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

This is interesting because it mixes two different kinds of coastal time: slow, scenic sailing plus a short hike in the Atlantic rain forest. You get the feel of the Zimbros coast from the water, then you step onto the trail to reach Cachoeira da Praia Triste.

I really like that the trip stays hands-on. You get a lithic workshop visit at Praia Triste, and you’re also set up for the waterfall moment with a waterfall bath stop.

One consideration: the waterfall access walk is described as medium (700 meters), and there is a caution that the trail to the waterfall may not have adaptations for people with difficulty moving around. If mobility is a question, you’ll want to check with the operator before you go.

Key points before you go

• Tiny group energy: maximum of 2 travelers, so the pace and attention feel personal.
• 10 deserted beaches by boat: you pass spots like Praia do Cardoso, Casqueiro, and Vermelha without the hassle of driving.
• 700-meter waterfall trail: medium level, about 1 hour, in the Atlantic rain forest.
• Lithic workshop at Praia Triste: you’ll learn through a stone-related workshop before the hike.
• Natural pools swim time: 30 minutes built in at Cachoeira da Praia Triste.
• Shellfish farms and photos included: you also get oyster and shellfish farm visits plus tour photos.

Why this boat plus waterfall combo works on the Zimbros coast

If you like coastlines but also want something more than just sand and sun, this fits. The morning starts at 8:30 am in Zimbros, then you head out on a boat route that sails past 10 deserted beaches along the Coastal of Zimbros. Think of it like getting the coast as a series of postcard views, but you’re also building toward a specific payoff later, the waterfall and natural pools.

What makes it especially good value is that you are not just cruising. You combine the boat segment with a guided walk, a learning stop, and time for a swim. The tour is built around movement, not waiting around.

This also helps if you want variety in a half-day. Coastal sailing gives you wide views and breezy downtime. The trail gives you shade, birdsong, and that cool rain-forest feeling that you just don’t get on the beach.

The morning sailing: passing 10 deserted beaches (without the car)

The boat route is the backbone of the experience. You’ll sail through a list of deserted beaches along the coast, including Praia do Cardoso, Basílio, Lagoa, Casqueiro, Do Pasto, Praia do Lau/Hermínio, Triste, Mauri, Da Santa, and Vermelha.

A big practical perk here: you’re seeing multiple beach areas without needing to park, navigate narrow roads, or fight for a good viewpoint each time. It’s one continuous track of coastline, which feels efficient while still being scenic.

The pacing matters too. The trip is about 3 hours 30 minutes total, so you get a full-feeling outing without eating your whole day. And since the tour ends back at the same meeting point, you don’t have to worry about complicated drop-offs.

Praia Triste stop: learning at the lithic workshop and getting on the trail

The first meaningful stop is Praia Triste. This is where you shift from boat watching to land exploring.

You’ll stop for about 1 hour 30 minutes, and the plan has two parts. First, you access the waterfall trail. Second, you visit a lithic workshop. That stone-related workshop is a nice change from typical nature tours, because it adds context and a hands-on element to the day.

After the workshop and trail briefing, you are ready for the walk. I like this sequence because it prevents the usual problem: arriving at a trail start feeling rushed or unclear. Here, you get your bearings, learn something, then you move.

Potential drawback: Praia Triste is also the point where your hiking day begins. Since the waterfall access walk is medium level, it helps to arrive with decent walking comfort. If you prefer easy, flat outings only, this is not a gentle stroll.

Trilha Costeira de Zimbros: the 700-meter medium-level waterfall walk

Next comes the signature nature segment: Trilha Costeira de Zimbros. You’ll do a 700-meter walk to the waterfall. It’s described as medium level and takes about 1 hour.

In practical terms, that means you should plan for a real hike, not a walk around a neighborhood. The good news is it’s short enough that most people with moderate fitness can handle it, especially if you take it steady and stick with your guide’s pace.

Why this part is so worth it:

• You get the Atlantic forest atmosphere on the way to the falls, which changes the whole mood compared to beach time.
• The time and distance are short enough that you still have a reward at the end, instead of ending tired with nothing to show for it.

Tip for comfort: wear sturdy shoes with grip. Even when a trail is only 700 meters, it can still be slick depending on shade and ground conditions.

Also, note the accessibility caution: the trail to the waterfall may not have adaptations for people who have difficulty with mobility. If you or someone in your group needs extra support, this is the part you should focus on first when deciding.

Cachoeira da Praia Triste: 30 minutes in natural pools

At Cachoeira da Praia Triste, you get a 30-minute stop. The goal here is simple: swim in the park’s natural pools.

This is the payoff for the walk. The tour doesn’t just take you near water, it builds time for the experience itself. That matters, because a lot of coastal hikes end with a quick look and then you’re back on the boat. Here, you actually get time in the water.

A realistic way to plan it: you’ll likely want to go at your own pace during those 30 minutes. If you’re comfortable swimming, it’s a fun break. If you’re not, you can still enjoy the pools from the edge, enjoy the scenery, and use the time to cool off.

