Ecological Boat Tour 10 Deserted Beaches – Waterfall Trails-by Zimbros Ecotour

Ten quiet beaches, one forest waterfall, and plenty of fresh air. This small-group outing with Zimbros Ecotour links the secluded coast of Zimbros with a short but active walk to Cachoeira da Praia Triste. I like the mix of boat time and foot travel, and I like that the tour includes the waterfall bath, photos, guide, oyster and shellfish farms, and a visit to a lithic workshop. The main caution is the trail: it is rated moderate, has no adaptations for people with mobility difficulties, and is not a good fit for everyone.

The tour lasts about three and a half hours and costs $28.25 per person. That is good value if you want more than a boat ride, especially since the price includes the trail and guided stops. You will need to bring your own food and drinks, arrange your own way to the meeting point, and be ready for a 700-meter walk over a route that may feel demanding in places.

Key points to know before you book

• Ten deserted beaches by boat: The route passes Praia do Cardoso, Basílio, Lagoa, Casqueiro, Do Pasto, Praia do Lau or Hermínio, Triste, Mauri, Da Santa, and Vermelha.
• Praia Triste is the main stop: You get about 90 minutes there for the trail and lithic workshop visit.
• A 700-meter moderate trail: The walk reaches the waterfall in about an hour and is the most physical part of the outing.
• Natural pools for swimming: The waterfall stop lasts about 30 minutes, giving you time for a bath in the park’s natural pools.
• Very small group: The activity has a maximum of two travelers, which can make the guide’s attention feel personal.
• Bring your own refreshments: Meals and beverages are not included, and hotel or pousada transport is not provided.

A small boat route along Zimbros’ quiet coast

The morning begins at 8:30 a.m. at R. Rio Nilo, 652, in Zimbros, Bombinhas, Santa Catarina. The boat returns to this same meeting point, so you do not need to arrange a second pickup location at the end.

The boat portion is the gentle start to the experience. Instead of spending the entire morning at one beach, you pass a chain of quieter coastal spots: Praia do Cardoso, Basílio, Lagoa, Casqueiro, Do Pasto, Praia do Lau or Hermínio, Triste, Mauri, Da Santa, and Vermelha.

That list matters because the appeal is not simply reaching one famous beach. You see how the coast changes from one small stretch to the next. Some beaches may be viewed only from the water, but the sequence gives you a broader sense of the Zimbros coast than a single beach visit would.

The tour also includes visits to oyster and shellfish farms. This adds a local working-coast detail that many scenic boat trips skip. You are not just looking at empty shorelines. You are also seeing part of the area’s food and fishing economy.

I would choose a seat that gives you a clear view of the water and keep your phone or camera ready, since tour photos are included. The information does not specify how many photos you receive or how they are delivered, so ask the guide if that matters to you.

Praia Triste and the lithic workshop

Praia Triste is the only beach listed as a substantial shore stop, and it is where the tour changes from a sightseeing cruise into a short nature walk.

You have around 1 hour and 30 minutes at the beach for access to the waterfall trail and a visit to the lithic workshop. A lithic workshop is a place connected with the shaping and use of stone tools, so this part gives the stop an archaeological and cultural angle. It keeps the morning from being only about swimming and scenery.

The workshop is especially useful if you enjoy learning how people lived in the area before modern roads, buildings, and boat tours. The supplied details do not say how long the workshop visit lasts or what objects you will see, so expect a brief guided stop rather than a full museum visit.

Praia Triste also works as the practical base for the trail. You can leave the boat behind, walk inland through Atlantic rain forest, and reach a waterfall without committing to a long full-day hike. That combination is the strongest feature of the tour for me.

The one drawback is time. Ninety minutes must cover the shore arrival, workshop visit, trail access, and part of the walking schedule. The experience is designed as a compact outing, not as a slow beach day. If you want hours of lounging beside the water, this tour will feel rushed.

The 700-meter forest walk to the waterfall

The Trilha Costeira de Zimbros covers about 700 meters and is described as moderate. The walk takes about an hour, which tells you to allow for a steady pace, uneven ground, stops, and the conditions of a forest trail.

Do not read 700 meters and assume this is an effortless stroll. A short route can still have rough or difficult sections. One important point comes directly from the tour information: the trail has no adaptations for people with difficulty walking. It is also not recommended for people with reduced mobility or elderly participants.

You should have a moderate level of physical fitness. Wear shoes that can handle a natural trail, and avoid treating this as a flip-flop-only boat excursion. The provided details do not specify the surface, elevation gain, or handrails, so I would plan conservatively.

The reward is the change in setting. You start with open water and beaches, then enter Atlantic rain forest before reaching the waterfall. One of the strongest comments about the experience praised this walk through the forest as a highlight. That makes sense: the trail provides the movement and texture that a boat-only tour cannot.

The guide is included, which is useful here. A guide can help you follow the route, explain the surroundings, and keep the small group moving within the available time. No guide name is provided, so there is no particular staff member to request.

Cachoeira da Praia Triste and its natural pools

The waterfall stop lasts about 30 minutes. That is enough time for a swim in the park’s natural pools, but not enough for a long, lazy session in the water.

