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Florianopolis
The state of Santa Catarina lies in the south of the country and has always been a popular destination for Brazilians due its beaches and activities. The state capital, Florianopolis, lies on a peninsular off the mainland and is surrounded by beaches, both on the peninsular and on the mainland to the north and south.
Although these beaches are not your typical palm tree lined beaches, they are still spectacular with clean, wind swept golden sand offering numerous activities; horse riding on the beach, bird-watching in the Atlantic rainforest, learning to surf or perhaps watching the bizarre relationship between dolphins and the local fisherman, where for generations bottlenose dolphins have driven the fish towards the fisherman and you can literally see the fish jump into their nets!
The main attraction in Santa Catarina is whale watching. Every year, between June and November, the southern coast of Santa Catarinabecomes the home of the Southern Right Whales. Escaping the Antarctic winter, they migrate north in search of warmer and calmer waters to nurse their young.
Santa Catarina has a newly designated area of protection, a stretch of coast 135 km long starting from the southern tip of Florianópolis, making this an ideal and safe destination. Although these whales, the second most endangered whale species in the world, can be seen along the southern seas from Australia to South America, whale watching here is easier due to the topography of the coastline. The small, half-moon shaped bays are ideal for nurturing their young and they frequently come close to the shore, sometimes within 30m from the beach, but a boat trip is a must, for a closer encounter.
Recommended lodges in this area:
Florianopolis
Undoubtedly this is one of the best hotels in Brazil, if not the very best. Staff, service food and rooms are all first class. Tucked away from everything else, this is a place to lose yourself in pure luxury.
Florianopolis
Tucked away from all other hotels, Vida sol y Mar is a little gem. Situated in front of a perfect beach the hotel combines whale watching trips with active beach excursions. The stone bungalows are brimming with character
Rio de Janeiro
Despite its location away from the beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema, this is one of our favourite hotels in Rio. What was once a coffee plantation mansion has been transformed into a beautiful hotel
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