Mysterious Lagoon (Lagoa Misteriosa)
Bonito, Mato Grosso do Sul, 79240-000
So-called because of the unknown depths it reaches, Brazil’s Lagoa Misteriosa (Mysterious Lagoon) is one of Bonito’s most impressive natural wonders. The lagoon shimmers in various shades of blue due to the presence of rocks and sediment containing lime, while its crystalline waters offers visibility of up to 131 feet (40 meters).
The Basics
The most popular activities at Lagoa Misteriosa are swimming and diving. Divers have the chance to reach varying depths depending on their experience and qualifications, as the lagoon is estimated to be more than 720 feet (220 meters) deep.
Non-diving tours typically take you around the periphery of the lagoon, which features nature trails and woodlands, and give you the chance to float and swim in the crystal clear waters. The complete transparency of the lagoon allows you to gaze deep into its abyss, even while floating on its surface.
Things to Know Before You Go
A must-visit for nature lovers and diving enthusiasts.
Three different options for exploring the lagoon are available, depending on your diving certification.
The uneven terrain that surrounds the lagoon makes the area inaccessible to wheelchairs and strollers.
A restaurant, bar, and souvenir shop is located at the lagoon.
Visitors can rent GoPro cameras at the reception desk.
There are no accommodation options at the lagoon; the closest facilities are in the town of Jardim.
How to Get There
Lagoa Misteriosa is 31 miles (50 kilometers) from the city of Bonito and 22 miles (36 kilometers) from Jardim. The easiest way to reach the lagoon is by car; you can either hire a car or take a taxi from either city, as public transport options are limited.
When to Get There
The lagoon is open daily between 7:30am and 5:30pm, but if you want to take part in one of the activities, then advance booking is essential. For the best chance of warm, sunny, and dry days, plan to visit Jardim between the months of April and September.
Discover Jardim
Jardim offers visitors several natural and historical attractions, as well as serving as the gateway to Lagoa Misteriosa. Spend the morning wandering around Jardim Ecopark or the Balneário Municipal, which has a boating lake among other park amenities, or go bird watching in Buraco das Araras Ecoturismo. If you’re a history buff, don’t miss out on the Monumento Historico dos Herois, a monument to those killed in the Paraguayan War.
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