Active Pursuits in Florianopolis

A vast range of outdoor activities available on the island are coordinated by the tour agency ViaFloripa (tel. 048/3224-4668; www.viafloripa.com). They include horseback rides on Moçambique beach (R$55 for 2 hr.); parapenting at Praia Mole (R$180, 20 min.); bird-watching tours (R$270, 5 hr.); canoe trips on the ocean or Lagoa de Peri (R$140, 3 hr.); sandboarding (R$85, 2 hr.); snorkeling on Ingleses beach (R$60, 1 hr.); surf lessons (R$75, 1 1/2 hr.); rappelling (R$90, 3 hr.); mountain biking (R$85-R$225, 3-5 hr.); ATV touring (R$180, 1 hr.). All tours include a licensed guide or instructor.

Scuba Diving

Florianópolis is not a diver's paradise, but if you want to check out the waters, Parcel (tel. 048/3284-5564; www.parcel.com.br) offers a number of dive tours depending on the weather and group size. One regular trip heads out to the biological reserve of Arvoredo. A 4-hour tour, including two dives and equipment, costs R$150.

Kite Surfing/Windsurfing

The prime kite-surf and windsurf spot in Florianópolis is the Lagoa da Conceição. Experienced surfers can rent gear from Open Winds (tel. 048/3232-5004; www.openwinds.com.br) starting at R$45 per hour. For beginner kite surfers, a course of six 90-minute lessons costs R$1,200. The lessons can be spread over several days.