A single day, multiple Floripa moods. Floripa Total by Itaguasul Turismo strings together downtown icons and beach-country views so you can get your bearings fast. I like the air-conditioned vehicle for long coastal stretches, and I also like that the tour includes pickup in Centro near the Hercílio Luz area.

One watch-out: the day can feel long once you hit traffic and packed shorelines, and some beach moments are more about quick photos than a relaxed walk—especially if the east and north coasts are busy.

Key things that make this tour work

• Short, structured stops that help you see a lot without planning everything yourself
• Free photo-stop areas downtown, including the bridge lookout and classic Centro landmarks
• Lagoa + Joaquina + Praia Mole in one push, useful if it’s your first time on the island
• Barra da Lagoa lunch time + a TAMAR Project visit, a solid mid-day reset
• North Coast style sampling from Ingleses to Canasvieiras to Jurerê

Turning 8 hours into island orientation

This is a classic one-day “see the island” route. You start in Centro and branch out into the island’s main zones: bridge views and historic squares, then the scenic east coast with lagoon and famous beach names, then the north coast neighborhoods with their different vibes. The big value here is the structure—photo stops are timed, so you don’t lose half a day figuring out logistics.

I also like the tour’s small-group intent: the vehicle is set up for up to 40 people, which is large enough to be efficient but still manageable for hearing the guide. If you’re trying to learn what’s where on Florianópolis (and you don’t want to rent a car), this format makes sense.

The route is designed for coverage, not deep exploration. If your idea of a great day is sitting still for hours with one beach and one lunch, you may feel the squeeze.

Meeting point near Hercílio Luz, and what the start time really means

The tour meets at Lookout Square Hercílio Luz (Centro), and the published start time is 9:00 am. Pickup is offered, so you may not have to get yourself there, but either way, plan to be ready a bit early. City tours in Florianópolis can run into slower-moving streets, and the route is long enough that delays add up.

What I like about starting in Centro: it keeps the “easy win” sights near the beginning. You begin with a bridge lookout break, then drift into Centro’s photogenic core. That means you’re not burning daylight only to reach viewpoints later in the day.

Also, the tour uses a mobile ticket, which is practical. Less paperwork, less fuss.

Downtown Floripa: Hercílio Luz bridge lookout, Alfândega, and Catedral

The day kicks off at Hercílio Luz Bridge lookout. You get about 20 minutes, and it’s a smart first stop because it gives you a sense of the city’s geography right away. Even if you’re not a “bridge person,” it helps you picture how Florianópolis connects and why the viewpoints matter.

From there, the route goes into Centro with a classic photo-stroll vibe, in timed chunks:

• Feira do Largo da Alfândega (about 15 minutes): a chance to photograph the area and get a feel for everyday city life.
• Catedral Metropolitana de Florianópolis (about 15 minutes): enough time to look around and grab a clean exterior angle.
• Praça XV de Novembro (about 15 minutes): a quick stop at a recognizable square where the pace stays brisk.

I like that these Centro stops are marked as free admission. You can spend your money on food and snacks later instead of tickets at every corner.

The only downside is that 15 minutes evaporates fast. If you want more time inside buildings or to browse stalls, you’ll have to save that for another day.

East Coast photo run: Lagoa da Conceição, Joaquina, and Praia Mole

After Centro, the tour leans into what people usually come to Florianópolis for. You get a short look at Lagoa da Conceição (about 15 minutes). It’s a good orientation stop because the lagoon area is a hub: it’s where the island’s “scenic and social” energy shows up.

Then you continue to the coast with quick breaks at:

• Joaquina Beach (about 15 minutes)
• Praia Mole (about 15 minutes)

The route also references viewpoint stops on the east side (including named viewpoints along the way). So even if beach time is short, you’re not only in sand—you get pull-offs built for photos.

Here’s the reality check: beaches on a popular day can be crowded. When that happens, the tour’s beach stops are best treated as: stand, frame your photos, enjoy the view, then move on. Trying to do a long walk during a peak moment usually feels frustrating.

If you’re sensitive to crowds, you can still enjoy the sights—you just need to adjust expectations and keep your itinerary mindset: brief scenic hits, not long beach hangs.

Barra da Lagoa lunch break and the TAMAR Project stop

Midday is centered around Barra da Lagoa Beach, with a 1 hour 30 minute stop for lunch and a visit connected to the TAMAR Project. This is the point where the tour shifts from “photo sightseeing” into “take a breath and refuel.”

Important detail: food isn’t included, and admission tickets are listed as not included for this part of the day. So you’ll want cash or card ready for lunch, and you should assume any ticketed entry tied to TAMAR may cost extra (unless you’ve already planned for that).

What I like about this stop: it breaks the day into two halves. You’re not just alternating beaches back-to-back without a mental reset. Even if you don’t go deep into the TAMAR visit, the change of pace helps.

Practical tip: because your lunch time is limited, don’t wander too far from where the group meets. It’s easy to lose track of time in a scenic setting.

North Coast sampling: Ingleses, Santo Antônio de Lisboa, Canasvieiras, Jurerê

After lunch, you head into the island’s north end with a run of short photo moments. The goal is simple: show you the different “coast looks” so you can decide what you want to return to later.

You get quick stops at:

• Praia dos Ingleses (about 15 minutes)
• Santo Antônio de Lisboa (about 15 minutes)
• Praia de Canasvieiras (about 15 minutes)
• Jurerê Internacional (about 20 minutes)

This part of the tour is where you’ll notice the island’s range. Ingleses and Canasvieiras can feel like classic beach zones with lots of activity. Santo Antônio de Lisboa is the more character-driven contrast—quieter streets and a different kind of atmosphere than the wide sandy stretches.

Jurerê Internacional gets a little more time (20 minutes), which is helpful because it’s a place many people want to see at least once on a first visit. The photo possibilities are good, and you can get a feel for the area’s style without committing to a whole day there.

The main drawback is time pressure. With 15 minutes, you’re mostly collecting angles. If you’re hoping for a long beach session, this isn’t that day.

Value check: price, what’s included, and what you pay out of pocket

The price is $25.45 per person, with an average booking window of about 14 days in advance. For what you’re getting—multiple regions, a full-day route, and a professional operator with more than 30 years in the market—it’s strong value, especially if you want orientation more than in-depth experiences.

What’s included:

• Air-conditioned vehicle
• Total and passenger insurance
• A company with 30+ years of experience
• Pickup offered (when available)
• Mobile ticket

What’s not included:

• Food
• Tickets (personal expenses too)

Many stops are listed as free admission (bridge lookout, downtown sights, and most beach photo stops). That keeps costs predictable. The budgeting question usually becomes: lunch in Barra da Lagoa, plus any paid entry tied to the TAMAR visit if needed.

If you’re traveling as a couple or small group and you would otherwise pay for two or three separate transport options, this route can feel like a bargain.

Timing and expectations: the pace that can make or break the day

This is built as an “8 hours approx.” tour, starting at 9:00 am and returning to the meeting point. That sounds tidy on paper, but coastal traffic can stretch the day. One schedule example showed pickup leaving around 8:30 and returning close to 19:30, which is a long day by anyone’s standards.

My advice: treat it as a full-day commitment. Bring water, use the bathroom at the start and before the lunch segment, and keep your phone charged. When you’re on a tight route, small delays can steal time from the stops that look most important to you.

On the plus side, when the guide runs the day well, you’ll feel like you’re in capable hands. Strong guiding matters in a multi-stop tour because it’s what turns a list of place names into a coherent storyline.

What I’d pack for a route like this

Because this day hits beach names and viewpoint stops, pack for sun and quick turns:

• Sunglasses and sunscreen
• A hat or cap
• Sand-friendly flip-flops or shoes you can walk in fast
• A small snack for emergencies (even though lunch is planned, food isn’t included)
• Water bottle (you can also rely on what your guide provides, but don’t plan your day on it)

Also plan your camera strategy. With many stops around 15 minutes, you’ll want a simple routine: one wide shot, one close shot, then move. You’ll see more and stress less.

Who should book Floripa Total, and who should skip it

This tour is ideal if:

• You’re on Florianópolis for a short time and want fast orientation
• You want to sample multiple areas without planning buses, parking, or routes
• You enjoy photo stops and scenic pull-offs, even if time is brief

It’s less ideal if:

• You want slow travel or long beach lounging
• You hate crowds and get stressed when beaches are packed
• You need lots of time at fewer places instead of quick hits across the island

If you’re the type who likes to pick one beach and stay there, you may do better with a half-day plan. But if you’re trying to map out where you’ll spend your next day, this is a helpful starting point.

Should you book Floripa Total with Itaguasul Turismo?

I’d book it if your priority is coverage and a clean first-day view of Florianópolis—bridge, lagoon, classic beaches, and north-coast contrasts—without the hassle of DIY transport. At $25.45, the free admission stops and the air-conditioned comfort make it a good value play, especially for first-time visitors who want to decide later what to return to.

I’d think twice if you’re sensitive to long travel time or you picture a calm, uncrowded beach day. In that case, you might still enjoy the scenery, but you should go in with the right mindset: this is a route built for short viewing windows, not lingering.

FAQ

FAQ

What time does Floripa Total depart?

The tour starts at 9:00 am and ends back at the meeting point.

Where is the meeting point for Floripa Total?

The meeting point is at Lookout Square Hercílio Luz (Centro), Florianópolis – SC, 88010-140, Brazil.

How long is the tour?

The duration is listed as about 8 hours.

Is pickup offered?

Yes, pickup is offered.

Is food included?

No, food is not included.

Are tickets included for the attractions?

Some stops are listed as free admission, but tickets are generally not included (and tickets are marked as not included for the Barra da Lagoa portion).

How many people are on the tour?

The tour has a maximum of 40 travelers.

Can I get a refund if I cancel?

Yes, you can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time.