Things to do in Gamboa Beach: all on foot from the Residencial
Beach, viewpoint, trails, dunes and the village center: what you can do in Gamboa without taking the car out, with the distance to each place.
Quick answer: in Gamboa you can do almost everything on foot. The beach is about 550 m from the Residencial (7 minutes), the village center with restaurants and a grocery store about 500 m away and the Whale Viewpoint 800 m away. If you like walking, you can reach Pedra da Faísca and the Faísca Dunes along the sand, 2 to 3 km away.
How far is each place from the Residencial?
- Gamboa village center: about 500 m on foot, 7 minutes
- Gamboa Beach: about 550 m on foot, 7 minutes
- Whale Viewpoint: about 800 m on foot, 11 minutes
- Pedra da Faísca: about 2.1 km along the sand, 28 minutes
- Praia da Faísca: about 2.3 km, 31 minutes
- Faísca Dunes: about 2.8 km, 37 minutes
Distances along the way, worked out with the site map (estimate).
The beach
Gamboa Beach has about 1.5 km of light sand, surrounded by green hills. It has the pace of a small fishing village: few facilities, a few good restaurants and lots of calm. You can walk along the sand and surf all year round. The sea is usually a little rough: go in carefully, especially with children. Straight ahead on the horizon is Coral Island, with its lighthouse.
Whale Viewpoint
At the south end of the beach, a short, easy trail leads to the Whale Viewpoint, built by the people of Gamboa. It has one of the most beautiful views in Garopaba, over the sea and the mouth of the Caximba river. From July to November it is one of the best spots to watch right whales from land. It is always open and free, and children and pets are welcome.
Pedra da Faísca and the Faísca Dunes
At the north end of the beach is Pedra da Faísca, a formation of dark rocks on the border between Garopaba and Paulo Lopes. Right behind it are the Faísca Dunes: from the top you can see Gamboa on one side and the empty Praia da Faísca on the other. Go along the sand of Gamboa: the way through the streets crosses private land. Take care on the rocks: they can be slippery, and when the sea is rough it is best to keep away from the edge.
Trails
- Siriú-Gamboa Trail: 1.1 km, moderate, through dense forest along the headland between Gamboa and Siriú, with glimpses of the sea.
- Gamboa to Guarda do Embaú crossing: 7.5 km, moderate, along the sand of Gamboa and the 6.5 km of Praia da Faísca to the mouth of the Rio da Madre.
The village center
On the road down to the beach is the Gamboa village center, with restaurants, bars, a grocery store, a bakery and an ice cream shop. See opening hours and phone numbers in the Local guide.
At the right time of year
From July to November, Gamboa Bay is one of the right whale nurseries. From May to July you can watch the traditional mullet fishing: give the fishermen space on the sand.
