat

If you’re heading to Florianópolis and craving an authentic day surrounded by untouched nature and history, the Campeche Island tour with JET360 offers a great escape. For just $46 per person, you’ll get a 30-minute speedboat ride from Barra da Lagoa to a protected island that boasts crystal-clear waters, native forests, and ancient rock engravings. The tour lasts around 5 hours, giving you plenty of time to explore, relax, and soak in the scenery.

What we really like about this experience is the quality of the boat — a fast, comfortable vessel with quiet engines and excellent sailing quality. The crew is bilingual, speaking Portuguese and Spanish, which makes the trip accessible for many travelers. Plus, the 4-hour free stay on the island is perfect for those who want to do some swimming, sunbathing, or even a quick hike without feeling rushed.

A possible consideration is the limited disembarkation capacity, with only 800 visitors allowed daily. This means booking well in advance — preferably more than 10 days ahead — to secure your spot. Also, there’s paid parking nearby, which could be a minor inconvenience depending on your plans.

This tour is ideal for adventurous travelers who love nature and history, and who appreciate a smooth, well-organized trip with authentic surroundings. If you’re after a relaxed day on a beautiful island with a touch of adventure, this tour will suit you well.

Key Points

• Comfortable Speedboat: A fast, quiet vessel with a capacity of 38 passengers, providing a smooth ride.
• Authentic Experience: Visit a protected archaeological site with rock engravings and native forests.
• Well-Organized: Online booking, clear check-in procedures, and bilingual crew.
• Limited Capacity: Only 800 visitors allowed daily — plan ahead.
• Flexible Duration: Up to 4 hours on the island, with plenty of time for exploring.
• Cost-Effective: At $46, it’s a competitive price for such a nature and cultural experience.

A Practical and Authentic Adventure on Campeche Island

Heading out to Ilha do Campeche on this speedboat tour really provides a snapshot of one of Florianópolis’s most prized natural and historical treasures. From the moment we arrived at Barra da Lagoa, the check-in process was straightforward — we arrived about 30 minutes early and had no trouble finding the boat docked at the Barra Náutica marina. The boat’s sleek design immediately signaled a comfortable ride, and indeed, it was a smooth, quick crossing that only took around 30 minutes.

The speedboat itself is designed for both speed and stability. With engines that are quiet enough to enjoy conversations or listen to the crew, it makes for a relaxing journey across the water. The capacity of 38 passengers means it’s not overly crowded, giving us plenty of space to settle in and enjoy the views.

The crew is bilingual, speaking Portuguese and Spanish, which is helpful for many travelers. According to reviews, they are friendly and helpful, adding a personal touch to the experience. One traveler noted how well-organized the check-in was and appreciated the WhatsApp communication that provided all the necessary details the day before. That kind of proactive communication makes a difference in reducing travel stress.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Journey to Campeche Island

Once on the boat, the crossing itself offers spectacular views of the coastline and the islands scattered around Florianópolis. The 30-minute ride feels just right — quick enough to feel like a true sailing adventure, but long enough to enjoy the fresh sea breeze and panoramic vistas.

When we arrive at Campeche Island, disembarking is straightforward. The island itself is a protected archaeological site, listed as a National Heritage for its rock engravings and native forests. As we stepped onto the soft sand, the crystal-clear waters beckoned for swimming, and the native trees provided welcome shade for relaxing.

The free 4-hour stay on the island is ample time to explore, sunbathe, or take a short hike. Many visitors have recommended the easy hour-long hike (~30 reais) to see the other side of the island with its stunning views and ancient hieroglyphs. One reviewer specifically pointed out how beautiful and educational that hike is, making it a great addition for those interested in both scenery and history.

What to Expect on the Island

On Campeche Island, you’ll find public toilets, making day-long visits more comfortable. From October onward, there’s a restaurant offering cash or Pix, which is convenient for a quick bite or drink. Come December, a kiosk opens, offering food, drinks, beach chairs, and umbrellas — all at additional cost. Keep in mind, food and chairs are not included in the tour price.

