Rafting Rio Cubatão: Class I-IV rapids near Florianópolis

Navigate rapids and feel the river respond to your paddle

Rafting on Rio Cubatão near Florianópolis is a guided whitewater activity where you paddle an inflatable raft through Class I to IV rapids with a live instructor and safety equipment provided. The river runs for two hours, and the difficulty scales from beginner-friendly to advanced depending on water conditions and group skill. Minimum age is 12 years. Guides speak English, Spanish and Portuguese.

The experience

You arrive at Rio Cubatão and meet your instructor, who fits you with a helmet, life jacket and paddle, then walks the group through the basics before you push off. The river starts calm enough to find your rhythm (the instructor calls out timing so the raft moves as one), then the current picks up and you're reading the water, leaning into turns, bracing against the spray. Class I sections let you settle. Class II and III demand focus and coordination. If water levels are high, the rapids run harder. If they're moderate, the pace stays manageable for someone paddling for the first time.

The two-hour window keeps the day open: you're back by early afternoon with time to dry off and move on to lunch or explore elsewhere in Greater Florianópolis. The instructor handles navigation and safety calls. Your job is to paddle when told and trust the people next to you. Rafting builds teamwork without feeling like a team-building exercise. It happens because the river demands it.

What’s included

• Live instructor guiding the group through rapids.
• helmet, life jacket and paddle.
• all safety equipment needed for the activity.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:00 and 13:00

AgesAdult (18 to 59 years) · Senior (60 to 79 years) · Youth (11 to 17 years) · Child (8 to 10 years) · Under 8: can't be booked

GroupUp to 35

Live guideEnglish, Spanish and Portuguese

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 7 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortWheelchair accessibleStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Apuama Rafting

Is this one for you?Two hours on the water leaves the rest of your afternoon free, so this works if you have a half-day open or want an adrenaline burst before moving on elsewhere. The difficulty scales from Class I to Class IV depending on water levels and your group's skill, so first-time paddlers and experienced rafters can both book the same departure and get a day matched to their level.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish and Portuguese.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (11 to 17 years); Child (8 to 10 years). Children under 8 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What's the difference between Class I and Class IV rapids on Rio Cubatão?

Class I rapids are gentle and ideal for beginners learning to paddle. Class IV rapids are steep, technical sections with strong currents and big waves that require advanced skill and experience. Water levels determine which sections run on any given day, and your instructor chooses the route that matches the group's ability.

Do I need rafting experience to book this?

No. The instructor teaches paddling technique before you launch and guides the group through every section. Beginners start on Class I water and build confidence. Experienced paddlers can tackle Class III or IV depending on conditions.

What happens if I'm not a strong swimmer?

You wear a life jacket the entire time, and the instructor stays with the group. The raft keeps you afloat even if you fall in, which is rare. Tell your instructor about your swimming ability when you meet, and they'll adjust their guidance.

Is there a weight limit for rafting on Rio Cubatão?

Yes, the maximum weight is 120 kg per person. The raft's buoyancy and safety systems are designed within that range.

How long does the whole experience take, including gear and briefing?

The rafting itself runs two hours on the water. Add 20–30 minutes for arrival, gear fitting and safety instruction before you launch, so plan for roughly three hours total.