Praia da Sepultura

What to expect at Praia da Sepultura

Sepultura is a short cove wedged between two rocky headlands that shield it from the open sea. The result is green, almost still water that on a sunny day looks like a natural pool. That's the scene behind one of the town's most repeated postcards.

It's about 95 meters of sand, and no car gets there: you walk in, on a trail of roughly 200 meters starting at the end of Avenida das Garoupas. That sets the tone — the beach is small, has no facilities on the sand and can't take a crowd. Which is exactly why turning up early earns you one of the best swims on the Santa Catarina coast.

For free diving and snorkeling, nothing in town beats it. Along the headlands, visibility is usually excellent and marine life shows up within the first few meters — colorful fish, sea urchins and, if you're lucky, turtles and seahorses. You can stay shallow with a snorkel, or go down on a tank with one of the local operators.

At the back of the cove there's something almost nobody expects: Bio Vida III, an underwater sculpture by the artist Pita Camargo. It's artwork you see by diving — one more reason to get in with a mask on, not just your feet.

The odd name ("grave") comes from a 19th-century oral account of an enslaved man buried here after a fight. It's local tradition with no documentary record — and it says nothing about how beautiful the place is.

Snorkeling right at the entrance

The headlands on both sides gather marine life just meters from the sand.

The most photographed spot

Green water framed by rock and forest — a guaranteed shot on a sunny day.

Still water

Shielded from the open sea by the headlands, it barely forms waves.

Tips from people who live here

• Arrive early in summer: the beach is small and the parking spots go fast.

• There's no kiosk on the sand — bring water, sunscreen and whatever you plan to eat.

• Water shoes help going in, as parts of the entry are rocky.

• Bring your own mask and snorkel: there's no rental stand on the sand.

• Sort your rubbish — there are recycling and general bins at the beach entrance.

Getting to Praia da Sepultura

The route to the sand as it actually works — including the part you do on foot.

Head to the end of Avenida das Garoupas

Take Bombinhas' main avenue (Av. Vereador Manoel José dos Santos) toward the right-hand end of Praia de Bombinhas, then follow Rua das Garoupas to the end. Cars don't reach the sand.

Leave the car in one of the private lots

They sit at the end of the avenue and charge a daily rate. In high season the spots run out early — the main reason to leave home before 9am.

A trail of about 200 meters

Five to ten minutes on foot through the forest. The first stretch is the steepest; after that it flattens out. Not suitable for wheelchairs or strollers.

Other trails start from the same point

From there, paths continue to Praia do Biguá and Praia do Cachalote, and to the natural pool formed among the rocks of the headland.

Environmental Preservation Fee (TPA)

If you drive in during high season, you pay the per-vehicle fee Bombinhas charges at the town entrance — it covers the whole town, not just this beach. The beach itself is public and free.

How the fee works — Bombinhas guide

The beach rules

The official code of conduct for Praia da Sepultura. Worth reading before you pack — a few of the bans catch people out.

Allowed

• Snorkeling, free diving and scuba diving

• Sports on the sand after 6pm

• Loading and unloading water-sports gear between 7pm and 9am

Not allowed

• Pets

• Camping, bonfires and barbecues

• Speakers and loud music

• Gazebos, tents and reserving space on the sand

• Motorboats within 200 m of the beach

Source: Bombinhas city hall