Private Hiking Tour to Lagoinha do Leste

Come for the views, stay for the wild coast. This private hike from Pântano do Sul reaches Lagoinha do Leste, one of Florianópolis’ most remote beaches, with time for Morro da Coroa, a picnic, photos, and a swim in the beach lagoon. I like the private format, which lets your group set a sensible pace, and I like the local focus, from the fisherman’s neighborhood to the Atlantic Forest trail. The main catch is simple: this is a demanding six- to seven-hour outing, not a gentle beach walk.

You should also know that food, water, and snacks are not included, and the return boat costs around 70 BRL if you choose not to hike back. Still, the tour earns a five-star rating from eight ratings, with particular praise for the guides’ route knowledge, safety, conversation, and ability to explain Florianópolis’ nature and history.

Key points to know before booking

• Morro da Coroa gives you the signature view: The ancient volcanic hill is the tour’s main photo stop and the city’s most famous natural postcard.
• The return hike is about 2 kilometers: You can take a local boat back for around 70 BRL, or follow the Atlantic Forest trail to Pântano do Sul.
• This is a private experience: Only your own group takes part, so the pace and atmosphere should feel more personal than a large group excursion.
• A warm lagoon adds variety: At Lagoinha do Leste, the small lagoon is described as warmer than the sea and suitable for bathing.
• Bring your own supplies: Lunch, water, and snacks are not provided. Pack enough for a long hike in exposed, warm conditions.
• The guides are a major part of the value: Isaac, Django, Íon, Gabriela, Valentina, Lis, and Rafael are named in connection with the guiding team and are praised for route knowledge, care, and good conversation.

Starting at Pântano do Sul’s fisherman’s beach

The tour begins at Bar do Arante on Rua Abelardo Otacílio Gomes in Pântano do Sul. This is more than a practical meeting point. Pântano do Sul is a traditional fishing neighborhood, and its restaurants are known for some of the most traditional food in Florianópolis.

I like this start because it gives you a feel for southern Florianópolis before the trail begins. You are not being collected at a bland hotel lobby or a generic transport hub. You meet beside a working coastal community, then return to the same place after the hike.

The opening stop lasts about 15 minutes. Use that time to meet your guide, check your supplies, and make sure you are ready for a long outing. The meeting point is also the end point, which makes the day easier to manage. You do not need to arrange a separate ride from a distant beach.

Since the tour is private, your group is the only group taking part. That matters on a hike. You can ask questions without holding up a large party, and the guide can keep an eye on the group’s rhythm. The experience is offered in English, a useful point for visitors who want explanations about the area as they walk.

Reaching Lagoinha do Leste through protected nature

Lagoinha do Leste is inside a natural park in southern Florianópolis. The area has several trails, and the route combines the beach with Morro da Coroa and a return path through Atlantic Forest.

The first major section at Lagoinha do Leste is allotted about two hours. That gives you time to take in the setting rather than rush straight through it. You can expect a mix of coastal views, trail walking, and opportunities to watch birds. Birdwatching is not the main purpose of the outing, but the park’s natural setting gives you a good reason to keep your eyes open.

I would treat the two-hour section as active sightseeing rather than formal beach lounging. The route is built around walking and viewpoints, so comfortable footwear matters more than stylish beach sandals. The tour requires a strong level of physical fitness, and that warning should be taken seriously. Several sections are described as challenging, even though the exact difficulty will depend on weather, trail conditions, and your group’s experience.

Your guide adds useful value here. Isaac is praised for knowing every part of the path and helping people feel secure. Django is praised for explaining Florianópolis’ history while keeping the walk social and enjoyable. Other named guides include Íon, Gabriela, Valentina, Lis, and Rafael. Their praise centers on route knowledge, nature, history, attention, punctuality, and the ability to keep a group moving together.

Climbing Morro da Coroa for the big view

Morro da Coroa is the dramatic high point of the day. The name means Crown Hill, and the formation is described as an ancient volcano. It is also known as Florianópolis’ most famous natural postcard.

The stop lasts about one hour. That is enough time for the guide to explain the hill and surrounding area, followed by a picnic and photo session. Digital photographs are included and are sent by email during the week after the tour, so you can enjoy the views without turning the entire climb into a personal photography assignment.

This is likely the section you will remember most clearly. The combination of a high coastal viewpoint, a picnic, and a private guide gives the day a pleasant rhythm. You work for the view, pause to enjoy it, then continue with a better sense of where you are.

Keep your expectations practical. The view is the reward for a physically active route, not a roadside lookout. If you are uneasy on steep or uneven trails, ask about the conditions before committing. The guide can help with pacing, but the tour is not designed as a low-effort sightseeing trip.

The photo session is also a nice benefit for couples, families, or a wedding party. One group hired Isaac for a private hike connected with a wedding party and received plenty of photos to share afterward. That makes the private format especially appealing for a special occasion, provided everyone in the group is comfortable with the physical demands.

Spending time at Florianópolis’ remote beach

After Morro da Coroa, the experience gives you about 90 minutes at Lagoinha do Leste Beach. This is described as the most remote and paradisiacal beach in Florianópolis, and its distance from easy road access is part of its appeal.

You get time to slow down here. The beach is not just a quick photo stop between two trail sections. You can enjoy the shoreline, take photographs, and visit the small lagoon. The lagoon is a particularly useful feature because its water is said to be warmer than the sea, making it a more comfortable place for bathing if the ocean feels chilly.

The beach section also gives you a choice. Local fishermen operate a boat service back to Pântano do Sul through their association. The optional ride costs around 70 BRL and is paid directly to the boat operators. It is not included in the tour price.