The limited disembarkation capacity (only 800 people per day) is a smart measure to preserve the environment. This means the experience feels exclusive and less crowded, but it also underscores the importance of booking early — as one reviewer pointed out, more than 10 days in advance is recommended.

Several travelers praised the authenticity of the experience, emphasizing the beautiful natural surroundings and the chance to see rock engravings that are the largest concentration on the Brazilian coast. It’s a chance to stand among ancient art and learn about the island’s cultural significance.

Practical Tips for a Smooth Trip

• Arrive 30 minutes early at the check-in point to avoid rushing.
• Book in advance to secure your spot, especially during peak seasons.
• If you plan to explore the hike or snorkel, bring appropriate footwear and gear.
• Parking is paid and located near the departure point; consider street parking if you’re wary of the boatyard’s fees.
• Bring cash or Pix for food, drinks, and kiosk purchases.
• Remember, Shoes are not allowed indoors on the boat, and non-folding wheelchairs or strollers are not permitted.
• Consider bringing a towel, sunscreen, and a hat for comfort and protection during your time on the island.

Authentic Experiences and Mixed Reviews

Most travelers have been pleased with the value for money and the quality of the boat ride. One reviewer shared how “the boat ride was a lot of fun,” and appreciated the friendly crew. They also recommended hiking the hour-long trail to see the other side of the island, which offers breathtaking views and ancient hieroglyphs.

However, there was a note of caution regarding parking at the marina, where one visitor encountered unscrupulous behavior. They suggest parking on the street to avoid unnecessary hassles. This kind of advice is helpful for travelers who prefer to plan ahead and avoid surprises.

The limited but meaningful time on the island makes it perfect for those wanting a taste of nature, history, and adventure without a full day commitment. The professional organization and bilingual crew make it accessible for international visitors.

More Great Tours Nearby

Who Will Love This Tour?

This trip is best suited for nature lovers eager to see native forests and rock art, as well as history buffs interested in the archaeological significance of the site. It’s perfect if you prefer a well-organized group experience with comfortable transportation and ample time on the island.

If you’re traveling with family or friends and want a fun, scenic, and educational outing, this tour checks all those boxes. If your goal is relaxation, a swimming day, or hiking at your own pace, you’ll find this tour provides a good framework, but you might want to plan some extra activities once back ashore.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the boat ride to Campeche Island?
The crossing takes approximately 30 minutes each way, making it quick enough to enjoy the ride without it feeling tiresome.

What is included in the tour?
The price covers round-trip transportation and a 4-hour stay on the island to explore, relax, or do some light hiking.

Can I stay longer on the island?
No, the tour includes a maximum of 4 hours on Campeche Island. If you want more time, you’d need to arrange a private tour or extra activities.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, sunscreen, hats, and water. Food and drinks are not included but available for purchase on the island.

Is booking necessary?
Yes, because only 800 visitors are allowed daily, and spots fill quickly — it’s best to reserve more than 10 days in advance.

Are there facilities on the island?
Yes, there are public toilets and, from October, a restaurant. In December, a kiosk with food, drinks, and beach accessories opens.

What if I want to hike or snorkel?
You can do a short hike (~1 hour) for 30 reais, and bring your own snorkel gear if you’d like to enjoy the waters more closely.

Are there any restrictions?
Yes, smoking, non-folding wheelchairs/strollers, shoes indoors, and baby carriages are not allowed on the boat or at the disembarkation site.

What language is the crew fluent in?
The crew speaks Portuguese and Spanish, making communication easier for a diverse group of travelers.

What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund — making it flexible if your plans change.

In short, the Campeche Island speedboat tour offers a well-organized, scenic, and culturally interesting day trip for those who love nature, history, and a touch of adventure. With comfortable transport, meaningful time on the island, and a bilingual crew, it provides good value for the experience. Just remember to book early, bring cash for extras, and be prepared for a day full of natural beauty and ancient wonders.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby