Campeche Island – Speedboat

REVIEW · FLORIANOPOLIS

Campeche Island – Speedboat

  • 4.425 reviews
  • From $46
Book on GetYourGuide →

Operated by Jet360 Agencia de Turismo Ltda. · Bookable on GetYourGuide

Fast boats, clear water, ancient rock marks. The JET360 speedboat trip to Ilha do Campeche is built for maximum fun in minimal time: a quick crossing, a smooth ride, and a crew that helps you feel sorted fast with organized check-in. What I like most is the ride quality and the way the team keeps things moving (even if you’re arriving from a beach area). One thing to watch: parking near the marina isn’t included, and you’ll want to be careful and calm with whoever is trying to manage it.

You’ll land on a protected island where native forest meets white sand and the water looks almost see-through. Ilha do Campeche is a National Archaeological and Landscape Heritage Site and the island is known for having the largest concentration of rock engravings along Brazil’s coast. The possible drawback is simple: disembarkation spots are limited (800 people per day), so this is not the kind of tour you want to leave to chance—plan ahead.

Key things I’d plan around before you go

  • 30-minute crossing: short enough to feel like a perk, not a chore.
  • Up to 4 hours on Ilha do Campeche: enough time to choose beach time or a light hike.
  • Rock engravings on a protected site: you’re not just sightseeing water—you’re visiting archaeology.
  • Crew language support (Portuguese, English, Spanish): helpful if your Portuguese is rusty.
  • Limited island capacity (800/day): reserve early so you’re not stuck watching departures pass you by.
  • Paid beach services on the island: toilets are public, but chairs/umbrellas and food have extra costs.

Ilha do Campeche from Barra da Lagoa: the trip starts fast

This tour starts in Barra da Lagoa, Florianópolis, at Servidão Timóteo José Mariano, 254. You’ll drive (or taxi) to the access path by the canal, then turn toward Barra Náutica marina—check-in happens on the boarding deck in front of the marina. You’re asked to arrive 30 minutes ahead, which matters. Not because check-in is complicated, but because the whole operation is designed to keep boat boarding tight and smooth.

JET360 runs a fast speedboat designed for comfort and safety, with capacity for 38 passengers, quiet engines, and an emphasis on stable handling. The crossing itself takes around 30 minutes, which is the sweet spot: long enough to enjoy the sea views, short enough that you still have most of your day on the island.

If you’re the kind of traveler who hates “lost time,” this is a good match. You’re not spending hours in transit just to reach a view. You’re getting out there while the light is still nice, and you keep control of your on-island schedule.

You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Florianopolis.

The speedboat ride: comfort, safety, and a crew that keeps you in the loop

I love that this isn’t just marketed as fast. The boat is described as having excellent sailing quality and strong comfort, plus a safety-first setup. In practice, that usually means you get fewer jolts, less chaos, and a more confident feel while you’re crossing.

The crew works in Portuguese and Spanish, and you’ll also find English support listed for the tour. Even if you don’t speak the same language, the crew’s job is to make sure you know what to do: where to check in, when to board, and how the timing works once you land.

And here’s a small practical note: this isn’t a “wander the dock” kind of day. Since the tour is timed, your best move is to show up with a little slack in your schedule—stand ready for your boarding time, not hunting down your platform at the last second.

Crossing the water: what you’ll notice in the 30 minutes

The crossing from Barra da Lagoa to Ilha do Campeche is about 30 minutes. That quick hop is perfect for two reasons:

First, you’ll actually feel like the boat is part of the experience. The water is the star, and the ride is quick enough that you’re not tired by the time you arrive. Second, it keeps the day centered on the island itself, where the real payoff is.

A protected island like Campeche usually means waters you’ll remember. You get the “clear water, bright sand” effect early, and it sets your expectations: this place is visually intense.

Ilha do Campeche on your terms: beaches, forest, and the archaeology you came for

Once you arrive, you disembark on a beach and can stay on Ilha do Campeche for up to 4 hours. That’s a good amount of time for a few different styles of visits.

If you want straight beach time, you’ll have it. The island is described as having transparent waters, clear sand, and native forest. If you want something active, there’s room for that too—especially because the island is well known for its rock engravings.

Ilha do Campeche is listed as a National Archaeological and Landscape Heritage Site, and it’s home to the largest concentration of rock engravings on Brazil’s coast. That matters because you’re not just doing a postcard stop. You’re visiting a place where the environment and human marks are part of the same story.

A light hike option if you want more than sand

One person’s advice was to take an easy hike option (about an hour, with a cost mentioned around 30 reais) to see the other side of the island. If your pace is comfortable and you’re not trying to sprint every minute, it’s a smart way to get variety. Just keep your time budget in mind: you’re capped at up to 4 hours total on the island, so you don’t want to wander yourself into a rushed return.

Time limits and limited landings: why early booking changes everything

The tour limits disembarkation spaces to 800 people per day for environmental preservation. Translation: this island isn’t “open season.” It’s managed.