That boat can be a smart choice if your legs are tired, the weather turns warm, or you simply want to trade the final trail section for a short coastal ride. But do not count on it as part of the basic package. Bring enough money in the form accepted by the operators, and understand that the service is separate from the guide’s included arrangements.

If you prefer to keep walking, the tour returns by the Trilha Lagoinha do Leste. Having both options adds flexibility, but it also means you need to make a realistic decision about your energy. A relaxing beach stop can make the final walk feel longer than expected.

The 2-kilometer return through Atlantic Forest

The return trail is about 2 kilometers and takes roughly 90 minutes. It leads back to Pântano do Sul through Atlantic Forest, giving the final part of the tour a different character from the open beach and hilltop viewpoints.

The guide uses this section to explain the forest ecosystem. That is valuable because the tour becomes more than a sequence of scenic stops. You get a look at the plant and animal life that supports this coastal area, with the chance to connect the beach, hill, lagoon, and forest as parts of one natural setting.

The return walk is also where the physical challenge becomes clearest. By this point, you may have already spent hours on trails, climbed Morro da Coroa, and walked around the beach. If you are unsure about your stamina, the boat option may be worth the extra cost.

Still, the forest route is not merely a backup plan. It is one of the strongest parts of the experience for anyone interested in nature. Rafael is praised for leading well even in rainy conditions, and the guiding team is credited with keeping different group members moving at a workable pace. That kind of attention matters more than polished commentary when a route gets tiring.

What the private format is worth

A private hike usually costs more than joining a large group, but the value here comes from control and attention. Your group is alone with the guide, so you can ask more questions about Florianópolis, the forest, the volcanic hill, or the local community without waiting for a dozen other people.

The private format can also help if your group has mixed abilities. The guides have been praised for following the pace of the whole group, rather than forcing everyone into a fast schedule. That does not remove the need for fitness, but it can make a challenging route feel more manageable.

You also receive a first aid kit and digital photographs. Those are useful additions, though they should not replace your own preparation. A first aid kit is there for basic support, not as a reason to ignore proper footwear, water, sun protection, or trail awareness.

The optional boat changes the value calculation. At around 70 BRL, it is not a major expense compared with a full private day, but it is still an extra charge. If you are booking specifically for the hike and Atlantic Forest experience, walk back. If your main goal is the beach and viewpoints, the boat gives you a practical way to reduce the final effort.

What to pack for six to seven hours

Lunch, water, and snacks are not included. You need to bring them yourself, and this is one area where cutting corners will make the day less pleasant.

Pack enough water for a long, active outing, plus food that can handle time outdoors. Comfortable hiking shoes are more important than beach footwear because the schedule includes several trail sections and a climb to Morro da Coroa.

Your basic packing list should include:

• Plenty of water
• Lunch and high-energy snacks
• Comfortable shoes with reliable grip
• Sun protection
• A swimsuit or spare clothing if you plan to bathe
• A small bag that leaves your hands free
• Money for the optional boat, around 70 BRL

The tour requires good physical fitness, so I would not book it as a casual test of your hiking ability. The route is described as challenging by people who enjoyed it. Rain can add another layer of difficulty, although the experience has still been enjoyed in wet conditions when the views remained available.

The tour requires good weather and may be canceled if conditions are poor. In that case, you are offered another date or a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes inside 24 hours are not refunded.

Who will enjoy this hike most

I would recommend this tour to people who want more than a beach day in Florianópolis. It suits you if you enjoy long walks, coastal views, nature explanations, photography, and a day that mixes physical effort with quiet time beside the water.

It is also a good fit for couples, families with fit older children, small groups of friends, and visitors celebrating a special occasion. The private setup gives the day a personal feel, while the included photos can help preserve the experience.

You may want another plan if you dislike uneven trails, need a very gentle walking schedule, or prefer to spend most of the day sitting on the sand. The 90-minute return trail can be avoided by boat, but the rest of the route still requires solid fitness.

Service animals are allowed, and the meeting point is near public transportation. The tour ends back at Bar do Arante, which is helpful if you want to eat in Pântano do Sul afterward. Local restaurants in the fisherman’s neighborhood make a natural place to finish the day, though your meal there is not part of the tour.

Should you book the Lagoinha do Leste hike?

Book it if you want Florianópolis at its most natural and are ready to work for the views. The strongest reasons are the private guide, the remarkable Morro da Coroa viewpoint, the remote beach, the warmer lagoon, and the chance to return through Atlantic Forest while learning about the ecosystem.

Before booking, be honest about your fitness and pack your own lunch, water, and snacks. Keep about 70 BRL available if you may want the boat, and remember that the beach and forest route can take more energy than the scenic photos suggest.

For a fit group seeking a full coastal day with personal guiding, this is a very strong choice. For anyone looking for an easy outing, it is better to enjoy Pântano do Sul’s restaurants and choose a shorter walk.

FAQ

How long does the private hiking tour take?

The experience lasts approximately six to seven hours.

Where does the tour begin and end?

It begins at Bar do Arante, Rua Abelardo Otacílio Gomes, 254, in Pântano do Sul. It ends back at the same meeting point.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes. The experience is offered in English.

Is the boat ride included?

No. The boat is optional and costs around 70 BRL, paid directly to the local boat operators.

Can I swim during the tour?

Yes. Lagoinha do Leste has a small lagoon that is suitable for bathing, and its water is described as warmer than the sea. The tour also gives you time at the beach.

Do I need to bring food and water?

Yes. Lunch, water, food, and snacks are not included, so each person must bring their own supplies.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor conditions, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.