Snorkeling Xavier Island: Swim with sea turtles

Swim with green sea turtles in Xavier Island's rocky reefs

Snorkel Xavier Island, a protected marine sanctuary off Florianópolis, on a 3-hour activity from Barra da Lagoa that includes a 20-minute speedboat ride, neoprene suit, snorkel gear and up to 2 hours in the water among fish and sea turtles. A bilingual guide leads groups of all fitness levels. Children from age 6 are welcome, and floats are available for non-swimmers.

The experience

Xavier Island sits in the Atlantic Ocean off Barra da Lagoa, anchored by rocky reefs that biologists recognize as a true marine sanctuary. The snorkeling happens in the island's protected bay, where green sea turtles live alongside dozens of fish species in water conditions considered the best on the Florianópolis coast. You travel there by speedboat, a 20-minute crossing, and spend up to 2 hours in the water, long enough to explore the entire length of the bay and move at your own pace among the marine life.

The team brings 20 years of experience and speaks both Spanish and Portuguese, so the guide can explain what you're seeing as you float. Neoprene clothing, mask, snorkel and fins come with you. If you don't swim, floats keep you stable in the water. Fruits and bottled water are included, and the whole outing runs 3 hours from start to return.

What’s included

• Neoprene suit.
• snorkel mask, snorkel and fins.
• floats for non-swimmers.
• bilingual guide in Spanish and Portuguese.
• speedboat transport to and from Xavier Island.
• up to 2 hours in the water.
• fresh fruits and bottled water.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Youth (11 to 17 years) · Child (6 to 10 years) · Under 6: 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: “Barra Náutica”

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 2 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditionsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Adrenailha Aventuras

Is this one for you?The guide speaks Spanish and Portuguese, so you'll understand the commentary and feel confident in the water whether you're fluent in either language or traveling with someone who is. Groups stay small and move at a shared pace, which works well if you want to explore without the pressure of keeping up or the isolation of going alone.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in Spanish and Portuguese.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (11 to 17 years); Child (6 to 10 years). Under 6: they 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 24h before the start.

What are the sea turtles like at Xavier Island?

Green sea turtles live in the island's rocky reefs year-round, and you'll encounter them while snorkeling in the protected bay. The island is their natural habitat, so sightings are common during the activity.

How long do I actually spend in the water?

You stay on Xavier Island for up to 2 hours, which gives you time to explore the entire protected bay at your own pace and interact with the marine life without rushing.

What if I can't swim well?

Floats are provided for non-swimmers, so you can stay stable and comfortable in the water while snorkeling. The guide is there to support you throughout the activity.

Do I need my own snorkeling gear?

No, neoprene clothing, mask, snorkel and fins are all included. You just bring yourself and a willingness to get in the water.

How do I get to Barra da Lagoa to start?

Public transportation options are available nearby, so you can reach the departure point by bus or taxi without booking a private transfer.