Conceicao Lagoon (Lagoa da Conceicao)

The Basics

Lagoa da Conceição is centered right in the middle of the island of Florianopolis, making it a strategic area for locals and travelers to gather. There are also a number of outdoor activities in the lagoon and nearby beaches. Drive along Avenida das Rendeiras, on the edge of the lagoon, to find stand-up paddleboard and kayak rentals as well as windsurfing and kitesurfing schools. Head toward Praia da Joaquina and Praia Mole for some of the best surfing on the island as well as surfing schools and rental shops.

Many tours to explore the island’s beaches—Mozambique, Canasvieiras, Jurerê, and Ingleses in the north, or Campeche, Pântano do Sul, Armação, and Matadeiro in the south—leave from the lagoon. Day tours of the island typically pass through Conceicao Lagoon to highlight one of the city’s most popular areas.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Lagoa da Conceição is a great area to visit for those who like outdoor activities such as hiking, stand-up paddleboarding, sandboarding, windsurfing, and surfing.

• Check the weather and wind conditions in advance to see which beaches in the area are best to visit on that given day.

• Be aware of your surroundings during the evening hours, especially during the summer months when the area is quite crowded.

How to Get There

Public transportation is quite limited on the island, but you can take the Trans-Sol bus from the downtown area of Florianopolis to the TILAG bus terminal in Lagoa da Conceição. If you have a rental car, drive over Lagoon Hill to reach the neighborhood’s center. For a convenient, hassle-free way to reach the lagoon, taxis are also readily available on the island.

When to Get There

Lagoa da Conceição is one of the island’s best places to catch a sunset, either on the lagoon or one of the nearby beaches, such as Joaquina. Try to arrive at the lagoon outside of rush hour (8am to 10am and 5pm to 8pm) to avoid getting stuck in traffic. The island triples in population during the summer, so skip December, January, and February, if possible.

A Night on the Town

For those looking for a relaxing night out, Lagoa da Conceição is the place to be. Grab a bite to eat at one of the numerous restaurants in the area dishing up everything from sushi to Brazilian barbecue to food-truck meals. Quench your thirst at any number of bars orbotecos while listening to music ranging from sarantejo (Brazilian country music) to international hits.