Florianopolis: Gravata Beach Trail with Picnic

Gravata Beach is reached on foot through dense Atlantic Forest, then opens onto a quiet stretch of coast with volcanic rocks, clear water, and a natural swimming pool. The change from shaded trail to open sea is the main reward, especially if your visit lines up with sunset.

I like the mix of forest walking and swimming, since the tour gives you more than a beach stop. I also like the picnic, which adds a local touch and gives you time to sit by the bay instead of rushing from one viewpoint to the next. The drawback is the trail itself: this is not a good choice if you have back problems or limited mobility, and transport to the meeting point is not included.

Key points to know before you go

• Gravata Beach is reached by trail: Expect a guided walk through Atlantic Forest rather than a simple drive to the sand.
• The natural pool is framed by volcanic rocks: Bring swimwear if you want to take advantage of the clear water.
• The optional cliff walk adds the best views: You may see the coastline, nearby islands, and possibly dolphins.
• Carlos and Thor are named local guides: Their guiding style includes trail information and details about fishing culture in Gavrata.
• The picnic is timed for a relaxed finish: Depending on the departure time, you can eat on the beach while watching the sunset.
• The $36 price includes useful extras: Guiding, interpretation, adventure insurance, landscape photos, the picnic, and the swim opportunity are included, but transportation is not.

A forest trail to a quiet piece of coast

This three-hour outing begins with a walk through the Atlantic Forest. The route is not simply a way to reach the beach. Your guide points out local plants and animals along the way, turning the hike into a short introduction to the area’s natural life.

Keep your eyes open for monkeys, snakes, and other wildlife. Sightings are never guaranteed, so you should treat them as a bonus rather than the main reason to book. The more dependable part is the forest itself: shade, thick vegetation, and a change of pace from Florianopolis’s busier coastal areas.

The trail also gives you a chance to ask questions as you walk. Guides such as Carlos and Thor have been praised for clear explanations and friendly company. Thor, in particular, shares details about the fishing culture around Gavrata, which adds useful local context to the views and beach visit.

You should wear shoes with a secure sole. The route is described as an adventure through dense forest, not as a flat promenade, and comfortable footwear is specifically recommended. Bring water too. Three hours is not a full-day hike, but heat, humidity, and uneven ground can still make the walk tiring.

Arriving at Gravata Beach

After the forest, the trail reaches Gravata Beach. The setting feels more secluded than the usual Florianopolis beach stop because you have walked in rather than arrived by road.

Here, you can swim, sit on the sand, or take a short break beside the sea. The beach is the point where the tour shifts from forest exploration to open coastal scenery. You hear the surf, feel the sea air, and have room to slow down before the next activity.

The beach itself is not presented as a place packed with facilities or organized entertainment. That is part of its appeal, but it also means you should arrive prepared. Sunscreen, water, and swimwear belong in your day bag. The tour supplies the picnic, but you should not assume that other personal items will be available on site.

The water conditions may vary, so follow your guide’s advice before swimming. The tour includes the opportunity to use a natural pool, but swimming is an option rather than an obligation. You can enjoy the beach without getting in the water.

Swimming beside volcanic rocks

One of the most appealing stops is a natural pool with crystal-clear water surrounded by volcanic rocks. It gives you a more distinctive swim than a standard beach outing. The rocks create a sheltered setting, while the clear water lets you see why this stop is a highlight.

Bring swimwear under your hiking clothes or pack it where you can reach it easily. A towel is not listed among the included items, so you may want to bring one if you have space. The same goes for a dry bag or waterproof pouch for small valuables, since no storage service is mentioned.

The rocks can be uneven and slippery. Move carefully, especially when entering or leaving the water, and listen to the guide’s instructions. The tour is designed around outdoor conditions, not a controlled swimming facility.

This is also where the tour’s mix of activities works well. You can walk through the forest, cool off in the pool, and then continue to the viewpoints. It feels more varied than an outing focused only on hiking or only on sitting at the beach.

The cliff walk and wide coastal views

The optional hike to the nearby cliffs is for anyone who wants more than a beach break. From above, you can look along the coastline and toward nearby islands. If conditions are favorable, you may also spot dolphins in the surf below.

The word optional matters. You can decide whether the extra climb suits your energy level and the trail conditions on the day. If you have back problems or a mobility impairment, this outing is not considered suitable, so the cliff section should not be treated as a minor detail.

For able walkers, the climb adds a sense of place. From the sand, you see the beach as a destination. From the cliffs, you understand its position within the wider coast. The views also make this a good choice for people who enjoy taking photos, and landscape photos are included with the experience.

Bring sunscreen even if the forest section feels shaded. Once you reach the beach and cliffs, there may be little cover. A hat can also help, though comfortable shoes, swimwear, sunscreen, and water are the stated essentials.

A Brazilian picnic by the bay

The final part of the tour is a traditional Brazilian picnic on the beach. This is more than a snack between activities. It gives you time to rest, take in the sea, and enjoy local food in the setting you have just reached on foot.

The exact menu is not specified, so do not book this expecting a particular dish or dietary arrangement. If you have food restrictions, ask the provider before booking. The tour does include the picnic, which makes the $36 price easier to assess.

