I didn’t know there was a Dubai in Brazil, and the nickname of this city captured my attention and made me want to visit and want to spend one day in Balneario Camboriu.

At the moment I heard about this place, I was in Florianópolis enjoying the beach, taking surf lessons, and working remotely for about two weeks.

Getting There

I wanted to see more places in Brazil, so I decided to explore this so-called “Dubai of Brazil.” To get there, I took a bus from the Florianópolis bus terminal to the Balneário Camboriú bus terminal. The ride was about 2 hours, and the bus fare was around 7 USD one way. I booked the bus tickets through Busbud.

If you’re in São Paulo, you can get there by bus; it would be about a 9-hour ride. Buses run great in Brazil, so I mostly traveled by bus. If you happen to be in São Paulo, you can take one bus to get there.

Accommodation

I stayed at Oceanic Hostel, a very well-located hostel just a 15-minute walk from the main beach. It has a great supermarket about 200 feet away.

– Good Wi-Fi

– Clean bathrooms

– Great price for accommodation (breakfast included)

– 24-hour reception

– Comfortable beds

– Lockers

– Comfortable kitchen

To be honest, I enjoyed this hostel, but I didn’t find it very social. For Balneário Camboriú, my recommendation is to stay for 2 days.

How to Spend One Day in Balneário Camboriú

Although I stayed two nights in Balneário Camboriú, I only used Saturday to explore because on Sunday I went to the biggest amusement park in South America, Beto Carrero World.

This Was My Itinerary:

First Stop: I walked to the central beach to get a view of the whole city. Unfortunately, I found out the quality of the water at the central beach is not good, and there are banners warning about it. For me, this was super upsetting because I love the water and the beach. Being in such a nice city and not being able to swim felt like -100 points (hahaha).

Second Stop: The buses are free to get around the city in Balneário Camboriú, but I didn’t know that at the time, so I took a motorbike Uber to Unipraias Park.

Unipraias Park is a beautiful outdoor park that connects three beaches through a cable car. It offers stunning views of the coastline and lush greenery. You can hike, take the cable car, or relax on the beach. There are also several trails for exploring the natural beauty of the area. Make sure to check out the viewpoints for breathtaking panoramas of the city and ocean!

I spent some time there at the beach exploring, and by 1:00 PM, I made my way back to the main city. I had lunch at a place I didn’t enjoy, so I won’t name it here.

Third Stop: I walked along the promenade, took some pictures, had an açaí bowl, and took another motorbike Uber to the Giant Wheel.

Giant Wheel: I visited the giant wheel in Balneário Camboriú. However, I didn’t hop on because I wasn’t in the mood to pay the entrance fee and wait in line. Instead, I opted for a walk behind the wheel, which offers beautiful scenery, views of other beaches, and a different perspective of the city. I highly recommend doing the walk behind the wheel.

Fourth Stop: I went to Madero Burgers, famous for being one of the best burger spots in the world. The burgers were juicy and flavorful, making it a must-visit for any foodie.

Fifth Stop: I visited the Summit, a place where you can see the whole city—it’s kind of like a sky walk. I arrived just before closing at around 7:50 PM, and they let me in for free! There’s a restaurant up there, but normally the fee to get in is around [insert fee]. The view was absolutely worth it.

Final Stop: I visited Brooklyn Market, a trendy street market with various food stalls, local crafts, and vibrant street art. It’s a great spot to unwind, try local delicacies, and shop for unique souvenirs.

Other Activities You Can Enjoy in Balneário Camboriú:

If you have more time in the city, here are some additional activities worth checking out:

– Morro do Careca: A stunning sand dune located in nearby Camboriú, perfect for hiking and enjoying breathtaking views of the coastline.

– Aquarium: A great spot for families, this aquarium showcases diverse marine life and offers interactive experiences. It’s a fun way to learn more about the ocean’s inhabitants.

– Jurassic Park: A themed park that features life-sized dinosaur replicas and educational exhibits. It’s a fun and unique experience for both kids and adults.

– Planetarium: An exciting place to learn about astronomy and the universe. They often host shows that take you on a journey through the stars, making it an entertaining and educational experience.