Ibiraquera Lagoon
A large lagoon between Praia do Rosa and Ibiraquera, in Imbituba, famous for kitesurfing and windsurfing, pink shrimp fishing and sunsets.
From the Residencial: About 34.8 km by car
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Photos: Garopaba Por Aí (@garopabaporai_tv) (opens in a new tab).
Ibiraquera Lagoon is in Imbituba, just south of Garopaba, near Praia do Rosa, inside the Right Whale Environmental Protection Area. It is a brackish lagoon linked to the sea by a sandbar at Ibiraquera Beach.
The bar is opened once a year, decided by a committee of the Right Whale Protected Area, the Imbituba city government, fishermen, residents, athletes and business owners, based on the tide, the wind, the lagoon level and the presence of shrimp larvae and fish schools at sea; afterward, wind and tides close it again. The lagoon is known for artisanal pink shrimp fishing and is one of the most sought-after kitesurfing and windsurfing spots in Brazil, hosting national championships every year.
The most visited spots
- Barra de Ibiraquera: where the lagoon meets the sea, with calm water, popular with families, kitesurfers and wingfoilers.
- Shores near Rosa: steady wind and kite schools.
- Praia do Luz: next to the bar, also reached by the trail from Rosa Sul.
Getting there
From downtown Garopaba, take the SC-434 toward Imbituba. The shores lie between Praia do Rosa and the Ibiraquera community, reached through the neighborhood streets; the bar with the sea is at Ibiraquera Beach.
Features
Calm brackish water, shallow in many parts, with a steady wind: the southwesterly is usually consistent and the northeasterly gusty. The bar with the sea opens and closes through the year.
Things to do
Kitesurfing, windsurfing and stand-up paddling, with kite schools on the shore; the sunset over the lagoon; and, in season, artisanal shrimp fishing. Praia do Rosa is right next to it and pairs well with the visit.
Safety tips
When swimming or paddling, keep away from kite and windsurf areas. Respect the fishermen and the shrimp nets. When the bar is open, avoid swimming in the channel to the sea.
