Kayaking French Island from Canasvieiras: Calm 1 km crossing

Paddle a quiet crossing to an island with no crowds or shops

Kayak from Canasvieiras beach to French Island, a protected conservation area in Florianópolis, paddling about 3 km in calm northern waters with a certified guide and all equipment provided. The crossing to the island is roughly 1 km in shallow, gentle conditions suitable for first-timers. A life jacket is mandatory and swimming is not required. The guide leads the group at a relaxed pace, with time built in for a swim, photos and rest.

The experience

You start on Canasvieiras beach, where the guide hands over a kayak, paddle and life jacket, then leads you out into the calm northern waters between Canasvieiras and Jurerê. The first kilometer is the crossing itself: flat, protected water that feels manageable even if you've never held a paddle before. The guide stays alongside the whole way, setting a pace the group can hold without strain.

Once you reach French Island, you paddle around its natural rock formations and stop for a swim, photos or just floating and looking. The island is a conservation area with no bars, shops or bathrooms, so it stays quiet and unbuilt. After the break, you paddle back the way you came. The whole outing runs about 4 hours and covers roughly 3 km of paddling, though the exact time shifts with wind and weather. Difficulty is rated novice. The point is calm water and a guide who knows how to keep everyone safe and steady.

Rafael Oliveira, a physical education professional and certified sailor with the Brazilian Navy, leads the trips. He speaks English and Portuguese, and children from age 6 are welcome. Alcohol and drugs are not permitted before or during the activity. A life vest is mandatory and non-negotiable, which is why swimming ability doesn't matter. You're supported the entire time.

What’s included

• Kayak, paddle and life jacket.
• guide in English or Portuguese.
• instruction and safety briefing.
• paddling to French Island and around its shoreline.
• time for swimming and photos during the island stop.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 07:00

AgesAdult (17 to 64 years) · Senior (65 and older) · Youth (6 to 16 years) · Under 6: can't be booked

GroupUp to 4

Live guideEnglish 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. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Adventure in Floripa

Is this one for you?You paddle the kayak yourself at a relaxed pace in calm, shallow water, so this suits anyone curious about paddling for the first time: no prior experience or swimming ability needed. If you prefer to watch rather than paddle, or if you want a faster-paced or more technical kayaking challenge, look for a different activity.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Portuguese.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (6 to 16 years). Children under 6 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.

Can I kayak French Island if I've never paddled before?

Yes. The crossing to French Island is about 1 km in calm, shallow water, and the guide stays with the group the whole way. The difficulty is rated novice, and the pace is relaxed. A life jacket is mandatory, so swimming is not required.

What's actually on French Island when we get there?

French Island is a conservation area with no commercial structures: no snack bars, kiosks or bathrooms. You'll see natural rock formations around the shoreline, and there's time to swim, take photos or rest during the stop.

How long is the kayaking activity, and how far do we paddle?

The full outing is about 4 hours and covers roughly 3 km of paddling. The crossing to the island is about 1 km, and you paddle around the island before returning. Timing can shift depending on wind and weather.

What's included with the kayak rental?

The guide provides a kayak, paddle and life jacket. You wear the vest throughout the activity for safety. No additional equipment rental is needed.