Paddling near Florianópolis, Santa Catarina

Florianópolis sits on Ilha de Santa Catarina, a coastal island in Santa Catarina state where paddling spans calm freshwater lagoons, sheltered coastal crossings, and whitewater rivers on the mainland. Lagoa do Peri, the largest freshwater lagoon in Santa Catarina, anchors the flatwater scene on the south of the island, while the Rio Cubatão draws whitewater kayakers seeking rapids and fast narrows. SUP and sea kayaking are equally active, with routes running between beaches like Canasvieiras and Jurerê toward Ilha do Francês in the calmer northern waters.