Florianopolis: Island Bus Tour with Beaches & Historic Stops

Summary

Floripa’s colorful markets, Atlantic breeze at Joaquina Beach, city stories and island corners by open-top bus

You’ll feel Florianopolis come alive as you cross Hercilio Luz Bridge by open-top bus, stroll Joaquina Beach’s wild sands, taste local snacks in bustling markets, and hear stories from your guide. From historic squares to quiet mangroves, every stop brings new flavors—and maybe even a laugh or two along the way.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to start my day in Florianopolis surrounded by so many different faces—families with toddlers, a couple from São Paulo, even someone’s dachshund poking its nose out of a tote bag. The bus was already waiting outside Villa Romana shopping when I arrived (a bit early because I’m paranoid about missing things). Our guide, Renata, greeted everyone with that relaxed Floripa energy—she switched between Portuguese and English without missing a beat. The retractable roof was open and you could smell the salty air mixing with something sweet from a nearby bakery. We set off right on time, rolling past Hercilio Luz Bridge. Crossing it felt oddly special—Renata pointed out where the old steel beams meet the new ones, and I caught myself staring longer than I meant to.

Our first real stop was Joaquina Beach. There’s this wild Atlantic wind there that makes your hair do whatever it wants. Some surfers were already out—tiny specks against these pale blue-green waves. I tried to say “Joaquina” properly; Renata smiled politely but I probably butchered it (sorry). Thirty minutes went fast—enough for sand between my toes and one strong coffee from a beach shack. Then back on the bus again, sun warming my knees through the open top as we wound through neighborhoods like Barra da Lagoa and Ingleses. At each stop, someone would hop off or back on with a little wave or quick “obrigado.”

The historic center was louder than I thought—market vendors shouting prices, church bells clanging somewhere behind us. We wandered around XV de Novembro Square while Renata told us stories about Cruz e Souza Palace and the Metropolitan Cathedral (I only half-listened because there was this old man selling pastel de camarão that smelled too good to ignore). Lunch was an hour near Jurere Internacional—honestly, I just sat under a palm tree eating grilled fish and watching kids chase pigeons across the pavement. After that…well, everything slowed down: Cacupé Beach looked almost silver in the afternoon light; someone’s dog barked at passing cyclists; Renata shared how her grandmother used to fish in those mangroves before they built all these roads.

The tour ended at Shopping Iguatemi around 4:30pm. My legs were tired but my head felt full—in a good way. There’s something about seeing an island like this by bus: you catch snippets of real life between all the postcard views. Sometimes I still think about that wind at Joaquina or how everyone seemed to know each other by the end of the ride…you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Complete island city tour by bus

• Start at Villa Romana shopping 8am
• Cross Hercilio Luz Bridge (Tue-Fri)
• Pass Municipal Market and Customs House
• See Fort Santa Barbara and XV de Novembro Square
• View Cruz e Souza Palace and Metropolitan Cathedral
• Stop 30 min at Joaquina Beach area
• Pass Praia Mole and Barra da Lagoa Beach
• Stop 25 min to see local place
• Parade beach or optional Tamar Project visit
• Pass English neighborhood
• Stop 40 min at Jurere Internacional
• Lunch break 1 hour
• Stop 30 min at Cacupé Beach and Itacorubi Mangrove
• End tour at Shopping Iguatemi 4:30pm

Top questions

What time does the Floripa city tour start?

The tour starts at 8am in front of Villa Romana shopping.

Is pickup included for hotels in north Florianopolis?

Optional transfer is available for those in the north; contact via WhatsApp to arrange.

Are pets allowed on the Floripa city tour bus?

Yes, non-service pets up to 23kg (dogs and cats) are welcome onboard.

Is the bus wheelchair accessible?

Yes, transportation options are wheelchair accessible throughout the tour.

How long is each stop at Joaquina Beach?

You’ll have around 30 minutes to explore Joaquina Beach during the tour.

Where does the tour end?

The city tour ends at Shopping Iguatemi around 4:30 pm.

Is lunch included in the Floripa city tour?

No, lunch is not included but there is a one-hour lunch stop with various options nearby.

Can infants join this city tour?

Yes, infants can join but must sit on an adult's lap; prams/strollers are allowed.

What’s included

Your day includes guided commentary throughout by a local expert, travel on an open-top city bus with flexible boarding options at Villa Romana shopping (other points available via WhatsApp), several stops including Joaquina Beach and Jurere Internacional plus time in Florianopolis’ historic center—with plenty of chances to hop off for snacks or photos before finishing at Shopping Iguatemi in late afternoon.