Reviewed · FLORIANóPOLIS TOURS

Tree climbing among the araucarias

5.0 · 20 reviews 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) From $29 Operated by Apuama Rafting · Bookable on Viator
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Tree climbing at Base Caldas (near Santo Amaro da Imperatriz) is interesting because it turns a forest walk into an action course up in the trees, with obstacles you move through at height. I love the mix of acrobatic elements plus a calmer, researcher-style focus on the fauna and flora around you. I also like how guides Kevin and Marcelo consistently put safety and comfort first, especially for kids.

The main thing to think about is that this activity depends on good weather. If the day is rainy or stormy, you may need to switch dates, so plan with a bit of flexibility in your Florianopolis itinerary.

Key things to know before you go

Tree climbing among the araucarias - Key things to know before you go

  • A course built for both kids and adults, mixing challenge with nature viewing
  • Two tiroles on the circuit, for that quick adrenaline hit in the trees
  • Serra do Tabuleiro viewpoint as a real payoff, not just a quick glimpse
  • Guides Kevin and Marcelo stand out for patience and a strong sense of safety
  • Height and weight limits apply: over 1.30 m and under 110 kg
  • Private activity means it’s just your group in the trees

Why Tree Climbing at Base Caldas Feels Different From a Standard Adventure

Tree climbing among the araucarias - Why Tree Climbing at Base Caldas Feels Different From a Standard Adventure
Base Caldas is set up to do more than just scare you in a good way. The idea behind the route is that you move through the course using vertical equipment and techniques, but the experience is also about noticing the living world around you. That combination is why it works so well for families: you get fun and movement, plus time to look up, look around, and soak in the place.

I like that the route has a practical feel. It is designed to be workable for a wide range of ages, from kids to adults, so you are not stuck watching from the ground while everyone else has the good time. When the course is built for families, the whole day flows better.

One other detail I appreciate is the connection to Serra do Tabuleiro. You do not have to wait until the end of your trip to see something dramatic, because the views are part of the payoff while you are still in the experience.

Meeting at R. Princesa Leopoldina and Getting Ready Fast

Tree climbing among the araucarias - Meeting at R. Princesa Leopoldina and Getting Ready Fast
The activity starts back at the meeting point at R. Princesa Leopoldina, 3355 – Caldas, Santo Amaro da Imperatriz – SC, 88140-000. It ends there too, so you avoid the hassle of figuring out a return plan after you are done. The location is also noted as near public transportation, which helps if you are not renting a car.

Because it runs about 1 hour 30 minutes total, you should treat it like an anchor experience. Plan your other sightseeing around it, not after it. This is also the kind of activity where you want to show up settled, not rushed, so you can get comfortable with the gear and the route plan without stress.

Also, you get confirmation at booking time. That matters because this is an outdoor activity, and you want a clear answer before you build the rest of your day around it.

The Base Caldas Circuit: Obstacles, Height, and Those Tree-to-Tree Moves

The core experience is the climbing course itself. It is an aerial route with obstacles you tackle at height, and you progress through a sequence that mixes acrobatic elements with calmer, observant moments. In plain terms, you will not just do one straight line. You move through stages, and the course keeps you actively doing something.

The route is described as recalling how researchers climb trees, which is a neat framing. It suggests the activity is built around moving carefully and intentionally, not just sprinting through. That tends to make the experience feel safer and more “guided” even when you are flying through the trees.

You can also expect an actual scenic payoff. The course includes a view of Serra do Tabuleiro, the highest mountain on the coast of Santa Catarina. That means when you catch your breath mid-route, you are not staring at a random wall. You have something to look at that makes the effort worth it.

Two Tiroles and an Adrenaline Moment That Kids Typically Love

From the reviews, a highlight is the tiroles. People talk about two tiroles on the circuit, and one detail I find especially useful for planning is that kids who do the kids portion often want to repeat. That tells you the course design is not only about safety, it is about payoff.

If you have a family with mixed ages, tiroles help balance the day. You get a fast, clear moment of excitement that feels like a “big thing,” even though the rest of the route is still active and hands-on. Adults tend to like that too, because you can get that hit without feeling like the whole experience is a single stunt.

If your group includes children, consider this: when the tiroles are part of the route, kids have something to aim for. That keeps motivation high, which helps a lot when you are learning to move confidently up in the trees.

Another way to spend a day in Florianópolis:

Serra do Tabuleiro Views and the Nature-Spotting Side

A lot of tree climbing is about the adrenaline. Base Caldas adds another layer, the contemplation element. The route includes time to notice fauna and flora, and guides are described as having good knowledge of local nature.

I like that approach for two reasons. First, it makes the course feel more than a checklist of obstacles. Second, it helps kids and adults stay engaged in different ways. Some people focus on foot placement and balance, while others naturally shift into “look mode” when they spot birds, plants, or the changes in the forest.

The view of Serra do Tabuleiro is also meaningful here. It is not just a pretty background. It is a reason to stay present, because you only get it while you are high up in the course. If you like memorable viewpoints but you also want physical activity, this is a strong match.

