Bombinhas with Kids: Beaches, Boats and a Sensible Base

How to plan a family week in Bombinhas, from calm-water beaches to short boat trips and where to sleep.

Which beaches work best with children

Bombinhas is a peninsula of small bays about 70 km north of Florianópolis, reached by the BR-101 and then the SC-410 through Porto Belo; from Florianópolis the drive is roughly 1h15, from Balneário Camboriú about 40 minutes. The calmest water sits on the sheltered side facing the mainland. Praia de Bombinhas, in the town centre, and Praia da Sepultura are both small and protected, with little surf and easy sand for toddlers. Praia de Zimbros and Praia da Tainha, on the western side, are similarly gentle and quieter in the mornings.

The Atlantic-facing beaches are bigger and better for older children who want waves: Praia de Mariscal, Praia do Ribeiro and Praia Quatro Ilhas, the last with a distinctive double point. Four Ilhas has a strong current on the left side, so keep younger swimmers near the middle. Between December and February the peninsula fills up and parking near the main beaches becomes difficult after mid-morning; November and March offer the same warm sea with noticeably more room on the sand. Water temperatures in July and August drop enough that most families stick to rock pools and boat trips.

Boats, rock pools and rainy afternoons

The classic family outing is the schooner trip from Porto Belo or Bombinhas harbour toward the Ilha de Porto Belo and the smaller islands offshore, usually three to four hours with a swimming stop. These are easy for children of any age and typically run from morning to mid-afternoon, weather depending. A shorter alternative is a small boat or kayak out of Zimbros bay, where the water is flat and the mangroves and rocks are close enough to explore without committing a whole day.

On wet days, the Oceanic Aquarium in Balneário Camboriú is about 45 minutes away by car and works well for a half day. Nearer at hand, the Reserva Biológica Marinha do Arvoredo protects the water between Bombinhas and Florianópolis; its visitor centres and the Morro do Macaco trail at Praia do Ribeiro offer short walks with big views, suitable for children who can manage steps. The peninsula's small fishing villages at Canto Grande and Quatro Ilhas are worth a slow morning: stone piers, fish stalls and calm coves to poke around in.

Where to stay: town, Canto Grande or Zimbros

For a first family visit, I would book in the town centre near Praia de Bombinhas. You can walk to the calm beach, the bakeries and the small restaurants, and the boat departures are minutes away. Pousadas here range from simple family rooms to small inns with pools; a family of four can generally expect mid-range rates comparable to Porto Belo and lower than Florianópolis beach resorts. Parking in the centre is tight, so confirm a space before booking if you are driving.

Canto Grande, 5 km east, is the better base for a longer stay: two sheltered bays, a cluster of pousadas and restaurants, and easy access to Mariscal and Quatro Ilhas. Zimbros, on the west side, is the quietest choice, with the shortest drive to Porto Belo and the schooner docks, though you will rely on the car for evening meals. Avoid the BR-101 corridor hotels around Tijucas if your plan is beach time; they are convenient for an overnight stop but add 30 minutes each way to every beach day.

Practical details for a family week

Distances are short: town centre to Canto Grande is 5 km, to Mariscal 8 km, to Zimbros 7 km, and the SC-410 roundabout is the main bottleneck in high season. A car is genuinely useful with children — beach hopping by bus is slow and taxi coverage thins after dark. Bring reef-safe sun protection, shade for the sand and cash for the fish restaurants along the Canto Grande road, where portions are typically sized for two adults and a child.

Book accommodation two to three months ahead for January and early February; the same applies to schooner seats, which often sell out on dry, calm weekends. The best months for families remain November and March: water around 22-24°C, fewer cars, and short-notice availability in pousadas. If you want the boat trips and the small coves without the crowds, a late-October or late-March week in Bombinhas is a better bet than a packed January fortnight.

Questions, answered

Do we need a car in Bombinhas with children?

It helps a lot. The peninsula's beaches are 5-8 km apart with limited evening buses. A car makes beach hopping, rainy-day trips and restaurant choices much easier, but confirm parking with your pousada in the town centre.

Which beach is best for toddlers in Bombinhas?

Praia de Bombinhas in the centre and Praia da Sepultura have the calmest, most sheltered water. Praia de Zimbros and Praia da Tainha on the west side are also gentle and quieter in the morning, with easier parking than the main town beach.

When should we book for a family trip?

Two to three months ahead for January and February, including schooner seats. November and March are the sweet spot: warm sea, fewer cars, and pousadas that still have family rooms available at short notice.

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