The sunset element depends on the departure time. Start times vary, so check availability carefully if watching the sun go down is important to you. A late afternoon departure may finish with the beach glowing in the evening light, while another available time could provide a different rhythm.

I especially like this ending because it does not force you straight back onto the trail after the main views. You get a chance to sit, eat, and enjoy the coast. That slower finish also suits the tour’s local character better than a tightly packed schedule would.

Guides, languages, and the feel of the walk

The tour includes a qualified local guide and an interpreter in Portuguese, English, and Spanish. The activity information specifically lists live guiding in English and Portuguese, so confirm language arrangements if you need Spanish support.

Carlos is described as attentive and informative, with a focus on making sure the experience runs well. Thor is noted for being friendly and for explaining details about fishing culture in Gavrata. You may not have both guides on your departure, but their names give you a useful sense of the local, personal style offered by Barnnuns Experiences.

The guide matters here because the tour’s value is not limited to the beach. Without explanations, a forest walk can become a succession of trees and bends in the path. With a local guide, you get help spotting wildlife and a better sense of the area’s plants, animals, and coastal traditions.

The tour also includes adventure insurance and photos of the scenery. Those are practical additions, particularly if you prefer not to spend the whole walk managing your phone or camera. Still, keep your own phone protected, since forest and swimming conditions can be hard on electronics.

Is $36 good value?

At $36 per person, this is a fair price for a short guided outing that combines several separate activities. You receive a forest walk, access to Gravata Beach, a natural pool swim opportunity, the optional cliff hike, a picnic, a local guide, interpretation, insurance, and photos.

The important cost to remember is transportation. Getting to and from the starting point is not included, so your total expense will be higher if you need a taxi or another ride to reach the meeting area. Check the starting point before you book and budget for that separately.

The value is strongest if you want variety. A simple beach visit may cost less, while a private hike with food and local guiding may cost more. This experience sits in the middle: it is a guided nature outing with a meal, but it is only three hours and does not include transfers.

The small review sample gives the activity a 4.9 rating from 14 reviews, with particular praise for the scenery, guide explanations, the beach, the trail, and the picnic overlooking the bay. That matches the tour’s strongest features: you are paying for a combination of access, company, and setting rather than for a long list of formal attractions.

Who should book this outing?

You should consider it if you want to see a quieter side of Florianopolis and enjoy active sightseeing. It suits people who like a moderate outdoor adventure, swimming, coastal views, and a relaxed meal at the end.

It is also a good match if you prefer a guide who can explain what you are seeing. Wildlife spotting, local flora, and fishing culture all add depth to the walk. The experience is likely to be more rewarding for you if you enjoy asking questions and paying attention to the surroundings.

You should think twice if you want a fully accessible route, guaranteed wildlife sightings, or a beach reached without walking. The tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments or back problems. It also may not suit you if you want a long beach day, since the full experience lasts about three hours.

Families and groups should consider each person’s comfort with forest walking, uneven ground, swimming, and a possible climb to the cliffs. The provider does not give a child age range or group size, so ask directly if those details affect your plans.

What to bring and how to prepare

Pack light, but cover the basics:

• Comfortable walking shoes
• Swimwear
• Sunscreen
• Drinking water

A towel, hat, insect protection, and a waterproof pouch may also be sensible personal additions, though they are not listed as included items. Do not overpack. You will be walking through forest and may want your hands free for balance and photos.

Wear clothes that can handle both hiking and swimming. If you plan to enter the natural pool, keep your dry items separate from your wet ones. Since the picnic is included, you do not need to bring a full meal, but carry any extra food or drinks you personally require.

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option gives you flexibility while you finalize your Florianopolis plans. For questions about the meeting point or current arrangements, the provider directs you to Instagram at @barnnuns.floripa.

Should you book the Gravata Beach Trail?

Book it if you want a compact, active outing that combines Atlantic Forest, a quiet beach, clear natural water, coastal viewpoints, and Brazilian food. The strongest reasons are the variety of the route, the local guiding, and the picnic served beside the bay.

Skip it if transport arrangements are difficult, if you need an accessible trail, or if your main goal is guaranteed wildlife or a long, lazy beach day. For most fit visitors who enjoy walking and swimming, $36 is reasonable, provided you add the cost of reaching the starting point and choose a departure time that fits your sunset plans.

FAQ

How long does the Gravata Beach Trail with Picnic last?

The activity lasts three hours. Available starting times vary, so check the schedule when selecting your date.

What is included in the $36 price?

The price includes a guided Atlantic Forest walk, a visit to Gravata Beach, the opportunity to spot wildlife, an optional cliff hike, swimming in a natural pool, a traditional Brazilian picnic, a qualified local guide, interpretation, adventure insurance, and photos of the scenery.

Is transportation to the starting point included?

No. Transportation to and from the starting point is not included.

What languages are available?

The activity lists live guiding in English and Portuguese. Interpreter support is also listed for Portuguese, English, and Spanish.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes, swimwear, sunscreen, and water. A towel and waterproof pouch may also be useful, but they are not listed as included items.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility impairments or back problems?

No. The activity is not suitable for people with mobility impairments or back problems.