Also think about what that swim implies for your clothing. Bring a practical plan for wet gear afterward. Since meals and beverages are not included, you might also appreciate having a small snack option on you for later, if you know you get hungry.

Oyster and shellfish farms, plus tour photos that actually save time

Beyond the beaches and the waterfall hike, the tour includes a visit to oyster and shellfish farms. Even without extra details, this is a valuable add-on because it connects the coastline to local food culture and coastal livelihoods.

This is the kind of stop that often turns a nature day into something more layered. You’re not only seeing where the ocean is, you’re seeing how locals work with it.

You also get tour photos included. That’s a small line item, but it helps more than you’d think. When you’re walking and swimming, your phone usually stays in your pocket. Having photos handled by the guide can mean you leave with proof of the hike, the waterfall moment, and the boat views without playing photographer the entire time.

Included versus not included: what you should plan on your own

Here’s what’s included, based on the tour details:

• Visit oyster and shellfish farms
• Tour photos
• Trail to the waterfall
• Guide
• Lithic workshop visit
• Waterfall bath

Not included:

• Meals and beverages
• Transfer from your Hotel / Pousada

This is where I’d plan like a smart independent traveler. You are paying for guiding, transport by boat for the route, and the core nature and workshop activities. Since meals are not part of it, I’d treat the outing as a half-day adventure, and plan your food around it.

If you can, pack:

• Water (especially in the morning heat)
• Simple snack if you get hungry after hikes
• A swimsuit or quick-dry swim outfit for the natural pools
• Towel and a change of clothes for after the swim
• Sunscreen and a hat
• Sturdy shoes for the medium trail

Also, because there’s no hotel transfer, make sure you can get to the meeting point on your own. The start is at R. Rio Nilo, 652 – Zimbros, Bombinhas – SC, 88215-000, Brazil, and the tour ends back there.

Price and timing: is $28.25 a good deal for 3.5 hours?

At $28.25 per person, this can feel like a bargain, and the value is not only about the boat ride. You’re also getting:

• A guided coastal route across 10 deserted beaches
• A lithic workshop stop
• A medium-level waterfall trail (700 meters)
• 30 minutes at the waterfall pools
• Shellfish farm visits
• Tour photos
• Guide support throughout

That’s a lot of components stacked into a 3 hours 30 minutes window. The math tends to work in your favor when a tour bundles transport, guiding, entry-like activities (the waterfall trail and workshop are described as admission free), and a structured swim stop.

Timing-wise, the 8:30 am start is helpful. You get the morning light for sailing, and you’re not spending the whole day waiting. If you’re planning a tight itinerary around Itajaí and the Bombinhas area, this is a practical slot.

Book ahead if you can. The experience is often booked about 23 days in advance, which suggests it’s popular and likely to sell out during good-weather windows.

Who should book this tour, and who should think twice

I’d recommend this tour if you:

• Like nature days that include an actual payoff (waterfall pools)
• Enjoy short to moderate walks in forested areas
• Want a mix of coastal views and learning (lithic workshop plus shellfish farms)
• Prefer small group experiences (maximum of 2 travelers)

I’d think twice if:

• Your group needs step-free or fully adapted trail access, especially for the waterfall approach. The tour includes an accessibility note that the waterfall trail may not be adapted for people with difficulty walking.
• You are traveling with very young kids. It is not recommended for children under 5 years old.
• Someone in your group has reduced mobility or is elderly. The guidance says it is not recommended for people with reduced mobility and the elderly.

One more nuance to keep in mind: the operator says they serve People with Disabilities (PwD), but the trail caution is still important. If you fall into either category, contact them first. Ask specifically about the waterfall trail and what support or alternatives might be possible.

Should you book this ecological boat tour to 10 deserted beaches and the waterfall?

If your idea of a good coastal day includes both movement and a reward, I think this is an easy yes. The combo of boat sailing past 10 deserted beaches plus a guided waterfall hike and natural pool swim makes it feel like you get your money’s worth in experiences, not just scenery. Add the lithic workshop and shellfish farm stops, and the day becomes more than a one-note outing.

Book it if you have moderate walking comfort and you can handle water time. Bring swim gear planning, wear shoes with grip, and go in ready to walk for about an hour.

Skip or postpone if weather is unstable. The tour requires good weather, and if it’s canceled for poor weather, you should expect a different date or a full refund. If you like, treat this like a nature-focused plan where timing depends on the sky.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

The tour runs about 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.).

What time does it start, and where do I meet?

It starts at 8:30 am. Meet at R. Rio Nilo, 652 – Zimbros, Bombinhas – SC, 88215-000, Brazil.

What is included in the experience?

You get a guided tour with photos, visits to oyster and shellfish farms, the lithic workshop visit, the trail to the waterfall, and time for a waterfall bath. Meals and beverages are not included.

Is there a swimming stop?

Yes. You have about a 30-minute stop at Cachoeira da Praia Triste for a swim in the park’s natural pools.

Is this suitable for children?

It is not recommended for children under 5 years old.

What about cancellations if the weather is bad?

You can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The activity requires good weather, and if it is canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.