Ilha de Santa Catarina

Sports & the Outdoors

Sports lovers have much to keep them occupied on the island. Sandboarding, which is essentially snowboarding on sand, is practiced on the gigantic dunes at Praia da Joaquina. Windsurfing and jet skiing are popular on Lagoa da Conceição, but strict zoning rules are enforced and you must obtain a license by taking a course at an accredited outfitter or school—something most visitors won't have the time for.

Marina Ponta da Areia. Marina Ponta da Areia is the place for boat rentals. Rua Sen. Ivo D'Aquino Neto 133, Lagoa da Conceição, Florianópolis, 88062-050. 048/3232-2290.

Parcel Dive Center. Snorkeling and scuba diving are very popular on the northern beaches; check out Parcel Dive Center for internationally accredited diving lessons, diver's certification, and for equipment sale and rentals. The cost to rent basic gear is about R$275 a day. Av. Luiz B. Piazza 3257, Cachoeira do Bom Jesus, Florianópolis, 88056-000. 048/3284-5564. www.parcel.com.br.

OpenWinds. OpenWinds gives kitesurfing lessons. A full course costs about R$1,000. Surfing and windsurfing lessons can be arranged here and they also sell and rent gear. Servidão dos Coroas 41, Lagoa da Conceição, Florianópolis, 88062-400. 048/9962-3778. www.openwinds.com.br.

Parapente Sul. A center for parasailing—a popular sport on this mountainous, windy coast of Santa Catarina— Parapente Sul leads tandem flights with an instructor for about R$200. For enthusiasts, a full course is available as well as equipment rental. Rua João Antônio da Silveira 201, Lagoa da Conceição, Florianópolis, 88062-150. 048/3232-0791. www.parapentesul.com.br.