Florianópolis: Rio Cubatão Rafting Adventure & Local Guide

Summary

Rafting Rio Cubatão with locals, teamwork and river energy

You’ll feel your pulse jump as you paddle through Rio Cubatão’s rapids with a local guide leading the way. Expect laughter, splashes, teamwork (sometimes clumsy!), plus moments when nature just hushes everything else out. Safety gear is included so you can focus on the ride — and maybe surprise yourself along the way.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to feel my heart thumping before we even hit the water at Rio Cubatão — but there it was, a mix of nerves and excitement as we squeezed into our life jackets under the trees near Apuama. Our guide, Rafael (he’s got this sun-faded cap and easy laugh), cracked a joke about “beginner paddlers” which made us all relax a bit. The river looked calm from the bank, but you could hear the rapids further down — that kind of low, rushing sound that makes you want to see what’s around the bend.

We clambered into the raft, paddles in hand, and honestly I was just hoping not to fall out right away. The first splash of cold water hit my arm — sharper than I expected — and then we were off, bouncing over little waves. Rafael kept shouting directions in Portuguese and English (sometimes both at once), so nobody really had time to overthink it. At one point I tried yelling “pra esquerda!” like he did — probably butchered it because he laughed so hard he nearly dropped his paddle.

The best part? Somewhere between two rapids, everything went quiet for a second except for birds calling from the trees above us. The air smelled like wet earth and leaves, sort of sweet but heavy too after last night’s rain. We all looked at each other — grinning like idiots — and I thought, yeah, this is why people come out here for a day trip from Florianópolis. Not just for adrenaline or photos but for that weird sense of being part of something bigger than yourself, even if it’s just a raft full of strangers trying not to tip over.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Rafting adventure on Rio Cubatão

• Meet specialized rafting instructor
• Receive safety equipment
• Learn rafting basics and teamwork
• Raft down Rio Cubatão rapids

Top questions

What is the minimum age for rafting on Rio Cubatão?

The minimum age is 12 years old.

Is there a weight limit for this rafting adventure?

Yes, the maximum weight allowed is 120 kg.

Are guides included on this day trip from Florianópolis?

Yes, a specialized instructor guides every group during rafting.

Is safety equipment provided on this tour?

Yes, all necessary safety equipment is included in your booking.

Can travelers with limited mobility join this activity?

The tour is wheelchair accessible and service animals are allowed.

Is public transportation available nearby?

Yes, public transportation options are available close to the starting point.

Is lunch included in this rafting experience?

No lunch is mentioned as included; only instructor and safety equipment are provided.

How difficult are the rapids on Rio Cubatão?

The difficulty ranges from Class I (beginner) up to Class IV (advanced).

What’s included

Your day includes guidance from an experienced local instructor plus all required safety equipment—just show up ready to get splashed and paddle together through some of Greater Florianópolis’ most lively river stretches before heading back with new stories (and probably soggy shoes).