Guides Kevin and Marcelo: How Safety Feels Personal, Not Mechanical

The biggest repeated strength in the experience is the team. Guides Kevin and Marcelo come up again and again for being attentive, patient, and helpful. That matters because tree climbing is one of those activities where the human factor really affects your comfort.

I also like that the support style seems practical, not showy. In the reviews, you see a theme of instructors showing skill with children and creating a sense of security. When kids feel calm, parents feel calm, and everyone can focus on learning the route.

One more thing I would take seriously is how patient the instructors are described as being. Aerial obstacle courses can be intimidating, so patience is not a “nice to have.” It is part of how the day stays enjoyable for the whole group, especially when you have children ranging from small to teens.

Who This Tour Fits Best (And Who Might Want a Different Day)

Tree climbing among the araucarias - Who This Tour Fits Best (And Who Might Want a Different Day)
This experience is suitable for people over 1.30 m and under 110 kg. It is also described as catering to adventurers from the right age to children, which is exactly what you want if you are planning a family outing that does not split the group.

If you have younger kids, you should still take the height rule seriously. A 4-year-old in one review enjoyed it, but the data point that matters for your planning is the 1.30 m minimum. If your child is close to that, measure at home so you are not surprised at the start.

The experience is also private, meaning only your group participates. That can be great for families who prefer a quieter setting, or for couples and small groups who want a more controlled pace. It also reduces waiting around with strangers, which keeps the experience tighter and less stressful.

If someone in your group is over the weight limit or under the height minimum, this specific activity may not be the right fit. In that case, you might want to plan a different adventure nearby so the whole group can still enjoy the day together.

Price and Value: What $29.57 Buys You in Real Time

At $29.57 per person, this is positioned as an accessible adventure rather than a luxury activity. The main value driver is the time: about 1 hour 30 minutes in the course, plus the added nature and view component. You are not paying for a long lesson, you are paying for a full chunk of time doing the activity.

It also helps that the experience is a private activity for your group. Even though the pricing is per person, the “only your group” setup tends to make the experience feel more tailored, which is what families usually care about most.

One more value point is the repeatable appeal. People mention their kids wanted to do it again, even adding the big tirole second time. That tells you the course is structured in a way that feels worth returning for, not just a one-and-done novelty.

Practical Details That Affect Your Day (Weather, Pace, and Comfort)

This experience requires good weather. That is not a minor detail. Aerial activities are highly dependent on conditions, so if your travel plans are packed with outdoor activities, keep this one flexible.

You will want to plan for a day where the group can move easily through the course. You should show up ready to follow instructions and take your time learning the route. A fast, impatient attitude is the opposite of what the course supports, especially for kids.

Finally, since it is an outdoor activity in the forest setting, think about comfort basics: bring what you need to handle humidity and movement, and wear clothing that lets you move without fuss. The course includes vertical equipment, so you will likely spend time adjusting and learning your setup before you climb.

Best Ways to Enjoy the Experience Without Getting Stressed

Here is how you get the most out of it, especially if you are going with kids.

First, go in thinking learning, not just performance. You are moving through obstacles at height, and confidence comes from guidance plus repetition. If you treat the course like a skill you are building, the day feels calmer.

Second, use the guides. Kevin and Marcelo are repeatedly described as attentive and helpful, and that is exactly what you should expect from them. Ask questions before you climb, and don’t rush your turn. Good instructions help you enjoy the view, not just survive the obstacles.

Third, look for the nature moments. The route is built to include contemplation of fauna and flora, so you can use that as a mental reset. When you spot something in the canopy or you catch the Serra do Tabuleiro view, pause your thinking for a second and enjoy where you are.

Should You Book Tree Climbing at Base Caldas?

Book it if you want a family-friendly aerial adventure near Florianopolis that mixes fun obstacles with nature and viewpoints. The course structure, the repeated praise for safety and patience, and the presence of two tiroles make it a strong choice for groups that want real memories in about 1 hour 30 minutes.

Do not book it if your group cannot meet the 1.30 m to 110 kg limits, or if your schedule has zero flexibility for weather. Since the experience requires good conditions, you want at least a little breathing room.

If you are planning a balanced day in the region, this is a smart pick: active, scenic, and supported by guides like Kevin and Marcelo who clearly understand how to make tree climbing feel safe and doable.

FAQ

Where does the tree climbing experience start?

It starts at R. Princesa Leopoldina, 3355 – Caldas, Santo Amaro da Imperatriz – SC, 88140-000, Brazil, and it ends back at the same meeting point.

How long is the experience?

The duration is about 1 hour 30 minutes.

How much does it cost?

The price is $29.57 per person.

Is it a private activity?

Yes. It is a private tour or activity, and only your group participates.

What are the height and weight requirements?

The experience is suitable for participants larger than 1.30 m and less than 110 kg.

When do I get confirmation after booking?

Confirmation will be received at the time of booking.

Is it dependent on weather?

Yes. The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

Is the meeting point near public transportation?

Yes, the meeting point is listed as near public transportation.

Can I get a full refund if I cancel?

Yes. Free cancellation is available. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What is included in the tree climbing experience?

It is an adventure activity involving moving through a course at height using vertical equipment and techniques, including a route that mixes acrobatic activities and nature contemplation.

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