So yes, you’ll enjoy the experience more if you don’t stress about availability. This is the kind of tour that can sell out, especially in high-demand seasons. The most practical move is reserving more than 10 days in advance, since spots often run out.

This limit also affects the vibe. You may still see other groups, but you’re less likely to feel like you’re on a free-for-all beach with a thousand people. That’s part of the value here: it’s protected, which means it’s also more controlled.

Food, toilets, and what costs extra once you’re on the island

On the island, you’ll find public toilets. From October, there’s restaurant service, and by December there’s also a kiosk selling food and drinks, plus beach chairs and umbrellas. None of those chair/umbrella items are included in your price.

The cash rules are spelled out clearly:

  • The restaurant accepts cash or pix.
  • The kiosk accepts cash, pix, and credit cards.

So if you like paying with card, the kiosk is your friend. If you prefer to avoid decision fatigue, plan to bring some cash or pix-ready payment anyway.

Also, bring your own water plan. Drinks aren’t included, and the time you’re there is time you can’t “buy more later.” If you’re sensitive to sun, plan for it—chairs and umbrellas cost extra, and you’ll want shade without turning it into a money chase.

Price and value: is $46 worth it?

At about $46 per person, this tour is priced for convenience and speed. You’re paying for a round trip by fast boat, plus 4 hours on the island. The big value is that the boat time is short (about 30 minutes each way), so your “paid hours” stay close to the experience itself.

What’s not included:

  • Drinks and food
  • Beach chairs and parasols

That’s normal for a day trip, but it does mean your final spend depends on your choices. If you pack a simple snack and you’re fine without chairs, you can keep costs predictable. If you plan to buy drinks and rent shade, build that into your budget.

For many people, the best value angle is this: the island’s archaeological significance is the point, and you’re not stuck doing a long logistical slog to reach it. You get a direct shot at one of the most distinctive coastal sites in the area.

Getting there and checking in without stress

The meeting point is specific, and getting it right saves time. It’s Servidão Timóteo José Mariano, n. 254, Barra da Lagoa. From there, you continue 50 meters to the Barra canal, turn right, go another 50 meters to Barra Náutica marina. Check-in is on the boarding deck in front of the marina.

You should arrive 30 minutes early for check-in. That’s not just “arrive early.” It’s the difference between calm and scrambling, especially if you’re parking and walking a bit.

Parking: the one place to stay alert

Parking is paid right in front of the boarding point and isn’t included in the tour price. One practical warning from a visitor: be careful with parking arrangements at the marina boatyard. If someone tries to change the agreed price (especially if you’re a foreigner), it can get awkward fast. The best approach is to check rates clearly, keep your options open, and don’t hesitate to question charges.

It’s not something you can control, but you can control your reaction. Stay firm, stay polite, and keep your receipts. That will protect your day from turning into a side quest.

Who this tour fits best (and who should skip it)

This speedboat trip is ideal if you want:

  • A time-efficient way to reach Ilha do Campeche
  • A ride that focuses on comfort and safety
  • A solid chunk of island time (up to 4 hours)
  • The chance to experience a protected site tied to rock engravings

It may not be the best fit if you:

  • Want an all-day slow travel pace with lots of wandering and no timing
  • Hate crowds but also can’t commit to early booking (because capacity is limited)
  • Don’t want extra spending for drinks/food or optional shade

Should you book the JET360 Campeche Island speedboat?

I’d book it if you care about spending your time where it counts: on Ilha do Campeche. The combination of a 30-minute crossing, 4 hours on the island, and a crew that supports multiple languages makes this one of the more efficient ways to visit a site with real archaeological weight.

Before you hit reserve, do three things:

  1. Plan to book early so you’re not battling limited daily disembarkation.
  2. Show up on time for check-in so boarding stays smooth.
  3. Budget for island extras—especially drinks and shade if you want them.

If you want a day trip that’s genuinely structured around the main event (not the commute), this delivers.

FAQ

How long is the Campeche Island speedboat tour?

The total duration is about 5 hours.

How long is the crossing time to Ilha do Campeche?

The crossing time is approximately 30 minutes each way.

How long can I stay on Campeche Island?

You can stay on Ilha do Campeche for up to 4 hours.

Where does the tour depart from?

The meeting point is Servidão Timóteo José Mariano, n. 254, Barra da Lagoa, Florianópolis – SC, 88061-000, Brazil.

Where do I check in once I reach the meeting point area?

Check-in happens in front of the Barra Náutica marina, on the boarding deck.

How early should I arrive to check in?

You must arrive at the boarding point 30 minutes in advance to check in.

Is food or drinks included in the price?

No. Drinks and food are not included.

Are beach chairs and umbrellas included?

No, beach chairs and umbrellas are not included.

What languages does the crew offer?

The activity lists Portuguese, English, and Spanish support.

What is not allowed during the activity?

Smoking in the vehicle is not allowed, and non-folding wheelchairs, non-folding strollers, shoes indoors, and baby carriages are also not allowed.

Not for you? Here's more nearby things to do in Florianopolis we have reviewed

Explore Brazil