This is the refreshing payoff after the walk. You get to cool off before returning to the boat, and the pools give the tour a clear purpose beyond beach-hopping. Bring a swimsuit and a towel, since a waterfall bath is included and the schedule allows time for it.

The tour does not include meals or beverages. I would carry water and a small snack, subject to whatever the operator allows on the boat and trail. The tour details do not state if changing facilities, lockers, or restrooms are available, so do not count on them without asking ahead.

The natural pools are also a reason to check the weather before you go. The activity requires good weather, and poor conditions can lead to a different date or a full refund. Even on a scheduled day, rain can affect how comfortable the trail and swimming stop feel.

Why the $28.25 price can be good value

At $28.25 per person, this is priced below many full-day coastal excursions, but it is not merely a short boat transfer. Your fee covers the boat route, guide, tour photos, oyster and shellfish farm visit, lithic workshop, waterfall trail, and waterfall bath.

The value is strongest if you plan to use every part of the outing. Someone who wants only a beach cruise may prefer a simpler boat trip. Someone who wants a short active experience with nature and local context gets more for the money here.

The maximum group size is two travelers. That is unusually small and can make the tour feel more direct. You may have an easier time asking questions, adjusting the pace within reason, and hearing explanations than you would in a crowded boat.

There is one point to clarify before booking. The general location is given as Itajai, while the meeting address is in Zimbros, Bombinhas. Use the exact meeting address rather than relying on the broader location label, and confirm your route to R. Rio Nilo, 652. Hotel or pousada transfers are not included.

Who will enjoy this compact coastal outing

I would recommend this experience to you if you like mixing transport and activity. The boat gives you a broad look at the coast, while the walk and swim make you part of the setting rather than keeping you seated all morning.

It suits couples or pairs who value a private-feeling outing. With a maximum of two participants, the experience is also a good choice if you prefer not to join a large group.

It is a strong match for people who enjoy:

• Short forest walks
• Waterfalls and natural swimming pools
• Quiet beaches viewed from the water
• Small-scale guided activities
• Local food production such as oyster and shellfish farming
• Cultural stops alongside outdoor activities

I would not choose it for a visitor seeking an easy, fully accessible excursion. The tour says it serves people with disabilities, but the same information says the trail is not adapted and is not recommended for people with reduced mobility. That suggests you should discuss your exact needs with the operator before paying.

It is also not recommended for children under five. Families with older children should consider the moderate trail, the one-hour walking schedule, and the need to manage swimming time in natural pools.

Timing, fitness, and what to bring

The start time is 8:30 a.m., and the whole activity takes about three hours and 30 minutes. Since the boat returns to the meeting point, it fits neatly into a morning or early afternoon plan.

I would arrive ready for two different kinds of weather exposure. The boat section places you outdoors, while the forest trail may be damp or uneven. The supplied details do not provide a packing list, but practical choices include drinking water, a swimsuit, a towel, sun protection, and sturdy footwear.

Meals and drinks are not included, so take care of those before or after the tour. Keep your bag light. You need enough for the trail and swim, not a full beach setup.

The tour requires good weather and also requires a minimum number of participants. If bad weather or low enrollment cancels the experience, you are offered another date, another experience, or a full refund.

You can cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the experience are not accepted for a refund. The cut-off follows local time.

What the high rating tells you, and what it does not

The experience has a 5 out of 5 rating from 181 reviews, and 99 percent of travelers recommend it. The praise focuses on the combination of boat exploration, walking through Atlantic rain forest, and reaching the waterfall.

That is useful because it identifies the tour’s real strength. This is not simply a scenic ride with a quick photo stop. The best part is the contrast between the open coast and the forest route to Cachoeira da Praia Triste.

The most useful caution is also clear: the trail has no adaptations for people with walking difficulties. The positive response should not lead you to ignore that practical limit. A high rating often reflects a good match between the activity and the people who booked it. You still need to check whether the physical demands suit you.

Should you book Zimbros Ecotour?

Book this tour if you want a reasonably priced morning that combines ten coastal beaches, a small boat, a cultural stop, a moderate forest walk, and a swim under a waterfall. The price is fair because several separate activities are included, and the maximum of two participants gives the outing a personal feel.

Skip it if you need a fully accessible trail, dislike uneven walking, want a long beach stay, or prefer not to organize your own drinks and transport. For an active pair with decent fitness, this is one of the better ways to see several sides of the Zimbros coast in a short time.

FAQ

Where does the tour start and finish?

It starts at R. Rio Nilo, 652, Zimbros, Bombinhas, Santa Catarina, 88215-000, Brazil. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

What time does the tour begin?

The tour starts at 8:30 a.m.

How long does the experience last?

It lasts approximately three hours and 30 minutes.

Which beaches are visited by boat?

The boat passes Praia do Cardoso, Basílio, Lagoa, Casqueiro, Do Pasto, Praia do Lau or Hermínio, Triste, Mauri, Da Santa, and Vermelha.

Is the waterfall swim included?

Yes. The tour includes a 30-minute stop at Cachoeira da Praia Triste for swimming in the park’s natural pools.

Is the tour suitable for people with reduced mobility or young children?

The tour is not recommended for people with reduced mobility, elderly people, or children under five. The 700-meter waterfall trail is rated moderate and has no adaptations for people with walking difficulties.