Mountain biking Florianópolis: Dunes, beaches and island views

Ride past dunes and fishing villages to viewpoints of islands and preserved beaches

A mountain bike tour in Florianópolis that covers 30 to 50 km across the island's south side, moving from urban streets through dunes, lagoons and coastal trails to viewpoints and small fishing communities. The group stays under four riders, and the route adjusts to match your fitness level. A local guide leads in Spanish or Portuguese, and the bike, helmet and repair tools come with you.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Armacao Beach30m
2. Matadeiro Beach10m

Mountain biking and sightseeing tour

• 9 am Departure from Praia do Campeche
• Cycle around Campeche Island beach
• 9:40 am View beaches and dunes, stop for photos
• 10:30 am Arrive at Praia da Armação fishing village
• 10:30 am View Matadeiro beach from lookout
• 11:30 am Visit Praia da Solidão, hike to lookout
• 12:00 pm View Moleques do Sul and Três Irmãs Islands
• 12:30 pm Visit Pantano do Sul beach, return to start
• Stop for lunch or snack and swim at Lagoa do Peri

The experience

The ride starts at 9 am from Praia do Campeche and heads south along the coast, passing Campeche Island and the Joaquina dunes before reaching Armação, a working fishing village where locals repair nets and boats. From there you climb to a lookout on Ilha das Campanas for photos of Matadeiro Beach, its natural pools and the green hills behind it. The terrain mixes beach paths, dune trails and small climbs. The guide tailors the pace and distance to the group's abilities, so a first-time rider on a longer tour and someone used to 50 km days can both ride the same route.

Around midday you'll reach Praia da Solidão, where you leave the bikes with locals and walk a short trail to a viewpoint overlooking Moleques do Sul and Três Irmãs Islands. The guide explains the geography and the culture of the fishing communities you've passed. The final stop is Pantano do Sul, a village built on Azorean traditions, where you can rest before the return ride. Many riders stop for a swim and a snack at Lagoa do Peri on the way back to the start.

The bike is a 29-inch hardtail with disc brakes and 21 gears. Quick repair tools travel with you. What sets this tour apart is access to trails and viewpoints locals use, not the standard tourist loop, and the guide's knowledge of the island's environment, culture and geography. The group size caps at four, so the pace stays manageable and the stops feel unhurried.

What’s included

• Mountain bike with 29-inch rims, disc brakes and 21 gears.
• helmet.
• handlebar bag.
• quick repair tools.
• local guide in Spanish or Portuguese.
• access to trails and viewpoints not on standard tourist routes.
• interactions with fishing communities and local residents.

Before you book

Days and timesMonday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday

AgesAdult (18 to 70 years) · Under 18: can't be included in the booking

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.Operator's directions: “Next to the New Campeche. Bus stop 80 meters away on Avenida Campeche.”

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h 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 15 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Triskel Bike

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you have a free afternoon and want to see the island's preserved nature (dunes, lagoons, beaches and offshore islands) from a local's perspective rather than the main tourist loop. The small group size and adjustable pace mean you ride at your own level, and the guide's knowledge of the area opens access to spots most visitors never find.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in Spanish and Portuguese.

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 24h before the start.

What's the fitness level needed for a 30 to 50 km mountain bike ride in Florianópolis?

The tour requires at least a moderate level of physical fitness. The guide adjusts the route and pace to the group's abilities, so you're not racing. The wide variety of stops (beaches, viewpoints, villages) breaks up the pedaling. Riders should be comfortable on a bike for several hours and able to handle some climbing and uneven terrain.

Do I need my own bike, or is one provided?

A 29-inch mountain bike with disc brakes, 21 gears and a handlebar bag is included. The bike comes with a helmet and quick repair tools. If you want a higher-spec bike, that option is available at checkout for an additional cost.

What exactly happens at Armação Beach and Pantano do Sul?

Armação is a small fishing village where you stop for a few minutes to see fishermen repairing nets and boats and selling their catch. Pantano do Sul, further south, is a larger village built on Azorean fishing traditions, with colorful boats and seafood restaurants. You'll have time to rest, swim and eat there before heading back.

Is lunch included in the 5-hour tour?

Lunch and snacks are not included in the tour time. You can eat at restaurants in Pantano do Sul or grab something at Lagoa do Peri on the return, but you'll need to budget time and money for that separately.

Are there any health conditions that would make this tour unsuitable?

The tour is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health, given the 5-hour duration and uneven terrain. If you have concerns about your fitness or health, contact the operator before booking.